LEARNING A NEW PIECE OF MUSIC
- Notice form and phrases (using a full score.) Listening encouraged
- Notice the time signature (duple, triple, etc.).
- Find “do”, then determine modality (major, minor, etc.).
- Note accidentals for possible key changes. (harmonic aspects.)
- Use staff paper to write the “keys” or scales for the piece.
- Also write the tonic, dominant and subdominant chords and possibly secondary dominants.
- Play the scales and the chords. Then:
- Note and chant the rhythmic pattern of the first phrase.
- Sing the first phrase using solfege.
- Repeat, adding left-hand placement plus finger selection (in rest position)
- Repeat in playing position.
- Play the first phrase.
Decide how much of the work you will approach in a single session. Insert rehearsal letters. Begin each successive session with a new segment.
My expectations: that I will be gently introducing this approach over the course of a number of lessons depending on the student's history and dedication.
