In this video, Randy explains the nuances of the “Weighted Tone and Empty Fingers” technique secret from Technique and Artistry Level 4. While arm weight is a technique taught from the very first lessons, Randy makes note of balancing the use of arm weight and when to take it out of the keys.…
The musical focus is on how the composer repeats and extends phrases to build to the “heroic” ending. Sam’s body language shows his involvement and how quickly he catches on as he tries out the dynamic scheme. The accompaniment adds to the “con forza” entrance as the hero struts right…
This piece introduces Middle C and reading on the Grand Staff. From the start, Kai learns that any finger in either hand can play Middle C. After the teacher’s dynamic performance, Kai tries out the piece, feeling the rhythm and checking the music and her hands. Alexis first practices changing…
In My First Piano Adventure Book B, students are taught how to recognize and memorize short patterns at a young age. Using colored shapes to symbolize rhythmic and melodic patterns, the student is able to visually grasp the concept of reoccurring notes as a group. Grouping and pattern recognition allows for…
Watch as Randy presents a teaching demonstration of the first technique secret, “Finger Fireworks,” from Level 3B. Randy starts by having Ian experience the cupped hand shape off the piano, with the hand upside down. With practice, Ian is able to master the closed-hand technique which gives ease and speed…
In Level 2A, subdivision of quarter notes into eighth notes are introduced. Counting eighth notes is taught in stages as Nancy guides Charlotte through a progression of singing, tapping, and chanting. This progressive approach allows the student to feel the pulse and understand the rhythmic subdivisions without being encumbered with…
Tapping on the fallboard helps Philip establish a 4/4 meter presented on this page. By tapping softer and faster he hears and feels rhythmic patterns, not just single pulses. Learning to tap on the off beats happens naturally, without fuss or explanation. He discovers how to learn a piece by…
What a pile of colorful notes! Fall has come and the notes are changing colors. In this video, the students connect the colored quarter notes on the staff to the keyboard. On the next page of their writing books, they’re actively listening to Nancy’s humming as she vocalizes different rhythm…
Our beach party just turned into a waltz party! After Phillip masters “Beach Party” in 4/4 time, he creates a waltz by using the same chord progression. The shift in meter gives the party a whole new feel! From Level 2B Lesson Book, Pg. 38, “Beach Party.”
I Just Can’t Wait to Be… the Improviser! Charlotte begins playing a steady two-chord riff pulled from, “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.” As Nancy improvises above the riff, her modeling sparks excitement and eagerness in Charlotte as she enthusiastically asks for a turn to improvise. “Can I try…