Tuesday, January 10, 2017

GREAT PIECES & TEACHING TIPS

January's Chapter Meeting was inspired by our last chapter meeting...wanting more tips from teachers on some of their favorite repertoire to teach.

Patrice Hunt - Buzzing Bee by Nevin and The Great Smoky Mountains by Glover
Both of these pieces are easily taught by rote, initially.  Within five minutes a student can play the first page slowly...and memorized.  Often, when he sees the music of what he has just been playing, he is very surprised.  There are a LOT of notes on the pages so at first glance a student can feel intimidated.  Both pieces are fun to learn and to perform!

Caroline Jennings - Melody by Khatchaturian and The Cat and the Mouse by Copland
A handout was given with specifi suggestions for different areas of each piece.  I loved the reminder of The Cat and the Mouse as repertoire, and pulled out my very old copy to start using with my students!

Rebecca Boehm - Puck by Grieg
Rebecca shared many of the patterns that make learning this piece much easier.

Rachel France - Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum by Debussy and Playful Puppy - Linda Niamath - Royal Conservatory Celebration Prep Book
Rachel's choice of repertoire was very helpful and inspiring.  The Playful Puppy was fun and easy, great for younger students.  Doctor Gradus was another piece that is good to include in our teaching repertoire!

If you missed this meeting, you missed some great ideas and suggestions!  See you next month!