At our K-3rd Grade Group Piano Lessons, students learned finger warm ups and performed for each other. Students listened for the variety of dynamics, tempos, and articulations used in each performance. Afterwards, we played a magnetic music vocabulary sorting game. The sorting categories were dynamics, tempo, and articulations. Then we played “Headbands” to review our new vocabulary words. During the last few minutes of class, students created covers for their piano binders and ate a snack.
At our 4th-7th Grade Group Piano Lessons, we reviewed finger warm ups, performed for each other and used critical listening skills to give feedback to each other about their dynamics, tempo, and articulations. Afterwards, we played “Sparkle” to practice spelling pentascales and triads. Towards the end of class, we played “Headbands” to review music vocabulary and ate a snack.
At our 8th-12th Grade Group Piano Lesson this week, students reviewed finger warm ups, performed, and practiced listening critically and giving constructive feedback to each other. After performing, we played “Sparkle” to review the order of sharps and flats, and key signatures. Towards the end of class we played “Headbands” to review music vocabulary and ate a snack.
On April 18, 2017, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my favorite composers: Dennis Alexander. He debuted a new duet and presented a piano pedagogy workshop at Schmitt Music, covering teaching topics such as composition, playing by ear, and engaging students of all levels with quality repertoire.
