Curriculum
Accompaniment Variations 23 & 24
I’m confused on Accompaniment Variations 23 & 24. Do they only apply to second inversion chords? Neil uses Amazing Grace as an example, so would all the chords be in second inversion through the song, or only the first chord? I couldn’t tell if he’s…
Chord Drill: add9 chord
I really like the Chord Drill program! One question, though: when the add9 chord is inverted, wouldn’t the 9th be on the bottom? Is that not a particularly desirable voicing, because you jump to the 3rd of the chord? Is this because the 6th chords…
What special and supplemental programs correspond with Foundation levels?
Does anyone have an outline of what special and supplemental programs they have students purchase with each level? I am going to do my first FIS next weekend with my current students, and I want to give parents an accurate expectation of how much they…
Scale journey / Value of TFMM
I’m working through Touch of Jazz. Neil mentions using the scale journey to process the notes. Can someone remind me where the scale journey is introduced? Time for More Music? Accompaniment 2? Scale journey is first introduced in TFMM, then expanded on in Accompaniment 2.…
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…
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,…
Chord Drill program
Two of my students emailed me asking about the new Chord Drills program before I had seen the SM email myself! I looked through my emails and the SM website and forum to see if there was info from the teachers’ perspective, but I couldn’t…
Inheriting C#m11 chord from C#m
“I Can Only Imagine” contains a C#m11 chord. Looks like C# in LH, and RH has G#, B, D#, F# in the music. Can y’all help me with how to inherit this chord from C#minor? The RH chord will most likely move down a whole step,…