Student picks up songs quickly
Found in: Playing-Based Methodology, Special Needs & Learning Differences
Corinne S., Georgia
A delightful young adult with autism had his second lesson with me tonight. He loves patterns, numbers, and music, so of course Simply Music i?s a great fit. After playing Night Storm for him once, I told him “This song is all about 2’s. May I take your hand for a minute?” He lifted his hand, set it on the piano, and played the piece — the whole piece without help until the the little “tail” for LH (played fairly smoothly and steadily).
So I’m guessing he just instantly saw those sets and patterns to unfold right away, but I don’t know that. Also he did not use the videos at all last week, so he didn’t peek to get ahead. He can play a little by ear, but not this much. Will it cause any trouble down the line if I don’t backtrack and point out the sets, etc? From what I’ve seen through the end of Foundation 2, he should still be able to cross-pollinate and build on this without it being articulated, correct?
Leeanne I., Australia
I would say that he has picked up the pattern straight away. Night Storm is a very obvious pattern that most can see straight away. I would review it next lesson and ask him to point to the fingers, away from the keyboard, just to see that he understands the pattern.
Kerry V., Australia
The proof is in the practice during the week if he really ‘got it’ or was just able to repeat it then.
Ian M., Indiana
I had a student with autism who liked to play eight adjacent white notes in the bass range while I was explaining how to play the song. I learned that this was not a distraction for him, as he could then play the song more or less perfectly, within the limits of his motor skills. “Paying attention” was different for him.
Corinne S., Georgia
He really did “get it” and improvised a right AND left hand part! Although he knows the correct fingerings, they are not comfortable (his fingers are as wide as the keys), so he can play is using all kinds of finger configurations. Best of all, he walks in saying, “Hi! How are you? Can I play my songs for you?” 🙂
