Saturday, July 21, 2012

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!  

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