Class was a lot of fun! I saw some progress happening with chord playing, switching between chords, and playing the C Major scale. Please keep helping your child play these at home. We also introduced some fun new songs like "Tinga Layo", we learned how to march to "When the Saints Go Marching In", and we played tambourines to the shoo-ooot the arr-ow rhythm in "Robin Hood". 

Keep up the good work, parents! And if you are seeing that your child is struggling in these areas, please reach out to me and I can help you problem solve. Or if your child is starting to fight you at practice time, here is a post to help with that! Also, there is a Let's Play Music Podcast episode about practicing as well that is a great listen. You can check that out on any podcast platform or click here.

Also, be sure to listen to the album soundtrack for this semester! The songs really support the learning that is happening in class and singing can help with ear training, theory, and increase the fun in class. When the kids know the songs well, the fun and energy in class is instantly increased!

Most of you picked a style, size, and color for your child's t-shirt. Thank you! I will contact the few that still need to individually.

Melodic Patterns

When learning to play melodic patterns: 

1. Play all 5 in Middle C Position. 

2. Play at separate times. The clef tells which hand will play. Treble Clef is RH and these patterns go DOWN. Bass Clef is LH and these patterns go UP. 

3. What are the notes telling you to play? Steps, skips, or leaps? They ALL end on Middle C.

I Am Robin Hood

This theme song is significant because it is the first song we play hands together with each hand playing independently. In class we learned to play the melody with the right hand. Place your RH thumb (1) on Middle C, 2nd finger on Middle D, and the 3rd finger on the black note above Middle D. And then play in the rhythm of BUG-BUG-BEETLE-BUG, BEETLE-BEETLE-SLUG. Practice hands separately this week. We will put it all together soon! 

Lullaby and Goodnight

Did you know that we can make a song sound different by changing a block chord to a broken chord? It’s time to break all of the chords in Lullaby and Goodnight. Stylizing the block chords to broken will change the mood of this song into a calm, peaceful lullaby. Played piano (find the p under the music) with broken chords this lullaby will be sure to put you to sleep!

Are you ready for spring to come? Let It (Winter) Go is a cool piece to play now that our students are warmed up with all of the chords in right and left hand.

I value open and honest communication so please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.

Thank you!