Making the Most of Your Time

LEARNING A NEW PIECE OF MUSIC

1. Notice form and phrases (using a full score.) Listening encouraged
2. Notice the time signature (duple, triple, etc.).
3. Find “do”, then determine modality (major, minor, etc.).
4. Note accidentals for possible key changes. (harmonic aspects.)
5. Use staff paper to write the “keys” or scales for the piece.
6. Also write the tonic, dominant and subdominant chords and possibly secondary dominants.
7. Play the scales and the chords. Then:
8. Note and chant the rhythmic pattern of the first phrase.
9. Sing the first phrase using solfege.
10. Repeat, adding left-hand placement plus finger selection (in rest position)
11. Repeat in playing position.
12. 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.