If only we had 20/20 vision for the new and unpredictable 2020 decade. Forever change—we hear the persistent battle cry! And yet, if we pause, look closely and listen intently, perhaps we indeed can attain “a kind of 20/20 vision.”
Some things never change and that is so good: the shy smile of a beginning piano student, the proud look of achievement when conquering a Bach two-part invention, and the enthusiastic parental applause at the spring piano recital. There is the quiet excitement from an older adult calling about starting lessons, the fire in our own hearts when we teach a Beethoven sonata, and the satisfaction when a student plays in church. We feel the exuberance when two 8-year-olds finish a duet exactly together, lift their hands and take a bow. It’s the whole gamut of what we do each day to bring music as an enduring “constant” to our students. A constant, “always-there place” to express their feelings, analyze masterpieces, and create in an environment of never-ending encouragement and discovery. This we can do—together!
Our 2020 wish from all of us at Piano Adventures is for each of us to launch forward with 20/20 vision. Perhaps things don’t really have to change! The secret is just to keep things lively, loving, adventurous, and constant.
Come join us on a pianistic journey with the Piano Adventures 2020 Calendar.
With all best wishes for the new year,
Nancy and Randall Faber
10 replies on “A Vision for 2020”
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Thank you!
Thank you for your amazing input into piano teaching! Your wonderful approach ! Marianna
I love your message, and thank you for this! As a teacher in her 28th year, I’m thankful to be able to do what I can to “bring music as an enduring constant for our students”. In a world of such rapid change, where people are always starting NEW things, it’s nice to reflect on our part in following through, day-by-day, and seeing kids through to the ENDs of things! We have long days and long weeks, for certain, but the fact that we are in the studio each week, each lesson, (each year!) is something our students count on. Thank you for putting forth that constancy is to be celebrated, too. I’m celebrating. 🙂
Love Piano Adventures, EXCEPT, I’d love to see a fresh update for the Accelerated course. The teaching approach is great for adolescents, but the layout is… how-shall-we-say… dull ?? You needn’t change much of the general content – maybe give the “Chant of the Monks” a more teen-friendly title. Using the design team who gave us “My First Piano Adventures” I’m sure you can come up with a winner! Thanks!!
Beautifully written! I wholeheartedly agree
Thank you for your comments. Fifty four years of teaching and I still enjoy it immensely!
Please release Pretime and playtime Hits.
Thank you for your posts. Have to admit – my heart raced a little when you mentioned teaching a Bach two-part invention, or a Beethoven Sonata. I can play them, but haven’t been successful teaching them! My students have only gotten to level 3B – when do you teach those pieces?
Hi Linda, Thanks for your post! I’d recommend starting the Bach Inventions or a Beethoven Sonata a year (or even two years) after students have completed Piano Adventures Level 5. Students at level 3B are just beginning to explore minor keys, natural and harmonic minor scales, and developing technique to play 16th-note passages. At 3B, they haven’t quite developed enough artistry, technique or coordination – especially the Bach Inventions, which can be tricky to play hands together. While your students are in Levels 1 – 5, we have a collection of piano literature, the Developing Artist Series, that offers carefully selected authentic repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. These will help pave the way and prepare them for that Beethoven Sonata and Bach Invention. All the best in your teaching adventure!
https://pianoadventures.com/browse/libraries/libraries-the-developing-artist/libraries-the-developing-artist-piano-literature/
That’s really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.