Development Levels
Moonlight Sonata 9th
Question on Moonlight Sonata. In bar 8 the last beat, the 2 notes are 9th apart. Are we expected to play that in one hand? Here’s how Kerry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9kR8AXLjVo Original discussion started May 4, 2020
Development Levels Required
Is it intended that we WILL DO the Development levels or are they just a source choice of reading material when the Foundation levels are finished? If students begin to source a variety of their own reading material and we are helping them with that,…
Pedaling Bertini Study in Cm (Development 11)
After the student can play the Bertini Study in C minor in Development Level 11 smoothly, how much pedaling would you suggest? Every three RH notes, light pedaling? RH seems nice without pedaling. But the LH chords sound a bit dry without some pedaling support.…
Lack of expressive instructions in classical pieces
I’m wondering why there are no expression, dynamic, or tempo indications in the written music, particularly on classical pieces. It seems to me that especially by the Development levels, wouldn’t that be important for students and to be faithful to what the composer intended? I…
Full version of Bach Minuet in G
Is the full version of Bach’s Minuet in G part of the SM program? How do I get the sheet music for it? I’ve been down a confusing rabbit trail trying to find it online. Yes, it is – In Development 13. There is a…
Teaching Development level songs
I’m wondering of those of you teaching in Development 10 and beyond continue to learn each song off the page? I have done so through Development 12, and could continue but usually have other projects of my own on the go. With my previous piano…
Keeping the playing-based component with reading students
I have some students finishing level 9 and when I look at all the streams they will continue, almost all of them involve reading: Level 10 and up, Jazz Clues (clue 1 and 2), reading project of own choice. If they do composition, I may…
Pauly’s Patter tied notes
In Pauly’s Patter, measure 20, is there a reason why the third chord (on the beat of +3) is written as a tie instead of a quarter note, like the chords before and after it? It would seem that within a measure, it would simplify…
What to do with student who has completed Level 18
What do you do once a student completes level 18? I have one who is closing in on that milestone and it’s both exciting and terrifying! We still have lots we can do in Jazz, Blues Improv, and Accompaniment, but what do you source for…
Retiring songs from playlist
I’m preparing to allow students to retire some pieces from their playlists. I’ve purchased TTMs through Level 9 so I’m familiar with the repertoire to that point. In the Development levels, are there any pieces that build on Foundation pieces? The Gaz and Fur Elise.…