If you’ve been around here for a while, you know that I’m a huge proponent of using rote teaching with all of my students. Here are a few favorite pieces from this fall:
How do you get an energetic 8-year old boy who wants to play everything lightning fast to appreciate playing beautiful musical sounds at the piano? Teach him Paula Dreyer’s lovely “Retreat” from Little Gems for Piano, Volume 1.
How do you engage an 11-year old beginning piano student who is oozing with creativity and a playing ability far beyond her current music reading skills? Teach her “Reflections” by Paula Dreyer, from Little Gems for Piano, Primer Level and then tell her to change it up in whatever creative ways she can think of to make her own arrangement of it!
How do you tap into the delights of an animal-loving 10-year old who is always looking for fun songs to entertain her three younger siblings? Teacher her “Crocodile in the Nile” by Wendy Stevens from Piano Safari Level One and let her practice playing it for her stuffed animal visitor of the week!
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