Alma Mater Blues

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Alma Mater Blues Rhythm

(Over time, different teachers have faced situations in which a student finds it challenging to process the Alma Mater Blues rhythm. Here are Neil’s thoughts on how to handle such situations, video posted September 28, 2022. Below his video tip are two representative posts/questions within…

Getting the Humpty “Swing”

I have one student who is really struggling to get the “swing” feel for Alma Mater Blues and also Rocking Honey. It seems for some it comes so naturally, and for others, it’s a huge effort. We verbalise the “here’s humpty dumpty”, we clap the…

Reading Rhythm and Swing

Right now I have several students who are simultaneously going through RR and Accompaniment Variations. As such, it *seems* like a logical step to start including swing rhythm as a variation when learning to read 8th notes (doubles). However, there is not a single discussion…

Learning from Video Demonstration

I have a level one student (7 yo) who learned the whole AMB (2 and 3) by watching the level 1 demo. Argh! Naughty, naughty! I point out to students when they do this, they are missing out on vital learning clues (I don’t tell…

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…

Recital ideas for student with broken arm

I have a very big recital party coming up and a very enthusiastic early level two student that really wants to participate, but she broke her right arm. She is in a shoulder cast so it will need to be left hand only. Anyone have…

CAGE chord question

I have a student who is asking regarding the CAGE chord: why is it called a IV and V chord when it’s not really in the position of IV and V? Maybe say they’re extensions of IV and V., Different shapes for the RH, but…

Playing songs at the correct tempo

One of my adult students is in a valley (or plateau) because even though she can do Alma Mater Blues very well super slowly, she is impatient with herself and she said “I will NEVER be able to play it as quickly as Neil Moore…

Hand position on blues chords

A student asked me if it is okay for her to pull her hand back a bit when switching between chords. She’s learning Alma Mater Blues. Is this a technique no-no, or is it okay? This is on CAGE chords and also on the shift…

Student struggling with rhythm

I have a 9-year-old student who just struggles with rhythm. She can’t keep a simple even beat. With a TON of work she gets it, but it doesn’t always stick. I noticed it in a pronounced way when she was with me in a larger…