Lesson Book Three (print)

Description

Masterworks Lesson Book Three is a continuation of Lesson Book Two.

Topics covered in Lesson Book Three include:

• Replacing
• Intervals
• Dynamics
• Octave scales
• Transposition
• Chords
• Flats
• Tuning

Replacements are a significant part of Lesson Book Three. Students will begin to develop smoother transitions between notes while playing. To make the notation as easy to read as possible for the young beginner, I used a bracket system that positions all the brackets for the right hand (R.H.) above the staff and all the brackets for the left hand (L.H.) below the staff.

Interval recognition is very helpful for note reading and ear training. Frequently point out relationships between notes on the staff. Teach students to pay careful attention to the direction of the notes being played. Do they look like they are going up higher on the staff? Are notes diving down lower?

Encourage students to count out the rhythms in the music frequently. If they are ready, help them to write in counting within the measures. You will notice in future examples that I chose to spell out the word “and” for the sake of helping students learn to speak the counting. In practice, I prefer to teach students to write a plus (+) sign instead to align more easily under the correct note.

Tuning is introduced in this book. Young students struggle with tuning but often enjoy learning more about the concept. If your student cannot yet tune the harp, use the lesson time to teach another family member who can help. Revisit tuning during lessons from time to time.