Category: the playground as music teacher

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From Legato to Staccato: staying connected at the piano (Video)

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

The universal chant among my adult students is, “I can’t play those darn staccato scales and arpeggios. They’re impossible!” And the reason for all the moans and groans is, they feel DISCONNECTED, and not safely secure in the keys. It’s in part PSYCHOLOGICAL. If students can pull off a nice, swinging, well-shaped LEGATO, all they… Continue reading From Legato to Staccato: staying connected at the piano (Video)

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Rina, 5, and a review of her staircase activity: The Playground as Piano Teacher (VIDEOS)

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

I updated the last blog-embedded video that previewed staircase activity planned for Rina's next lesson. It explored the tricky last line of Reinagle's Minuet which has a mix of rhythms and more complex melodic motion compared to the first three staves of music. What I added to the footage, however, was my plan to insert… Continue reading Rina, 5, and a review of her staircase activity: The Playground as Piano Teacher (VIDEOS)

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Rina, 4, played “Frere Jacques” with two hands, adding a bass part in whole notes (Video)

arioso7: Shirley Kirsten

Charming little Rina has made a big leap in progress. Last week we were exploring WHOLE NOTES, and I asked her to practice one whole note per measure in the Bass to support the Treble melody in "Frere Jacques." Today, I enjoyed her lovely reading. (This particular piece is mapped out on paper, with rhythmic… Continue reading Rina, 4, played “Frere Jacques” with two hands, adding a bass part in whole notes (Video)