Piano Adventures Primer Level – Things to know

Top 5 things to know

Primer Concepts

1. Basic rhythms:
2. A reading system of steps, skips, and musical patterns
3. Grand Staff notes from Bass C to Treble G
4. Orchestrated accompaniments (Piano Adventures Player App)
5. Five Technique Secrets:
   – Good Posture
   – Rounded Hand Shape
   – Firm Fingertips
   – Arm Weight
   – Correct Thumb Position

Top 5 things to see

Primer Pedagogy Pointers

1. Patterned songs across the keys explore the range of the piano.
2. A round hand shape is developed with focus on the inside of the hand—fingers 2-3-4.
3. Songs with short rhythm patterns help students visually “chunk” groups of notes.
4. Students analyze a new note (line, space, etc.) and often imitate
   or create a rhythm on that note.
5. Students use the damper pedal for expressive, dreamy sounds.

Top 5 things to do

Primer Teaching Actions

1. Learn the 5 Technique Secrets.
2. Play the teacher duets for expression and to set the tempo, asking the student to tap the rhythm of the piece as you play.
3. As a warm-up, often chant the notes of a piece together.
4. Ask students to analyze and memorize a piece weekly.
5. Circle elements in the score: clefs, dynamics, repeating
   measures, etc.

The best advice

In each lesson, seek a moment to analyze something, even if it is small.