Dr. Lynn Dean has been teaching piano for over 50 years (unbelievable, yet true!!) It was about time we took advantage of his great storehouse of knowledge, wisdom and experience!! The only regret...that we didn't have an additional hour to learn all that we could!!
Luckily, Lynn gave us each a great handout with more than 30 sage suggestions and observations regarding teaching and the students that come with it. Having had the privilege of being one of Lynn's students for three years about 5 years ago I can attest he lives by what he taught us. And he always does it in such a fun-loving way!! Here are just a few of his observations, and things we can learn from:
1. C Major is NOT the easiest of the 12 major scales!
2. Ducks are to be kept quiet...or shot!!! (You had to be there for this demonstration!)
3. Students almost always hold onto the last of a series of staccato notes.
4. "Dorkweed" may actually be an appropriate name at times!
5. It's difficult to play legato repeated notes. (Lynn showed us an easy way to teach this skill.)
6. The slower you go, the faster you'll get there.
Once again, our UMTA Chapter meeting sent us home with an improved arsenal of tools to help us become even better at what we do, which helps us AND our students enjoy our time together immensely!
See you next month!!
