Foundation Songs
Lullaby and Ode to Joy – simplified melody lines
Neil Moore, can you answer a question? Why do you leave off a melody note in Lullaby? A lot of my adults are adding it in because they (and me) have heard it that way. Seems like this could easily be added in at the end,…
Permission to print lyrics to SM songs
For a piano party or recital, do we have permission to print lyrics to SM foundation songs? I know the kids know the lyrics, but some non-coach parents, grandparents, and friends may not. I would love for people to sing along with accompaniment pieces especially.…
Incorporating sheet music when students are reading
I’m curious how to handle Foundation/Arrangements once studets are in Level 6 and up when we’re actively reading music at that point. Do I keep the music books closed and work with the pieces from a purely playing-based perspective since students should still watch the…
Star-Spangled Banner substitute songs
I have a pair of siblings in Level 2 who have asked to be exempted from learning the Star-Spangled Banner for religious reasons. I suggested a compromise: they would learn the chords, but SSB would be the only Accompaniment song I do not require they…
Students want to move faster
I’m having some issues with some students that want to move ‘faster’. There’s a lot we’re trying to fit in during a lesson, but for some students it doesn’t feel like enough, at least according to them. Usually with these students, the playlist suffers. Just…
Fur Elise – fingering of 9 Es
How do you teach the fingering for the first three of the 9 Es, 5-5-1 vs 5-1-2 vs any other options? I see that Neil uses 5-5-1. As a child I learned 5-1-2. I’d love to hear thoughts about the pros and cons of these…
“Home” final chord
My student has a question for Neil! The last chord of Home is driving her crazy. She wants to know if you intentionally left it as a “cliff hanger” (her words!). We had an extended conversation about the possible significance (or irony) of ending with…
Shoo Fly – grace notes
I’m in the process of learning Shoo Fly in Level 5. The teacher training video mentions grace notes when demonstrating the right hand, and suggests teaching students later, but I can’t find when/how the grace notes are introduced later. I’d love any help you could…
Pacing of teaching songs starting in Foundation 4
I’d like to hear people’s strategies for stretching out the teaching of Foundation songs starting in about Level 4 beyond the obvious tactic of taking 2-5 or so weeks to learn the entire songs. I’m accustomed to teaching songs at this level and beyond over…
Night Storm alternate lyrics (ending)
Regarding Night Storm in F1, I cannot find even a mention of the “alternate” tailpiece lyrics (snuggle up real tight) which are shown in parentheses just below “listen to the night.” It suddenly occurred to me that no one ever talks about it? Is it…