Tuesday, July 24, 2012

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!

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