Hey Parents
Just to remind you that YES we will have a class on Wednesday Nov 11,because I believe it's still a regular work day/ school day except forthe minute of silence. Though please let me know if you think there isa reason you can't make it or we should postpone it? Please take amoment to read the important notes below, with the lesson overview,homework assignment, optional game purchase. And remember to ask meabout the FREE PIANO!
POSTURE & HAND FORMATIONAt this young age, the students should own an adjustable piano benchat home. However, since these aren't formal piano lessons it's ok tosit on pillows or a phone book to prop up the height so that the armis nearly parallel with the floor (as safely enough as possible). Byage 7, this will not be a real issue. Sit up straight and tall. Have afoot stool at the bottom to support the feet (and prevent them fromsliding forward and playing with the pedals!)
It is very wrong to make a flat, grotesque cat claw like shape of thehand!!!!!! I'm stressing this because I saw this on Wednesday. Oddlyenough, this happens when we put too much stress on the child to make"curved fingers". Instead, emphasize a relaxed hand. Turn the handsover like you're cradling a snowball or giant soap bubble. Turn thefingers to the keyboard again and all the fingers will be relaxed. Theidea is keep the little joint closest to the finger nails, strong soas not to bend inwards. The fingers will hold up the weight of thehand and arm. Use the one chosen finger, let the other inactivefingers just hand around and stay in relaxed shape; use the hand asone unit connected to your arm at the wrist. Try it for yourself!Please come and see if you need me to explain this better in person.
Play the sequence C-D-E-F-G with the same finger, say middle finger,everywhere on the piano. Maggie is able to do this (possibly random)but she is exploring this unique sound of notes in a recognizablesequence.Enrichment: If you play A-B-C-D-E you will get a noticably different mood.
I am a new Suzuki Piano Teacher with many years of experience teaching classical piano at the beginners and intermediate levels to children of all ages. I am creating this blog to capture some of my rough notes from teacher training, pedagogy books, workshops and experiences from my own studio. The earlier entries are taken from the lesson notes for the pre-Twinkle level class I had taught outside the formal Suzuki method. Your comments and feedback are most helpful. Enjoy!
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