Level 2B, Lesson Book, Pg. 30, Viva la France Viva la France gets a “face lift” as Philip transposes this piece with a “jazzed-up” rhythm in different keys. Many pieces at Levels 1 through 2B are written to allow the student to transpose, moving the hand between familiar positions. This…
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Video of the Week
Lesson Book, Primer Level, Pg. 44, Dance Band In this video, Randall Faber describes and demonstrates the use of arm weight as an important technique to be taught from the early lessons at the Primer level. This piece titled, The Dance Band, strategically offers repetition and review as it corresponds…
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Level 2B, Lesson Book, Pg. 26 Watch as Nancy cultivates Philip’s musical artistry through affirming his expressive performance of The Skater’s Waltz. To the student, Piano Adventures® implies an exciting exploration. To the teacher, Piano Adventures® implies a mission and mindset which puts the student’s personal development in the fore.…
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Level 1, Gold Star Performance Book, Pg. 22-23, Chinese Painting Beautiful Chinese scroll paintings are quiet and subtle. Music depicting such artwork must be equally refined. After a week or two spent learning the notes, rhythms, and hand-position moves, Philip demonstrates that these are all in place. It’s time to…
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Level 2A, Performance, Pg. 6-7, Theme and Variation Listen to this classical dance come to life as Nancy guides Philip through the “choreography” of the musical phrases. Nancy describes the left hand as the man and the right hand as the lady, dancing together as they play slurs that slide down…
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Level 1, Lesson Book, Pg. 40 In this video, Nancy guides Phillip through a “spooky half-step” activity. This compositional game actively engages Phillip and allows him to demonstrate his understanding of half-steps in a creative and expressive way. Short creative forays at the lesson allow the student’s personality to emerge,…
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Level 1, Technique and Artistry, Pg. 6, Wrist Float-Offs Ending a phrase with a gentle lift is a technical “secret” that will last a lifetime. Suggesting that a balloon lifts the wrist and guides it to float up and off captures the idea of flexibility and relaxation. Trying the “wrist…
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Level 1, Technique and Artistry, Pg. 12 Vivian’s popcorn is crisp and bouncy. The white keys are a “stovetop” sure to produce “super” staccatos, whether loud or soft. A simple F-A-C accompaniment keeps the beat steady and reinforces the staccato. It also leads to an improvised exchange between “talking” popcorn…
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Level 1, Technique and Artistry, Pg. 8 The difference between legato and staccato is not just a matter of technique. Playing each touch also involves listening. Quick changes between staccato and legato and phrases in which the touches vary prepare the hand and the ear to respond in different settings.…
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Level 1, Lesson Book, Pg. 33, Russian Sailor Dance Playing in different ranges sounds different and feels different. “Old,” “Young Adult,” and “Child” sailors have separate moods, dynamics, and speeds. The accompaniment varies, too, in keeping with the “age” and tempo. At slower tempos there is time and need for…
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