Piano Adventures Level 2A – Things to know

10ThingsKnow3

Top 10 things to know

Level 2A Concepts

  1. Reading systematically with intervals, rhythm patterns, 5-finger scales, and chords
  2. Three 8th note patterns:
  3. 5-finger scales and chords: C-Cm, D-Dm, G-Gm, A-Am
  4. Phrasing with cresc. and dim.
  5. Transposition of 5-finger pieces
  6. A lead sheet for applied theory
  7. Teacher duets for ensemble
  8. Five Level 2A Technique Secrets:
    – Firm Fingertips
    – Light Thumb
    – Fast Fingers
    – Hands-Together Coordination
    – Wrist Float-off
  9. Note that Scale Book 1 presents 5-finger major and minor scales, improvisations with teacher duets, and short 5-finger classics to transpose by Beyer, Kohler, and Reinagle.
  10. For play-along Audio fun: pianoadventures.com/audio
5ThingsSee3

Top 5 things to see

Level 2A Pedagogy Pointers

  1. Reading with “guide notes” builds confidence. Start lessons with E-G-B Mouse Adventures for creative, fun “note drill.” (Lesson Bk. pp. 6-7)
  2. Help students analyze, clap, and write by memory the three 8th-note patterns used at Level 2A. (Lesson Bk. p.10).
  3. The teacher duets give 8th-note practice within a more complex rhythmic setting. (Ex. Lesson Bk. p. 11)
  4. Transposing requires reading by interval.
  5. Preparatory Piano Literature is a good choice for students ready for a classical music challenge.
5ThingsDo3

Top 5 things to do

Level 2A Teaching Actions

  1. Explore expressive 5-finger scales with a cresc. going up and a dim. going down.
  2. Consider teaching all 12 major 5-finger scales. Analyze using the formula: whole-whole-half-whole. (Lesson Bk. pp. 62-63)
  3. Keep creatively reviewing earlier pieces through transposition, a faster tempo, making up a longer ending, etc. Award a sticker for each review piece.
  4. Memorize one piece from each unit.
  5. Consider offering a ShowTime book.
TheBestAdvice2

The best advice

Start or end the lesson with a duet. Let the student choose the piece and set the tempo.