The latest Musicians Way newsletter (which is always chock full of interesting links and resources) references a post from a few years ago addressing the issue of The Problems with ‘Notes First’ Practice.
The longer I teach, the more I realize the wisdom of Gerald Klickstein’s approach, which focuses on developing musical artistry first, not after having mechanically learned to play the notes. It’s so easy to launch right into teaching students the mechanical components required to learn to play the piano at the expense of them taking time to think about the musical artistry of whatever they are playing. That’s one of the things I love about the Piano Safari method and one of the reasons I’m incorporating the Ready to Play activities and ideas in my teaching this year as well (more on that in an upcoming New in the Studio This Fall post!). I’ve also included weekly improvisation in our practice incentive theme for this year, and I’m already excited to see what the students are experiencing musically with that!
I love this closing thought from Mr. Klickstein:
“By focusing on artistry from the start, even at the earliest stages of playing or singing an unfamiliar piece, our every phrase vibrates with life, and expressive musicianship – not mechanical execution – becomes our default habit.”
Sally Buxton says
Absolutely Natalie!! I do believe knowing how to play a note comes decidedly before you play it!! In Masterclasses or adjudications, I always hope the judges will talk about that, too!