Hi everyone,

Here is the homework for this week.

Susan:

  • Work on coming down the chromatic scale this week. Go slowly, and only speed up when you aren’t making any mistakes.
  • Look at the exercises I wrote out focusing on the notes just above the break. Try getting used to reading in both b’s and #’s (eg. Db, C#). Try using both right and left fingerings for your B, C, and C#. Start slow, and take these exercises one note at a time!!
  • Keep working on Bb major scale and thirds (focusing more on the thirds). Again, the thirds are more difficult coming down so spend the majority of your time practicing that.
  • Spend some more time looking at Lord of the Dance. Remember to sub-divide, whether it’s in your head, or writing out “1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, etc” on the music. Either clap, or sing the rhythms before you play. Remember – accents don’t need to be super severe, just noticeable enough to hear them.

Gabriel:

  • Work on the lower notes in the chromatic scale (Bb, B, C, C#, D, Eb). Play these notes on a loop, going both up and down, until they are clean.
  • It is very important that you spend at least ten minutes a day on all of your rock band pieces!! (10 on High and Dry, 10 on Jailhouse Rock, 10 on Seven Nation Army).
  • Make sure to practice with a metronome to make sure you are staying in time – be aware of your slight tendency to rush, and try to hear each individual beat of the metronome; watch it if you have to.
  • When practicing Jailhouse Rock, make sure you’re able to get the notes where there is a bigger leap in time!
  • Please bring a folder for next lesson

Ayan:

  • Remember to use lots of air for your low notes!!!!! Spend some extra time working with the low register this week (from G to C) when you are working on your chromatic scale.
  • Work on the Mozart duet. Try practicing with the metronome, and try to pay attention to the alto saxophone part while playing. Practice one bar at a time, and only move on when you feel confident with what you’re playing.
  • Don’t forget your blue book for next week!

Good luck with the practicing, see you guys next week.