Teaching Pieces October 2003
Teaching Pieces:
The Ride of the Masked Bandito by Noona - late elementary/early intermediate - It is good for teaching balance between hands: especially when the LH has the melody. It is an awesome piece to motivate students because it SOUNDS good and is exciting. This has especially been a hit with boys.
Prowling Pussy Cat by Gillock - elementary level - This is great for getting beginning students out of the "C-Position" rut, but it is not so overwhelming to them. It uses c-position in different octaves of the piano along with a prowling whole-step section. It is also great to get students to expressively use their dynamics. This is a favorite of my students.
Nine Blind Mice by Palmer - Intermediate Level - This is a fun piece to introduce the concept of a theme and variations. It uses many different musical styles and the kids LOVE it because of its familiar theme. It's also an audience pleaser at recitals.
Sky Blue by Vandall - Elementary - My students love this because it SOUNDS big and much harder than it really is. I use this piece to introduce or reinforce the concept of arpeggios. It is also a nice piece for beginning pedal users - flipping the pedal.
Resource:
www.kindermusik.com for early childhood music education information. (might be of interest to those who do not want to teach piano lessons to preschoolers/kindergartners or a good place to send parents when they want lessons for their 2-year old!!)
The February Teaching Pieces were given by Wendy Wells.