Today, Arianna learned about the composer Tchaikovsky. We discussed his period of classical music, the romantic period. Arianna listened to pieces from The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, as well as the "Sleeping Beauty Waltz." We also discussed the term "waltz." Additionally, we reviewed note values, and played in the Bastien method primer.
Today we practiced "March of the Marionette" and worked on the piece's timing and dynamics. We also practiced "Russian Dance" and discussed the piece's accents and staccatos. We reviewed Gwendolyn's repertoire, and practiced a C chromatic run for right hand.
Today we discussed rhythm extensively. We practiced identifying, counting, and applying various rhythm patterns. We practiced several pieces in the Faber Performance book, and reviewed G position.
Today we practiced "Egyptian Dance." In doing so, we addressed counting, and staccato versus legato touches. We reviewed "Toccata in D" from memory and discussed the piece's fermatas and ties. We also learned more of "Pink Panther" by rote.
Today we discussed the difference in sound between major and minor pieces. Gracyn listened to several pieces in minor keys. We did some improvisational playing, and played through several pieces in the Bastien primer. We also practiced "It's a Small World."
We began with the music alphabet, with focus on descending order.
We also reviewed note values and names. Gracyn listened to several classical pieces, and we discussed their composers and periods of classical music, including Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and the classical and romantic periods.
We began with the previously-learned section of Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King," which Ben played nicely. We then learned an additional phrase of the piece. Next we discussed the pedals' uses and reviewed finger numbers, note names and values, middle C position for hands apart, the black-key groups, and the C-D-E white-key groups. Today we also introduced the F-G-A-B white-key groups, and played pages 15-17 in the Bastien Method primer.
First, we warmed up with scales and reviewed the mnemonic for sharps. Then we played "Radestky March," both from the music and by memory. Stephen played the piece very well and earned his completion sticker. Next we practiced Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," hands separately and together. Finally, we practiced a right-hand chromatic run up the entire length of the keyboard.
Today we did an extensive review covering the keyboard, high and low tones, finger numbers, note names and values, black key groups, C-D-E groups, measures, double bar lines, and technique. We also played pages 10-11 in the Bastien primer, and practiced identifying and playing various rhythms.
