October 26, 2026 (60 min · in-person)

2026-2027 Events

October 17-18, 2026 — Group Classes

December 5-6, 2026 — Group Classes

January 24, 2027 — Performance Class & Guest Artist Workshop

February 27-28, 2027 — Group Classes

April 10-11, 2027 — Group Classes

May 22, 2027 — Student Final Recital

How to Practice

Use the Practice Guide below. It writes your practice down for you, no comments needed.

Tap the first assignment on your list.

The timer starts by itself. Read it and practice.

When you are finished, press Done. It saves your time and opens the next one.

Need to stop for a minute? Press Pause.

If you open the assignment and get your page ready, let the clock run. That is still practice. Only pause if you actually walk away.

Lost? Press My Assignment List at the top to go back.

Log only what you actually did, on the day you did it. Five minutes is a real entry.

Days matter more than minutes. A ten minute session still counts as a day. Four short days beats one long one.

Some assignments finish. Those carry a Done for the Week button. Press it when the job is done and the assignment comes off your list.

Need the metronome, a recorder or the Section-Work colors? They are in Practice Tools. Tap one and it opens inside your assignment. Tap Close to put it away.

Official tracking started Monday, October 19.

🟩 on track · 🟨 needs extra attention · 🟪 didn't get to it at the lesson · 🟥 priority · ⬛️ on hold, don't practice this one · 🟧 mine, not yours

[PRACTICE TOOLS]

Technique

1. 🟨 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, right hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, right hand, at m.m. 52 per quarter note.

• Last week it sat at 44. Push it to 52.

• Play all the way to the top. You stopped short of the full range last time.

• Bubble hand. Wrist up, never in the lava.

• Elbows in front of your body, and don't drop the wrist on the thumb.

2. 🟨 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, left hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, left hand, at m.m. 52 per quarter note.

• Exactly the same as the right hand.

• Watch the wrist. It drops when you stop thinking about it.

Theory

3. 🟨 Celebrate Theory, Preparatory Level, Unit 5 (RCM)

THIS WEEK: Pages 46, 47, 48 and 49.

Max 6 minutes.

• Pages 41 to 45 are done.

• A pair of eighth notes shares one beat. Each one gets half a beat.

• They are joined by a beam. A flag is a beam that got ripped off, so that note stands alone.

• Say ta for every note, fast ones included. One syllable, every time.

• Tap the beat with your left hand while your right hand taps the notes.

• One page a day is plenty. When the timer goes off, press Done and move on.

• Press Done for the Week once page 49 is finished.

• It is in your white three-ring binder.

Musicianship

4. 🟨 Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (Berlin and Markow), Set 3

THIS WEEK: Days 2, 3, 4 and 5. One day per practice session.

Max 7 minutes.

• Day 1 is done. We did it together at the lesson.

• Always read the instructions first. They tell you what to do.

• Draw the arrows for the direction of each hand before you play.

• One flat in the key signature means F major. Check the key before you start.

• For a clap back, tap one measure of silence first, then come in.

• Press Done for the Week once day 5 is finished.

5. 🟨 Note Reading Flashcards, Treble Clef

THIS WEEK: Pass off drills 3, 4, 5 and 6. Say the name and play it at the piano.

Max 5 minutes.

• One drill at a time. Don't move to drill 4 until drill 3 is clean.

• Right hand, and say the letter out loud as you play.

• Play it where it actually is on the keyboard.

• Try to say it before the video does.

🎥 Flash Card Video, Treble Clef https://youtu.be/ClxsPTfBH5A

6. 🟨 Note Reading Flashcards, Bass Clef

THIS WEEK: Pass off drills 2 and 3. Say the name and play it at the piano.

Max 5 minutes.

• Sit in the center of the piano, right below middle C.

• Left hand, and say it out loud as you play.

• Wrist up, bubble hand.

• Repeat a drill until you are confident before going to the next one. They get harder.

🎥 Flash Card Video, Bass Clef https://youtu.be/TCL1EjHcLQQ

Repertoire

7. 🟪 Andante in G minor, from Fantasia in G minor, TWV 33:17 (Telemann)

THIS WEEK: Wrist up and forward wrist in measures 5 and 6, and measures 9 and 10.

NFPER focus: position.

• Piano Repertoire, Level 1, page 7.

• Same assignment as last week. We skipped it at the lesson for time, so don't skip it at home.

• Keep the wrist level, fingers round, and forward wrist on the last note.

• Right hand alone in those spots first, then hands together in the same spots.

• This is a required piece for your Royal Conservatory exam.

8. 🟪 Heavenly Blue (Gerou)

THIS WEEK: Measures 11 to 19, no pauses. You play it for me next lesson.

• Same assignment as last week.

• Straight through, no stopping to fix.

9. 🟨 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 4-5, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measures 4 and 5, three times correctly.

• Page 41.

• Go as slow as you need to. Hang on a note for ten seconds if that is what it takes to find the next one.

• Notes and fingering first. Rhythm comes after those are solid.

• Read the note off the page, not off your fingers.

10. 🟨 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 5-7, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measures 5, 6 and 7, three times correctly.

• Measure 5, right hand, first note is G. Check it before you play.

• Watch where the hand changes position and look ahead to it.

11. 🟨 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 7-8, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measures 7 and 8, three times correctly.

• Finger 4 on the C.

• Don't guess. Say the note out loud if you are not sure.

12. 🟨 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 1-8, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measures 1 to 8, three times correctly.

• This is the whole first half joined up. The three chunks above are the isolation; this is the put-together.

• Keep your eyes on the music the whole way.

• Don't let your ear be too bossy.

13. ⬛️ Early One Morning (arr. Silvester)

• On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

14. ⬛️ This Guy's Disguised (Sowash)

• On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

How Many Times Through

Three full rotations of this whole list before your next lesson. Five would be better.

Short day? Five minutes still counts as a day. Don't skip it entirely.

If you only ever reach the first few assignments, you are not rotating. Move on and come back.

RCM Certificate Program

Goal: Level 1, May-June 2027 exam session, at the National Opera Center.

Andante is your List A. The Snake is your List C. Heavenly Blue is your etude.

Early One Morning and This Guy's Disguised are both List B pieces. One of them becomes your B.

Four Star is the sight reading and ear training part of the exam. That is what the tests at your lesson are.

Books on Loan

Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Repertoire, Level 1

Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Etudes, Level 1

Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (2015 Edition)

Four studio books. No markings, they come back. They live in Finn's Piano Binder, and they go back in the binder after every practice.

October 19, 2026 (60 min · in-person)

2026-2027 Events

• October 17-18, 2026 — Group Classes

• December 5-6, 2026 — Group Classes

• January 24, 2027 — Performance Class & Guest Artist Workshop

• February 27-28, 2027 — Group Classes

• April 10-11, 2027 — Group Classes

• May 22, 2027 — Student Final Recital

How to Practice

Use the Practice Guide below. It writes your practice down for you, no comments needed.

• Tap the first assignment on your list.

• The timer starts by itself. Read it and practice.

• When you are finished, press Done. It saves your time and opens the next one.

• Need to stop for a minute? Press Pause.

Lost? Press My Assignment List at the top to go back.

Log only what you actually did, on the day you did it. Five minutes is a real entry.

Some assignments finish. Those carry a Done for the Week button. Press it when the job is done and the assignment comes off your list.

Need the metronome, a recorder or the Section-Work colors? They are in Practice Tools. Tap one and it opens inside your assignment. Tap Close to put it away.

Log every practice session from today. Official tracking starts Monday, October 19, the Monday after our first group class. Logging now is how we get the kinks out.

🟩 on track · 🟨 needs extra attention · 🟪 didn't get to it at the lesson · 🟥 priority · ⬛️ on hold, don't practice this one · 🟧 mine, not yours

[PRACTICE TOOLS]

Technique

1. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, right hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, right hand.

• Off hold. C major is passed off, both hands.

• Same shape as C major: two notes for every tick.

• Elbows in front of your body, wrist up, and don't drop the wrist on the thumb.

2. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, left hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, left hand.

• Exactly the same as the right hand.

• Watch the wrist. It flattened out on C major.

Theory

3. 🟩 Celebrate Theory, Preparatory Level, Unit 5 (RCM)

THIS WEEK: Pages 45 to 48.

• Pages 41 to 44 are done.

• A pair of eighth notes shares one beat. Each one gets half a beat.

• They get beamed together. A flag is a beam that got ripped off, so the note stands on its own.

• A half rest gets two beats. A whole rest gets four.

• Be ready to tell me all about time signatures next time: what the top number means and what the bottom number means.

• It is in your white three-ring binder.

• Finish the pages and press Done for the Week.

Musicianship

4. 🟩 Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (Berlin and Markow), Set 2

THIS WEEK: One day per practice session. Something brand new every day.

• Always read the instructions for a Four Star item. They tell you what to do.

• Play the melodic pattern as written, which means with the right rhythm.

• Solid blocked means all the notes at the same time. That is a triad.

• Tap one measure of the beat first, then keep tapping while you speak.

• Sight playing: study it first, then play it once and don't stop to correct.

• One new one every day is the whole point. That is how reading gets faster.

• Use the book, not Newzik. The book stays in your binder.

• After Day 5 the set is done. Press Done for the Week.

5. 🟩 Note Reading Flashcards, Treble Clef

THIS WEEK: Pass off drills 3, 4, 5 and 6. Say the name and play it at the piano.

• Drills 1 and 2 are passed off.

• Scroll the video ahead to drill 3. The red bars show where each drill starts.

• Say the letter, then play it on the keyboard.

• Play it where it actually is. A G in the wrong place trains the wrong thing.

• Read by landmark, then step or skip from it.

• A skip is line to line, or space to space. Never line to space.

• Watch the whole video every practice session.

🎥 Flash Card Video, Treble Clef https://youtu.be/ClxsPTfBH5A

6. 🟩 Note Reading Flashcards, Bass Clef

THIS WEEK: Pass off drills 2 and 3. Say the name and play it at the piano.

• Drill 1 is passed off.

• Start the video at drill 2.

• Bass F is line 4. The first ledger line above the staff is middle C.

• Left hand, and say it out loud as you play.

🎥 Flash Card Video, Bass Clef https://youtu.be/TCL1EjHcLQQ

Repertoire

7. 🟩 Andante in G minor, from Fantasia in G minor, TWV 33:17 (Telemann)

THIS WEEK: Wrist up and forward wrist in measures 5 and 6, and measures 9 and 10.

NFPER focus: position.

• Piano Repertoire, Level 1, page 7.

• Keep the wrist level, fingers round, and forward wrist on the last note.

• Right hand alone in those spots first, then hands together in the same spots.

• Check the thumb while you are in there. Keep it relaxed.

• That is the whole practice on this one this week.

• This is a required piece for your Royal Conservatory exam.

8. 🟪 Heavenly Blue (Gerou)

THIS WEEK: Measures 11 to 19, no pauses. You play it for me next lesson.

• Measures 11 to 19, straight through with no pauses.

• We did not get to it at the lesson again, so this carries over as it was.

9. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 7-8, right hand

THIS WEEK: Right hand, measures 7 and 8, three times correctly.

• Go slowly and look at the notes and the finger numbers.

• Finger 4 on the C.

• Round fingers, good position.

• You were much better when you paused and focused first.

10. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 8-9, left hand

THIS WEEK: Left hand, measures 8 and 9, three times correctly.

• Don't guess a note. Read it off the page.

• Wrist up, and a little stronger.

• Scale technique: when the thumb crosses under, the wrist does not drop.

11. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 1-8, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measures 1 to 8, three times correctly.

• Page 41.

• The four small chunks are one assignment now.

• Read the note off the page, not off your fingers.

• Finger 5 on the A in the left hand.

• Change to the right fingering before you play, not after.

12. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 9-13, hands alone

THIS WEEK: Measures 9 to 13, hands alone. That is the end of the piece.

• New section.

• Right hand alone, then left hand alone. Not together yet.

• There is no repeat there.

13. ⬛️ Early One Morning (arr. Silvester)

• On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

14. ⬛️ This Guy's Disguised (Sowash)

• On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

How Many Times Through

• Three full rotations of this whole list before your next lesson. Five would be better.

• Short day? Five minutes still counts as a day. Don't skip it entirely.

• If you only ever reach the first few assignments, you are not rotating. Move on and come back.

RCM Certificate Program

• Goal: Level 1, May-June 2027 exam session, at the National Opera Center.

• Andante is your List A. The Snake is your List C. Heavenly Blue is your etude.

• Early One Morning and This Guy's Disguised are both List B pieces. One of them becomes your B.

• Four Star is the sight reading and ear training part of the exam. That is what the tests at your lesson are.

Books on Loan

• Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Repertoire, Level 1

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Etudes, Level 1

• Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (2015 Edition)

Four studio books. No markings, they come back. They live in Finn's Piano Binder, and they go back in the binder after every practice.

October 5, 2026 (60 min · in-person)

2026-2027 Events

• October 17-18, 2026 — Group Classes

• December 5-6, 2026 — Group Classes

• January 24, 2027 — Performance Class & Guest Artist Workshop

• February 27-28, 2027 — Group Classes

• April 10-11, 2027 — Group Classes

• May 22, 2027 — Student Final Recital

How to Practice

Use the Practice Guide below. It logs your practice for you, no comments needed.

• Press Start from # whatever number it shows. It picks up where you stopped last time.

• Press Start, read the assignment, practice.

• When you are finished, press Done.

• Press Next practice item and go again.

Capped items count down and chime. Keep going if it's going well.

Some assignments finish. Those carry a Done for the Week button. Press it when the job is done and the assignment comes off your list. Technique and repertoire don't have one; those are every day.

Need the metronome, a recorder or the Section-Work colors? They are in Practice Tools. Tap one and it opens inside your assignment. Tap Close to put it away.

Got something to say about an assignment? Paste the line it gives you into the comments and add your note.

Log only what you actually did, on the day you did it. Five minutes is a real entry.

Log every practice session from today. Official tracking starts Monday, October 19, the Monday after our first group class. Logging now is how we get the kinks out.

🟩 on track · 🟨 needs extra attention · 🟪 didn't get to it at the lesson · 🟥 priority · ⬛️ on hold, don't practice this one · 🟧 mine, not yours

[PRACTICE TOOLS]

Technique

1. 🟨 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), C major, right hand

THIS WEEK: C major, right hand, with the metronome at m.m. 44.

• Set the beat to m.m. 44. That is one tick per quarter note.

• Play eighth notes against it. Two notes for every tick.

• Stop saying "eighth note" and listen for the tick instead. Every other note gets a tick.

• Elbows in front of your body, wrist up, and don't drop the wrist on the thumb.

2. 🟨 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), C major, left hand

THIS WEEK: C major, left hand, with the metronome at m.m. 44.

• Exactly the same as the right hand.

• Set the beat to m.m. 44. Two notes for every tick.

• Watch the wrist. It flattened out at the lesson.

3. ⬛️ Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, right hand

On hold. Don't practice this one.

4. ⬛️ Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, left hand

On hold. Don't practice this one.

Theory

5. 🟥 Celebrate Theory, Preparatory Level, Unit 5 (RCM)

THIS WEEK: Complete pages 41 to 44.

⏱ Max 5 minutes per practice session.

• Pages 41, 42, 43 and 44. Pages 39 and 40 are done.

• It is in your white three-ring binder.

• This is the third week on this unit. It needs to be finished this time.

• When the timer goes off, shut the book and move to the next assignment.

• Finish the pages and press Done for the Week.

Musicianship

6. 🟩 Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (Berlin and Markow), Set 2

THIS WEEK: Set 2. Days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, one day per practice session.

• You prepare the set at home. I test you on it at the lesson.

• Sight playing: study it first, then play it once and don't stop to correct.

• Study the rhythm first, then the notes, then the fingering.

• Check the key signature before you start.

• Clap back and play back are the ear tests. Listen twice, then answer.

• Use the book, not Newzik. The book stays in your binder.

• After Day 5 the set is done. Press Done for the Week.

7. 🟩 Note Reading Flashcards, Treble Clef

THIS WEEK: Say the note name the moment it appears.

• Press play and follow the video.

• Don't count up from G. Look at the note and say the letter.

• Every day.

🎥 Flash Card Video, Treble Clef https://youtu.be/ClxsPTfBH5A

8. 🟩 Note Reading Flashcards, Bass Clef

THIS WEEK: Say the note name the moment it appears.

• Press play and follow the video.

• Same rule as treble. No counting up.

• Every day.

🎥 Flash Card Video, Bass Clef https://youtu.be/TCL1EjHcLQQ

Repertoire

9. 🟥 Andante in G minor, from Fantasia in G minor, TWV 33:17 (Telemann)

THIS WEEK: Four measures at a time: right hand, left hand, then together.

• Piano Repertoire, Level 1, page 7.

• Right hand alone, then left hand alone, then hands together. That order, every time.

• Hands together first is the thing we are fixing. Follow the order.

• Say the bottom note out loud before you play it.

• Detached on the downbeat.

• This is a required piece for your Royal Conservatory exam.

10. 🟪 Heavenly Blue (Gerou)

THIS WEEK: Measures 11 to 19, no pauses. You play it for me next lesson.

• Measures 11 to 19, straight through with no pauses.

• We ran out of time at the lesson, so this carries over as it was.

11. 🟨 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 1-8, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measure 1 to the downbeat of measure 8.

• Page 41.

• Read the note off the page, not off your fingers. Look up at the music and say the letter.

• The four small chunks are one assignment now.

12. ⬛️ Early One Morning (arr. Silvester)

On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

13. ⬛️ This Guy's Disguised (Sowash)

On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

How Many Times Through

• Three full rotations of this whole list before your next lesson. Five would be better.

• Short day? Five minutes still counts as a day. Don't skip it entirely.

• If you only ever reach the first few assignments, you are not rotating. Move on and come back.

RCM Certificate Program

• Goal: Level 1, May-June 2027 exam session, at the National Opera Center.

• Andante is your List A. The Snake is your List C. Heavenly Blue is your etude.

• Early One Morning and This Guy's Disguised are both List B pieces. One of them becomes your B.

• Four Star is the sight reading and ear training part of the exam. That is what the tests at your lesson are.

Books on Loan

• Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Repertoire, Level 1

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Etudes, Level 1

• Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (2015 Edition)

Four studio books. No markings, they come back. They live in Finn's Piano Binder, and they go back in the binder after every practice.

Coming Up

• Group Class 1 is Saturday October 17 or Sunday October 18. Tell me which one, or tell me you can't come.

• Official tracking starts Monday, October 19.

September 28, 2026 (60 min · in-person)

2026-2027 Events

• October 17-18, 2026 — Group Classes

• December 5-6, 2026 — Group Classes

• January 24, 2027 — Performance Class & Guest Artist Workshop

• February 27-28, 2027 — Group Classes

• April 10-11, 2027 — Group Classes

• May 22, 2027 — Student Final Recital

How to Practice

Use the Practice Guide below. It logs your practice for you, no comments needed.

1. Press Start from # whatever number it shows. It picks up where you stopped last time.

2. Press Start, read the assignment, practice.

3. Tap the kind of practice, then press Done.

4. Press Next practice item and go again.

Capped items count down and chime. Keep going if it's going well.

Some assignments finish. Those carry a Done for the Week button. Press it when the job is done and the assignment comes off your list. Technique and repertoire don't have one; those are every day.

Need the metronome, a recorder or the NFPER colors? They are in Practice Tools, right under the practice types. Tap one and it opens inside your assignment. Tap Close to put it away.

Got something to say about an assignment? Paste the line it gives you into the comments and add your note.

Log only what you actually did, on the day you did it. Five minutes is a real entry.

Log every practice session from today. The competition starts October 1, and practicing and logging now is how we get the kinks out.

🟩 on track · 🟨 needs extra attention · 🟪 didn't get to it at the lesson · 🟥 priority · ⬛️ on hold, don't practice this one · 🟧 mine, not yours

[PRACTICE TOOLS]

Technique

All four, same method

• Speed building this week, not spotting. Tap Speed-building in Practice Tools.

• Three speeds: 50, 52, 54.

• Each speed needs three correct in a row, or five correct in total.

• Too fast three tries running? Drop back a speed and build up again.

• No caps on these. Take the time they need.

• Elbows in front of your body, wrist up, and don't drop the wrist on the thumb.

1. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), C major, right hand

THIS WEEK: C major, right hand, up the ladder to 54.

Speed building: 50, 52, 54.

2. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), C major, left hand

THIS WEEK: C major, left hand, up the ladder to 54.

Speed building: 50, 52, 54.

3. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, right hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, right hand, up the ladder to 54.

Speed building: 50, 52, 54.

4. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, left hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, left hand, up the ladder to 54.

Speed building: 50, 52, 54.

Theory

5. 🟨 Celebrate Theory, Preparatory Level, Unit 5 (RCM)

THIS WEEK: Pages 39 to 44.

⏱ Max 5 minutes per practice session.

• Pages 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 and 44.

• It is in your white three-ring binder.

• When the timer goes off, shut the book and move to the next assignment.

• Finish the pages and press Done for the Week.

Musicianship

6. 🟨 Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (Berlin and Markow), Set 1

THIS WEEK: Finish Set 1. Days 3, 4 and 5, one day per practice session.

• Don't stop once you start. A mistake is fine. Keep moving forward.

• Go slow enough to play it perfectly.

• Star 1: play the intervals with the fingering that is written.

• Star 2: clap four beats, then clap the rhythm.

• Star 3: study it first, then play it once and don't stop.

• Use the book, not Newzik. The book stays in your binder.

After Day 5 the set is done. Press Done for the Week.

Repertoire

7. 🟨 Andante in G minor, from Fantasia in G minor, TWV 33:17 (Telemann)

THIS WEEK: Four measures at a time: right hand, left hand, then together.

• Piano Repertoire, Level 1, page 7.

• Four measures at a time. Right hand alone, left hand alone, then hands together.

• Follow the music. Eyes on the page.

• No cap this week. Take the time it needs.

8. 🟩 Heavenly Blue (Gerou)

THIS WEEK: Measures 11 to 19, no pauses. You play it for me next lesson.

• Measures 11 to 19, straight through with no pauses.

• No cap this week.

9. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 1-8, hands together

THIS WEEK: Hands together, measure 1 to the downbeat of measure 8.

• Page 41.

• The four chunks are one assignment now.

• No cap.

Two new pieces, both on hold

• You picked these in the lesson. Nothing to practice yet.

• I print them and bring them next time.

10. ⬛️ Early One Morning (arr. Silvester)

On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

11. ⬛️ This Guy's Disguised (Sowash)

On hold. Don't practice this one yet.

How Many Times Through

Three full rotations of this whole list before your next lesson. Five would be better.

Short day? Make it up the next day or on the weekend.

RCM Certificate Program

Goal: Level 1, May-June 2027 exam session, at the National Opera Center.

Andante is your List A. The Snake is your List C. Heavenly Blue is your etude.

Early One Morning and This Guy's Disguised are both List B pieces. One of them becomes your B.

Level 5 and up also requires a theory exam.

12. 🟧 Print and bring your two new pieces

THIS WEEK: I print Early One Morning and This Guy's Disguised and bring them next lesson.

Nothing for you to do on this one.

Books on Loan

Four studio books. No markings, they come back.

• Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Repertoire, Level 1

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Etudes, Level 1

• Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (2015 Edition)

They live in Finn's Piano Binder. Back in the binder after every practice.

Coming Up

This is the last week of testing. Logging counts for the competition from October 1.

Group Class 1, Saturday October 17 or Sunday October 18. Let me know which one.

September 21, 2026 (60 min · in-person)

2026-2027 Events

• October 17-18, 2026 — Group Classes

• December 5-6, 2026 — Group Classes

• January 24, 2027 — Performance Class & Guest Artist Workshop

• February 27-28, 2027 — Group Classes

• April 10-11, 2027 — Group Classes

• May 22, 2027 — Student Final Recital

How to Practice

Use the Practice Guide below. It logs your practice for you, no comments needed.

1. Press Start from # whatever number it shows. It picks up where you stopped last time.

2. Press Start, read the assignment, practice.

3. Tap the kind of practice, then press Done.

4. Press Next practice item and go again.

Capped items count down and chime. Keep going if it's going well.

Some assignments finish. Printing, theory units, sight-reading pages and Four Star sets carry a Done for the Week button. Press it when the job is done and the assignment comes off your list. Technique and repertoire don't have one; those are every day.

Need the metronome, a recorder or the NFPER colors? They are in Practice Tools, right under the practice types. Tap one and it opens inside your assignment. Tap Close to put it away.

Got something to say about an assignment? Paste the line it gives you into the comments and add your note.

Log only what you actually did, on the day you did it. Five minutes is a real entry. Logging starts October 1.

🟩 on track · 🟨 needs extra attention · 🟪 didn't get to it at the lesson · 🟥 priority · ⬛️ don't practice this one

[PRACTICE TOOLS]

Technique

All four, same method

• Spotting counter, NFPER. Pick your focus first.

• Three correct in a row, or five correct in total, and that focus is done.

• Whatever you cross off, you carry with you into the next one.

• No caps on these. Take the time they need.

• Elbows in front of your body, wrist up, and don't drop the wrist on the thumb.

1. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), C major, right hand

THIS WEEK: C major, right hand. Three correct in a row on every focus you pick.

2. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), C major, left hand

THIS WEEK: C major, left hand. Three correct in a row on every focus you pick.

3. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, right hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, right hand. Three correct in a row on every focus you pick.

4. 🟩 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM), A natural minor, left hand

THIS WEEK: A natural minor, left hand. Three correct in a row on every focus you pick.

Theory

5. 🟩 Celebrate Theory, Preparatory Level, Unit 5 (RCM)

THIS WEEK: Pages 1 to 4, from the beginning of the unit.

⏱ Max 4 minutes per practice session.

• Pages 1 to 4. Start from the beginning of the unit.

• When the timer goes off, shut the book and move to the next assignment.

• Finish the unit and press Done for the Week.

Musicianship

6. 🟩 Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (Berlin and Markow), Set 1

THIS WEEK: Days 1 through 5, one day per practice session.

No time limit. One day of the set per practice session, Days 1 through 5.

• Star 1: play the intervals with the fingering that is written.

• Star 2: clap four beats, then clap the rhythm. There is a test on this next lesson.

• Star 3: study it first, then play it once and don't stop.

• Use the book, not Newzik. The book stays in your binder.

After Day 5 the set is done. Press Done for the Week.

Repertoire

7. 🟩 Andante in G minor, from Fantasia in G minor, TWV 33:17 (Telemann)

THIS WEEK: Four measures at a time: right hand, left hand, then together.

⏱ Max 4 minutes per practice session.

• Piano Repertoire, Level 1, page 7.

• Four measures at a time: right hand, then left hand, then hands together.

• Timer goes off, you're done. Pick up where you stopped next time.

8. 🟩 Heavenly Blue (Gerou)

THIS WEEK: Relearn from the beginning. Notes and fingering only.

⏱ Max 3 minutes per practice session.

• Relearn from the beginning, three minutes at a time.

• Notes and fingering only. Nothing else yet.

The Snake, all four chunks, same method

• Page 41.

• Spotting counter, NFPER. Three correct in a row, or five correct in total, for every focus you pick.

• All of NFPER has to be done on the chunk before you leave it.

• No caps on these.

9. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 1-3, right hand

THIS WEEK: All of NFPER crossed off on this chunk before you leave it.

10. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 3-5, left hand

THIS WEEK: All of NFPER crossed off on this chunk before you leave it.

11. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 5-6, right hand

THIS WEEK: All of NFPER crossed off on this chunk before you leave it.

12. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher), mm. 6-7, left hand

THIS WEEK: All of NFPER crossed off on this chunk before you leave it.

How Many Times Through

Three full rotations of this whole list before your next lesson. Five would be better.

Short day? Make it up the next day or on the weekend.

RCM Certificate Program

Goal: Level 1, May-June 2027 exam session, at the National Opera Center.

You still need a List B piece. Andante is your A, The Snake is your C, Heavenly Blue is your etude.

Level 5 and up also requires a theory exam.

13. 🟧 Your List B piece

THIS WEEK: I'm bringing List B pieces for us to pick from next lesson.

Nothing for you to do on this one.

Books on Loan

Four studio books. No markings, they come back.

• Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Repertoire, Level 1

• Celebration Series, 6th ed., Piano Etudes, Level 1

• Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (2015 Edition)

They live in Finn's Piano Binder. Back in the binder after every practice.

Coming Up

Group Class 1, Saturday October 17 or Sunday October 18. Let me know which one.

September 14, 2026 (75 min - in-person)

2026-2027 Events

• October 17-18, 2026 — Group Classes

• December 5-6, 2026 — Group Classes

• January 24, 2027 — Performance Class & Guest Artist Workshop

• February 27-28, 2027 — Group Classes

• April 10-11, 2027 — Group Classes

• May 22, 2027 — Student Final Recital

How to Practice

Use the Practice Tools panel below. It logs your practice for you — no comments needed.

1. Press Start here. It picks up where you stopped last time.

2. Read the assignment, press Start, practice.

3. Tap the kind of practice — learning, spotting, memorizing, polishing, run-through or review — then press Done.

4. Press Next practice item and go again.

Capped items count down and chime. Keep going if it's going well.

Got something to say about an assignment? Paste the line it gives you into the comments and add your note.

Also in the panel: a metronome, a spotting counter, and recording.

Log only what you actually did, on the day you did it. Five minutes is a real entry. Logging starts October 1.

🟩 on track · 🟨 needs extra attention · 🟪 didn't get to it at the lesson · 🟥 priority · ⬛️ don't practice this one

[PRACTICE TOOLS]

Technique

1. 🟪 Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

• Review C major and A minor scales.

• Learn A harmonic minor, hands together.

Theory

2. 🟪 Theory_00_05_Rhythm

• Prepare page 7.

Musicianship

3. 🟩 Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (Berlin and Markow)

• Review Set 1. One day per practice session — start at Day 2.

• Use the book now, not Newzik.

• Study it first, then play it once. Treat every one like a test.

• Check the rhythm before you start. Day 1, m. 2 — those are half notes.

4. 🟩 Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman," K. 265 (Mozart)

Listening. Listen all the way through.

Repertoire

5. 🟩 The Snake (Christopher)

• NFPER, two measures at a time. Mark off each step on your blue paper.

• Metronome at 50 — one tick per quarter note.

• Keep the wrist up when you play loud.

6. 🟪 Andante in G minor, from Fantasia in G minor, TWV 33:17 (Telemann)

Review once a week with your music. Hands alone, then together.

7. 🟪 Heavenly Blue (Gerou)

Review once a week with your music. Hands alone, then together.

RCM Certificate Program

Goal: Level 1, May-June 2027 exam session, at the National Opera Center.

You still need a List B piece. Andante is your A, The Snake is your C, Heavenly Blue is your etude. We'll pick B next lesson.

Level 5 and up also requires a theory exam.

Books on Loan

Four studio books. No markings — they come back.

• Technical Requirements for Piano, Level 1 (RCM)

• Celebration Series, 6th ed. — Piano Repertoire, Level 1

• Celebration Series, 6th ed. — Piano Etudes, Level 1

• Four Star Sight Reading and Ear Tests, Level 1 (2015 Edition)

They live in Finn's Piano Binder. Back in the binder after every practice.

Coming Up

Group Class 1 — Saturday October 17 or Sunday October 18. Let me know which one.

June 10, 2026

💜The Snake (L. 1, C)

1. Use the NFPER method for two measures at a time and mark off the steps in your blue paper as you go along!

💚Four Star: Sight-Reading & Ear Tests (L. 1)

1. Do one “day” per practice session.

2. This is found in Newzik!

💚Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Review one time a week WITH your music. Hands alone, then together.

💚Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

1. Review one time a week WITH your music. Hands alone, then together.

💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

• Review C major and A minor scales.

• Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

June 1, 2026

💜The Snake (L. 1, C)

1. Start with Dustin next week!

💚Four Star: Sight-Reading & Ear Tests (L. 1)

1. Do one “day” per practice session.

2. This is found in Newzik!

💚Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Review one time a week WITH your music. Hands alone, then together.

💚Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

1. Review one time a week WITH your music. Hands alone, then together.

💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

• Review C major and A minor scales.

• Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

May 26, 2026 (virtual)

Recital Script:

1. Georg Philipp Telemann was a 17th century German Baroque composer. He lived a long life of 86 years! This piece sounds like someone is having a bad day. They find a little joy, and then it fades away!

2. Tom Gerou ≈ (juh-ROO) is an American composer. His piece Heavenly Blue is like a lullaby - it has a little bit of hapiness and a little bit of sadness at the same time.

• ❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

  • Measures 1-4, and 5 to the end.

    • For each section, do LH 3 times, RH 3 times, then HT 3 times.

• ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

  • Practice every two measures hands alone, then together, eliminating any pauses. The entire piece, then play through from beginning to end.

• 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

  1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

  2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

• 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

  • Review C major and A minor scales.

  • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

• 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

May 18, 2026

Recital Script:

Georg Philipp Telemann was a 17th century German Baroque composer. He lived a long life of 86 years!

• ❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

  • Measures 1-4, and 5 to the end.

    • For each section, do LH 3 times, RH 3 times, then HT 3 times.

• ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

  • Practice every two measures hands alone, then together, eliminating any pauses. The entire piece, then play through from beginning to end.

• 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

  1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

  2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

• 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

  • Review C major and A minor scales.

  • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

• 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

May 11, 2026 (virtual)

• ❤️❤️❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

  1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

  2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

• 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

  • Review C major and A minor scales.

  • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

• 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

May 4, 2026

• ❤️❤️❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

  1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

  2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

• 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

  • Review C major and A minor scales.

  • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

• 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

May 3, 2026 (Group Class Virtual)

• ❤️❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

  1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

  2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

• 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

  • Review C major and A minor scales.

  • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

• 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

April 27, 2026 (60 min)

• ❤️❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

  • Follow the video instructions below.

• 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

  1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

  2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

• 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

  • Review C major and A minor scales.

  • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

• 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

April 20, 2026 (60 min)

Group Class

1. Heavenly Blue

Lesson Grades

January 26th Lesson: 0.67 of 4 Points

February Lesson:

Dustin Gledhill · LANDR-Don't Stop Believin' 90 Sec Accompaniment-Open-Low

1. 💜Don’t Stop Believin’ v4

   1. Practice the first two lines (8 measures) RH and LH alone and then together! The goal is no pauses. This needs to be done by next Monday or we won’t be able to play it in the recital on May 30th.

2. ❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

   • Entire Piece, hands alone then hands together, with perfect notes & fingering.

     • GOAL: play as slow as you need to to play perfect notes and fingering.

     • METHOD: right hand alone first, then left hand, then together. Then repeat the cycle three times.

     • SEND DUSTIN A VIDEO OR RECORD AUDIO IN NEWZIK BY TUESDAY NIGHT, March 24th.

3. 💛Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

   • ❤️Be able to play measures 21 to the end. No pauses and correct notes.

   • 💛Practice starting from random measures from 1 to 26

4. 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

   1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

   2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

5. 💚RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

   • Review C major and A minor scales.

   • Learn A Harmonic Minor scale in both hands.

6. 💚Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

April 6, 2026 (60 min)

Group Class

1. Heavenly Blue

Lesson Grades

January 26th Lesson: 0.67 of 4 Points

February Lesson:

Dustin Gledhill · LANDR-Don't Stop Believin' 90 Sec Accompaniment-Open-Low

1. 💚Don’t Stop Believin’ v4

   1. Practice the first two lines (8 measures) RH and LH alone and then together! The goal is no pauses. This needs to be done by next Monday or we won’t be able to play it in the recital on May 30th.

2. 💚Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

   • Entire Piece, hands alone then hands together, with perfect notes & fingering.

     • GOAL: play as slow as you need to to play perfect notes and fingering.

     • METHOD: right hand alone first, then left hand, then together. Then repeat the cycle three times.

     • SEND DUSTIN A VIDEO OR RECORD AUDIO IN NEWZIK BY TUESDAY NIGHT, March 24th.

3. 💚Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

   • Be able to play measures 21 to the end. No pauses and correct notes.

   • Practice starting from random measures from 1 to 26

4. 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

   1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

   2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

5. ❤️RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

   • Go to Newzik, page 5.

   • Review the patterns for major and minor scales on the first pages of the PDF.

   • BE ABLE TO TELL ME ABOUT SHARPS, FLATS, HALF STEPS, AND SCALE DEGREES NEXT WEEK

   • REMEMBER: In the Harmonic(A) minor form, the 7th scale degree is raised one-half step.

   • 💛CORRECT FINGERS / NOTES STICKER FOR LEFT HAND A MINOR HARMONICA!

   • 💚POSITION IS OUR NEXT STICKER!

     • RH and LH scales for C Major and A Minor Natural, and A Minor Harmonic WITH A FOCUS IN POSITION.

   • Careful of fingering! Ask yourself, “where is finger 4?”

6. ❤️Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

March 23, 2026 (45 min)

Group Class

1. Heavenly Blue

Lesson Grades

January 26th Lesson: 0.67 of 4 Points

February Lesson:

Dustin Gledhill · LANDR-Don't Stop Believin' 90 Sec Accompaniment-Open-Low

1. 💚Don’t Stop Believin’

   1. LH melody alone practice for the first 8 measures.

      1. One measure at a time STRONG AND SLOW

      2. Combine measures together.

      3. Then try to play with the recording 5 times - it’s ok if at first you can’t. Just keep repeating the steps above and use the recording.

2. 💚Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

   • Entire Piece, hands alone, with perfect notes & fingering.

     • GOAL: play as slow as you need to to play perfect notes and fingering.

     • METHOD: right hand alone first, then left hand, then together. Then repeat the cycle three times.

     • SEND DUSTIN A VIDEO OR RECORD AUDIO IN NEWZIK BY TUESDAY NIGHT, March 24th.

3. 💚Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

   • Be able to play measures 21 to the end. No pauses and correct notes.

   • Practice starting from random measures from 1 to 26

4. 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

   1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

   2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

5. ❤️RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

   • Go to Newzik, page 5.

   • Review the patterns for major and minor scales on the first pages of the PDF.

   • BE ABLE TO TELL ME ABOUT SHARPS, FLATS, HALF STEPS, AND SCALE DEGREES NEXT WEEK

   • REMEMBER: In the Harmonic(A) minor form, the 7th scale degree is raised one-half step.

   • 💛CORRECT FINGERS / NOTES STICKER FOR LEFT HAND A MINOR HARMONICA!

   • 💚POSITION IS OUR NEXT STICKER!

     • RH and LH scales for C Major and A Minor Natural, and A Minor Harmonic WITH A FOCUS IN POSITION.

   • Careful of fingering! Ask yourself, “where is finger 4?”

6. ❤️Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

March 16, 2026

Group Class

1. Heavenly Blue

Lesson Grades

January 26th Lesson: 0.67 of 4 Points

February Lesson:

Dustin Gledhill · LANDR-Don't Stop Believin' 90 Sec Accompaniment-Open-Low

1. 💚Don’t Stop Believin’

   1. LH melody alone practice for the first 8 measures.

      1. One measure at a time STRONG AND SLOW

      2. Combine measures together.

      3. Then try to play with the recording 5 times - it’s ok if at first you can’t. Just keep repeating the steps above and use the recording.

2. 💚Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

   • Measures 4, 5 to the downbeat of 6:

     • GOAL: play as slow as you need to to play perfect notes and fingering.

     • METHOD: right hand alone first, then left hand, then together. Then repeat the cycle three times.

     • SEND DUSTIN A VIDEO OR RECORD AUDIO IN NEWZIK BY TUESDAY NIGHT, March 17th.

3. 💚Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

   • Fix spot 15-16

   • Fix spot 23-24

4. 💜“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

   1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

   2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

5. ❤️RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

   • Go to Newzik, page 5.

   • Review the patterns for major and minor scales on the first pages of the PDF.

   • BE ABLE TO TELL ME ABOUT SHARPS, FLATS, HALF STEPS, AND SCALE DEGREES NEXT WEEK

   • REMEMBER: In the Harmonic(A) minor form, the 7th scale degree is raised one-half step.

   • 💛CORRECT FINGERS / NOTES STICKER FOR LEFT HAND A MINOR HARMONICA!

   • 💚POSITION IS OUR NEXT STICKER!

     • RH and LH scales for C Major and A Minor Natural, and A Minor Harmonic WITH A FOCUS IN POSITION.

   • Careful of fingering! Ask yourself, “where is finger 4?”

6. ❤️Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

March 15, 2026 (Group Class)

Group Class

1. Heavenly Blue

Lesson Grades

January 26th Lesson: 0.67 of 4 Points

February Lesson:

Dustin Gledhill · LANDR-Don't Stop Believin' 90 Sec Accompaniment-Open-Low

1. 💚Don’t Stop Believin’

   1. LH melody alone practice for the first 8 measures.

      1. One measure at a time STRONG AND SLOW

      2. Combine measures together.

      3. Then try to play with the recording 5 times - it’s ok if at first you can’t. Just keep repeating the steps above and use the recording.

2. 💚“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

   1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

   2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

3. ❤️❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

   • Learn measures 1-8 RH and LH alone.

   • Do this one chunk at a time using NFPER

     • Remember to go no faster than m.m. 60 per quarter note.

4. ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

   • Fix spot 15-16

   • Fix spot 23-24

5. ❤️RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

   • Go to Newzik, page 5.

   • Review the patterns for major and minor scales on the first pages of the PDF.

   • BE ABLE TO TELL ME ABOUT SHARPS, FLATS, HALF STEPS, AND SCALE DEGREES NEXT WEEK

   • REMEMBER: In the Harmonic(A) minor form, the 7th scale degree is raised one-half step.

   • 💛CORRECT FINGERS / NOTES STICKER FOR LEFT HAND A MINOR HARMONICA!

   • 💚POSITION IS OUR NEXT STICKER!

     • RH and LH scales for C Major and A Minor Natural, and A Minor Harmonic WITH A FOCUS IN POSITION.

   • Careful of fingering! Ask yourself, “where is finger 4?”

6. ❤️Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly

March 9, 2026

Lesson Grades

January 26th Lesson: 0.67 of 4 Points

February Lesson:

Dustin Gledhill · LANDR-Don't Stop Believin' 90 Sec Accompaniment-Open-Low

1. 💚Don’t Stop Believin’

   1. LH melody alone practice for the first 8 measures.

      1. One measure at a time STRONG AND SLOW

      2. Combine measures together.

      3. Then try to play with the recording 5 times - it’s ok if at first you can’t. Just keep repeating the steps above and use the recording.

2. 💚“The Pieces of Memory” by Finley Manice

   1. Practice playing the melody a few times until you like what you hear, then record it into Newzik and let me know you did it!

   2. Next, we’ll learn how to put it into a music notation software program.

3. ❤️❤️Andante in G Minor by Telemann (L. 1, A)

   • Learn measures 1-8 RH and LH alone.

   • Do this one chunk at a time using NFPER

     • Remember to go no faster than m.m. 60 per quarter note.

4. ❤️Heavenly Blue by Tom Gerou (L. 1, Etude)

   • Fix spot 15-16

   • Fix spot 23-24

5. ❤️RCM Technical Requirements Level 1

   • Go to Newzik, page 5.

   • Review the patterns for major and minor scales on the first pages of the PDF.

   • BE ABLE TO TELL ME ABOUT SHARPS, FLATS, HALF STEPS, AND SCALE DEGREES NEXT WEEK

   • REMEMBER: In the Harmonic(A) minor form, the 7th scale degree is raised one-half step.

   • 💛CORRECT FINGERS / NOTES STICKER FOR LEFT HAND A MINOR HARMONICA!

   • 💚POSITION IS OUR NEXT STICKER!

     • RH and LH scales for C Major and A Minor Natural, and A Minor Harmonic WITH A FOCUS IN POSITION.

   • Careful of fingering! Ask yourself, “where is finger 4?”

6. ❤️Review Allegro, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC. Review Czerny, ONE time per day, LH, RH and HT. WITH MUSIC

ALL ASSIGNMENTS BELOW HERE ON PAUSE

⚫️Fight Song by Rachel Patterson

1. Practice with the “Dustin Chords” audio in Newzik.

2. Practice with the “Chasing Sleep” audio

⚫️Technique Prep A and B

1. Major Pentascale: Tonic, whole, whole, half, whole steps.

2. Minor Pentascale: Tonic, whole, half, whole, whole steps.

3. Triads: Both major and minor triads come from the major or minor pentascales.

4. Go to page 2 and practice the major and minor pentascales.

   1. C, G, D Majors, and A Minor.

   2. Keep a bubble hand.

   3. Practice each of these every day in the RH and LH seperately.
      
      
      

⚫️Theory_00_05_Rhythm

1. Prepare page 7

🟪Melody in G Major, op, 101 no. 39 by Ferdinand Beyer (1803-1863) (Prep. A)

1. Please play this HANDS ALONE then hands together enough times to bring it back into your memory

🟪Ear Training

1. Major and Minor Triads. You’re doing really well with these!

🟪Baby Kangaroo by Anne Crosby Gaudet (Prep A)

1. Review once a week

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

At the top of your music, write NFPER using the following color system:

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟦 Blue)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟧 Orange)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟪 Purple)

• E – Expression – dynamics, articulation (staccato, accents, slurs), etc. (🟩 Green)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟥 Red)

  • ✅ If you're only recording audio, just use NER.

Step-by-Step Practice Flow

1. Record your section once — video is best, but audio is fine too.

2. Listen back with one color/goal in mind.

3. As you listen, mark your music using that color anywhere it needs improvement.

4. Repeat for each remaining color, one at a time, until all five have been addressed.

5. Choose a small “spot” section from your markings — just a few measures or a tricky passage.

6. “Spot” until it’s solid and you can erase the markings! — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

• Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing the spot.

• Use the troubleshooting checklist below if you're stuck.

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

🎯 If you’ve tried to fix something three times in-a-row and it’s still not working, don’t just repeat it — troubleshoot:

• Do you need to slow down?

• Should you practice hands alone?

• Could you make the spot even smaller?

• Would technical exercises help (staccato, accents, etc.)?

• Do you need to think ahead more clearly