June 25, 2024

July 26th - Mid August away.

💜“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 49 of 90

2. Remember: the most important aspect of sight-reading is keeping a steady beat. Notes come second.

3. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 50 PER QUARTER NOTE.

4. Please use the metronome for EVERY assignment.

   1. Identify the time signature

   2. What is the shortest note-value?

   3. Clap the beat and ta the rhythm IN YOUR MIND

   4. Study the contour (shape) of the notes and the distance between them (intervals).

   5. Set a steady (slow) beat, then begin.

   6. Don’t correct anything in real-time.

💚🎹Technique: Level 2

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 02 PDF

   1. Lead with your wrist

      1. F major

      2. D harmonic minor

      3. D melodic minor

      4. E harmonic minor

      5. E melodic minor

         1. ONE TIME CLOSE LOUD (no faster than m.m. 50)

            1. From the key

            2. Attack very strong with a forward-motion wrist

            3. Immediately relax after the attack

            4. Fingers must be round and sound must be strong.

            5. If you make a mistake, go back at least one note.

         2. ONE TIME STACCATO

         3. ONE TIME LEGAGO

💚Rhyme Time (2. B)

1. Practice staccato on the fall board first, then open up and play the keys as if it were the fall board.

2. Practice with the audio in Newzik:

   1. Listen once

   2. Play with the audio

   3. Listen again

   4. Play with the audio.

   5. Stop to fix any mistakes if needed.

   6. If it’s too fast or too hard, stop and break it hands apart.

3. Measures 13-16 hands apart, 3 times correctly each day.

💜A Ditty of Yimeng Mountain (2. C)

💚Four Star: Level 2: “Four Star 02 00 02” (Review Set 1)

1. Practice with the playback recording found in the PDF in Newzik

💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 3

1. Finish pages 7-9

REVIEW PIECES:

1. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

2. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

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

4. 💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

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

6. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

7. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

8. 💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

9. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

10. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

11. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

12. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

13. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th: 3 pm (or 1 pm if possible)

Angelfish

Detectives

The Snake

Andante

Celebration

June 17, 2024

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST DO ITEMS OF PRACTICING AT LEAST THREE DAYS IN-A-ROW IN ORDER FOR IT TO STICK. ONE PRACTICE SESSION WITH JUDITH OR YOUR MOM DOESN’T ALLOW THE MATERIAL TO STAY IN YOUR FINGERS / MEMORY.

Summer:

July 26th - Mid August away.

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 49 of 90

2. Remember: the most important aspect of sight-reading is keeping a steady beat. Notes come second.

3. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 50 PER QUARTER NOTE.

4. Please use the metronome for EVERY assignment.

   1. Identify the time signature

   2. What is the shortest note-value?

   3. Clap the beat and ta the rhythm IN YOUR MIND

   4. Study the contour (shape) of the notes and the distance between them (intervals).

   5. Set a steady (slow) beat, then begin.

   6. Don’t correct anything in real-time.

💚🎹Technique: Level 2

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 02 PDF

   1. Prepare

      1. F major

      2. D harmonic minor

      3. D melodic minor

      4. E harmonic minor

      5. E melodic minor

         1. ONE TIME CLOSE LOUD (no faster than m.m. 50)

            1. From the key

            2. Attack very strong with a forward-motion wrist

            3. Immediately relax after the attack

            4. Fingers must be round and sound must be strong.

            5. If you make a mistake, go back at least one note.

         2. ONE TIME STACCATO

         3. ONE TIME LEGAGO

💚Rhyme Time (2. B)

1. Teach me about the “swing” next lesson:

   1. There are three equal parts to the beat (1 & a, 2, & a, etc.) or (1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, etc.)

   2. The first 8th note equals one and two of three parts and the second 8th notes gets the third of three parts.

2. HT two measures at a time, three times in-a-row correctly, at least three days in-a-row.

💜A Ditty of Yimeng Mountain (2. C)

💜💜Four Star: Level 2: “Four Star 02 00 01” (Review Set 1)

1. Practice the playbacks and Clapbacks.

2. Remember to practice with the TWO audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💜💜THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Finish the unit.

2. 💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 3

   1. Prepare pages 4-6

REVIEW PIECES:

1. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

2. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

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

4. 💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

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

6. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

7. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

8. 💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

9. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

10. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

11. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

12. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

13. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th: 3 pm (or 1 pm if possible)

Angelfish

Detectives

The Snake

Andante

Celebration

June 11, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

Summer:

July 26th - Mid August away.

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 44 of 90

2. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 50 PER QUARTER NOTE.

3. Please use the metronome for EVERY assignment.

   1. Identify the time signature

   2. What is the shortest note-value?

   3. Clap the beat and ta the rhythm IN YOUR MIND

   4. Study the contour (shape) of the notes and the distance between them (intervals).

   5. Set a steady (slow) beat, then begin.

   6. Don’t correct anything in real-time.

💚🎹Technique: Level 2

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 02 PDF

   1. Prepare G major, E harmonic minor, E melodic minor

      1. ONE TIME CLOSE LOUD (no faster than m.m. 50)

         1. From the key

         2. Attack very strong with a forward-motion wrist

         3. Immediately relax after the attack

         4. Fingers must be round and sound must be strong.

         5. If you make a mistake, go back at least one note.

      2. ONE TIME STACCATO

      3. ONE TIME LEGAGO

💚Rhyme Time (2. B)

1. Great job on learning the correct notes and fingering!

2. Please remember to follow the blog instructions carefully. You learned hands alone to the end, instead of hands alone THEN together, 1-2 measures at a time.

3. LH alone, measure 24

   1. Start with hand in lap and raise up to drop into the second chord with a low then raised wrist. Don’t worry about making mistakes. More important to be relaxed on the drop/attack. Don’t “throw” down onto the keys. Let the natural weight of your arm drop.

   2. Now play the first chord staccato (pretending it’s your lap as above), and land with a relaxed open hand.

   3. Repeat the same for measure 25.

4. RH m. 2:

   1. Each beat gets three parts to the “swing.” The first note gets two parts and the second note gets one. Use number “1, 2, 3” or works with two and one syllable. “App-le Sauce” to help you feel the swing.

5. HT m. 2

   1. Focus on LH drop and pop wrist.

🖤A Ditty of Yimeng Mountain (2. C)

💜Four Star: Level 2: “Four Star 02 00 01” (Review Set 1)

1. Practice the playbacks and Clapbacks.

2. Remember to practice with the TWO audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💜THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Finish the unit.

2. 💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 3

   1. Prepare pages 4-6

REVIEW PIECES:

1. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

2. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

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

4. 💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

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

6. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

7. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

8. 💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

9. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

10. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

11. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

12. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

13. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th: 3 pm (or 1 pm if possible)

Angelfish

Detectives

The Snake

Andante

Celebration

June 7, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

Recital Repertoire:

Summer:

July 26th - Mid August away.

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 39 of 90

2. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 50 PER QUARTER NOTE.

3. Please use the metronome for EVERY assignment.

💚🎹Technique: Level 2

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 02 PDF

   1. Please see the directions written in the PDF yellow highlighted items.

   2. ONE TIME CLOSE LOUD FOR EACH ITEM

   3. ONE TIME STACCATO FOR EACH ITEM

   4. The numbers next to the items indicate the number of repetitions per practice session.

💚Rhyme Time (2. B)

1. Great job on learning the correct notes and fingering!

2. Please remember to follow the blog instructions carefully. You learned hands alone to the end, instead of hands alone THEN together, 1-2 measures at a time.

3. LH alone, mm. 24-26:

   1. Play the bottom note only, thinking about intervals of a fourth.

   2. Then add the top note, thinking about an interval of an octave, then down a whole step to find the 7th.

   3. 3 times each practice session.

   4. Listen to the recording in Newzik for confirmation.

🖤A Ditty of Yimeng Mountain (2. C)

💚Four Star: Level 2: “Four Star 02 00 01” (Review Set 1)

1. Practice the playbacks and Clapbacks.

2. Remember to practice with the TWO audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Finish the unit.

2. 💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 3

   1. Prepare pages 4-6

REVIEW PIECES:

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

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

FULL REPERTOIRE LIST

1. 💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

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

3. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

4. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

5. 💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

6. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

7. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

8. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

9. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

10. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th: 3 pm (or 1 pm if possible)

Angelfish

Detectives

The Snake

Andante

Celebration

April 29, May 9, 13, 29 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

Recital Repertoire:

Summer:

July 26th - Mid August away.

💚Rhyme Time (2. B)

1. Start learning hands alone and hands together, 1-2 measures at a time!

2. Please follow the NFPER method. Three times correctly, each NFPER

🖤A Ditty of Yimeng Mountain (2. C)

💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Finish the unit.

2. 💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 3

   1. Prepare pages 1-3

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 39 of 90

2. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 50 PER QUARTER NOTE.

3. Please use the metronome for EVERY assignment.

💚Four Star: Level 2: “Four Star 02 00 01” (Review Set 1)

1. Practice the playbacks and Clapbacks.

2. Remember to practice with the TWO audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💚🎹Technique: Level 2

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 02 PDF

   1. Please see the directions written in the PDF yellow highlighted items.

   2. ONE TIME CLOSE LOUD FOR EACH ITEM

   3. ONE TIME STACCATO FOR EACH ITEM

   4. The numbers next to the items indicate the number of repetitions per practice session.

REVIEW PIECES:

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

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

FULL REPERTOIRE LIST

1. 💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

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

3. 💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

4. 💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

5. 💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

6. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

7. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

8. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

9. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

10. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th: 3 pm (or 1 pm if possible)

Angelfish

Detectives

The Snake

Andante

Celebration

April 22, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

Recital Repertoire:

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th

💛Please sit with a straight back

💛Please be prepared to take a small quiz on anything that’s written in your blog next week.

1. Sample question: In your sight-reading assignment, what tempo is indicated?

💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Prepare pages 6-10

💛“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 25 of 90

2. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 40 PER QUARTER NOTE.

3. Please use the metronome for EVERY assignment.

❤️Four Star: Level 1

1. 💚Prepare Set 5

2. ❤️Remember to practice with the TWO new audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. Chromatic: please get the fingering in your mind before you start. Remember that two white keys next to each other = 2-1 in the LH and 1-2 in the RH.

   2. See the circled highlighted items and red text.

   3. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

      1. Practice one time with the music then one time without

💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. Please see the blue pen.

2. Practice starting at any measure.

💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. See the blue pen.

2. Practice starting from any measure.

3. Work you way up to m.m. 100

💜The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Practice starting from three different measures every practice session.

2. Play through once with the music.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus is on a steady beat.

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. Practice the first four measures with the metronome, gradually building your speed:

   1. 4 measures at a time.

   2. Start at 80, then move to 84, 88, 92, 96, 100

   3. m. 4 with the metronome to the downbeat of m. 5, three times correctly each day.

   4. Practice with the recording in newzik of measures 9-11

   5. Fix all pink pen

🖤Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

April 15, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

Recital Repertoire:

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C: The Snake

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th

💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Prepare pages 1-5

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 25 of 90

2. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 40 PER QUARTER NOTE.

💚Four Star: Level 1

1. Prepare Set 4

2. Remember to practice with the TWO new audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the circled highlighted items and red text.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

      1. Practice one time with the music then one time without

💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. First when you practice this piece, do a practice run-through as if it were your recital. DO NOT correct any mistake but keep going with a steady beat.

2. All staccato markings should be shorter.

💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. Curve the fingers please.

2. Trim the nails :)

3. Work up the temp from 80, to 84, to 88, then 92. Do this in in sections if needed. Always overlap phrases / transitions (i.e. measures 12-13)

The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Practice starting from three different measures every practice session.

2. Play through once with the music.

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

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus is on a steady beat.

💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. Practice the first four measures with the metronome, gradually building your speed:

   1. 4 measures at a time.

   2. Start at 80, then move to 84, 88, 92, 96, 100

   3. m. 4 with the metronome to the downbeat of m. 5, three times correctly each day.

   4. Practice with the recording in newzik of measures 9-11

   5. Fix all pink pen

🖤Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

March 29 & April 9, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

Recital Repertoire:

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

List A: Andante

List B: Angelfish

List C:

Etude: Detectives

Recital May 19th

💚THEORY: Level 2, Unit 2

1. Prepare pages 1-5

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 25 of 90

2. PRACTICE SIGHT-READING NO FASTER THAN M.M. 40 PER QUARTER NOTE.

💚Four Star: Level 1

1. Prepare Set 3

2. Remember to practice with the TWO new audio recordings found in your Level 1 Tests PDF. One is for playback and one is for clapback.

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the circled highlighted items and red text.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

      1. Practice one time with the music then one time without

💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. Fix the purple pen.

💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. Curve the fingers please.

2. Trim the nails :)

3. Work up the temp from 80, to 84, to 88, then 92. Do this in in sections if needed. Always overlap phrases / transitions (i.e. measures 12-13)

💜The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Please make sure there are no accents in the piece.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. See red pen and yellow highlights.

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. Practice the first four measures with the metronome, gradually building your speed:

   1. 4 measures at a time.

   2. Start at 80, then move to 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108

   3. Fix all pink pen

🖤Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

March 25, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

💚Go through your rewards cards and see which ones you’ve earned! Set them aside for Dustin to review at the next lesson.

💜THEORY: Level 1, Unit 1

1. Prepare pages 1-3

💜“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 18

2. ❤️Remember that an accidental (sharp, flat or natural) only lasts for one measure, and only pertains to the line or space on which it is placed.

3. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

💜Four Star: Level 1

1. Prepare Set 2

2. ❤️Dustin create audio for playbacks and clap backs.

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the NEW purple highlighted items.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

      1. Practice one time with the music then one time without

💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. The scale of two-flats is B-flat Major or G Minor

2. Mm. 1-4: (LH)

   1. Shut the fall board and practice measure one with “moon-bounding staccato wrists”

   2. Lift the fall board and do the same movement on the keys!

   3. M. 4 - IN-THE-BLACK

3. Mm. 7 (RH)

   1. In-the black (thumb)

4. Mm. 8-9 (RH)

   1. Practice the transition between the measures.

5. Mm. 9-12 (RH)

   1. Practice staying in-the-black

   2. Fix notes in m. 11

6. Keep hands alone until all green is fixed and above items are fixed.

💚Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. Measures 1-4:

   1. LH softer please (at least a P marking)

   2. RH make PP dynamics

   3. This will make measure 5 really stand out when the melody comes in.

2. Mm. 12-13:

   1. Please practice NOT changing your tempo from 12 to 13

3. M. 19 - not so loud please. Only mf

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Please make sure there are no accents in the piece.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. Practice the first four measures with the metronome, gradually building your speed:

   1. 4 measures at a time.

   2. Start at 60, then move to 63, 66, 69, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88

   3. Think about the 1st beat in each measure as the accent - or your anchor point to find yourself with the metronome.

🖤Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

March 18, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

💚Go through your rewards cards and see which ones you’ve earned! Set them aside for Dustin to review at the next lesson.

💚THEORY: Level 1, Unit 1

1. Prepare pages 1-3

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 18

2. ❤️Remember that an accidental (sharp, flat or natural) only lasts for one measure, and only pertains to the line or space on which it is placed.

3. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

💚Four Star: Level 1

1. Prepare Set 2

2. ❤️Dustin create audio for playbacks and clap backs.

❤️🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the purple highlighted items.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

   3. Harmonic Minor Scale = raise the 7th scale degree by 1/2 step. Everything is the same apart from the 7th scale degree.

      1. Practice one time with the music then one time without

💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. See pink and purple pen

💛Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. Measures 1-4:

   1. ❤️Don’t go into the black keys with your LH fingers.

   2. RH softer

   3. “Angelbunnies” means LH needs to prepare over the note in advance so that you’re not getting there at the last second.

   4. Practice these measures correctly three times each practice session.

2. Measures 22-24:

   1. Gradual slow down.

   2. ❤️“Angelbunny” from the 2nd to last note of the piece (in the RH), to the last notes of the piece.

💜The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. See the markings in the music.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. Practice the first four measures with the metronome, gradually building your speed:

   1. 4 measures at a time.

   2. Start at 60, then move to 63, 66, 69, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88

   3. Think about the 1st beat in each measure as the accent - or your anchor point to find yourself with the metronome.

🖤Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

March 4 (45 min) & 14, 2024

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

💚Go through your rewards cards and see which ones you’ve earned! Set them aside for Dustin to review at the next lesson.

💜THEORY: Level 1

1. Teach me about where the tonic triad comes from (scale)

2. Unit 8

💜“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 14

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

cFour Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💜Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

💜🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the purple highlighted items.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

   3. Harmonic Minor Scale = raise the 7th scale degree by 1/2 step. Everything is the same apart from the 7th scale degree.

💚Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. See pink and purple pen

💛Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. Measures 1-4:

   1. ❤️Don’t go into the black keys with your LH fingers.

   2. RH softer

   3. “Angelbunnies” means LH needs to prepare over the note in advance so that you’re not getting there at the last second.

   4. Practice these measures correctly three times each practice session.

2. Measures 22-24:

   1. Gradual slow down.

   2. ❤️“Angelbunny” from the 2nd to last note of the piece (in the RH), to the last notes of the piece.

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. See the markings in the music.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💛Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. Practice the first four measures with the metronome, gradually building your speed:

   1. 4 measures at a time.

   2. Start at 60, then move to 63, 66, 69, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88

   3. Think about the 1st beat in each measure as the accent - or your anchor point to find yourself with the metronome.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

February 29, 2024

Studio Class: Sunday, March 10th, 2 pm, at National Opera Center

Cards:

Good Listener (need to earn over two lessons in-a-row)

Happy Hand Position (wrist above the white keys and finger number 4 curved)

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

💚Go through your rewards cards and see which ones you’ve earned! Set them aside for Dustin to review at the next lesson.

💚THEORY: Level 1

1. Teach me about where the tonic triad comes from (scale)

2. Unit 8

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 14

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

💚Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💚Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the purple highlighted items.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

   3. Harmonic Minor Scale = raise the 7th scale degree by 1/2 step. Everything is the same apart from the 7th scale degree.

💜Detectives by Christine Donkin (L. 1, Etude)

1. Start with Dustin on Monday

❤️Angelfish (L. 1, B)

1. Measures 1-4 and whenever you cross over, lift your wrist and elbow a bit more so you can create more room for your RH.

2. Mm. 5-8, and 9-12 crescendoing and decrescendo

   1. Start with LH - focus on crescendo and decrescendo smoothly.

   2. Then RH - only playing pp

   3. Then together.

3. Measures 17-20: Practice hands alone then together.

💛The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Practice with the audio in Newzik. Please fix all green pen.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1, Etude)

1. When you change your pedal, make sure the “down” movement is immediately after the “up” movement.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

February 19, 2024

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

💚Go through your rewards cards and see which ones you’ve earned! Set them aside for Dustin to review at the next lesson.

💚THEORY: Level 1

1. Unit 7 Prepare pages 1-4

   1. Teach me about the tonic triad

❤️“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 11

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

💚Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💚Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

❤️🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the purple highlighted items.

   2. Before you start, get in your mind - the key signature and where your 4th fingers go in each hand.

❤️Angelfish (L. 1)

1. Measures 1-4 and whenever you cross over, lift your wrist and elbow a bit more so you can create more room for your RH.

2. Mm. 5-8, and 9-12 crescendoing and decrescendo

   1. Start with LH - focus on crescendo and decrescendo smoothly.

   2. Then RH - only playing pp

   3. Then together.

3. Measures 17-20: Practice hands alone then together.

💛The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Practice with the audio in Newzik. Please fix all green pen.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. When you change your pedal, make sure the “down” movement is immediately after the “up” movement.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

February 13, 2024

RCM LEVEL 1 EXAM: May 29th 11:01 am

💚Go through your rewards cards and see which ones you’ve earned! Set them aside for Dustin to review at the next lesson.

💜THEORY: Level 1

1. Unit 6 (prepare 1-4) - check with Judith

2. Finish page 7

💜“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 11

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

💜💛Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💚Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 56 per quarter Note

2. Start AFTER you get beat in your mind, and then play for 3-4 measures with one or two goals. Then stop and reevaluate.

   1. SAMPLE GOALS ARE SMOOTH WRISTS, FINGERS CURVED, CORRECT NOTES, ETC.

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Technical Requirements Level 01 PDF.

   1. See the purple highlighted items.

💚Angelfish (L. 1)

1. Measures 1-4 and whenever you cross over, lift your wrist and elbow a bit more so you can create more room for your RH.

2. Mm. 5-8, and 9-12 crescendoing and decrescendo

   1. Start with LH - focus on crescendo and decrescendo smoothly.

   2. Then RH - only playing pp

   3. Then together.

3. Page 2 - see dynamics in red

❤️The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. For Every Two-Four Measures:

   1. ❤️Set metronome to 72 = quarter note

   2. See the new markings in blue.

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

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. When you change your pedal, make sure the “down” movement is immediately after the “up” movement.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

   1. Focus on relaxed wrists after playing long notes.

2. 💜💚💚 The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

February 5, 2024

❤️❤️Bring Reward Cards Next Time Dustin

💚THEORY: Level 1

1. Unit 6 (prepare 1-4)

💚“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 11

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Follow the instructions of the little characters in your music. :)

   2. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   3. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   4. Try again and reevaluate again.

   5. Try a third try is necessary.

💛Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💜Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 80 per 8th note.

2. STRAIGHT BACK AND LEAN SLIGHTLY FORWARD WITH YOUR CHEST LEADING

3. RIGHT SHOULDER DOWN AND RELAXED

4. RH FINGERS CURVED

5. Listen to the metronome first to get two notes per tick in your mind

6. TIDY ATTACKS (hands exactly together)

7. CURVED FINGERS

   1. Roll the dice and coordinate a number you roll for what type of practice you do

      1. For example: 1 = crescendo to the top and decrescendo to the bottom

      2. Could

💜🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Syllabus PDF with the red circles and practice the items.

   1. See RCM LEvel 1 Technique

      1. Page 19

         1. Sound should be approx. mf and legato.

         2. m.m. 40 per quarter note (per triplet).

         3. ❤️Before you start, count out loud “1 and a 2 and a 3 and a 4 and a” and then start.

🖤(no assignment)CZERNY Op. 823 No. 4

💚Angelfish (L. 1)

1. Learn until the end of the page (at least). Remember to focus on NFRPE

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. For Every Two-Four Meausres:

   1. Set metronome to 72 = quarter note

   2. Focus on dynamics - exaggerate all of them.

   3. Three times correctly for each section of two measures.

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

1. Practice starting from any measure.

2. Focus on RH melody above the LH

💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. When you change your pedal, make sure the “down” movement is immediately after the “up” movement.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💜Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

2. 💚💛The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

Register for RCM Level 1 Exam by February 10th

January 29, 2024

❤️Bring Reward Cards Next Time Dustin

💜THEORY: Level 1

1. Unit 5 (review pages 1-5 with Judith)

2. Finish Unit 5 (pages 6-End

   1. Read the instructions carefully

   2. Complete for next lesson.

   3. Be able to teach me about any items in the chapter.

❤️“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 8

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   2. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   3. Try again and reevaluate again.

   4. Try a third try is necessary.

💛Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💚Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 80 per 8th note.

2. STRAIGHT BACK AND LEAN SLIGHTLY FORWARD WITH YOUR CHEST LEADING

3. RIGHT SHOULDER DOWN AND RELAXED

4. RH FINGERS CURVED

5. Listen to the metronome first to get two notes per tick in your mind

6. TIDY ATTACKS (hands exactly together)

7. CURVED FINGERS

   1. Roll the dice and coordinate a number you roll for what type of practice you do

      1. For example: 1 = crescendo to the top and decrescendo to the bottom

      2. Could

💚🎹Technique: Level 1

1. See the RCM Syllabus PDF with the red circles and practice the items.

   1. 1. Page 19

         1. Sound should be approx. mf and legato.

         2. m.m. 40 per quarter note (per triplet).

         3. ❤️Before you start, count out loud “1 and a 2 and a 3 and a 4 and a” and then start.

🖤(no assignment)CZERNY Op. 823 No. 4

💜Angelfish (L. 1)

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. For Every Two Meausres:

   1. Set metronome to 72 = quarter note

   2. Focus on dynamics - exaggerate all of them.

   3. Three times correctly for each section of two measures.

💜Andante in G Minor by Georg Philip Telemann (L. 1, A)

1. Continue memorization

2. See the new markings in Newzik

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. Focus on pedaling - keeping heel on the floor. Shoulder (right shoulder) down.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💜Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

2. 💚💛The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💚Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

January 22, 2024

💚THEORY: Level 1

1. Unit 5 (review pages 1-5 with Judith)

2. Finish Unit 5 (pages 6-End

   1. Read the instructions carefully

   2. Complete for next lesson.

   3. Be able to teach me about any items in the chapter.

💛“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. Left off on page 8

2. Goal is to get all of NFRPE on the first try.

   1. Think about the shortest note value first and ask yourself how fast you want to play that - SLOW!

   2. After your first try, stop and fix anything in your head.

   3. Try again and reevaluate again.

   4. Try a third try is necessary.

💚Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💜Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 80 per 8th note.

2. Listen to the metronome first to get two note per tick in your mind

3. TIDY ATTACKS (hands exactly together)

4. CURVED FINGERS

   1. Roll the dice and coordinate a number you roll for what type of practice you do

      1. For example: 1 = crescendo to the top and decrescendo to the bottom

      2. Could

💚🎹Technique: Prep B

1. Level 1 Technique next week.

2. See the PDF with the yellow highlights and practice the items.

   1. Practice saying the name of the key signature and what sharp or flat is in it.

   2. Page 8 of 9: G Major Scale - 3 times in-a-row correctly each practice session.

   3. Page 9 of 9: all of it - 3 times in-a-row correctly each practice session.

      1. Prepare C Major and G Major And A minor

         1. ❤️Sound should be approx. mf and legato.

         2. m.m. 40 per quarter note (per triplet).

         3. Before you start, count out loud “1 and a 2 and a 3 and a 4 and a” and then start.

🖤(no assignment)CZERNY Op. 823 No. 4

Angelfish (L. 1)

💛The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Listen to the recording in Newzik every day (for expression).

2. Fix your notes / tidy attacks.

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

1. Continue memorization

2. See the new markings in Newzik

💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. Focus on pedaling - keeping heel on the floor. Shoulder (right shoulder) down.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

2. 💚💜The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💜Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

January 4, 12 & 19, 2024

💜THEORY: Level 1

1. Finish Unit 5

   1. Read the instructions carefully

   2. Complete for next lesson.

   3. Be able to teach me about any items in the chapter.

💜“Sight-Reading 2A”

1. See your new PDF in newzik and start from page 3. Follow the instructions below for sight-reading.

2. Let me know if this is too difficult and we’ll go back a level

💚Four Star: Level B.

1. Go to the Test section of the Test PDF and practice the playbacks and clap backs.

💜Czerny Op. 599 No. 12 - resume with Dustin

1. Speed-building: measures 5-8

   1. Very slowly at first, gradually build your tempo to a fast pace.

   2. Start at m.m. 72 and build 126 = quarter note.

   3. Focus on keeping a soft sound

   4. Remember curved fingers.

💜Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 80 per 8th note.

2. Listen to the metronome first to get two note per tick in your mind

3. TIDY ATTACKS (hands exactly together)

4. CURVED FINGERS

5. WORK ON YOUR TRANSITION AND ENDING

💚🎹Technique: Prep B

1. Level 1 Technique next week.

2. See the PDF with the yellow highlights and practice the items.

   1. Practice saying the

   2. Page 8 of 9: G Major Scale

   3. Page 9 of 9: all of it.

      1. Prepare C Major and G Major And A minor

         1. Sound should be approx. mf and legato.

         2. m.m. 40 per quarter note (per triplet).

         3. Before you start, count out loud “1 and a 2 and a 3 and a 4 and a” and then start.

🖤(no assignment)CZERNY Op. 823 No. 4

Angelfish (L. 1)

💜The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Focus on expression and hands together.

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

1. Continue memorization

2. See the new markings in Newzik

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. Measures 14 and 16: drop into the key and pop off the keyboard with a forward wrists and into the air. The point here is to keep relaxed. Watch the video.

2. measure 12 - prepare the RH sooner for the last note.

3. Measures 11-12 - get rid of the pause between the measures.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

2. 💚💜The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

3. 💚💚💜Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

4. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

6. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

December 29, 2023

💚THEORY: Level 1

1. Finish Unit 3

   1. Read the instructions carefully

   2. Complete for next lesson.

   3. Be able to teach me about any items in the chapter.

💚“Sight-Reading 00 46-61”

1. See your new PDF in newzik and start from page 3. Follow the instructions below for sight-reading.

💚Four Star: Level B.

1. Complete Set 10

2. When you encounter whole notes, count four full beats in your mind. You normally cut these short.

3. Set the metronome to m.m. 50 and listen to it before you begin. Don’t go faster than this.

💚Czerny Op. 599 No. 12 - resume with Dustin

1. Speed-building: measures 5-8

   1. Very slowly at first, gradually build your tempo to a fast pace.

   2. Start at m.m. 72 and build 126 = quarter note.

   3. Focus on keeping a soft sound

   4. Remember curved fingers.

❤️Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 76 per 8th note.

2. Listen to the metronome first to get two note per tick in your mind

3. Play legato and raise your wrists with the contour of the notes.

❤️Technique: Prep B

1. See the PDF with the yellow highlights and practice the items.

   1. See chords on page 12

   2. Practice them blocked first, then broken as written.

   3. Remember the bottom note goes on the top if you are ascending, and the top note goes to the bottom if you are descending.

🖤(no assignment)CZERNY Op. 823 No. 4

💚The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Learn with the NFRPE method, two measures at a time, hands alone only.

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

1. Use metronome 60 per quarter note and practice in 4 measure chunks.

2. Get the 8th note pulse in your mind with the metronome going before you begin.

❤️Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

1. Practice starting from any measure of the piece.

2. Repeat the same starting point three times if the first time doesn’t come easily.

3. Three different starting points per practice session.

💚Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. Measures 14 and 16: drop into the key and pop off the keyboard with a forward wrists and into the air. The point here is to keep relaxed. Watch the video.

2. measure 12 - prepare the RH sooner for the last note.

3. Measures 11-12 - get rid of the pause between the measures.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚💜The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

2. 💚💚💜Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

3. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

4. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.

December 22, 2023

💚THEORY: Level 1

1. Finish Unit 3

   1. Read the instructions carefully

   2. Complete for next lesson.

   3. Be able to teach me about any items in the chapter.

❤️Four Star: Level B.

1. Finish Set 9

2. Find music dictation examples (writing down the melody)

3. Create audio examples including names of chords and numbers of the examples.

💚Czerny Op. 599 No. 12 - resume with Dustin

1. Speed-building: measures 5-8

   1. Very slowly at first, gradually build your tempo to a fast pace.

   2. Start at m.m. 72 and build 126 = quarter note.

   3. Focus on keeping a soft sound

   4. Remember curved fingers.

💜Hanon No. 1 (speed-building)

1. Metronome 76 per 8th note.

2. Listen to the metronome first to get two note per tick in your mind

3. Play legato and raise your wrists with the contour of the notes.

💜Technique: Prep B

1. See the PDF with the yellow highlights and practice the items.

   1. See chords on page 12

🖤(no assignment)CZERNY Op. 823 No. 4

💜The Snake by Renée Christopher (L. 1, C)

1. Start with Dustin next Friday

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

1. Record yourself playing.

2. Listen back with one or two goals in mind (notes / rhythm, etc.)

3. Use one color and identify any issues by marking them in the music,.

4. Listen again and use another color for any remaining focus points.

5. Use a different color to identify any issues by marking them in the music.

6. Now spot each section three times in-a-row correctly and erase them when finished!

💜Minuet in F Major by Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) (Prep B)

1. Practice starting from any measure of the piece.

2. Repeat the same starting point three times if the first time doesn’t come easily.

3. Three different starting points per practice session.

💜Celebration by Ann Crosby Gaudet (L. 1)

1. Measures 14 and 16: drop into the key and pop off the keyboard with a forward wrists and into the air. The point here is to keep relaxed.

2. Pedaling in measures 8-11: during pedal changes, make sure the notes are quiet by playing them from the key.

Once a week, review the following pieces with the music:

1. 💚💜The Calico Cat by Helen Marlais (b. 1966) (Prep B)

   1. Review, making sure your focus on DYNAMICS.

2. 💚💚💜Freddie the Frog by Anne Crosby-Gaudet (b. 1968) (Prep B)

3. 💚💚💚Allegro in C Major op. 1 no. 4 by Alexander Reinagle (1756-1809) (L. A)

4. 💚💚💚A Skating Waltz by Boris Berlin (1907-2001) (L. A)

5. 💚💚💚What’s That Noise by Martha Mier (b. 1936) L. A)

❤️ = Needs lots of work or wasn’t prepared properly for more than one lesson

💜 = Didn’t get to it at the last lesson - we’ll start with this before 💛 or 💚

💛 = Doing the assignment but needs special attention

💚 - On track and do the assignment.

2023 Fall Milestones

1. RCM Level B Exam in the Fall? Or Level 1 in the Spring.