Young beginners in my studio often get confused about all the different ways we use numbers on the score. We use finger numbers, we write in counts for the rhythm, we have measure numbers, and we have time signatures. Then there are interval numbers, note value numbers, and so on! I like to show students […]
Finger Numbers, Counting Numbers, Measure Numbers, Oh My! Read More »
There’s a new video up on my YouTube channel! This one is an explainer on how to read intervals quickly. I’m big on intervallic reading with my students, and in this video, you’ll hear how I teach them to move past the stage of counting lines and spaces when identifying intervals by number, and how
New Video and a Free Halloween Piece Read More »
I think I’ve posted before about how much I enjoy using the Sight Reading Pattern Cards at Jennifer Fink’s Pianimation site. (They’re free!) I use them with every beginner starting at about the 4th lesson while they’re still in pre-reading notation as an introduction to how notes move on the staff, and I continue to
Using Sight Reading Pattern Cards and Updates Read More »
Stock photo If you teach with any of the popular method books, you’ve had the following experiences. Student sits down at the piano and asks, “What position am I supposed to use?” before even looking at the notes on the page. Student comes back after a week of supposed work on a piece and says,
Little Eyes and Finger Numbers Read More »
An 8-year-old student cried at her lesson with me last week, and it broke my heart. It hurt that she was sad enough to cry, but I was hurt and annoyed by the problem that precipitated the tears. Here follows a small rant that is probably a little rambling because I’m frustrated and strapped for
Teaching Music Literacy Vs. Teaching Pieces Read More »
