Christopher had made a story board using the characters from the Super Mario video game. He even had a cast of characters board. I suggested that we compose original music. I asked him many questions so as to ascertain the scope of what the scenario might be. Then played music to resemble the character's personality and interactions with other characters. I asked Christopher to make a "Libretto" - story -using his story board and we would compose music to reflect his story line. That seemed to capture his attention. I played different small pieces of music to reflect the personalities and interactions of his story board. This is just another vehicle for teaching the sound of chords reflecting the mood and character of the characters in a story.

Zeta played "Must Be Santa" pretty well, however, it is a lively piece and needs practice to pick up the speed. We then learn "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town".. It was harder than we imagined because of all the hand position changes. Zeta prevailed and played it through without complaining. She does need to practice. I've been trying to give her pieces that she might enjoy. If you can relate a specific song she is interested in then I'll make sure we learn it.

Christopher missed two lessons and forgot what he had learned. On the other hand he seemed to be more focused so as to catch up to where he was before. We learned that the three chords he had to play had similar notes and that the thumb was playing the three notes in chromatic form -- one key or semi-tone up from the last then returning the same way. When Christopher saw the simple repetition we were able to add the right hand. The right hand was the same note only it was rhythmic. Since he knows the rhythm it became very easy. We then approached the Teaching Little Fingers to Play book. He played "Good King Wenceslas" again. He had already received a check for playing it correctly, however, it probably was to help him get oriented to reading music again. We then did "Lazy Mary". He accomplished this piece in record time. The next one was "Air" by Josef Hayden. Hayden was a rascal and Christopher seemed to enjoy the fact that he had been thrown out of his parents' home when he had pulled too many pranks. I told him that Haydn eventually learned how to use his sense of humor in a socially acceptable manner. I promised to tell him more stories of how Haydn was able to get his point across using his sense of humor. There are many stories about him and I'm hoping that Christopher understands that it is good to be unique.

Zeta played "Frosty the Snowman". We used this song as an example of analyzing the chords in a simple song. It really does not become simple until you have had someone analyze it for you several times. Due to repetition the student picks it up. The reason we decided to analyze the music is because "Frosty" is a favorite song people sing, If one tries to play both the melody and notes the singers overtake and the pianist is stressed out trying to keep up with them. The easy solution is to just play the chords. In Zeta's case, we decided that she should just play the Tonic of each chord -- the first member of the chord -- i.e. the tonic of the C chord is C. This is really simple and everyone has a great time.

Christopher was sick and not in school today.

Zeta played "Must be Santa" many times. We discussed the speed it should be -- she needs to practice more so that the piece is "a tempo". We also discussed that she is an artist and can have poetic license when it comes to expression and changing the range of notes. It does not always have to be played as exactly written. One can add more notes, change the register, etc. Use your imagination. We later decided that she would learn "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" next week.

Christopher went home sick.

Zeta was given four Christmas song books from which to choose. She chose the best one. It has a variety of songs and we played two of them today. We have put in an order for her book and it should arrive next week. Zeta picked "Frosty the Snowman" and another song "Must be Santa", that is not well known but I think it looked easy to her.

Christopher resisted learning the three chords, however, when presented in a simple manner of only two notes in the left hand -- resembling the James Bond Theme -- he didn't resist. Christopher made an honest effort and I think surprised himself. We decided to concentrate on the left hand and then focused on the right hand's rhythmic one note accompaniment. This is just the beginning there is more to learn. One matter I hope was solved. He kept saying that he couldn't. The mantra to tell oneself is "I'll do my best". Also, again the characteristics of tenacity, resiliency, and being persistent were emphasized.

Zeta did the fingering for the first of two songs we endeavored. She soon realized that the left hand was incorrect. I told her that is how we learn and notot to beat herself up. Of course she puts pressure on herself. We played two complete songs and started a third. We'll finish it on Thursday. We will be starting Christmas music very shortly and hope she finds it relevant and beautiful. Of course, the moment that her peers start to sing to her music she will get a thrill.