Orange Roots Lesson 13
1. Compositions:
This is the week each student needs to start memorizing their composition introductions. Make sure they can play both hands alone perfectly! Then help them to start playing with both hands together. Once they are good at this, start using a metronome during practice. Help them to memorize their song with a steady beat, so the musical story will be heard! We don’t want stops or pauses and using a metronome is one of the best tools to help them correct those breaks.
You should have all received a packet of information regarding the recital. Your student will be performing only their composition pieces at the recital. It must be polished and perfected. Each student will need to qualify to perform in the recital by completing the Recital Practice Log. Follow the instructions and get your practice performances done so
you can get a treat the last day of class!
Please help your child memorize their introduction. Teach them to stand at the piano with both hands at their side and say their introduction. Require them to say each part slowly and at full volume. Then have them sit at the piano and play their piece. As soon as they are done, they will stand and bow.
2. Homework
Theory Homework returned: Theory Assignment # 11
Your introduction homework was returned this week! Start memorizing!
This week’s homework: Theory Assignment # 13
Write in only ONE note to fill each measure. This homework is a great way to make sure they understand the value of the notes we’ve been learning. It should be somewhat easy for the kids but make sure they read ALL of the directions first and understand what they are being asked to do.
3. In Class This Week
We really have been stepping it up with our dictation. They've been taking dictation in both the bass and treble clef, and are now feeling at ease at "writing down music." Isn't this an amazing skill to have? To have your ear hear music, to understand it, and write it down?? So cool!
We practiced Bagatelle Bridges on pg 16 in their songbooks. We started playing just the treble clef in C major. BUT!! Next we put our hand in G position to play G major, while looking at the same notes we just read in C major. This prepares us to transpose music. To look at notes in one key, and to play them in another key is transposing! We also discussed the bridges, the intro and coda parts of this song - and went over them!
It was so fun playing "Around The World" with our moms and dads. Some of you were SO QUICK, and we got a pretty good competition going.
We reviewed rhythms and time signatures. I put down 8 beats of rhythm cards, and had the students put down measure lines where they should go. They had to use their "musical math" skills to figure this out.
We also used our ear training to write in the chords for Yankee Doodle on page 18. It was pretty much a "no brainer" for my amazing students! I am so so so so proud of them..
4. Starting Private Piano Lessons
You will each soon be receiving a LPM letter to give to your new piano teacher, a list of private piano teachers in the area, your student’s assessment and the theory test. The best time to get in with a private piano teacher is in the summer, so don’t take the summer off thinking you will get back to it again in August. You will find yourself without a teacher!
So, get right on it!!! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
