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


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


Top 5 things to do
Primer Teaching Actions
- Learn the 5 Technique Secrets.
- Play the teacher duets for expression and to set the tempo, asking the student to tap the rhythm of the piece as you play.
- As a warm-up, often chant the notes of a piece together.
- Ask students to analyze and memorize a piece weekly.
- 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.