Foundation Songs
Religious objections to Amazing Grace
Any suggestions on how to approach Amazing Grace being religiously offensive to a family? They are Jewish. AG is such a key component of the program, especially in Accompaniment 1. The mother of my new student is fine with him playing it, but politely insisted…
Struggles with Alma Mater Blues
I need suggestions about an 11-year-old girl in a shared lesson with another 11-year-old. They both benefit from the shared setting (both were private until 2 months ago). She practices more since being in the shared situation, and the other student (a boy) is learning…
Bishop Street chords: identifying and playing with small hands
I’m trying to figure out the I, IV, V chords in Bishop Street Blues. I know how to play it, but what are these chords? What makes it a I, IV, and V? Are the inverted/suspended/diminished chords? I wouldn’t explain it to my students at…
Ode to Joy original rhythm vs long notes
In Ode to Joy, does anyone ever teach the original rhythm rather than holding the long notes? Several of my children have already learned to play it the original way and we all listen to the original song quite frequently. I’m trying to figure out…
Squidgies Boogie chord order
I need some advice on where I can find the altered order of the chords in the 12-bar blues for Squidgies Boogie (Foundation 4). In the teacher training video, Neil said the altered chord order is found in the teacher notes, but I cannot find…
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…
Advance Australia Fair
One of my students asked about Advance Australia Fair, because he saw it as a new addition in the Foundation 2 materials. Is it meant to be optional, a possible alternative to Star Spangled Banner? Or a new addition to Foundation 2? SSB is included…
Order of songs in Foundation 1: Dreams vs Ode
I am wondering why the Foundation 1 book starts with Dreams Come True, a relatively difficult song that requires both hands moving at the same time. Why not start with Ode to Joy, the RH of which is demonstrated in the FIS? In my experience,…
Teaching Dreams Come True
In my initial lesson with adult students, I often will introduce the Basics followed by Dreams Come True. It has become a common theme that people really don’t understand that diagram; I am considering starting with the right hand of Ode to Joy. Sadly I…
Fur Elise 3+3 fingering
One of my Foundation 2 students was wondering re: Fur Elise if she could use just the RH (no LH) for the 3+3 (after the 9 E’s). She said she feels that may be simpler or easier. She did not argue as such, she was…