Rachel

This week, we began the lesson by doing some quick stretches and playing Twinkle Twinkle as a warm-up. We then reviewed Cuckoo Clock, the assignment from last week. Rachel did a great job playing this and was quick to remember how it worked after a short review!

We then started to look at Dinosaur Music Night. Rachel did a really great job reading the music and figuring out which hand was supposed to play and where. We also worked a little bit on the “claw” hand position while playing this song. If she uses this hand position while practicing, she will find it much easier to reach all the notes.

We also took a look at her writing book exercise “Turkey Time.” In this exercise, we learned about the half note and how to write it! A half note is worth two counts and is white in the middle.

This week at home, I’d like Rachel to review Dinosaur Music Night and try to use her claw hand position as she practices. It will feel very unnatural at first, but once she gets the hang of it, she will find it very helpful and comfortable. I’d also like her to complete the Turkey Time activity in her writing book.

Rachel should sit at the piano for 5-10 minutes every day. During some of that time, she’s welcome to do her writing book exercise and play other melodies she creates!

Chloe

This week, we began the lesson by doing some quick stretches. We then reviewed “This is My C Scale” in both hands. We worked on using the “claw” hand position and keeping fingers close to the keys. Chloe is finding the position more comfortable each week, even if it still feels a little strange!

We then started to look at Eensie Weensie Spider. In this song, it’s really important that Chloe keeps both of her hands on the keyboard as she plays. There’s a couple spots where the student has to change between hands quickly. Having the hands ready to go at all times will make these transitions nice and quick!

This week at home, Chloe should review Eensie Weensie Spider. She should always try to keep both of her hands on the keyboard and use her claw hand position. She should sit at the piano for 5-10 minutes every day.

Chantal

This week, we began the lesson by reviewing the Dozen a Day Group V exercises #8, #9, and #10. Chantal was a little unsure about all the notes as she played through #9 and #10. I think another week of practice will help solidify the notes for her.

We then started to look at Mozart’s Five Names. This song uses a new note on the staff: D! Chantal was able to spot it on the staff using “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge,” which was very exciting to see! We also did some work on the piece hands separately.

This week at home: Review exercises #8 and #9. She should always use strong fingers and repeat these exercises at least three times a day. This will help her become very familiar with them. I’d also like Chantal to practice Mozart’s Five Names hands separately.

Chantal should play for 15-20 minutes every day.

Tanishq

Warm Ups: Double 3rds, legato and staccato.
Eb major, ascending and descending.

Menuet in E major: Focus on the 3rd section of the piece this week. Go really slowly and play small sections hands separately several times. Then try these small sections hands together. After doing this, try to play the whole 3rd section hands together. Note where you have problems and revisit these by doing hands separate and together practice.

Dragonfly Scherzo: This week, take a look at the score even when you’re not playing. Just looking at the music will help you become more familiar with it.
Try running through the piece without stopping 2-3 times a day. Then practice it by stopping and reviewing the challenging parts.

Print and bring a new piece to learn. I will also bring some suggestions this week.

Julie

Warm-Ups: Double 3rds, legato and staccato.
B natural minor: continue hands separately. Print this sheet with the fingerings.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IgThvjYe3VQRSUPydf1QbaEVxaZLfQZf

Dedication: play the right hand melody with the left hand baseline to figure out how you want to shape the melody. Then, add the right hand accompaniment line. You can also add the pedal. As we did with the other pieces, work on dynamics by practicing them hands separately and together.

Lied: Work on keeping the left hand accompaniment softer and gentler so that the right hand comes out.
Practice leaps in the left hand by themselves several times to make the “attack” quieter. Continue to work on the great dynamics!

Sonatina: Practice this slowly with strong fingers. Try the 16th note passages with dotted rhythms as well as straight 8ths. Afterwards, try to play this at the faster tempo.
Work on the first phrase several times a day. You can even play it randomly in between practicing other pieces to test yourself!

Sunset in Rio: Continue to refine the cresc and dim dynamics.