Accompaniment
When to Teach Happy Birthday
Question: I have just signed on a Special Needs student. She is 9 years old. Her favorite song is Happy Birthday. Mum said they play that every day! I know we normally teach this at the end of Foundation Level 1 but I would like…
Teaching Blues & Accompaniment to a Reader
I have a potential adult student with a traditional/classical piano background (grade 7 RCM) interested in broadening her music education. She would want to learn the blues and accompaniment streams. Is there a way to use the simply music materials to someone who already knows…
When to Start Accompaniment 2
I would like to ask your advice on exactly when to start Acc. 2. As you know, the pre-reqs obviously include Acc 1: all triads in all keys, ratios, inheriting all contemp chords, ability to identify and transpose I, IV, V in all keys, ability…
Current Pop Songs with Piano
I’m looking at what to suggest this Fall for my students who are playing with my Band in Spring concert. Some have their own ideas, which is best. For those who don’t– does anyone have ideas for current or somewhat current rock songs that feature…
Challenges with 3 note Chord
Greetings – I’ve got a 7 yr old student who is in week 12 or so of lessons, half way through Foundation 1, who has extreme difficulty playing finger 3 of a 3 note chord. He usually only plays a 2 note chord with finger…
Accompaniment Workshops
I would like to arrange for an accompaniment event for my students to play with a small band (drummer, bass, guitar, singer). It seems that at least one teacher has paved the way with this type of event, and I’m open to suggestions as to…
Accompaniment Performance ‘Workshop’
Carry Madison and I hosted an Accompaniment ‘Workshop’ at our studio yesterday and we wanted to share because it was so wonderful! A few months ago I started playing on the Worship Team at my church and had such a great time that I realized…
Teaching Diminished 7th Chords
Is there an easy way to teach diminished 7th chords? Is it a 4-note chord? I’m thinking in terms of the way we teach chords with half and whole steps related to the triangle. Good question. The accompaniment program chord diagrams are intended to teach…
When Students Want to Learn Other Music
What is the best way to handle when students request or bring in other music? I think this might have been a topic a while back! A girl brought in a pop song the other day and asked if she could learn it! I’ve never…
Lead Sheets
I’ve just finished teaching honeydew with a group of 10-12 year olds and I would like to offer them some extra songs that they could play at home. I know some of you have a library of extra music and I’m thinking of starting something…