January 23 2026 (Lesson 6 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟪New Level 3 Piece Next Week!

🟩Sight-reading 2A

1. Prepare pages 35-40

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 2

1. All broken chords:

   1. build up your speed in broken chords to m.m. 50

   2. Please sit correctly on your bench. You’re getting taller, so you need to sit more on the edge of the bench with feet flat on the floor and elbows slightly in front of torso.

🟩Four Star Level 2

1. Prepare Set 8

🟩 Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 7 Triads

2. Please have this out and ready to review at your next lesson.

3. Any bold items: you’ll receive a test at the next lesson

🟩Etude in D Minor op. 82, no. 65 (L. 2, Etude)

1. Goal is to keep the RH soft and slightly detached no matter what the LH does.

2. LH goal is to shape the phrases nicely, not strong on each note. See the red pen.

3. Speed-building four measures at a time (eventual goal is at least 108). If this becomes easier (keeping the RH and LH expressive goals in mind) then you can make your sections bigger (8 measures, 12, etc.)

   1. m.m. 60

   2. m.m. 66

   3. m.m. 72

   4. m.m. 76

   5. m.m. 80

   6. m.m. 84

   7. m.m. 88

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

🟪I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

🟪Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 2, C)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚💚🖤🧡💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

January 15 2026 (Lesson 5 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩Sight-reading 2A

1. Prepare pages 31-34

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 2

1. All broken chords:

   1. No staccato endings please. 😁

   2. Never twist your wrist to the right or left in order to play the thumb on a black key. Instead, position the other fingers further up on the keyboard to keep your arm and wrist aligned.

2. Next week Dustin will give you muscle-builder assigments.

🟩Four Star Level 2

1. Prepare Set 7

🟩 Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 6 Intervals

2. Please have this out and ready to review at your next lesson.

🟩Etude in D Minor op. 82, no. 65 (L. 2, Etude)

1. Please don’t play staccato RH when adding LH. Keep the soft close-approach texture the whole time.

2. Hands together, no faster than m.m. 60 per quarter note in the following sections. Do each the items below three times correctly with the correct texture in the RH. Once you get to the end, rotate back through. I understand you won’t get through all of them in one practice session. Do as much as you like! Get through all items at least three times this week.

   1. 1 to the downbeat of 4

   2. 4 to the downbeat of 5

   3. 5 to the DB of 8

   4. 8 to the DB of 9

   5. 9 to the DB of 12

   6. 12 to the DB of 14

   7. 14 - DB of 15

   8. 15 - DB of 16

   9. 15 - DB of 17

   10. 17 - END

   11. THEN…. 14 - DB of 16

   12. 16 - END

   13. 14 - END

   14. 1 - DB of 5

   15. 5 to DB of 9

   16. 1 to DB of 9

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Excellent! Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 2, C)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚💚🖤🧡💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

January 8, 2026 (Lesson 4 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩Sight-reading 2A

1. Prepare pages 22-26

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 2

1. Prepare all items on pages 5-7.

2. Next week Dustin will give you muscle-builder assigments.

🟩Four Star Level 2

1. Prepare Set 6

🟩 Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 4 Scales (this is larger so please pace yourself throughout the week)

2. Please have this out and ready to review at your next lesson.

3. Please explain the rule for calculating the value of a dot when added to a note.

   1. The dot equals half the value of the note to which it's attached.

🟩Etude in D Minor op. 82, no. 65 (L. 2, Etude)

1. See all red markings in your music.

2. Learn the RH to the end. Remember to play “inside the black” when it says to in the music! This helps you position your fingers to play the next position easily.

3. Learn the correct rhythm of the LH.

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Excellent! Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 2, C)

1. Please put on review by practicing starting from any measure of the piece.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚💚🖤🧡💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

December 22, 2025 (Lesson 3 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

⬛️Etude in D Minor op. 82, no. 65 (L. 2, Etude)

1. Practice RH finger 2 alone, followed by finger 4 alone, then together.

2. Fingers should be firm (almost frozen) and the wrist supple.

🟩Sight-reading 2A

1. Prepare pages 15-20

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 2

1. Prepare G Major formula pattern

2. LH when you play fingers 3-4 keep your wrist slightly lower.

🟩Four Star Level 2

1. Prepare Set 3

🟥 Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 3

🟪 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Dynamic contrast between sections.

2. Don’t swing the 16th.

🟪I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. Don’t speed up at the return of section A.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 2, C)

1. Pass next lesson if you can do:

   1. RH expression: crescendo and decrescendo -

   2. LH expression: much softer and less fluctuation in dynamics.

   3. Do all the rit. rall.

   4. Don’t rush any of the long notes.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚💚🖤🧡💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

December 13, 2025 (Lesson 2 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟪Etude Next week

🟩Sight-reading 2A

1. Prepare pages 12-15

🟨RCM Technical Requirements: Level 2

1. Prepare all two-octave scales (minor keys)

2. Keep wrists smooth when you play the thumb.

💚Four Star Level 2

1. Prepare Set 2

   1. Intervals - good

   2. Chords - good

   3. playback - one mistake

   4. clapback - one mistake

🟩 Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 3

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Dynamic contrast between sections.

2. Don’t swing the 16th.

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. Don’t speed up at the return of section A.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 2, C)

1. Work on curved fingers in the LH on the black keys.

2. Keep the LH legato when playing hands together.

3. Finish learning LH - hands together to the end.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚💚🖤🧡

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

December 4, 2025 (Lesson 01 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩Sight-reading 2A

1. Prepare pages 2-7

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 2

1. Prepare all two-octave scales

2. Since this is a lot of items, just rotate through by setting a timer and picking up from where you left off the next day.

🟩Four Star Level 2

1. Prepare Set 1

🟨 Theory Level 2

1. Finish Unit 2 (four pages left)

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Practice the accents in the RH ONLY in mm. 2, 4, 6 and 8.

2. Practice LH alone to remember to play sloftly (mm. 1-8)

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 2, C)

1. See mom’s notes for phrase work in the RH

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚💚🖤

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

November 28, 2025 (Lesson 7.75 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

RCM, Level 1, Practical Exam:

Dec 2, 2025 4:36 PM - memorize all the info about the pieces listed below (List A is, etc.)

• Etude: Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) p.

• List A: Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) p. 10 of book

• List B: This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960) p. 20

• List C: Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) p.

🟩Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864)

1. Expression very important in the middle of the piece.

2. pedal needs to be clear and don’t come off the keys before you change the pedal (down motion).

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart: List A (1719-1787)

1. See the yellow highlights - don’t accent these notes.

2. Make the triplets smooth.

🟩This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash: List B (b. 1960)

1. Practice 13-14 & 17-18 - tidy attacks on beat 3 of each of these measures.

2. Careful of rushing with measures that don’t have 8th notes.

🟩Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964)

1. Think about the tempo of 7-8 before you start the piece.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Next week, test on any Level 1 technical item.

2. Since this is a lot of items, just rotate through by setting a timer and picking up from where you left off the next day.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Please complete all of set 7 and 8

2. Playbacks continue to get better!

3. Practice clapbacks a bit more

LEVEL 2 ASSIGNMENTS

🟩 Theory Level 2

1. Finish Unit 2

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Continue to practice with the metronome marking 53 per quarter note, especially measures 12-15.

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 3, C)

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

November 22, 2025 (Lesson 6.75 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

RCM, Level 1, Practical Exam:

Dec 2, 2025 4:36 PM - memorize all the info about the pieces listed below (List A is, etc.)

• Etude: Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) p.

• List A: Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) p. 10 of book

• List B: This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960) p. 20

• List C: Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) p.

🟩Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864)

1. Get focused on expression. Take at least 10-15 seconds before you start to get in the mood of the piece.

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787)

1. See the yellow highlights - don’t accent these notes.

2. Make the triplets smooth.

🟩This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960)

1. Practice 13-14 & 17-18 back to back.

2. Bigger contrasts in dynamics.

3. Breath between phrases

🟩Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964)

1. A bit more substance into the keys.

2. Mordent - drop into the keys.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Next week, test on any Level 1 technical item.

2. Since this is a lot of items, just rotate through by setting a timer and picking up from where you left off the next day.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Please complete all of set 7 and 8

2. Playbacks continue to get better!

3. Practice clapbacks a bit more

LEVEL 2 ASSIGNMENTS

🟪Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 1

2. Complete Unit 2 if you have time.

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Continue to practice with the metronome marking 53 per quarter note, especially measures 12-15.

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 3, C)

Start learning!

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚❤️💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

November 12, 2025 (Lesson 5.75 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

RCM, Level 1, Practical Exam:

Dec 2, 2025 4:36 PM - memorize all the info about the pieces listed below (List A is, etc.)

• Etude: Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) p.

• List A: Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) p. 10 of book

• List B: This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960) p. 20

• List C: Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) p.

🟩Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

2. Make sure to count

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

2. RCM will say something about notes “sticking out.” Listen to your sound so that no notes sound too much above the others.

🟩This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

2. Make sure that we hear all the notes in the beginning, even though this soft.

🟩Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

2. This is sounding awesome! I love the expression today.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Next week, test on any Level 1 technical item.

2. Since this is a lot of items, just rotate through by setting a timer and picking up from where you left off the next day.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Please complete all of set 7 and 8

2. Playbacks continue to get better!

3. Practice clapbacks a bit more

LEVEL 2 ASSIGNMENTS

🟪Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 1

2. Complete Unit 2 if you have time.

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Continue to practice with the metronome marking 53 per quarter note, especially measures 12-15.

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

🟩Farewell op. 98 no. 4 by Aleksandr Grechaninov (L. 3, C)

Start learning!

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

October 30, 2025 (Lesson 4.75 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

RCM, Level 1, Practical Exam:

Dec 2, 2025 4:36 PM

• Etude: Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) p.

• List A: Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) p. 10 of book

• List B: This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960) p. 20

• List C: Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) p.

🟩Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Next week, test on any Level 1 technical item.

2. Since this is a lot of items, just rotate through by setting a timer and picking up from where you left off the next day.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Please complete all of set 6 and start 7

2. Playbacks continue to get better!

LEVEL 2 ASSIGNMENTS

🟪Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 1

2. Complete Unit 2 if you have time.

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Continue to practice with the metronome marking 53 per quarter note, especially measures 12-15.

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Continue to work on sticky staccato - this is getting better!

3. Try to avoid playing notes with an accented nature (we don’t want anything to stick out suddenly).

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

🟩Maybe choose the Highlands Etude 2

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

October 20, 2025 (Lesson 3.75 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

RCM, Level 1, Practical Exam:

Dec 2, 2025 4:36 PM

• Etude: Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) p.

• List A: Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) p. 10 of book

• List B: This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960) p. 20

• List C: Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) p.

🟩Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (b. 1960)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964)

1. Review by starting from three random measures each day.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Next week, test on any Level 1 technical item.

2. Since this is a lot of items, just rotate through by setting a timer and picking up from where you left off the next day.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Please complete all of set 6 and start 7

2. Playbacks continue to get better!

LEVEL 2 ASSIGNMENTS

🟪Theory Level 2

1. Complete Unit 1

2. Complete Unit 2 if you have time.

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) (L. 2, A)

1. Continue to practice with the metronome marking 53 per quarter note, especially measures 12-15.

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Continue to work on sticky staccato - this is getting better!

3. Try to avoid playing notes with an accented nature (we don’t want anything to stick out suddenly).

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

🟩Maybe choose the Highlands Etude 2

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

October 16, 2025 (Lesson 3 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

1. D.C. al Fine = go back to the beginning and play until the Fine.

2. Practice with the metronome marking 53 per quarter note

   1. There is an anacrusis (upbeat) before the downbeat of measure one.

   2. Count “1 & 2 & 1 & 2” then start playing the first two 16th notes on the &. (see the purple in Newzik)

🟥Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

1. You have until the 15th to sight up for this, otherwise spots are very limited

🟪🟪Theory Level 1

1. Unit 8, All Pages: Please print and place in your new white binder.

2. You’ll have a quiz on the musical terms and symbols at your next lesson.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare all of the green highlited items on page 4 of the PDF.

2. For solid / blocked chords: please use a forward / raised wrist.

🟨Four Star Level 1

1. Complete set 5

2. Playbacks and clapbacks are getting better!

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. (music in white binder)

2. We’re adding a trill to the end of measures 17.

3. See the video below

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Work on even / consistent triplets, especially in the left hand.

3. Do “accent practice” in the LH triplets by accenting the middle note, keeping the surrounding notes soft.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

October 9, 2025 (Lesson 2 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

1. Measures 9-12, LH

   1. Please remember finger 4 on the black keys

2. Measures 13-End:

   1. Learn LH alone, RH alone, then HT. Do this in the same way as your videos, focusing on one or two things for each step.

🟥Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

1. You have until the 15th to sight up for this, otherwise spots are very limited

🟪Theory Level 1

1. Unit 8, All Pages: Please print and place in your new white binder.

2. You’ll have a quiz on the musical terms and symbols at your next lesson.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare all of the green highlited items on page 4 of the PDF.

2. For solid / blocked chords: please use a forward / raised wrist.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Complete set 5

2. Playbacks and clapbacks are getting better!

🟩Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Your second RH finger is collapsed most of the time. Please keep it round. :)

3. See the green expression markings.

4. no faster than m.m. 88

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Tell the story with your fingers!

3. Tell the story of this piece to your mom, dad, or sister, and show them how your dynamics and articulation reflect the actions in the story.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

October 2, 2025 (Lesson 1 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

1. Complete all the steps in the following video, three times this week.

🟨Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

🟩Theory Level 1

1. Unit 8, All Pages: Please print and place in your new white binder.

2. You’ll have a quiz on the musical terms and symbols at your next lesson.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare items on page 10 of the PDF.

2. For solid / blocked chords: please use a forward / raised wrist.

🟩Four Star Level 1

1. Complete set 5

2. Playbacks and clapbacks are getting better!

🟨Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. (music in white binder)

2. Your second RH finger is collapsed most of the time. Please keep it round. :)

3. See the green expression markings.

4. no faster than m.m. 88

🟪I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. (music is in the white binder)

2. See the orange pen.

3. LH is a little bit stuck in terms of wrist movement. See the notes I wrote in the music.

4. Practice starting from any measure of the piece.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

September 25, 2025 (Lesson 8 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟩 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

1. Complete all the steps in the following video, three times this week.

🟨Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

🟪Theory Level 1

1. Unit 7, Pages 72-73

2. Please prepare these pages and teach me about triads, and where they come from.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare items on page 9 of the PDF.

2. Remember, not hands together.

3. Keep your fingerings close to the keys.

🟩Four Star 01_03

1. Complete set 4

2. Playbacks need some work. MB can use the tests on page 7 of the Level 1 tests.

🟪Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. Dynamics are most important

2. look at the phrase markings.

3. no faster than m.m. 88

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. See the orange pen.

2. LH is a little bit stuck in terms of wrist movement. See the notes I wrote in the music.

3. Practice starting from any measure of the piece.

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

September 20, 2025 (Lesson 7 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

🟪 Écossaise in G Major, WoO 23 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

1. Start next week

🟨Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

🟩Theory Level 1

1. Unit 7, Pages 72-73

2. Please prepare these pages and teach me about triads, and where they come from.

🟩RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare items in the yellow highlight on pages 7 and 8

🟨Four Star 01_03

1. Complete set 3

2. Playbacks need some work. MB can use the tests on page 7 of the Level 1 tests.

💚Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. Dynamics are most important

2. look at the phrase markings.

3. no faster than m.m. 88

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. m. 16 - LH finger 2 on B

2. mm. 16-18 - ninja hands!

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️💚💚

(53 points)

❤️= 4 POINTS (+ bonus = no reminders)

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

September 11, 2025 (Lesson 6 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️

❤️= 4 POINTS

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

🟪Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

🟪Theory Level 1

1. Unit 7, Pages 68-71

2. Please prepare these pages and teach me about triads, and where they come from.

🟪RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare items in the purple highlights on page 7

🟪Four Star 01_02

1. Finish Set 2

2. please practice with the new audio in four-star 01 tests called three Clapback’s 9/5

💚Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. Please fix the rhythm in measures 1 and 9 (you’re still swinging the 8ths)

2. Start at metronome marking 72 and move through the speeds 80, 84, 88, 92,96 and 100

🟩I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

HERE IS THE LINK TO I SPY PRACTICE VIDEO
https://www.videoask.com/f034bc97a

Prospective Repertoire

Ukrainian Folk Song, Op. 107, No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven (L. 1, List A)

Lunar Eclipse by Nancy & Randall Faber (L. 1, B)

Melody in F Major op. 218, no. 36 by Christian Louis Heinrich Kohler (L. 1, Etude)

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

Aug 29 & Sep 5, 2025 (Lesson 4-5 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

Focus Tracker:

💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤❤️❤️

❤️= 4 POINTS

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

💚Let’s sign up for Fall 2025 RCM Practical Level 1

💚Theory Level 1

1. Unit 7, Pages 68-71

2. Please prepare these pages and teach me about triads, and where they come from.

💚RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare items in the purple highlights on page 7

💚Four Star 01_02

1. Finish Set 2

2. please practice with the new audio in four-star 01 tests called three Clapback’s 9/5

💚Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. please practice speed building this week.

2. Start at metronome marking 72 and move through the speeds 80, 84, 88, 92,96 and 100

🟪I Spy by Melody Bober (b. 1955) (L. 2, B)

1. Start to study the music.

2. Just by looking at the music, what do you know about the Expression?

3. What do you notice about the Rhythm that is unique?

4. Find measures in the music from page 1 that repeat in page 2 - highlight them.

5. Notice all of the clef changes!

6. Regarding Position: how might you approach the two-note slurs in the left hand?

Prospective Repertoire

Ukrainian Folk Song, Op. 107, No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven (L. 1, List A)

Lunar Eclipse by Nancy & Randall Faber (L. 1, B)

Melody in F Major op. 218, no. 36 by Christian Louis Heinrich Kohler (L. 1, Etude)

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, A)

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

💚The Lively Boy (Prep A)

💚Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

💚Curious Cat

💚Marching by Kabalevsky

🎨 Color-Focus Practice (NFPER)

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

• N – Notes – correct pitches and accidentals (🟥 Red)

• F – Fingering – consistent, effective finger choices (🟨 Yellow)

• P – Position – hand shape, posture, and keyboard geography (🟧 Orange)

• E – Expression – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, etc. (🟪 Purple)

• R – Rhythm – steady pulse, accurate timing, and rests (🟦 Blue)

✅ 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

August 21, 2025 (Lesson 3 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

Focus Tracker: 💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️🖤

❤️= 4 POINTS

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

💛Theory Level 1

Prepare Unit 6: pages 1-4

🖤Rhythms

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, List A)

1. Expression

   1. Please see the dynamic markings (f = forte). There needs to be a bigger contrast. RCM will ask for it!

💚RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Prepare items in the purple highlights on pages 5-6

   1. Please note the new fingering for F major RH

2. Position

   1. Keep wrist steady - avoid up and down movement.

3. Rhythm

   1. Please use the indicated metronome.

💚This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

1. Measure 6

   1. Watch the practice video inside newzik and practice this hands alone and together, 5 times each day.

2. Measure 11

   1. Please play all notes in the LH (missing the G in the second chord).

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

1. Review with and without music, once per week.

2. Have one focus from NFPER

3. Record yourself in Newzik

4. Listen back and mark the music and correct anything.

💚Four Star 01_01

1. Finish Set 2 and…

   1. Practice with the “Four Clap backs 8/21” in the Four_Star_01_Tests PDF

💚Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. Rhythm

   1. Focus on rhythm practice (metronome 60) entire piece.

   2. The “swing” issue is much better! Now let’s focus on having a steady pusle through the entire piece.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

1. Position

   1. Please watch the video in Newzik for practice instructions.

🎨 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 – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

Ukrainian Folk Song, Op. 107, No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven (L. 1, List A)

Lunar Eclipse by Nancy & Randall Faber (L. 1, B)

Melody in F Major op. 218, no. 36 by Christian Louis Heinrich Kohler (L. 1, Etude)

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

1. The Lively Boy (Prep A)

2. Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

3. Curious Cat

4. Marching by Kabalevsky

July 16, 2025 (Lesson 2 of 8)

Lesson Assignments

Focus Tracker: 💚💚💛💛💚💛💜❤️💚💚💜❤️💚💜❤️

❤️= 4 POINTS

💚= 3 POINTS

💛= 2 POINTS

💜= 1 POINT

🖤= 0 POINTS

💚Theory Level 1

Prepare Unit 6: pages 1-4

🖤Rhythms

💚German Dance in D Major Hob. IX:22, no. 2 by Franz Jospeh Haydn (1732-1809) (L. 1, List A)

1. Tune in with your body first - shoulders down and relaxed.

2. See the new colored markings corresponding to the NFPER at the top of the page.

3. We’ll start to speed-build next time.

💚RCM Technical Requirements: Level 1

1. Review items on page 5 and practice the new ones on page 6 (purple box)

💛This Guy’s Disguised by Bradley Sowash (L. 1, B)

1. Measures 1 to 8

   1. RH alone NFPER

   2. LH alone NFPER

   3. HT together NFPER

2. Measures 8 to 13

   1. RH alone NFPER

   2. LH alone NFPER

   3. HT together NFPER

3. Measures 13 to 21

   1. RH alone NFPER

   2. LH alone NFPER

   3. HT together NFPER

4. Measures 19 to End

   1. RH alone NFPER

   2. LH alone NFPER

   3. HT together NFPER

💚Far Away by Teresa Richert (b. 1864) (L. 1 Etude)

1. Review with and without music, once per week.

2. Have one focus from NFPER

3. Record yourself in Newzik

4. Listen back and mark the music and correct anything.

💚Four Star 01_01

1. Finish Set 2

2. Dustin - create some clapback options / beta app

💚Minuet in D Major by Leopold Mozart (L. 1, List A)

1. Focus on rhythm practice (metronome 60) four measures at a time.

💚Cranky Cat by Teresa Richert (b. 1964) (L. 1, C)

1. Start learning, two measures at a time (HA and HT) with the NFPER method below.

🎨 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 – phrasing, dynamics, articulation, tone, 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.

“Spot” until it’s solid — meaning:

• ✅ 3 times in a row correctly, or

• ✅ 5 total correct repetitions, then move on.

1. Focus on one or two colors at a time while practicing that spot.

2. 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?

Ukrainian Folk Song, Op. 107, No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven (L. 1, List A)

Lunar Eclipse by Nancy & Randall Faber (L. 1, B)

Melody in F Major op. 218, no. 36 by Christian Louis Heinrich Kohler (L. 1, Etude)

REVIEW LIST

Review the pieces on this list, with your music, one time each week.

💜Looking-Glass River by Nancy & Randall Faber (Prep. B)

💚Raptors by Kevin Olson (Prep. B)

💚New Shoes by Linda Niamath (Prep B)

1. The Lively Boy (Prep A)

2. Leaping the Waves with Dolphins (Prep B)

3. Curious Cat

4. Marching by Kabalevsky