Integrating Arrangements/Variations with Foundation pieces
Found in: Arrangements & Variations
Joy O., Alabama
I have the teacher training for Arrangements 1, but I’m not sure how to integrate teaching the arrangements with teaching Foundation songs. Is there a published order that we can follow? Experienced teachers, how do you manage teaching Arrangements and Variations?
Cate R., Australia
So they come back with DCT nice and solid, then you might start with a variation. I start with Dreams in D, or Dreams played on black keys. Moving your hand from C to C# gives you Chinese dreams, 5 fingers over 5 black notes, moving from C# to F# will give you Egyptian dreams, I just call them the black 2s and 3s or the black 3s and 2s. and then give them something from arrangements. Give your students enough that they can complete and not fail. It builds their trust in you as a teacher, the SM method and themselves.
Nancy W., Texas
I put the arrangements in order of difficulty. There’s an additional training to purchase and in that the list. I think it’s by Gordon Harvey, supplemental programs, teacher workshop series. It helped me a lot.
Leeanne I., Australia
Joy, please purchase Gordon Harvey’s teacher training series Teaching Arrangements 1 and 2. He has a suggested order, a suggested time to teach them, and how to unfold the teaching. I found them invaluable. It’s in the SM shop.
Neil Moore
I second Leeanne’s comment.
Ian B., California
I agree with Leeanne. Gordon’s training is excellent. I think the best place to start teaching Arrangements is just after Honey Dew as both of the first two arrangements are accompaniments. In addition, the “4-note” chord shape is used in several arrangements and can easily transition into Honey Dew Arr 1.