Happy Leap Day J. W.
Our class went by so fast today - we got a lot done, but not everything that I had planned for you. I'm glad we were working thoroughly though.
Everyone started off by practicing their scales. Level 2: You have 5 scales now to practice. C major, C Pentatonic, C contrary motion, G major, and G pentatonic. Here are a couple of homework exercises you should try in preparation for the assessment tests at the end of term. Brush up on your Roman Numerals I to VII. Major Scale and Scale Degrees and Pentatonic Scale.
Level 1 (Alyx and Peter): You are warming up with C major, hands separately with curved fingers and a steady beat.
Level 2 then went on to practice their songs Daydream Believer (by a band called the Monkees) and Clementine as well as a new song: Ode To Joy.
Practice holding down your left hand notes for their full values, and also watch out for sharps!
Level 1 worked on On top of Old Smokey and the song Get Up. Make sure to count - notice the time signature on the staff at the beginning of the piece. Does it say to count 3 beats or 4 beats in a bar?
Finally we played some concentration and some note naming games in the Theory and Games sections of the Piano Suite software.
Great work!
Friday, February 29
Thursday, February 28
Kingswood School Thurs. Feb. 28 11.40-12.40pm
Todays class was bit too noisy for me. I'd like to have more focussed and productive lunch hours with you - keep in mind that although MusIQ Club is meant to be a fun activity, you are still coming to learn, and I am still your teacher. Remember the three R's - the rules of the class. Respect ME. Respect each other and Respect the equipment and instruments. I hope that next week you will be listening to me more and talking less.
Level 2 reviewed the five scales we learned this term: C major, C contrary motion, C pentatonic, G major and G pentatonic.
Practice these at home. Here is are 2 exercises that you can work on in preparation for assessment test at the end of this term: Major Scale and Scale Degrees and Pentatonic Scale
Review your roman numerals everyone.
We went on to practice our songs: Daydream Believer, Clementine and Happy Birthday.
You can continue practicing Let it be, and if you would like an extra challenge try Ode to Joy with your Piano Suite software at home.
We tried some harder rhythm playbacks today. Remember: Half notes are worth 2 beats. Whole notes are worth 4 beats. Quarter notes are worth 1 beat. Eighth notes are worth 1/2 a beat. How much is a dotted half note worth? (3) and how much is a dotted quarter worth? (1.5)
We clapped a common 'swing' rhythm together: the dotted quarter/eighth.
Laura: You are practicing songs with 3 beats in a bar. We talked about time signatures and you showed me your C major scale with the right hand. Keep working on that left hand! You're sounding great with your three songs: Pop goes the Weasel, On top of Old Smokey and Get Up.
Thanks everyone. See you next time.
Level 2 reviewed the five scales we learned this term: C major, C contrary motion, C pentatonic, G major and G pentatonic.
Practice these at home. Here is are 2 exercises that you can work on in preparation for assessment test at the end of this term: Major Scale and Scale Degrees and Pentatonic Scale
Review your roman numerals everyone.
We went on to practice our songs: Daydream Believer, Clementine and Happy Birthday.
You can continue practicing Let it be, and if you would like an extra challenge try Ode to Joy with your Piano Suite software at home.
We tried some harder rhythm playbacks today. Remember: Half notes are worth 2 beats. Whole notes are worth 4 beats. Quarter notes are worth 1 beat. Eighth notes are worth 1/2 a beat. How much is a dotted half note worth? (3) and how much is a dotted quarter worth? (1.5)
We clapped a common 'swing' rhythm together: the dotted quarter/eighth.
Laura: You are practicing songs with 3 beats in a bar. We talked about time signatures and you showed me your C major scale with the right hand. Keep working on that left hand! You're sounding great with your three songs: Pop goes the Weasel, On top of Old Smokey and Get Up.
Thanks everyone. See you next time.
Wednesday, February 27
BLT Elementary School Wed. Feb. 27 2.00-3.00pm
Today we completed lesson 11 with the Level 1 students and lesson 20 with the Level 2 students.
Level 1: You were learning about 5 finger ant tunnels with your new computer teacher Scott Joplin. Can you remember a couple of things about Scott Joplin's life to tell me for next class? What country is he from? (the U.S.A.) What style of piano music did he write?
Remember that your thumbs are 1 and your little fingers are 5. What are the numbers for the rest of your fingers? (Index -2, Middle -3, Ring - 4).
Practice playing different 3 or 4 note finger patterns on your keyboards at home. Also keep practicing your 4-beat rhythms.
Level 2: You are becoming more and more familiar with musical alphabet. You should know it very well, both backwards and forwards on your piano keyboard without having to look at the letters. When you practice, try to think of what the letter names of the notes are. Set up your hands in middle C position, both thumbs on C. Practice the song 'Love Somebody' and Folk Tunes for Both Hands Together in the library if you have the CMJ software at home.
Good work today.
See you next week.
Level 1: You were learning about 5 finger ant tunnels with your new computer teacher Scott Joplin. Can you remember a couple of things about Scott Joplin's life to tell me for next class? What country is he from? (the U.S.A.) What style of piano music did he write?
Remember that your thumbs are 1 and your little fingers are 5. What are the numbers for the rest of your fingers? (Index -2, Middle -3, Ring - 4).
Practice playing different 3 or 4 note finger patterns on your keyboards at home. Also keep practicing your 4-beat rhythms.
Level 2: You are becoming more and more familiar with musical alphabet. You should know it very well, both backwards and forwards on your piano keyboard without having to look at the letters. When you practice, try to think of what the letter names of the notes are. Set up your hands in middle C position, both thumbs on C. Practice the song 'Love Somebody' and Folk Tunes for Both Hands Together in the library if you have the CMJ software at home.
Good work today.
See you next week.
Tuesday, February 26
Westmount Elementary School Tues. Feb. 26 12.15-1.15pm
Well done today everyone.
Level 1:
You worked on lessons 11 and 12 Mr. Joplin today. Remember Scott Joplin's story? He is a famous African-American composer who lived about a hundred years ago. His piano music was one of the first types of Jazz, and some of the 'ragtime' songs he wrote, like 'the Entertainer' are still very popular today.
You learned about five-finger ant tunnels with Mr. Joplin. Keep your fingers curved and on their tips so the tunnel of ants can go under your hand. Remember that each finger has a number: thumbs are 1, index fingers are 2, middle fingers are 3, ring fingers are 4 and pinky fingers are five!
Practice doing finger number playbacks with your Mom or Dad at home the same way we did in class. Place both thumbs on middle C.
If you have the CMJ software at home, review lesson 12 and practice Folk tunes for the right hand on the computer in the library. Also, play the Cliffhanger game to practice notes getting higher and higher, and notes getting lower and lower.
Level 2:
You completed lessons 18 and 19 today. You're now learning about grown-up notes with Miss Mendelssohn. Remember to set your hands in Middle C position when you play your songs. Notice where your fingers are stepping up or stepping down. Do you see how the notes get higher or lower, based on the line where Middle C is?
When the stems (or 'tails') of the grown-up notes are going up, you should play high notes with your right hand. When they are going down, play low notes with the left hand.
You should also notice that the notes step up or down by line and space. Do you see how there are some notes on lines, and some notes on spaces?
What kind of note is middle C? A line note or a space note?
Practice 'Mary had a big fat sheep' at home on your piano this week. Here are the finger numbers for the left hand in Middle C position:
L.H. 3-4-5-4-3-3-3--
4-4-4--
3-1-1--
3-4-5-4-3-3-3--
4-4-3-4-5----
If you have the CMJ software at home, please practice Folk tunes for hands together on the computer in the library, and also Love Somebody (click on the lessons and practice book in the library).
At the end of class I gave everyone a rhythm to play back to me on the hand drum. All of you did an AMAZING job at clapping 4 beat rhythms to me. I was extremely impressed.
We have some talented young pianists in this bunch.
See you next time!
Level 1:
You worked on lessons 11 and 12 Mr. Joplin today. Remember Scott Joplin's story? He is a famous African-American composer who lived about a hundred years ago. His piano music was one of the first types of Jazz, and some of the 'ragtime' songs he wrote, like 'the Entertainer' are still very popular today.
You learned about five-finger ant tunnels with Mr. Joplin. Keep your fingers curved and on their tips so the tunnel of ants can go under your hand. Remember that each finger has a number: thumbs are 1, index fingers are 2, middle fingers are 3, ring fingers are 4 and pinky fingers are five!
Practice doing finger number playbacks with your Mom or Dad at home the same way we did in class. Place both thumbs on middle C.
If you have the CMJ software at home, review lesson 12 and practice Folk tunes for the right hand on the computer in the library. Also, play the Cliffhanger game to practice notes getting higher and higher, and notes getting lower and lower.
Level 2:
You completed lessons 18 and 19 today. You're now learning about grown-up notes with Miss Mendelssohn. Remember to set your hands in Middle C position when you play your songs. Notice where your fingers are stepping up or stepping down. Do you see how the notes get higher or lower, based on the line where Middle C is?
When the stems (or 'tails') of the grown-up notes are going up, you should play high notes with your right hand. When they are going down, play low notes with the left hand.
You should also notice that the notes step up or down by line and space. Do you see how there are some notes on lines, and some notes on spaces?
What kind of note is middle C? A line note or a space note?
Practice 'Mary had a big fat sheep' at home on your piano this week. Here are the finger numbers for the left hand in Middle C position:
L.H. 3-4-5-4-3-3-3--
4-4-4--
3-1-1--
3-4-5-4-3-3-3--
4-4-3-4-5----
If you have the CMJ software at home, please practice Folk tunes for hands together on the computer in the library, and also Love Somebody (click on the lessons and practice book in the library).
At the end of class I gave everyone a rhythm to play back to me on the hand drum. All of you did an AMAZING job at clapping 4 beat rhythms to me. I was extremely impressed.
We have some talented young pianists in this bunch.
See you next time!
Monday, February 25
Fleming Tower Elementary School Mon. Feb. 25 2.15-3.15pm
Class went very well today.
Lauren and Breagh:
You completed lessons 7 and 8 with Mr. Bach today. You're learning about Double Notes - playing a high note with your right hand and a low note with your left hand, at the same time. Great work taking turns with the lesson and practice. You also learned about notes getting higher and higher and lower and lower. This means you have to start at Middle C, and then play a medium high/low note, then a very high/low note. Review lesson 8 if you have the CMJ software at home. Your rhythms are coming along nicely - make sure to keep your wrists up and fingers curved when you play your songs.
Aly, Jansyn, Reese, Brianna, Noah, Sergio, Vinny, Christopher, Jared and Fernando:
You completed lesson 17 today with Miss Mendelssohn. Some of you finished early and started working on lesson 18. For homework, I would like everyone who has the CMJ software at home to select a Hands Together song from the computer in the Library to practice. Try to play it 'legato' (smoothly) and with different 'dynamics' (loud and soft). Let me know next time if you have a song to perform for me and the class! When you play, try to think of the letter name for each key. Also, keep track of which finger number you are using.
All of you are doing a wonderful job of playing with both thumbs in Middle C position.
I'm very impressed with how far you've come along with your piano lessons.
At the end of class, I played 4-beat rhythms on my hand drum for you. Rhythms are a specialty in this class. Some of you can clap back some pretty complicated rhythms to me.
Good work everyone. Here is a game for you to try out for fun - it is to test your ears, and your memory, at the keyboard: Piano Memory Game
Lauren and Breagh:
You completed lessons 7 and 8 with Mr. Bach today. You're learning about Double Notes - playing a high note with your right hand and a low note with your left hand, at the same time. Great work taking turns with the lesson and practice. You also learned about notes getting higher and higher and lower and lower. This means you have to start at Middle C, and then play a medium high/low note, then a very high/low note. Review lesson 8 if you have the CMJ software at home. Your rhythms are coming along nicely - make sure to keep your wrists up and fingers curved when you play your songs.
Aly, Jansyn, Reese, Brianna, Noah, Sergio, Vinny, Christopher, Jared and Fernando:
You completed lesson 17 today with Miss Mendelssohn. Some of you finished early and started working on lesson 18. For homework, I would like everyone who has the CMJ software at home to select a Hands Together song from the computer in the Library to practice. Try to play it 'legato' (smoothly) and with different 'dynamics' (loud and soft). Let me know next time if you have a song to perform for me and the class! When you play, try to think of the letter name for each key. Also, keep track of which finger number you are using.
All of you are doing a wonderful job of playing with both thumbs in Middle C position.
I'm very impressed with how far you've come along with your piano lessons.
At the end of class, I played 4-beat rhythms on my hand drum for you. Rhythms are a specialty in this class. Some of you can clap back some pretty complicated rhythms to me.
Good work everyone. Here is a game for you to try out for fun - it is to test your ears, and your memory, at the keyboard: Piano Memory Game
Wednesday, February 20
BLT Elementary School Thurs. Feb. 20 2.00-3.00pm
Nice to see you again.
For the information of parents:
When class is canceled due to the weather we will try to make up the class if possible at the end of the term. If we can't, then we will give a refund for the class or classes missed.
Today we learned many new things and had lots of fun.
Level 1:
You completed lessons 9 and 10 with Mr. Bach - Notes getting higher and higher, and notes getting lower and lower. It's always a good idea to start at middle C when you want to get higher or lower. Remember to use medium high notes and very high notes, as well as medium low notes and very low notes. There are extra songs for you to practice on the computer in the Library, if you have the CMJ software at home. See if you can learn a few of them really well to show me next week. Keep your fingers curved and wrists up.
Level 2:
You completed lesson 18 and 19 with Miss Mendelssohn. You're now reading 'grown-up notes'. When you see a note with a stem going down, play it with your left hand. When the stem is going up, play it with your right hand. Make sure to place both thumbs on C for 'Middle C position'. Practice naming the notes for each finger 5-4-3-2-1 and 1-2-3-4-5. You can exercise your fingers by playing different 4 note patterns, like we practiced in class. Think of 4 finger numbers and then play them in order keeping a steady beat.
We'll talk more about grown-up notes next time. All of you are doing very well with your ear training games. Today Cameron was able to find every piece of treasure (10 out of 10) on his first or second try by recognizing the sounds of high notes and low notes.
At the end of class I played some 4-beat rhythms on my hand drum for the level 1 students and some stepping and skipping melodies on my violin for the level 2 students.
Excellent work guys.
Have a good week!
For the information of parents:
When class is canceled due to the weather we will try to make up the class if possible at the end of the term. If we can't, then we will give a refund for the class or classes missed.
Today we learned many new things and had lots of fun.
Level 1:
You completed lessons 9 and 10 with Mr. Bach - Notes getting higher and higher, and notes getting lower and lower. It's always a good idea to start at middle C when you want to get higher or lower. Remember to use medium high notes and very high notes, as well as medium low notes and very low notes. There are extra songs for you to practice on the computer in the Library, if you have the CMJ software at home. See if you can learn a few of them really well to show me next week. Keep your fingers curved and wrists up.
Level 2:
You completed lesson 18 and 19 with Miss Mendelssohn. You're now reading 'grown-up notes'. When you see a note with a stem going down, play it with your left hand. When the stem is going up, play it with your right hand. Make sure to place both thumbs on C for 'Middle C position'. Practice naming the notes for each finger 5-4-3-2-1 and 1-2-3-4-5. You can exercise your fingers by playing different 4 note patterns, like we practiced in class. Think of 4 finger numbers and then play them in order keeping a steady beat.
We'll talk more about grown-up notes next time. All of you are doing very well with your ear training games. Today Cameron was able to find every piece of treasure (10 out of 10) on his first or second try by recognizing the sounds of high notes and low notes.
At the end of class I played some 4-beat rhythms on my hand drum for the level 1 students and some stepping and skipping melodies on my violin for the level 2 students.
Excellent work guys.
Have a good week!
Tuesday, February 19
Westmount Elementary School Tues. Feb. 19 12.15-1.15pm
We had an excellent class today.
Level 1: You completed lessons 10 and 11 today. You learned about notes getting higher and higher and about five finger ant tunnels! Remember that you must start at middle C, and get higher or lower gradually. Remember to use medium high and medium low notes. Review lesson 11 with your new computer teacher Mr. Scott Joplin at home, if you have the CMJ software. You can also practice Folk tunes for the Right Hand on the computer in the Library.
Parents, you can practice rhythm playbacks with your child at home. Just clap a 4 beat pattern: 1-2-3-4. Mix it up by adding some notes that are twice as fast. For example: 1-2-3+4-. (We could say the phrase 'When Is Supper Time' to this rhythm.) Try different combinations of 4 beat rhythms, and have your son and/or daughter clap it back to you.
Here is a maze for you to print off: Jazz Music Maze
Try it, for fun if you like, and let me know what you find.
Level 2: You completed lesson 18 and part of lesson 19 today. For practice, you should complete lesson 19 at home, if you have the CMJ software. We are now playing with Grown Up Notes.
Miss Mendelssohn is showing us how to use middle C position every week, and is helping us to know our musical alphabet both forwards and backwards!
Practice naming those keys backwards at home.
I'd like everyone to play the Cliffhanger ear training game, and the Treasure Hunt game at home as well. Also, practice the Folk tunes for Both Hands on the computer in the Library.
Aoiffe, Maddie, Lidya, Sophia, Josie and Morgan have been putting forth their absolute best effort and it's wonderful to see how much they've learned over the year.
Parents, here is an exercise you can practice with them, even if you don't have a piano. Have them sit with both thumbs just next to each other - 'on middle C'.
Call out, 'Right hand' or 'left hand' and then a sequence of 3 or 4 numbers between 1 and 5.
For example: RH. 1-3-5, or LH. 2-3-4-1, or RH. 4-3-2-5
It helps to sing the numbers, so they can hear if they are getting higher or lower.
Remember that thumbs are 1 and pinkies are 5, for both hands.
Have fun playing this week!
Level 1: You completed lessons 10 and 11 today. You learned about notes getting higher and higher and about five finger ant tunnels! Remember that you must start at middle C, and get higher or lower gradually. Remember to use medium high and medium low notes. Review lesson 11 with your new computer teacher Mr. Scott Joplin at home, if you have the CMJ software. You can also practice Folk tunes for the Right Hand on the computer in the Library.
Parents, you can practice rhythm playbacks with your child at home. Just clap a 4 beat pattern: 1-2-3-4. Mix it up by adding some notes that are twice as fast. For example: 1-2-3+4-. (We could say the phrase 'When Is Supper Time' to this rhythm.) Try different combinations of 4 beat rhythms, and have your son and/or daughter clap it back to you.
Here is a maze for you to print off: Jazz Music Maze
Try it, for fun if you like, and let me know what you find.
Level 2: You completed lesson 18 and part of lesson 19 today. For practice, you should complete lesson 19 at home, if you have the CMJ software. We are now playing with Grown Up Notes.
Miss Mendelssohn is showing us how to use middle C position every week, and is helping us to know our musical alphabet both forwards and backwards!
Practice naming those keys backwards at home.
I'd like everyone to play the Cliffhanger ear training game, and the Treasure Hunt game at home as well. Also, practice the Folk tunes for Both Hands on the computer in the Library.
Aoiffe, Maddie, Lidya, Sophia, Josie and Morgan have been putting forth their absolute best effort and it's wonderful to see how much they've learned over the year.
Parents, here is an exercise you can practice with them, even if you don't have a piano. Have them sit with both thumbs just next to each other - 'on middle C'.
Call out, 'Right hand' or 'left hand' and then a sequence of 3 or 4 numbers between 1 and 5.
For example: RH. 1-3-5, or LH. 2-3-4-1, or RH. 4-3-2-5
It helps to sing the numbers, so they can hear if they are getting higher or lower.
Remember that thumbs are 1 and pinkies are 5, for both hands.
Have fun playing this week!
Monday, February 18
Fleming Tower Elementary School Mon. Feb. 18 2.15-3.15pm
Hello Fleming Tower - It's been a while!
First off, I'd like to let everyone know that if you haven't yet received your certificate for MusIQ Club Children's Music Journey Level 1 for last term, you should come pick it up from me next Monday, Feb. 25th.
Level 2: You completed Lesson 17 and most of Lesson 18 with Miss Mendelssohn. I was delighted to see Aly and Jansyn working so well together today! Vinny, you and Fernando are forging ahead really well too. Thanks Fernando, for helping Vinny catch up to the 2nd level. This class has been so enthusiastic and cooperative lately - It's been a pleasure to teach them.
Here is a game that everyone can play at home, even those of you who don't have the CMJ software at home: MAZE TO PRINT
You've met this composer before - do you remember his name? See if you can tell me for next week.
If you do have the CMJ software at home, review lesson 17 and complete lesson 18. You are learning about Middle C position and moving by steps and skips. You should also practice Folk tunes for the Left hand on the computer in the library. There is a whole list of them for you to try out. Pick one, and try playing it at least 4 times, keeping a steady beat and a curved finger hand position.
Level 1: Breagh and Lauren are doing excellent together. Today they completed lessons 7 and 8 with Mr. Bach. They reviewed holding notes and learned about a piece of music in their Practice session. Do you remember what it was called?
The four seasons by Vivaldi. Here is a MAZE FOR YOU TO PRINT as well.
I played some rhythm challenges for them. They both have a great ear for keeping time. Make sure to count in groups of four beats when you listen to rhythm challenges. Also, count the beats when you're playing holding notes, and double notes with the songs you've been practicing. Remember to use your Right hand for high notes, and left hand for low notes.
Either hand can play middle C.
Have fun this week everyone.
First off, I'd like to let everyone know that if you haven't yet received your certificate for MusIQ Club Children's Music Journey Level 1 for last term, you should come pick it up from me next Monday, Feb. 25th.
Level 2: You completed Lesson 17 and most of Lesson 18 with Miss Mendelssohn. I was delighted to see Aly and Jansyn working so well together today! Vinny, you and Fernando are forging ahead really well too. Thanks Fernando, for helping Vinny catch up to the 2nd level. This class has been so enthusiastic and cooperative lately - It's been a pleasure to teach them.
Here is a game that everyone can play at home, even those of you who don't have the CMJ software at home: MAZE TO PRINT
You've met this composer before - do you remember his name? See if you can tell me for next week.
If you do have the CMJ software at home, review lesson 17 and complete lesson 18. You are learning about Middle C position and moving by steps and skips. You should also practice Folk tunes for the Left hand on the computer in the library. There is a whole list of them for you to try out. Pick one, and try playing it at least 4 times, keeping a steady beat and a curved finger hand position.
Level 1: Breagh and Lauren are doing excellent together. Today they completed lessons 7 and 8 with Mr. Bach. They reviewed holding notes and learned about a piece of music in their Practice session. Do you remember what it was called?
The four seasons by Vivaldi. Here is a MAZE FOR YOU TO PRINT as well.
I played some rhythm challenges for them. They both have a great ear for keeping time. Make sure to count in groups of four beats when you listen to rhythm challenges. Also, count the beats when you're playing holding notes, and double notes with the songs you've been practicing. Remember to use your Right hand for high notes, and left hand for low notes.
Either hand can play middle C.
Have fun this week everyone.
Friday, February 15
J. W. MacLeod Elementary School Fri. Feb. 15 2.45-3.45pm
Well done today J. W.
We missed you Chloe and Victoria. I'll help you catch up with everything we did next week.
Our new scale today was G pentatonic.
The G pentatonic scale uses scale degrees I. II. III, V and VI. No IV and no VII, just like in the C pentatonic scale.
We can use the fingers 1-2-3-4-5 beginning on G to play this five note scale. Remember to jump, over the IV note - there will be a space between your 3rd and 4th fingers.
Here are the homework sheets from the C major/pentatonic scales that we've covered. Please complete them next class if you haven't already: C major, C pentatonic.
You should also practice your G major scale from last week. Remember to make the VII note sharp.
Your songs this week are: Let it be, Happy Birthday, Clementine and your new song Daydream Believer.
Remember to keep a steady beat, holding the notes for the correct values.
Alyx and Peter:
Great work today. You played C major scales, and did a lesson review of note values and time signatures in the Theory Thinker.
You practiced rhythm exercises and then worked on your songs: Old Grey Goose, Twinkle Twinkle, Pop goes the weasel and On top of Old Smokey. Click on the links to print off the sheet music. I'd like you to practice counting and keeping a curved finger hand position.
Finally, we played some melody playback and rhythm playback games. Peter and Alyx also played some Grand Staff spelling games.
Have a great week everyone!
We missed you Chloe and Victoria. I'll help you catch up with everything we did next week.
Our new scale today was G pentatonic.
The G pentatonic scale uses scale degrees I. II. III, V and VI. No IV and no VII, just like in the C pentatonic scale.
We can use the fingers 1-2-3-4-5 beginning on G to play this five note scale. Remember to jump, over the IV note - there will be a space between your 3rd and 4th fingers.
Here are the homework sheets from the C major/pentatonic scales that we've covered. Please complete them next class if you haven't already: C major, C pentatonic.
You should also practice your G major scale from last week. Remember to make the VII note sharp.
Your songs this week are: Let it be, Happy Birthday, Clementine and your new song Daydream Believer.
Remember to keep a steady beat, holding the notes for the correct values.
Alyx and Peter:
Great work today. You played C major scales, and did a lesson review of note values and time signatures in the Theory Thinker.
You practiced rhythm exercises and then worked on your songs: Old Grey Goose, Twinkle Twinkle, Pop goes the weasel and On top of Old Smokey. Click on the links to print off the sheet music. I'd like you to practice counting and keeping a curved finger hand position.
Finally, we played some melody playback and rhythm playback games. Peter and Alyx also played some Grand Staff spelling games.
Have a great week everyone!
Thursday, February 14
Kingswood School Thurs. Feb. 14 11.40-12.40pm
Happy Valentine's day.
We had a great class. Today we learned a new scale: G major.
The key of G major has one sharp. A sharp is a symbol that looks like this #
When you see this symbol in front of a note in music, it raises that note by one semitone.
A semitone is the smallest interval (distance between two notes) on your keyboard. For example, if you play a C# (raise it by one semitone), you will play it as the black key directly above the note C.
In the key of G major, there is one sharp. It is the VII note of the scale - F.
When you play your G major scale, use the same fingering as your C major scale, but when you get to the VII note, play the black key above F. We call this F#.
Laura, keep practicing your C major scale hand separately, and review the chapter 1-2 in Theory Thinker, if you have the Piano Suite software at home.
Do the exercises for note values. Quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, and so on.
Next we practiced our songs: Let it Be and Happy Birthday, and learned a new song, Clementine. (Aidan had a head start on this last week - nice work).
Laura, you should practice Old Grey Goose, Twinkle Twinkle and Pop goes the weasel.
Remember to keep a steady beat, and curved fingers. In Pop goes the weasel, you have to count 3 beats per bar.
Finally, we played some games to strength your melody playback skills, and Laura played some note naming and rhythm playback games.
Excellent job today. Guys, we had such a busy class that I forgot to return some of your tests at the bell. I'll hand them back to you at the beginning of class next week.
Thanks!!
We had a great class. Today we learned a new scale: G major.
The key of G major has one sharp. A sharp is a symbol that looks like this #
When you see this symbol in front of a note in music, it raises that note by one semitone.
A semitone is the smallest interval (distance between two notes) on your keyboard. For example, if you play a C# (raise it by one semitone), you will play it as the black key directly above the note C.
In the key of G major, there is one sharp. It is the VII note of the scale - F.
When you play your G major scale, use the same fingering as your C major scale, but when you get to the VII note, play the black key above F. We call this F#.
Laura, keep practicing your C major scale hand separately, and review the chapter 1-2 in Theory Thinker, if you have the Piano Suite software at home.
Do the exercises for note values. Quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, and so on.
Next we practiced our songs: Let it Be and Happy Birthday, and learned a new song, Clementine. (Aidan had a head start on this last week - nice work).
Laura, you should practice Old Grey Goose, Twinkle Twinkle and Pop goes the weasel.
Remember to keep a steady beat, and curved fingers. In Pop goes the weasel, you have to count 3 beats per bar.
Finally, we played some games to strength your melody playback skills, and Laura played some note naming and rhythm playback games.
Excellent job today. Guys, we had such a busy class that I forgot to return some of your tests at the bell. I'll hand them back to you at the beginning of class next week.
Thanks!!
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