April 18, 2022

We are learning a new key (the key of e minor) so it’s time to pass off the key of A Major. These last two keys will need to be passed off via video, so when your child is ready make a recording and send it to me. Here’s what I’m looking for:

• To earn scales (one for hands separately, two for hands together):

  • SCALE played with steady beat, correct fingering, and correct notes (remember the 3 sharps)

• To earn a key:

  • TRIADS played with a steady beat, correct fingering, and correct notes

  • CHORD PROGRESSIONS played with a steady beat, correct fingering, and correct notes

  • ARPEGGIOS played with a steady beat, correct fingering, and correct notes

  • INVERSIONS played with a steady beat, correct fingering, and correct notes

(*Something that will really help keep a steady beat is to play the above with the audio tracks.)

For the key of e minor, just start on the SCALE and TRIADS this week.

The recital pieces are sounding nice. I assigned everyone something specific to work on for their song.

Let me know if anything needs changed in your child’s chord composition.

March 29, 2022

Our latest key is A Major! It has three sharps, but after mastering the other keys it will come pretty easily. :) We’ll learn to play Camptown Races with the triads of A Major. (Notes in 1st video.) Each child is working on a composition based on Chord Progressions. We’ve started it in class, but they will need to work on it at home. Here is a video (2nd video) that explains how we use Chord Tones and Passing Tones to make a melody.

February 2, 2022

We are starting a new key this week (D Major). Watch this video for tips on the scale and triads. Also, we are learning about chord progressions with the fun song, Heart & Soul. This is the technique we will be using when they compose their own song in the coming months. :)

January 4, 2022

Yesterday I sent home a physical calendar with the adjustments. Check the binder :) You can access a digital copy in the December 9th notes.

We start a new set of flashcards this week: Tempo Terms Set 1. Have a great week!

December 9, 2021

I have adjusted the Bridge calendar and you can access it by clicking HERE. I will send home a physical copy on Monday. We still have a couple more Masterclasses in the schedule but they will be full. I may ask you to record some songs at home and send them to me if we run out of time. Also, we will be passing off two keys each time, so you will need to make sure your student keeps reviewing keys as we add new ones.

I would like to schedule our recital sometime during the last week of May. Please text me by next Monday if there any dates between the 23rd and 27th that don't work for you?

Some of the songs we are learning are not on the album and your child may not be familiar with them. This is good because it will force them to read the music instead of relying on their ear. The songs are also getting harder and will require more time to master. If your child gets discouraged, remember when the red chord used to be hard. Little by little we can do yard things! Here are some tips to help your child read new songs:

• watch for finger numbers suggestions (the little numbers next to the notes; if a number is circled, that means your hand moves to a new position)

• is the next note up or down from the one you just played

• is the next note a skip or a step from the one you just played

• does the next note form a melodic interval with the one you just played?

Let me know if you need any more help. ;)