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!
“Carol of the Bells,” which is free on my website, is a terrific piece for rote-learning. It sounds much harder than it actually is, and is popular with boys and girls because it has so much energy and is very beautiful.
(Here is the link if you would like it: http://www.music-for-music-teachers.com/carol-of-the-bells.html)
Just took the time to watch your student’s video…very sensitive playing. Nice job.
Natalie: I know this is coming late, but I am fairly new to your website. Here are some of my favorite rote pieces. I also like to give these big sounding pieces to students who have the ability and finger dexterity needed to play them. My all time favorite though is Dreamscape by George Peter Tingley from Book 1 of the Dreamscapes series. Here are some others: Castle Days Kathleen Massoud FJH, Motion Machine-Carolyn Miller FJH, Prelude No. 7 in B minor-Robert Vandall, Guitars of Seville-Mauro Giuliani ( I think this from a Faber book), The Tempest- also Faber, Buzzing Bee-Mark Nevin Hal Leonard, Mist-Carolyn Miller, Bumblebee Toccata-Lynn Freeman Olson, Rainbow Fish-Catherine Rollin Alfreds and Devils Night Dance-Catherine Rollin Alfreds-I wish it had a different title though it has a great sound.:) Hope you can use these. Have Fun!
Thanks for all the great suggestions, Jan! I can’t wait to check them out!
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