Top 10 things to know
Level 2B Concepts
- A reading system that builds on scale patterns, intervals,and I, IV, and V7 chords
- New rhythm pattern:
- Keys of C, G,and F tonic, dominant, leading tone
- Cross-hand arpeggios
- Musical form: A B and A B A
- Connected pedaling
- Lead sheet for applied theory
- Intervals of a 6th, 1st and 2nd endings, a tempo, D.C. al Fine, eighth rest, accidentals, and pianissimo
- Four Level 2B Technique Secrets:
– Good Posture
– Rounded Hand Shape
– Firm Fingertips
– Arm Weight
– Correct Thumb Position - For play-along Audio fun: pianoadventures.com/audio
Top 5 things to see
Level 2B Pedagogy Pointers
- Learning ledger line Low C and ledger line High C allows for slow arcs or quick leaps across the keys.
- Chord analysis expands with major and minor cross-hand arpeggios.
- The Ultimate Scale Warm-up offers built-in repetition—5 times up the keys! (Lesson Bk. pp. 21, 29, 59)
- Teacher duets are still offered at 2B.
- I, IV, and V7 chords open up various accompaniment patterns, as well as harmonization.
Top 5 things to do
Level 2B Teaching Actions
- Begin lessons with cross-hand arpeggios on the tonic I, the dominant V, then tonic I.
Ex. Key of C: Cross-hand arpeggio on C
Cross-hand arpeggio on G
Cross-hand arpeggio on C - Consider three types of pieces for weekly practice: New, Review, and Just for fun. Let students choose the last category.
- Demonstrate 2B pieces for students as a model for expressive musicianship.
- Level 2B transposition broadens outside a 5-finger position with the full major scale.(Lesson Bk. pp. 31, 35, etc.)
- Keep students sightreading! Consider the 2B Sightreading Book with Sightreading Coach.
The best advice
Have students memorize C, G, and F scales and primary chords. Create your own variations for the “Ultimate Scale Warm-up.” Try dotted rhythms, all staccato and piano, L.H. legato and R.H. staccato, etc. (Lesson Bk. pp. 21, 29, 59)