Christopher had me listen to the Marvel's Avengers Theme. After listening to it a few times the analysis of the music was quiet a simple chord progression similar to the James Bond Theme. His assignment is to learn the chords associated with the music. The melody is not too hard, however we will need to write it down so that he can memorize it in time. The melody also includes arpeggios. Analytically, this is a simple piece, however, the playing of the arpeggios with agility will take time. Hoping the Christopher will be motivated to practice. This was the most enjoyable lesson because his goal will not be hard to attain and he will look so cool to his peers if he is able to master the easy chord progression. I think he can master it in a few weeks. The arpeggios are another matter.

The Chart is a skills activity sheet regarding scales, chords, the different chord positions, major, minor, etc. We will be continuing to do this since it will be easy to analyze music in these terms.

We began our lesson with a review of all the songs Christopher has learned. He did the first few very well, however, he did get confused as to which hand goes first towards the last songs. Eventually he did catch on. He has to be given the benefit of the doubt since there was great merriment due to the fact that it is Halloween. Therefore, we decided that it would be best to keep up with the spirit of the clown. So we discussed tempo, the slowest to the fastest. Christopher had to follow/dance to the changing tempos. Many songs were played and he did very well to keep up with the tempo changes.

Zeta memorized the last of the five songs from the primer book. We then proceed to start the new book. The focus and goal of the new book is to be able to play with both hands at the same time. This is very challenging. Zeta did the first two songs very well, albeit very slowly. Playing slowly is advised since the brain is a computer without a delete button.

Student was absent and unable to take his lesson.

Christopher decides what he wants to do at the beginning of each lesson. I allow that because he is reviewing with more depth of knowledge. When he feels comfortable he then tackles the assignment. We are trying to emphasize that he needs to slow down, and check out the musical landscape before making a decision. He assumes too much and mistakes are made. This was slightly diminished towards the end of the lesson. He finally slowed down and realized that it paid off to just check things out before making a decision.

Zeta finished the book today. She had to memorize the last song, however, she seemed like it was going to be too stressful so we changed gears and learned eight scales and their major chord in Root position. Next week she will finish memorizing the last song, start "The Chart" - a check off list of scales, chords in the major, minor, diminished, augmented, Root position, 1st Inversion, and 2nd Inversion, and Cadence Chords with and without the Dominant Seventh. This sounds like a very difficult exercise when in reality it is nothing more than changing one or two steps. In short, it is easy. When Zeta learns just a few of these she will be able to play just about anything her hand span can achieve.

Christopher completely surprised me today. I thought we were going to pick up where we left off, however he went back to a previously mastered piece of music and played it again. He liked the challenge. We then played "Chimes". He responded well when he was asked to memorize it. There is a technique I use to teach this particular song and he did very well. He should have it memorized by next Thursday.

Zeta did well as always. This time I asked her if she would reconsider playing "Home on the Range". I think she said yes because Ms. Judie had heard it when I played it on Thursday and loved it. She continued with the last two songs in the book. She picked up the second to the last song very easily even though the execution was different from any other song in the book. In reality it is more like real music. The last song in the book requires that the student play both hands together. This is a challenge for every student. She recognized where she needed to concentrate more and it became easier as she applied herself even more. Next Thursday we will finish the book and begin the new book either Thursday or next Monday.

Christopher is improving on his skills. The first new surprise was that we did not have to go over the five questions in order to figure out where we put our fingers. He went to the right key. Occasionally he misses playing the right note because he moves his hand and two fingers are over the same key. Nonetheless, he seemed more confident. Christopher is very hard on himself. If he made a mistake he would start all over again, and again, and again. I have done my best to get him to realize that making mistakes is part of the process. Another surprise today was when we started to learn "Chimes" Christopher applied himself the best I have ever seen him. He focused and concentrated better than ever. Later I realized that another piano student plays "Chimes" often and he has fallen in love with the music and that is the best incentive to play a piece of music. Very proud of him... His confidence is growing!