It's all about the learning and the joy! Take away from each class what you can, appreciate what you can do, have fun!
Remember that there will not be class next week while I am visiting my Mom.
I am very grateful that my Mom is the most loving and positive person I know and it is always imspiring to spend time with her.
So….. you have 2 weeks to get the C scale in your brain and your fingers.
Class review:
After reviewing the Pentatonic scale, up and back, we played Safari…... like pros. On to the cheery Rocky Mountain in 2/4 time… March (or walking). And finally……. the lovely traditional Acadian Lullaby. We also talked about notes of the scale having a number system with the first note of the scale being 1 and on up to 7, and we did a brief introduction to the circle of 5ths.
I also handed it out some tips on how to practice effectively, for your information. I have put a couple of documents on the resource page to help you keep track your practice, if you choose to do so.
Your work:
Warm up with some finger exercises, the Pentatonic scale, and the C scale. With the C scale (pg 14) we are adding just 2 new notes to the pentatonic scale to make our first complete major scale (a C scale "quiz" is on your resource page.)
Do exercises on page on page 7 and page 14 (3 & 4) and 15 (all of them)
We'll revisit Acadian Lullaby next week, so continue to practice it, using care to get a warm, full sound. Next time we will move on to All Night Long and Lavender's Blue (recordings on the resource page)
Regarding the recording of Acadian Lullaby, James plays it with a Chord Melody technique which means playing the chords and melody at the same time, making a bit confusing to the ear. However, it's the only recording I have so you'll have to use it to just become familiar with the tune and try hear the melody note, which will always be the highest note you hear.
Ear training: Try to play I Got Rhythm by ear at home. It starts on low G and uses only pentatonic scale notes (hint: it never goes above an open e). Another tune to try by ear at home is Auld Lang Syne - also starts on low G. If you have a high g the bottom notes will be high and sound funny. Just pretend that they are low and carry on.
Finally, if you are new to chords, keep working on learning the C, F and G7. You can practice playing the chords in the songs in the book, and even play along with the recordings.
As always, please contact me with your questions and concerns.
Gail
733-6867
A few thoughts:
1. It is completely normal to feel a little lost and dazed at this point. If you persist, it gets better and becomes more fun. If you practice, you will get better.
2. It is also normal to play much worse in class than at home. That also gets better with time…. and practice. If you practice, you will get better.
3. It is very hard for we grown-ups to be beginners at something (like music). But…. it is very good for us on so many levels. Good for our brains, our bodies, our confidence, and our souls.
4. Having musical friends and building a musical community is the best thing…….. ever.
Remember that there will not be class next week while I am visiting my Mom.
I am very grateful that my Mom is the most loving and positive person I know and it is always imspiring to spend time with her.
So….. you have 2 weeks to get the C scale in your brain and your fingers.
Class review:
After reviewing the Pentatonic scale, up and back, we played Safari…... like pros. On to the cheery Rocky Mountain in 2/4 time… March (or walking). And finally……. the lovely traditional Acadian Lullaby. We also talked about notes of the scale having a number system with the first note of the scale being 1 and on up to 7, and we did a brief introduction to the circle of 5ths.
I also handed it out some tips on how to practice effectively, for your information. I have put a couple of documents on the resource page to help you keep track your practice, if you choose to do so.
Your work:
Warm up with some finger exercises, the Pentatonic scale, and the C scale. With the C scale (pg 14) we are adding just 2 new notes to the pentatonic scale to make our first complete major scale (a C scale "quiz" is on your resource page.)
Do exercises on page on page 7 and page 14 (3 & 4) and 15 (all of them)
We'll revisit Acadian Lullaby next week, so continue to practice it, using care to get a warm, full sound. Next time we will move on to All Night Long and Lavender's Blue (recordings on the resource page)
Regarding the recording of Acadian Lullaby, James plays it with a Chord Melody technique which means playing the chords and melody at the same time, making a bit confusing to the ear. However, it's the only recording I have so you'll have to use it to just become familiar with the tune and try hear the melody note, which will always be the highest note you hear.
Ear training: Try to play I Got Rhythm by ear at home. It starts on low G and uses only pentatonic scale notes (hint: it never goes above an open e). Another tune to try by ear at home is Auld Lang Syne - also starts on low G. If you have a high g the bottom notes will be high and sound funny. Just pretend that they are low and carry on.
Finally, if you are new to chords, keep working on learning the C, F and G7. You can practice playing the chords in the songs in the book, and even play along with the recordings.
As always, please contact me with your questions and concerns.
Gail
733-6867
A few thoughts:
1. It is completely normal to feel a little lost and dazed at this point. If you persist, it gets better and becomes more fun. If you practice, you will get better.
2. It is also normal to play much worse in class than at home. That also gets better with time…. and practice. If you practice, you will get better.
3. It is very hard for we grown-ups to be beginners at something (like music). But…. it is very good for us on so many levels. Good for our brains, our bodies, our confidence, and our souls.
4. Having musical friends and building a musical community is the best thing…….. ever.
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