Top 10 things to know
Level 3A Concepts
- One-octave scales and their primary chords in C, G, F, and D major
- Interval of a 7th
- Cut time, 3/8 and 6/8 time
- Triplets
- Expansion of ledger lines
- Lead sheet for applied theory
- The chromatic scale
- One-octave arpeggios and extended hand positions
- Four Level 3A Technique Secrets:
– Round-off for Phrasing
– Relaxed Wrist for Chords
– Rotation
– Pedal by Ear - For play-along Audio fun: pianoadventures.com/audio
Top 5 things to see
Level 3A Pedagogy Pointers
- The Level 2B Review (pp. 4-5) gives transfer students a quick assessment of basic theory.
- Musical Form Checks are throughout the books.
- Consider swing rhythm (p. 40) to give variety to scale practice.
- Discovery and Creative activities help students look, find, understand, and apply.
- Pedaling becomes more refined for an artistic sound.
Top 5 things to do
Level 3A Teaching Actions
- Begin lessons with The Ultimate Scale Warm-up (p. 8). Guide students to do a slight “round-off” (Technique Secret #1) as the hands lift to the next octave.
- Students enjoy playing fast! Practice fast pieces in s-l-o-w motion, then faster tempi.
- Memorize one piece from each unit.
- Transposing activities in the Lesson Book appear on pp. 13, 25, 31, and 59.
- After learning the D scale, use the Sightreading Book also as a “transposing book” for D major.
The best advice
Ask students what they think. Should they move on from a piece, review it for more polish, or take it just for fun. When students assess themselves, they are more involved in their own learning.