Brielle plays "Ukrainian Bell Carol" from WillBailyPianoTunes.com

Abbie and Talera play "Dragon Fly Ballet" side-by-side from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Nessa and Sawyer play A Knight in the Forest from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Keys - Book 2

Colin plays Way Cool Chords 6 from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Jane, Patti, Margy, Leah and Will playing "Drifting Sand" from Reflective Moments - Book 3

Kidzone Class singing "Hello, How's your day?"

RMM (Recreational Music Making) and Kids - Alternative to the traditional Holiday Recital!

When our kids classes showed up this week. Steph, their teacher, and I sat down on the floor with the kids and asked them which tune or tunes they'd like to share with their friends and family - as a group, in a duet or trio or as a solo. Keep in mind they were NOT prepared ahead of time for this. Some of the kids picked a tune we started the week before and played only the RH. Some picked tunes they remembered playing a year ago. With no preparation, I shot video of the kids from my phone. Lori (music store employee) shot video of the Kidzone Class when I was needed to play for them. These videos are on this blog. Next week, instead of a Jingle Jam Session, we'll play the video for the kids and have a Cookie Party! Parents are thrilled to see their kids play and have the capability to quickly FaceBook or Tweet or Email the performance of their kids to friends and family across the country and out of the country. Several parents have said "Thank You" for not putting 1 more performance in the schedule during the Holiday Season! By the way . . . hope you enjoy the video clips!

Isaac plays "King of the Sea" in a minor key

Isaac has been in classes since we began research developing Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids. It was actually his idea to play "King of the Sea" in a minor key. Great idea, Isaac!

Christian creates a percussion improv - his classmates use lights to create some atmosphere

Harley plays "Escape" from Way Cool Keyboarding - Book 2

Franchesca plays "The Competition" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Franchesca, Harley, Christian and Isaac play "Ukrainian Bell Carol"

Kidzone Class sings "Hello Neighbor"

Kidzone Class - "The Ants Go Marching"

Kidzone Class plays "Lavendar"

Capria sings "Little Cricket"

Mason sings "Little Cricket"

Paki Man sings "Little Cricket"

Chevy sings "Little Cricket"

Danny sings "Little Cricket"

Luke sings "Little Cricket"

Lariel plays "Jingle Bells" and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas"

"Jingle Bells" "Jolly Old St. Nicholas"

Priscilla plays "Disco Ball" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Ella, Priscilla and Keaton play "Disco Ball" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Nikki and Arianna play "Hoe Down" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Emma, Arianna, Nikki and Kalem play "Disco Ball" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Jasmyn, Lariel, Jaxson and Cali play "The Competition" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Jaxson plays "The Competition" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Jasmyn plays "Jingle Bells"

Joel Thomas playing "Swingin'" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Nathan and Abbie play "The Competition" and "Tennis Shoe Shuffle" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

"The Competition" "Tennis Shoe Shuffle"

Nathan, Abbie, Parys, Logan and Chase play "Roxbury" from WillBailyPianoTunes.com

"Roxbury" "Roxbury" with Nathan's famous ending!

Jade plays "Way Cool Chords 7" and "The Competition" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

"Way Cool Chords 7" "The Competition"

Raulie plays "Jingle Bells"

Herman and Benjamin play "Circus Phantom" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Raulie, Herman, Benjamin, Jade and Sawyer play Knight in the Forest from Way Cool Keyboarding - Book 2

Nate plays "Echo" from Way Cool Keyboarding - Book1

Emma plays "Jingle Bells"

Joel Thomas plays Way Cool Chords 4 from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Nate and Jhett play "I Can Fly" from Way Cool Keyboarding for Kids - Book 1

Joel Thomas, Emma, Nate and Jhett play "I Can Fly" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Aliyah, Yara, Addi and Lupe play "The Competition" and "Dragon Fly Ballet" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

"The Competition" "Dragon Fly Ballet"

Aliyah plays "Dragon Fly Ballet" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Lupe plays "Drivin", "The Competition" and "Dragon fly Ballet"

"Drivin'" "The Competition" "Dragon Fly Ballet"

Yara plays "Competition" and "Dragon Fly Ballet" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

"Competition" "Dragon Fly Ballet"

Kirsten plays "Drivin'" (with guitar solo) from Way Cool Keyboarding - Book 1

Andrew plays "Escape" from Way Cool Keyboarding - Book 2

Jacob plays "Circus Phantom" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 1

Becca plays "Honolululu" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Andrew, Kevin, Kirsten and Becca play "Competition" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Ashley and Justeana play "Competition" from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2

Sienna Rocks "Roxbury"

Another Ursula Newman student - having fun playing "Roxbury". If teachers received awards for making piano playing FUN, I wonder if more folks of all ages would play piano? Ursula is one of those teachers who should win a Piano Playing FUN Award! Congratulations!

Misha, Ursula Newman's student, playing "Summer Nights" from WillBailyPianoTunes.com

This is Misha, a student of Ursula Newman, playing "Summer Nights". Ursula is a fine traditional teacher whose students love her and love playing the piano. Misha is having a blast playing the piano and it shows! Feel free to send video (and/or links) of your students playing. We love to share!

Toby and Lorraine - the Dynamic Duo! - playing "Forbidden City" duet

O Christmas Tree - with a little jazz - WillBailyPianoTunes.com

Al, 81, is a Recreational Music Makin' pianist. Al played trumpet in dance bands in his younger days, directed his church choir, has a beautiful singing voice and still leads singing in his church. A few years ago he decided to learn to play the piano and now listen to him! He'll be entertaining his family this year around the Christmas Tree.

"Castles Burning" - Having fun from the 1st read

When this group started "Castles Burning" I demonstrated both the solo and the duet part with the orchestra. Each student decided which of the RH, LH, Both Hand, part from the solo or duet they wanted to read 1st. They took a couple of minutes and picked voices they felt worked with the part they'd picked and away we went. You'll notice only Seth tried both hands, Callie played the chord shells in different octaves and split the keyboard with different voices. Jessica played the LH from the duet and the other students played RH from either the solo or duet parts. Together they had a blast, they created something that was their own as a group, all the while they were sight-reading.

Leah, 82, has always dreamed of playing the piano.

In the clip below, Leah, is the classy lady with the beautiful white hair. She started piano in our classes 4 years ago (she's starting her fourth year). When I showed this clip to her daughter,64 year old pianist and piano teacher, I overheard Leah's daughter say, "O my, mom has always wanted to learn to play the piano, look at her!" Leah plays all the time at home, she seldom misses a class and she's always the first to say 'bring it on' when I'm wanting to start something new with her class. Helping people fulfill livelong dreams . . . it doesn't get any better than this!

The 2:00 ladies playing "Argentina Sky"

Julia Cobley: "The class always plays better with hats on."

"Here's our group at Halloween enjoying some of your great tunes. . . Thanks so much for making it easy to teach adults. Your music falls under the fingers so beautifully." Julia

Moving between Musical Moments, Reflective Moments, Way Cool Keyboarding, Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids and WillBailyPianoTunes.com

Someone spotted a Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids book on the bench next to Linda, on the post immediately below. Thursday night at class, the class asked why we weren't playing Halloween songs. We have studio copies for our kids classes so the kids and parents don't have to remember to bring books back and forth. "Broomhilda" is the last piece in Way Cool Kids book 1. I passed out books and we used it as a warm-up. Smiles on everyone's faces when we finished! We'd played the solo version of The Bell Carol from WillBailyPianoTunes.com last week (the Bell Carol was tune of the week last week) and then, introduced the duet (which is a bit easier). Everyone was excited about trying both parts next week, team playing. Then, to cool down, we played the solo part of "Forbidden City" - one of the FREE tunes from the home page of the site. And then, closed with both parts of "Autumn Breeze" (from Reflective Moments book 2), as can be seen in the video below (sorry about the delay - not sure how to fix that yet). Musical Moments and Reflective Moments, Way Cool Keyboarding, Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids and the tunes in WillBailyPianoTunes.com all share the same pedagogy, making it easy and fun to move back and forth between all the materials!

Look Mom! No Director . . .

First attempt of video from my phone. This class is so fun! "Autumn Breeze", from Reflective Moments Book 2 is a favorite of all our adult classes.

Drum Circle Improv with Clavinovas

Yesterday morning, Saturday, as my teen class was assembling, some of them clearly had just crawled out of bed (10:00 might be a little early for class). . . I decided to try something new with this group - a drum circle-type percussion ensemble. We decided to use a Standard Kit on the Clavinovas. I asked for a volunteer to be the "beat keeper". Ryan volunteered. He will keep the beat using the kick drum (middle C). Had him move to the CVP 505 because it had the biggest speakers. One by one we found different timbres of percussion instruments for each student. Just a few notes with the right hand since the left hand would need to stay on the volume control so we could change dynamics. At first, the class was a bit hesitant as I tried to direct crescendos and diminuendos . . . and then, I backed out and let them do their own thing. It was fascinating to watch as they got lost in their specific contribution to the whole of the ensemble. And then, seemed to get lost in the ensemble as a whole. When we finished (I directed a big crescendo and then, cut them off together) - they all shook their heads in approval and I heard someone say, "cool". All in all a very satisfying experience for all. We'll definitely be doing this more often in our teen classes!

Hear - Do - See - Label

I was visiting with one of our adult students the other night before class. She has been in our RMM classes for over three years. A delightful lady (maybe mid-60s) who was a brand new beginner when she started. She loves playing out of fake books, especially country tunes. She is also a good reader. She has played left hand patterns, octave, octave fifth (C G C), octave fifth with a walk up (C G C D E), seventh chord patterns (C G B) and all the chord shell and broken chord shell activities. So before class, she asks, "How do I figure out what note to start on with the left hand?" She can identify the pattern, but we've never discussed the names of the lines or spaces. We briefly discussed the spaces All Cars Eat Gas and up or down a line from each to name all the pitches on the bass clef staff. She said, "Oh, that makes a lot of sense, why didn't you tell me at the beginning?" Great question! Right?! My reply, "I know it seems backwards, but if I'd dumped this information on you at the beginning - before you could play, do you think the information would have seemed overwhelming?" She said, "O yeah, it would have been way to much. Now, all I have to do is put labels on what I can already play." The late, great Frances Clark taught: Hear - Do - See - Label. Not her exact words, but her idea. Remember to save the "Label" for the end of the teaching process. Labels stick better to information that has been learned by hearing and doing; information that has been seen. Happy Teaching! Happy Playing!

Students are asking why the name "Roxbury"?

It's Christmas in October!

I wonder how many people learn to play the piano just so they can play Christmas Carols at Christmas time? I would guess a large percentage. For the next 5 Mondays WillBailyPianoTunes.com will be adding a Christmas tune to the website. I just now added the traditional carol "O Christmas Tree" to the site. The arrangement is jazzy and reminds me of my childhood - everything stopped at our house when "Charlie Brown's Christmas" was on TV - it was an event at our house. Last week one of the adult classes was talking about how shocked they were that people were already decorating their houses with Christmas lights. I said, "Well, it's time, Christmas is right around the corner." They all laughed when I passed out "O Christmas Tree". Happy Teaching! Happy Playing!

Snow on the ground this morning! Magic last night at Piano Class!

Hottest summer Western Nebraska has had since the 1930s. Two days ago, a little chill in the air . . . what a relief! Last night, my 5:30 class assembled, Margi was sick (she called) Patti was missing (she didn't call, so I heard the class discussing Patti's mom, Eleanor, her declining health condition being a possibility for her absence - or maybe, Patti's caught this upper-respiratory thing that's been going around) whatever the case this class knows and cares about each others' lives and care about each other. Of course there was also much discussion about weather and snow and cold. So, we pulled out something from the past, "Autumn Breeze," from Reflective Moments Book 2 (EveryLifeNeedsMusic.com). We played the duet together, then, we played the solo together . . . remember it's been awhile since we've played "Autumn Breeze" . . . I asked them to pick parts. I counted them in, and then, walked to the back of the room. I, of course, was blown away by the unison of these 6 adult students, ranging in age from 53 to 82, as they played the solo and duet part of "Autumn Breeze" with no direction or assistance from me. When they finished, all of us applauded. When I asked how that felt, they replied, "Not enough of the duet," we had 4 playing solo and 2 playing duet. As a group they split themselves into 3 duet, 3 solo, adjusted their volumes on their keyboards - I counted them in, stood in the back of the room again and listened to magic. Six people from six very different walks of life, coming together, in complete unity to produce beautiful music. Magic!

I LOVE teaching this way!

Just finished an adult class that was so much fun! Age range of students was 50 to 83. These ladies are starting their 4th year of RMM class piano. Some things that came to mind while I was in class thought might be worth sharing. 1) Started the class with a piece they love and can play easily ("Missing You" from Way Cool Keyboarding) - talked about using the damper pedal - talked about listening for smooth sound and shaping - then, had them take both hands up an octave and changed all the right Es to Ebs. 2) The wind is blowin' outside so we took our another old favorite "Autumn Breeze" - played the solo part and then, the duet part and then I conducted while they played the duet. It's been a while since we've played this - a lot like revisiting an old friend. 3) "Elizabeth Town" from Way Cool Keyboarding II is a left hand exercise. We reviewed this by rote with books closed. 4) We took out "Abandoned Heart - solo" from WillBailyPianoTunes.com and played the left hand alone until we were comfortable, then, we played the right hand alone. Next we looked at "Abandoned Heart - duet" right alone. Then, the fun begins . . . picking instruments to play all 3 parts together - melody flute, oboe, bassoon - left hand - electric piano, harp, acoustic guitar. The orchestra was assembled and tuned, what beautiful music these ladies created - how satisfying. Closed the class with me playing "May There Always be the Sun" for them (also, from the WillBailyPianoTunes.com library), we'll start this next week. I love teaching this way, absolutely so rewarding!

It's our job to make the top picture transform into the bottom picture!

As RMM facilitators it's our job to help our students see music in a simple way. Play the tune for your class so they can hear and feel the tune. Let them watch you play the tune, guide them to watch your hands. Then, point out each hand separately. As they discover the new tune, reassure your students that they can always play at their comfort level. No pressure. Break it down - make it possible - make it easy! Happy Teaching! Happy Playing!

Rock On! from the SonaTunes library - Tune of the Week

Several years ago I operated a website called SonaTunes. Last week one of our members wrote and requested a rock tune. As I went back through the SonaTunes library, I found this tune along with several others. I'll be orchestrating some of these tunes and adding them to the WillBailyPianoTunes.com library. If you are familiar with the SonaTunes and have a favorite, let me know and I'll get it added. Happy Teaching! Happy Playing!

Creative Idea for your RMM Teen Classes!

Just finished an RMM Teen Class. We had a blast! I used the ideas from Improv 1 and Improv 2 and Beverly Hills Band on the Tutorial page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com, combined all the ideas and had the class create their own band piece. So this is what we did. First, we reviewed each hand of Improv 1, experimenting with the RH solo instruments. Secondly, we reviewed each hand of Improv 2, experimenting with electric piano sounds, hands separately and hands together. Thirdly, we reviewed playing drums, acoustic guitar, and bass guitar on digital keyboards (as discussed in Beverly Hills Band Tutorial). Fourthly, I gave them the assignment to create a piece where everyone is playing a different part on different instruments: solo, drums, bass guitar, electric piano and acoustic guitar. Lastly, and most importantly, they were going to do this on their own! I said, "Take 15 to 20 minutes - come and get me when you're ready for me to listen." Isn't this how bands work together? As a facilitator, sometimes guiding means getting out of the way. I listened some through the door to laughing and talking, but mostly playing and working things out. What an amazing bonding time for this group! The improv they played for me, each playing their own thing with different voices, was cohesive, interesting and brilliant! Most important, they had fun and created their own music!

Castles Burning - Tune of the Week

A cool tune for pre-teens and teenagers - "Castles Burning" creates an image of a Knight battling through a Castle (on fire), searching frantically for the Princess he loves. This Tune in 2 parts (Solo and Duet) is motivational, accessible and FUN for your pre-teen and teenage RMM students. Happy Teaching! Happy Playing!

Ideas for RMM Teenagers at WillBailyPianoTunes.com

Learn to play "Set Fire to the Rain" (Adele) by ear

There are 2 tutorials posted on the Tutorial page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com that teach you how to play "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele. One of the tutorials shows the Introduction and verses and the other shows the pre-chorus, chorus and bridge. On both tutorials you'll find a link to iTunes so you can download the mp3 files. Watch the tutorials, learn the chords and play along. Feel free to break the chords up anyway you like! Happy Playing!

WillBailyPianoTunes perfect for Clavinova Festival!

Orchestrations are ready to go! Students can pick their favorite tune and then, pick a favorite voice for their favorite tune; you're ready for Clavinova Festival! The tunes in WillBailyPianoTunes.com are all brand new (as of July 2012) with a NEW tune being added every week on Sunday afternoon. Be the first in your area to show off some cool new tunes! Start getting ready today for Clavinova Festival!

Classical music or Popular music

There is some controversy among piano teachers about whether or not it's appropriate for children to learn to play the piano using methodologies that don't specifically provide classical music preparation. Musical Moments (Adults), Way Cool Keyboarding (pre-teens and teens), Way Cool Keyboarding 4 kids (7-9 year-olds) and the tunes in www.willbailypianotunes.com are all RMM (Recreational Music Making) materials created to teach people to play in a style that is more aesthetically relevant. When we teach reading to children we prepare them by motivating them. "Super Fudge" and "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by Judy Blume, "How to Eat Fried Worms" by Thomas Rockwell, anything by R.L. Stine and, of course, the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling. I wonder how many kids who've read and loved these books will ever read Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. Many, perhaps. Hopefully, they'll be prepared. Whatever the case, they've learned to read because they were motivated by what was interesting, fun and relevant to them. We wish the same for our RMM students. Our goal is prepare them to play the music they want to play by learning to read music and learning to play by chords. Some want to play country tunes, some swing tunes from the '40s, some classic rock, some of the kids like whatever is popular 10 minutes ago, some like contemporary christian music, and yes, some like classical music. It is our goal as RMM facilitators to guide our students, as they prepare themselves to play the music THEY LOVE!

Lorraine, 82, What an Inspiration!

Lorraine started piano as a brand new beginner 3 years ago at the age of 79. She lives in a lovely retirement community where she is surrounded by many friends and participates in a variety of activities. Yesterday when she came for her weekly RMM class, she shared with child-like enthusiasm, how learning to play the piano has changed her life. She said, "I don't know why the Lord has allowed me to live this long, but since He has, I might as well make good use of the time He's given me." Lorraine is learning to use the computer and starting a Facebook account. She said that the confidence she's gained by learning to play the piano has given her confidence to approach learning anything. The music director in her retirement community has asked her to play duets with her. She was as giddy as a teenager when she talked about which duets they'll be playing from Reflective Moments Books 2 and 3. She commented, "If I keep going like this, I'll probably live to be 100, so much to do and learn." What joy to share the gift of music!

RMM! Everyone is Welcome!

As I was pondering why I love facilitating RMM piano classes this afternoon, the first thought that came to me was, "Everyone is Welcome." Regardless of age, talent, time to play between classes - as long as there is a desire to play (and there always is)- Come join a class and get ready to have FUN! The exclusivity factor that is prevalent in most traditional teaching approaches simply doesn't exist in RMM. The social bonds that are formed in groups are like close-knit families. I overheard a group of adults visiting before class a couple of weeks ago and they were saying that this is where they come to laugh. Laughter is good for us! Music is good for us! Let's spread the LAUGHTER and the FUN! Happy Playing and Happy Teaching!

NEW, FREE CUSTOM COVERS

In addition to the "General Cover" that is available for FREE on the Tunes page of www.WillBailyPianoTunes.com, we are also offering a NEW "Custom Cover" for your notebooks. This NEW, FREE, Custom Cover, also available on the Tunes page of the site, allows each Store or Studio to customize their cover by typing in specific Store or Studio information, Contact information and Student's name. Classes will be starting this week! Very Exciting! Hope this NEW Custom Cover will be helpful! Happy Playing and Happy Teaching!

Taylor, may his memory be eternal

Several years ago I was blessed to work with a talented teenager who loved to improvise and create at the piano. Taylor was spectacular! For about 3 years, Taylor would come to his lesson, sometimes have something to show me, sometimes I would give him a couple of themes to work with and develop. Off the top of his head, he would weave themes in and out, smiling, sometimes he'd get so tickled with himself he'd laugh out loud. He would play for 30 minutes straight, improvising and creating. We talked about chords and scales and how to get his fingers to play blues scales and funky riffs fast, but he had no interest in learning to read music. His mother, a gifted pianist herself, an amazing reader, tried to coax me into spending more time helping Taylor learn to read. Taylor didn't want to learn to read. Taylor found great joy in improvising and creating and he was brilliant! I learned so much from Taylor about so many things. When Taylor graduated from high school, he played in bands, played dinner music in coffee shops and clubs, learned to play the guitar, continued writing songs . . . He loved music! Several months ago, Taylor, at the age of 21 was killed in a tragic car accident. It was a terrible day for me. I cancelled all my classes. My heart ached for his family, all talented musicians, themselves, and wonderful people. These things just don't make sense. My first thought was, I was so glad that I had encouraged him to improvise and create - to be honest with who he was as a musician. The joy he brought to so many through his music; and the joy that music had brought to him in his short life. The LETTING GO of what I, or anyone else, thought a well-rounded musician should be, allowed him to be the brilliant musician God had created him to be! Taylor, may his memory be eternal.

Let Go! Have Fun! and Make Music!

Fall classes are in full swing here - kids running in with smiles on their faces - parents happy - kids happy - grabbing headphones - experimenting with voices on the digital keyboards. We don't have a practice policy in our studio. We use a phrase borrowed from my friend, Matt Perez, "Play what you love and love what you play!" As RMM teachers, if we're truly going to allow this experience to be about what our students want, regardless of their ages, we must LET GO! I have students in my adult classes who only play what we play in class, during our class. At home they play from Fake Books, Hymnals, Classical Anthologies, Reader's Digest compilations, or whatever else is appealling to them. When we developed Way Cool Keyboarding for teenagers, the experimental materials stayed at the store so the kids couldn't play them at home. At home they looked up tutorials of all kinds and downloaded Yiruma tunes. When they came back to class we played Way Cool together - they learned - they played - they had rewarding musical experiences each week - they loved music and loved piano. . . and they still do. It's our job, first of all, to guide our classes to LOVE MUSIC! In a relaxed, FUN environment we help them develop reading skills, chord playing skills and technical skills so they can go home, play what they love, and love what they play!

Oh Yeah! I'm a little bit COUNTRY!

Check out the Tune of the Week, "Don't Mind If I Do" on WillBailyPianoTunes.com! Also, check out the tutorial on the the Tutorial page of the website! I live in Western Nebraska about 20 miles from the Wyoming border. That's right, our folks like the country western music. One of the principles of Recreational Music Making is allowing your students to play music they love. Well, our students love country western. So here is a tune that satisfies that love. "Don't Mind If I Do" has a cool country lick that repeats itself several times. The tutorial demonstrates how to do the slide. Hope you and your class has a blast with this tune! Happy Playing and Happy Teaching!

Notes? Chords? What to do?

Our kids and teen classes started this week. Crazy! While waiting for their class to begin, the teens grab sheet music off the rack and play and sing. O yeah, it's noisy in the piano store. Playing from the chord charts and singing the tunes; all at the same time. Mana, her name itself is a long story, a wonderful story, not tonight; grabs a piece of sheet music off the rack and runs to a piano, opens the score, and says, "I can't play this, there aren't any notes." What she means is, there aren't any chord symbols. You see, our kids know that to perform a piece of pop music authentically they must vamp chords and sing the tune. They know you never double the melody with the keyboard part. My Russian-trained teacher used to say that music is simple, only scales and chords. He was exactly right! Pop music is simple: vamp the chords - sing the scales. Check out the new, partial tutorial, "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adelle on the Tutorial page of www.WillBailyPianoTunes.com for some ideas. Happy Playing - Happy Teaching!

Creating the Environment

On the drive to town today I was thinking of a quote by the late, great Frances Clark. I'll try to get it close, "Telling is not teaching. Teaching is creating an environment in which learning can take place." Casual, fun, encouraging creativity and discovery; this is the kind of environment that promotes learning, sharing and community. As we do our lesson plans we need to be thoughtful of each individual student in our class and the class as a whole. The balance of discovering new tunes and techniques, and enjoying things we can already play with ease; this balance is also an essential part in creating that environment. In RMM classes, learning is merely a byproduct of creating a positive musical experience and building community! Have fun preparing for the your classes! Happy Playing! Happy Teaching!

Qualifying Transfer Students using WillBailyPianoTunes.com

For only $5 a month you can have access to 15 tunes - at a variety of levels - TODAY! at WillBailyPianoTunes.com. On Monday, August 27th you'll have access to 16 tunes, since a new tune is added each week on Monday! As many traditional teachers will be adding new transfer students to their studios, it is difficult to determine exactly where these students are in terms of pedagogy. Instead of spending lots of money on books or programs trying to figure out where these students are, $5 will buy you unlimited downloads of sheet music files, sound files and tutorials as you try to figure out your new students. In the meantime, these tunes will be FUN! and MOTIVATING! and will make their new teacher look like a superstar! After a month, if you like what you see, you can continue paying $5 a month, or, for $30 a year (only $2.50 a month)you can continue using these tunes for motivation and as supplemental pieces in a classical curriculum. We want our students to be well-rounded, functional pianists, who love music and love playing the piano! Happy Playing and Happy Teaching!

Improvising - Playing by ear - Chord Charts, and other off-the-page Ideas!

On the Tutorial page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com are short tutorials that provide some guidance in approaching off-the-page playing and teaching. By the off-the-page I'm talking about improvising, realizing chord charts and playing by ear. I often hear teachers say, "Well yeah she's playing great, but I'm not sure she's reading a note". Terrified the student will play fluently and beautifully, but won't be able to sight-read at performance level or sight-read at all. Being able to read music is so important! I'm not worried that piano teachers aren't aware of this fact and are great at teaching students to read. However, guiding students to learn to hear music, and to play what they hear, is just as important; may even be more important! For most teachers it's not because they don't believe this, they're just not sure how to get started. Take a look at the tutorials and try them out yourself. Then, try them out with students. I hope you'll find big smiles and instant success. You'll also be impressed when a student returns playing AND singing along with the mp3 files. (Notice the direct link to purchase the mp3 files directly above the tutorials.) Have a Great Weekend Everybody! Happy Playing! Happy Teaching!

Attention RMM Teachers - Creative Ideas?!

Any creative ideas you'd like to share with other RMM teachers?!  Would love to hear what you're doing!  I know some of you - and I know how amazingly creative you are!  Don't be shy . . .

Beverly Hills - Tune of the Week

Check out Beverly Hills on the the Tunes page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com.  We've used this FUN tune in our kids classes, teen classes and adult classes.  You'll notice there are chord symbols written above the score.  For ideas on how to create a keyboard band with this tune, look at the tutorial on the Tutorial page.  The discussion shows how to play the chords, one way to break the chords up, suggestion for voices, ideas for bass guitar and quick easy how to play a drum part on the keyboard.  After the band feels comfortable playing together, discuss texture as it relates to the different sections of music, try strings and electric piano in different octaves.  Then, have a couple students add the solo (written) part.  There are endless creative opportunities with this tune. 

Happy Playing!  Happy Teaching!

Bruno Mars and Grandma

Check out "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars on the Tutorial page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com!  In June a grandmother brought her 12 year old granddaughter (Jessica) to her RMM class on Thursday night.  This is an ambitious class playing out of Musical Moments - Reflective 3.  Since Jessica was just sitting watching, I decided to take a chance and teach "Just the Way You Are" with F5 chord in the RH and changing bass notes in the LH (see tutorial).  Already had the mp3 file since we'd been using this in the Way Cool Kids Classes.  What FUN!  Jessica's eyes lit up as she discovered she could do this with no previous piano lessons!  This adult class had a blast with this music, even though it was music from Jessica's generation.  When grandma left, she had tears in her eyes when she said, "Thank You."  I'm the one who is thankful everyday to be an RMM facilitator!  Happy Teaching!

Fresh New Piano Tunes

Piano Teachers are always looking for Fresh New Piano Tunes.  Check out WillBailyPianoTunes.com where new Tunes are added each week!  All of the Tunes on the site have accompanying mp3 files and MIDI files.  Members of the site are able to download the Tunes as often as they want and have access to teaching tutorials.  The tutorials teach students/teachers how to play pop tunes by chord and give ideas for improvisation.  As you prepare for the fall, take a look at WillBailyPianoTunes.com!

Happy Teaching!

Opa! - Tune of the Week

Our adult classes have had so much FUN this week with "Opa!" - one of our students last night said they haven't had this much fun since "Circus Phantom."  If you're not familiar, "Circus Phantom" is a RH, five-finger exercise found in Musical Moments, Way Cool Keyboarding and Way Cool Keyboarding 4 kids (you can access these materials from the Books page on the WillBailyPianoTunes.com website). The tune itself is a duet that seems to talk back and forth between the 2 parts. Set in Greek sirtaki - dance style, "Opa!" starts out slow - complete with clapping measures - then, POW! "Twice as fast"  hold on to your hat, back to the beginning - this piece moves.  (Suggest in the beginning weeks - RH only on the repeat.)  Your fingers will actually dance in this piece!  Have Fun and Happy Teaching!

     

Tune of the Week

WillBailyPianoTunes.com is now offering a "Tune of the Week".  Every Monday morning piano teachers and piano students will wake up to a new motivating piece to start their week.  This can be found on the "Tunes" page of the website.  Also, check out our new payment plan - $5 a month for unlimited PDF downloads and unlimited Mp3 and MIDI sound file downloads.  (Also, still available is the $30 a year payment option - breaks down to $2.50 a month.)  Check out the "Tutorial" page for quick ways to teach pop tunes with chords and ideas for improvisation.  Feel free to contact me, Will Baily, on the "Contact" page of site.  "Blog" your questions and teaching ideas or feel free to call me (my personal cell number is on the "Contact" page.)  Happy Teaching!  

What is Recreational Music Making (RMM) and how can I implement this philosophy into my studio today?  The following list was borrowed from drumcirclemusic - RMM is:

• music for personal satisfaction
• not performance-oriented
• not competitive or comparative
• geared toward amateur musicians
• a way of creating positive social experiences

A teacher approached me yesterday and described a student who will be a senior in high school this fall.  This student plays at an early intermediate level.  Not interested in classical music. Loves to play for her personal satisfaction, doesn't want to play in public, doesn't want to compete or compare herself to other students, loves coming to lessons and interact with her teacher, she is an amateur musician (keep in mind the root word of amateur is amo from the Latin to love - an amateur musician is one who loves playing music) - she also is the perfect example of the typical RMM student. 
This teacher, who I respect greatly, reminded me of who much I've personally changed over the past decade.  She felt as if she would be doing this student a great disservice if she didn't push her to play more difficult music that the student simply wasn't interested in. I've definitely been there and done that.  This young lady already LOVES music!  This teacher is already a SUCCESS!  Just find beautiful music that inspires this student and give her permission to PLAY.  I, of course, sent here home with Way Cool Keyboarding II and a list of tunes from my website: Argentina Sky, Snow Train, Abandoned Heart, Sylvia's Song, Charmed, and In the Distance; pieces that will be easily accessible and still satisfying. Also, suggested she watch the Tutorials (If I Die Young - is on the home page of the site).  I'm kind of boring, but the content is good and it shows students and teachers how to quickly play popular tunes. 

It is my opinion that there are countless hundreds maybe thousands of people who love music and would love playing music if we as teachers/facilitators gave them permission to play - not our way - but their way - playing music they love. 

Let's all embrace the RMM philosophy and start Making Music simply for the love of Making Music!

Happy Teaching!

I am an independent traditional piano teacher.  How can I use the pieces in WillBailyPianoTunes.com to enhance the learning experience of my students?
1) Sightreading. Select a tune that is maybe a couple of levels below where your student is currently working.  Download the 3 different speeds of mp3 files.  Discuss the principles of sightreading.  Start with the slowest recording and progress to the 'Fast' version.
2) Rehabilitation.  We've all had those students who begin to dwindle and lose their motivation.  Have your student listen and pick a couple of tunes from the library.  Print the PDFs - download the tunes to your student's mp3 playing device and see what happens. 
3) Improv. Look at the Tutorial page.  Playing off the page is generally a bit out of our comfort zone. Watch the tutorials with your students.  Download the sound file that is easiest for you to work with.  Play along.  Maybe start out with your students playing the LH and teacher improvising RH.  Then, switch.
4) Pop Tunes. Playing pop tunes with chords is a quick and more authentic way to teach your students to play in a band.  It also avoids teaching sheet music rhythms that are difficult and don't really sound like the original tunes. Follow the link to iTunes. Download the tune.  Again, watch the tutorial with your student.  Try figuring it out together.  There is great joy in discovery!  Let your students find that joy as they discover and 'teach' you!  This kind of learning together can really build a strong relationship between you and your students.
5) More music. You can always use these pieces and tutorials as supplemental and motivational!  These tunes and activities will compliment the good work you're already doing in your studio.

Happy Teaching!

Snow Train from 'Tunes' page.  I've used this piece with kids (7-9), pre-teens, teens and adults.  Start with the LH alone.  Octave fifth pattern is one of the most commonly used accompaniment patterns in piano music.  This pattern is extremely useful in improvisation. Demonstrate the LH pointing out the 3 white keys between finger 5 and finger 2, and 2 white keys between finger 2 and finger 1.  Note that finger 5 and finger 1 are playing the same note an octave apart.  Demonstrate a slight pivot motion on finger 2 - this will depend on hand size. Walk around the room and assist as needed while the class plays this pattern out loud for a few minutes.  LH alone - play with the orchestra a couple of times for fun.

Teach the RH - count the 3 eighth note rests "1 2 3" students begin on 4 (or the 'and' of 2).  In ms. 4-7, 13-16 and 21 - end -  where the sixths appear - play only the bottom note of the sixths this first time.  Teacher plays the LH while students play the RH (staying in C position throughout).  Allow a few minutes of headphone time for students to discover how this piece feels when both hands play.
The next week - introduce up/down pedal with the LH alone.  Toe comes up with pinky and down with 2. 
After you've played this piece for a couple of weeks, introduce the RH sixths -  4 white keys between thumb and pinky.  Demonstrate a relaxed wrist, a high thumb and a light tapping motion for the sixths. After a little headphone time, try RH alone with orchestra.
Putting it all together.  After several weeks of playing this piece different ways, have your class try playing the piece as written with pedal - very slowly.  Then, discuss shaping lines - LH pinky gentle - taking time at ends of phrases - ritard at the end - etc. How does this piece make you feel?  How can you communicate that feeling by playing this piece a certain way?
Hope these ideas help!  Happy Teaching!  

How to use the pieces on the Home page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com.  
Forbidden City (solo/duet) can be used in several different ways.  Kids who have played Way Cool Keyboarding 4 kids book 1, Teens who are in the middle of Way Cool Keyboarding book 1 and adults who are in Reflective Moments book 2 have encountered all the skills and concepts needed to play Forbidden City. I have used this piece in my adult classes for warm-up and cool down. Good for sight-reading practice and confidence building.  This piece is also fun for ensemble play.  Create a symphony orchestra with strings, horns, woodwinds, etc. Or, create a creepy under-the-sea orchestration with choir/pad sounds.
Argentina Sky works great at the end of Reflective Moments book 3 and toward the end of Way Cool Keyboarding book 1.  The only new concept is the the walk-up in the LH at ms. 6, 12 etc. See the Tutorial on the Tutorial page for an idea of how to teach this. This walk-up pattern is reinforced in Way Cool Keyboarding book 2 in the piece Elizabeth Town.  Also, on the Tutorial page is a swing version of Argentina Sky with an mp3 file and a MIDI file.
Mon Cheri introduces the LH 7th pattern. This piece is a 'stretching' piece. Introduce the LH alone. Start with LH pinky finding the bass notes.  Play LH pinky with orchestra.  Then, discover how the LH pattern feels with 3 keys between 5 and 2 and 1 key between 2 and 1.  After a few minutes with headphones, play LH only with the class very slowly.  Then repeat and teacher plays RH while class plays LH.  Notice the RH is an octave higher throughout and stays in C position. Next week try RH only.  The following week team play - half the class plays LH, half the class plays RH - then switch. Since this is a 'stretching' piece take time and get each hand happy.
Times Square is a 'challenge' piece. Geared more for ambitious teen students than for adult students. There are always those teen students who want something more. Although this requires more technical skill, the patterns are clear and accessible.

On the Tunes page, please find a downloadable cover for your notebooks. You don't have to become a member of the site to download.  ENJOY!

"Summer Nights" - from 'Tunes' page

How to introduce "Summer Nights" from 'Tunes' page of WillBailyPianoTunes.com - Start class with "Building Bridges" Duet from Reflective Moments Book 3.  Review dropping motion in Right Hand ms. 4 and ms. 8 etc. Also, discuss Left Hand position and name notes as you play Left Hand Alone.  Play several times Hands Together using CD 18 Orchestration. 

Summer Nights - Start with Left Hand demonstrating the chromatic motion in the Left Hand - Discuss fingering that's marked allowing students to discover a different fingering that may be more convenient for their hand. For example:  LH thumb starting on bass C, 2 on B, 2 on Bb, 3 on A, 3 on Ab, 4 on G etc. I've seen students use this fingering successfully.  Play through - students playing LH teacher playing RH. 

Summer Nights - RH.  I've had success teaching the RH by subdividing and counting to 8.  Counting in: "5 6 7 8 rest"  Most importantly, let students hear and then respond to the rhythm.  After several times without orchestration, use slow version of orchestra and try RH alone.

Follow up - Give students a few minutes with headphones to discover Summer Nights Hands Alone.  You'll find that some of your students will start playing Hands Together and will discover that this is one of those pieces that's actually easier with both hands.

Have Fun!

Welcome to Will's Blog

A shout out to RMM teachers who are teaching Musical Moments, Way Cool Keyboarding and Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids.  If you have questions about how the tunes in WillBailyPianoTunes.com and the Tutorials fit into your classroom curriculum, feel  free to ask me questions.  In the meantime, check out the free stuff on the home page.  If you'd like to contact me personally, go to the contact page.  Welcome.