In Book 1 the student will be learning how to connect sound with motion. The simplicity of these early pieces and activities allows the student to focus on developing:
Why is there an entire page devoted to each of the white keys? Why are there so many pages devoted to finger numbers and RH/LH drills? Because over the past 30+ years of teaching, the author has found that most students need a tremendous amount of reinforcement on these concepts. There are often holes in the learning when they progress too quickly without enough reinforcement. If there is an entire page dedicated to each new concept, the student will not only have a better chance of memorizing and absorbing the information intellectually, but also absorbing and memorizing the concept physically.
Each new concept and layer of learning must be mastered not only intellectually but also kinesthetically. Students will be developing superior multisensory skills, changing brain structure, and creating a new instrument ... their body instrument as, for example, they 'rhythm' the white key D to be played with a steady beat, with soft or loud sounds, in the RH or the LH, at fast or slow tempos, in high or low registers of the keyboard, along with the accompaniment part or metronome, while also counting or singing along.
To achieve these goals it is essential the student
Typically, depending upon the student, one unit will be addressed per week/lesson. Hour lessons are ideal, even with younger students. 45-minute lessons minimal. Review pieces from previous units and build "a repertoire".
Watch the technic videos together in the lessons (or, if time is limited, watch part of the video and assign the remaining section to be viewed for homework, reminding the parent(s) to view as well.) Rote pieces will provide challenges. Rote pieces may be simplified or augmented if needed. if needed. General music appreciation videos (i.e. composers) may be assigned as homework.
Home Practice Technics:
Another important objective of Book 1 is to introduce students to effective practice technics and establish routines and habits. It is important to remember that students will typically only practice at home what they've practiced in lessons. Flashcard drill? Technic drill? (If the student did not properly execute a new motion at least 5 or so times in the lesson, it is unlikely the proper motion will be able to be reproduced at home) Count aloud? Use the mp3 accompaniment? Use the metronome? Complete written assignments?
Divide the introductory pages up and parcel out the information in small bites over the course of all the levels. The introductory pages are included at the beginning of each level in the series so that the student and teacher may easily refer back to them. Mastering successful practice technic is a process and takes many years.
Don't hesitate to reassign a technic challenge (for example if a student failed to observe proper seating by adjusting the bench or using a foot stool). Involve the parent(s) and, if you are providing a "technic treasure box" incentive, do not give the gold coin reward until there is some improvement. However remember that the development of a healthy, coordinate technic is a process and each aspect of technic will continue to improve over time, particularly as new concepts are added. Just as you review repertoire from previous Units, review technic challenges. A "Victory Landing" during the 1st or 2nd month of piano study will look quite different from a "Victory Landing" during the 9th or 10th month, or 3rd year of piano study. For example, the movements will become refined and minimized and as new elements are added, such as forearm rotation, motions combine and become something quite magical.
It is the same with sound. We break this celestial "harmony of the spheres" down into tiny fragments. Then we put them all together again. It can take 3, 4, or 6 years before we begin to experience the whole. It can take a lifetime of perfecting the whole as the metaphysical principle of mathematical relationships combine to form a cosmos ... as the notes, dots, lines, vibrations, emotions, and senses merge together to form music.
So don't rush this magical process. Savor!
- maintaining a steady beat at varying tempos
- posture and alignment
- balance at the instrument
- counting aloud while playing
- manipulating complex stimuli (playing at a steady tempo while simultaneously listening to accompaniments)
Why is there an entire page devoted to each of the white keys? Why are there so many pages devoted to finger numbers and RH/LH drills? Because over the past 30+ years of teaching, the author has found that most students need a tremendous amount of reinforcement on these concepts. There are often holes in the learning when they progress too quickly without enough reinforcement. If there is an entire page dedicated to each new concept, the student will not only have a better chance of memorizing and absorbing the information intellectually, but also absorbing and memorizing the concept physically.
Each new concept and layer of learning must be mastered not only intellectually but also kinesthetically. Students will be developing superior multisensory skills, changing brain structure, and creating a new instrument ... their body instrument as, for example, they 'rhythm' the white key D to be played with a steady beat, with soft or loud sounds, in the RH or the LH, at fast or slow tempos, in high or low registers of the keyboard, along with the accompaniment part or metronome, while also counting or singing along.
To achieve these goals it is essential the student
- use the mp3 accompaniments during home practice as well as the teacher accompaniments during lessons
- complete each assignment, even if only playing one time (which will be the reality for most students)
- count aloud as they play
- include numerous off the bench activities (get a drum, a giant floor keyboard etc.)
- participate in the learning process
- complete written theory assignments and activities in the Piano Exploration books
Typically, depending upon the student, one unit will be addressed per week/lesson. Hour lessons are ideal, even with younger students. 45-minute lessons minimal. Review pieces from previous units and build "a repertoire".
Watch the technic videos together in the lessons (or, if time is limited, watch part of the video and assign the remaining section to be viewed for homework, reminding the parent(s) to view as well.) Rote pieces will provide challenges. Rote pieces may be simplified or augmented if needed. if needed. General music appreciation videos (i.e. composers) may be assigned as homework.
Home Practice Technics:
Another important objective of Book 1 is to introduce students to effective practice technics and establish routines and habits. It is important to remember that students will typically only practice at home what they've practiced in lessons. Flashcard drill? Technic drill? (If the student did not properly execute a new motion at least 5 or so times in the lesson, it is unlikely the proper motion will be able to be reproduced at home) Count aloud? Use the mp3 accompaniment? Use the metronome? Complete written assignments?
Divide the introductory pages up and parcel out the information in small bites over the course of all the levels. The introductory pages are included at the beginning of each level in the series so that the student and teacher may easily refer back to them. Mastering successful practice technic is a process and takes many years.
Don't hesitate to reassign a technic challenge (for example if a student failed to observe proper seating by adjusting the bench or using a foot stool). Involve the parent(s) and, if you are providing a "technic treasure box" incentive, do not give the gold coin reward until there is some improvement. However remember that the development of a healthy, coordinate technic is a process and each aspect of technic will continue to improve over time, particularly as new concepts are added. Just as you review repertoire from previous Units, review technic challenges. A "Victory Landing" during the 1st or 2nd month of piano study will look quite different from a "Victory Landing" during the 9th or 10th month, or 3rd year of piano study. For example, the movements will become refined and minimized and as new elements are added, such as forearm rotation, motions combine and become something quite magical.
It is the same with sound. We break this celestial "harmony of the spheres" down into tiny fragments. Then we put them all together again. It can take 3, 4, or 6 years before we begin to experience the whole. It can take a lifetime of perfecting the whole as the metaphysical principle of mathematical relationships combine to form a cosmos ... as the notes, dots, lines, vibrations, emotions, and senses merge together to form music.
So don't rush this magical process. Savor!