“What to do” vs “How to do”
Found in: Playing-Based Methodology
Sydney S., Missouri
Separating the “what to do” from the “how to do” – on a basic level, I see this as separating patterns of pitch from rhythm. But I know there is a better analogy for understanding this concept. Anyone have any insight?
Nicole O., California
What to do: what notes or fingers you will use
How to do: what rhythm, expression, tempo you will play these notes/fingers
David F., Nebraska
“What to do” has to do with mechanics, the ingredients of the song, including the right, left, together patterns. “How to do” is what makes it sound like a flowing song.
Susan M., Canada
The hands learn what to do / moving fingers. Very small steps for some students – even telling them fingers go down and then lift up from keys – more mechanical movement than pitch. Once the fingers sort out what to do, the rhythm will emerge naturally. Not sure what analogy – maybe like teaching the five fingers the dance steps before adding the music.
Rochelle G., California
The toddler knows what to do: put one step in front of the other. How to walk with a smooth flowing gait comes after the “what to do” doesn’t have to be thought of so hard anymore.