May 12, 2023

Theory

Do this worksheet (its 6 pages): Rhythms

Use this for reference:

Technique/Scales

C Major Scale, Chords, and Arpeggios

  • 2 Octaves
  • Focus on keeping hand curved and wrist parallel to the floor (maybe add some pillows to the bench) so there’s room for thumb to cross under

Ploger Method:

  • Read Chapters 1 – Three Stages of Learning, and Chapter 2 – Three Causes of Error (pdfs below)
  • Do the 2-Part and 3-Part Longy rhythms: Tap with LH and left leg for all beat 1’s (whether there’s a number or a dot). Sing any numbers out loud on Middle C, and whisper the beat number on the dots.
  • Improvise your own rhythms on the 2-Part and 3-Part Lap Maps (download from this link and print)

chapter 1 three stages of learning

chapter 2 three causes of error

Longy page

2-part lap map

3-part lap map

Repertoire

Kuhlau Sonatina Op 20 No 1:

  • Work through entire piece with metronome set to 92 for a beat or lower (slower is better at first), and make sure you are able to keep up with the 16th notes that begin in m. 28
  • m. 25 & 27 be careful of last 3 notes in each measure – they are 8th notes, not 16th or 32nd
  • m. 41-44, watch out LH scales start with an 8th note
  • m. 45-47 be sure you hold the quarter notes for full full value

Nocturne:

  • learn the rest with hands separately with counting, then put together