Full Swing Piano

I do mean literally full swing.  The students and I have had a really fun time learning some 12 bar blues. Its a super fun set of lessons based off lesson plans by Tim Topham. (Check him out he’s super fun!) We work on basic chords, broken chords then the C blues scale and improvisation. We will start using backing tracks so the kids feel like their playing with a real band. It fun to see their enjoyment of music.   If they are learning to love what they do, then they’ll keep at it and want to practice!

The younger kids began with some exploration of the piano on those first weeks as well as working on rhythm building blocks.  The purpose of the building blocks was to fortify their recognition of the beat!  They were seeing notes on paper and paying attention to words and syllables and how many beats they would have.  Sometimes students are ready to sit down and play immediately regardless of counting. So we’ve stepped back and clapped out rhythms and tried to feel how the music will sound.  We use my hand drum to help them feel it.

Remind your kids to keep working on their goals.  I’ve written their goals in their notebook to remind them what they are!  We’ve made some great progress.  Most of them are working on at least one city that requires practicing a certain number of times.  When they complete that goal their name goes on the map for all to see.  We will be handing out fun certificates at the Fall Recital.  So parents we need you!!!  Keep encouraging them at home and as always if you have any questions about lesson notes….please let me know!