Teaching Piano Pieces by Rote
Doesn’t everyone teach a few of those students whose technical facility and musical talent far exceeds their music reading ability? I have found that such students love learning really cool sounding pieces that are quite a bit harder than what they could actually read from the printed music. One of my favorite pieces to teach by rote is the expressive Poet’s Lament by Jon George.
Here’s an example of my student Graham (who is just starting the Faber Level 1 books) playing this piece. We still have a ways to go with fluidity and musical phrasing, but can you tell he loves this piece?!
I’m always looking for great pieces to teach by rote that will capture the students’ imagination. Anyone have any favorite rote pieces that they like to teach? Do tell!
Great job… I’d love to see some videos of your students working on rhythm (clapping) exercises and drills… Do post more photos & videos. You have awesome students!
You mean he picked that up by watching/listening only? How long did that take him; and how much time did you give for that? Great job!
Thanks, Dave. I’ll see if I can get some specifically rhythm-related videos next!
Christal~
Yes, he did. He’s amazing! We took about 10 minutes of each lesson for three weeks and he had it learned. Usually he only has to hear/see me play it once and then he’s got it!