Your kids are getting so good at finding C Position ("thumb on middle C and a finger for each key!"). I loved seeing them find C position quickly and accurately, play their Firetruck dings, and play the red chord! We also learned the 1st verse of our Halloween song and we'll learn the minor (spooky!) 2nd verse next week. 

Don't forget to let your children play along to the accompaniment tracks! (Numbers given below). Use the app on your phone or the digital downloads - please let me know if you need the link to download them again. (I've had families that have liked putting them on their family ipad/tablet, computer, Yoto player, or another device for easy access by their kids.) In the past I have had students worry about messing up when they play along with the track. This is a great opportunity, as the supportive grown-up in their home, to empathize with feelings of frustration and also help teach perseverance and trying again. And another fun idea is to play it with the track together (ie: parent can play an octave higher or lower, or the parent can play on the same notes but higher on the key closer to the soundboard). Be sure to have them mark a tally for doing their best while playing along, even if they get stuck or mess up!! It is still practice even if they mess up. Practice is NOT meant to be perfect because mistakes are how we learn.

Three Blind Mice (CD tracks #26 & #27)

We can play a Mi Re Do! How fun to be able to play along with the accompaniment tracks! This repetition is great for strengthening fingers, and training ears to hear a melodic ostinato! Make sure they are singing along and playing with the accompaniment tracks to make this even more valuable. If you or anyone plays the guitar, or ukulele, have a jam session and sing along! 

Turtle Shells (CD tracks #20 & #21)

It’s important to understand that a 2nd does not have to always be a C and a D. Any two adjacent white notes are a 2nd. The same thinking goes for 3rds (skip one white key) and 4ths (skip two white keys). Knowing how intervals look on the staff, how they are spaced on the keyboard, and how they sound when played is invaluable ear training and staff reading knowledge! 

CLICK HERE or watch the video below and check out this musician playing "Three Blind Mice" in a round. What beautiful harmony! You can create harmony at home by playing "Three Blind Mice" together. One person plays the MI RE DO ostinato and the other plays the chords. Don't forget to sing along!

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

Thank you!