I apologize for being absent lately - things in the store have been busy, and I've been dealing with some personal issues, illnesses and such. Things are getting better now, though, so I'm going to try and resume my regular posting schedule. Thanks for sticking around!
Recommended by a local teacher (thanks!), MusicTheory.net has apps for iPhone and iPad, and she also recommends C-Sharply Music Trainer, available in the android app store (or Google Play Store or whatever they're calling it now)
From the Go Play Project, A Word About Play
Natalie from Music Matters has a great series of posts about Teaching Tips from Snowboard School - here's the introduction, and parts One, Two, Three and Four (she apparently plans it to be a 10-part series, so stay tuned!)
From Compose Create, Marketing to Homeschool Students
From NPR Books, Habits: How They Form And How To Break Them
From Music Teacher's Blog, Make-up Lessons – To Give, or Not To Give, That is The Question (some great links in this post)
Happy browsing!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
New Publications: Hal Leonard
Also available with CD: #HL00416927 - $12.99
Monday, February 20, 2012
Recital Bestsellers for Spring 2012: FJH Music
I've been filling some teachers' orders for recital music lately and thought I would share with you what's hot for this spring (these are all FJH publications, I'll do other publishers in another post):
EARLY ELEMENTARY
FJH Solo Standouts, Book 1 (collection) - multiple composers - Early Elementary to Elementary Piano - FJH1636 - $5.95 - This collection of eclectic, original solo pieces features a variety of styles from some of FJH's leading composers.FJH Solo Standouts, Book 1 is an excellent accompaniment to any piano method, allowing students to reinforce lesson materials while learning to play new styles.
Spotlight Piano Solo Collection Book 1 (collection) - Early Elementary to Elementary Piano - FJH1233 - This collection features Spotlight Solos from five outstanding composers, and includes teaching tips by Victoria McArthur. Contents: Morning Has Broken, My First Halloween at the Piano, Parade of Ants, Locomotive Boogie, Squeaky Sneakers, Buglers at Sunrise, Chihuahua Cha-Cha, The Great Bike Race, and If I Lived Under the Sea.
Tropical Breezes - by Timothy Brown - W9028 - $2.95 - This charming suite of three tropical-themed pieces includes motivating optional teacher duets. The pieces remain in Middle C position, and avoid eighth-note rhythms.
A World of Cowboy Favorites (collection) - by Victor Galindo - FF1220 - $4.95 - This enjoyable collection is arranged for the beginning pianist who has some knowledge of accidentals and simple meters. Most pieces are in Middle C position with occasional hand position changes. Features optional teacher duets. Includes: Red River Valley, The Streets of Laredo, Green Grow the Lilacs, Oh Bury Me Not, and more.
ELEMENTARY
Beautiful Dolphin - by Mary Leaf - W9313 - $2.50 - Peaceful and serene, this song is about a dolphin swimming free in the ocean. It features a beautiful flowing accompaniment suggesting the coming and going of the tide. This solo will appeal to adult beginners as well as younger students.
Carnival Caprice - by Melody Bober - W9083 - $2.50 - Playful and rhythmic, this elementary piece offers excellent technical practice with slurs and staccati, while remaining rooted in Middle C position.
Crazy Cars - by Elizabeth Gutierrez - S4101 - $2.50 - This bright, energetic piece features staccato and legato articulations, along with some accessible hands-together playing. The sound of "car honks" adds to the imagery.
Dreaming by a Quiet Sea - by Elizabeth Greenleaf - W9089 - $2.50 - Peaceful and dreamy, this composition in the key of G features appealing harmonic changes, use of the damper pedal, and accidentals.
Moonlit Shores - by Kathleen Massoud - S4102 - $2.95 - A focus on legato playing between the hands with connected pedaling makes this elementary piece a perfect introduction to expressive playing.
A Patriotic Celebration Book 1 (collection) - arr. Melody Bober - FJH1329 - $4.95 - This outstanding compilation, arranged by Melody Bober, helps celebrate the spirit and heritage of America. Contents include: Yankee Doodle; Anchors Aweigh; You’re a Grand Old Flag; America, the Beautiful; The Marines’ Hymn; American Patrol; The Caissons Go Rolling Along; and The Stars and Stripes Forever.
Raindrop Serenade - by Melody Bober - W9061 - $2.25 - A sparkling, expressive elementary solo. Features both staccato and legato techniques with some left-hand crossovers incorporated.
Solos in Style Book 1 (collection) - by Melody Bober - FJH1229 - $5.50 - These seven colorful pieces may be played as solos or enhanced by the optional duet accompaniments. Written especially for the elementary pianist, these pieces are wonderful for concert performance.
Surprising Solos Book 1 (collection) - by Wynn-Anne Rossi - FJH1295 - $4.95 - The eight engaging solos found in this collection are packed with surprises that awaken the imagination. Surprising Solosis a comfortable stretch beyond the ordinary, written for the student (and teacher) who is looking for music that is fresh.
LATE ELEMENTARY
Evening Promenade - by Eric Baumgartner - W9094 - $2.50 - This classically-styled piece features a graceful melody that passes fluidly between the hands. Includes two- and three-note slur gestures, along with legato and staccato accompaniments.
Just for Fun Book 1 (collection) - by Melody Bober - FJH1337 - $5.50 - This exciting book by Melody Bober includes pieces that are interesting to hear and play, yet also serve a pedagogical purpose. Written in a variety of keys, they help students to become proficient in playing major and minor pentascale patterns. SAMPLE, SAMPLE
Minute March - by Melody Bober - W9239 - $2.50 - A late elementary piece played in the C position with L.H. crossovers plus varied articulations using both slurs and staccatos. Students will enjoy this march’s bright and perky sounds.
Snowflakes Dancing - by Mary Leaf - W9081 - $2.50 - This piece's mysterious quality is conveyed through a chromatic left-hand part opposite a legato melody based on the C minor pentascale.
Solo Souvenirs (collection) - Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Piano - by David Karp - FJH1281 - Solo Souvenirs provides imaginative and challenging piano solos that help to develop pianistic and musical awareness. These pieces for students of all ages are easy to learn, fun to practice, and exciting to perform.
EARLY INTERMEDIATE
An Enchanted Castle - by Pat Boozer - S4077 - $2.50 - A peaceful composition, reminiscent of Satie's Gymnopedies. Features some ledger line reading in both clefs and left-hand crossovers.
Legend - by Timothy Brown - W9020 - $2.50 - Written in the key of A minor, this composition's graceful melody will focus the student on expressive playing and legato phrasing.
A Patriotic Celebration Book 2 (collection) - arr. Melody Bober - FJH1335 - $5.50 - With great pride, Melody Bober has arranged this extraordinary collection of some of the best-loved patriotic tunes in American history. Contents include: Anchors Aweigh/The Caissons Go Rolling Along; The Star Spangled Banner; When Johnny Comes Marching Home; America, the Beautiful; Battle Hymn of the Republic; The Marines’ Hymn; and My Country ‘tis of Thee.
Tarantella Viva - by Melody Bober - W9238 - $2.95 - A fast, exciting piece in 6/8 time with staff changes and hand crossovers, and the RH alternating between eighth notes and chords. This piece proclaims that the tarantella is indeed, alive! Another terrific piece from the creative mind of Melody Bober. SAMPLE
INTERMEDIATE
Lakeside Reverie - by Melody Bober - W9097 - $2.95 - Dreamy and reflective, this composition begins with a tender melody in the upper register. As the piece unfolds, it becomes increasingly expressive and covers the full range of the keyboard.
Midnight Chase - by Christopher Goldstong - W9051 - $3.50 - An exciting, dynamic piece for performance! This up-tempo solo is to be played "with energy and intrigue." Features 6/8 time.
Midnight Escapade - by Melody Bober - W9233 - $2.95 - A furiously fast piece in D minor starting with the melody in the LH while the RH plays 16th notes. The melody is then picked up by the RH before moving back to the opening section, which is actually a toccata. Your students will need fast fingers for this big sounding, virtuosic showy piece.
Wind Chimes - Wynn-Anne Rossi - W9146 - $2.95 - Fresh, contemporary-sounding piece features a hypnotic left-hand ostinato, delicate textures, changing meter, singing right-hand melody and legato pedaling. This charming solo offers modern harmonies and repeated left-hand patterns which make it easy to play and memorize.
LATE INTERMEDIATE
Canyons and Waterfalls - by Melody Bober - W9006 - $2.95 - The variety of musical textures in this recital piece - booming thick chords, lyrical melody, splashing arpeggiated figures, and resonant octaves - is sure to make it a classic.
EARLY ELEMENTARY
FJH Solo Standouts, Book 1 (collection) - multiple composers - Early Elementary to Elementary Piano - FJH1636 - $5.95 - This collection of eclectic, original solo pieces features a variety of styles from some of FJH's leading composers.FJH Solo Standouts, Book 1 is an excellent accompaniment to any piano method, allowing students to reinforce lesson materials while learning to play new styles.
Spotlight Piano Solo Collection Book 1 (collection) - Early Elementary to Elementary Piano - FJH1233 - This collection features Spotlight Solos from five outstanding composers, and includes teaching tips by Victoria McArthur. Contents: Morning Has Broken, My First Halloween at the Piano, Parade of Ants, Locomotive Boogie, Squeaky Sneakers, Buglers at Sunrise, Chihuahua Cha-Cha, The Great Bike Race, and If I Lived Under the Sea.
Tropical Breezes - by Timothy Brown - W9028 - $2.95 - This charming suite of three tropical-themed pieces includes motivating optional teacher duets. The pieces remain in Middle C position, and avoid eighth-note rhythms.
A World of Cowboy Favorites (collection) - by Victor Galindo - FF1220 - $4.95 - This enjoyable collection is arranged for the beginning pianist who has some knowledge of accidentals and simple meters. Most pieces are in Middle C position with occasional hand position changes. Features optional teacher duets. Includes: Red River Valley, The Streets of Laredo, Green Grow the Lilacs, Oh Bury Me Not, and more.
ELEMENTARY
Beautiful Dolphin - by Mary Leaf - W9313 - $2.50 - Peaceful and serene, this song is about a dolphin swimming free in the ocean. It features a beautiful flowing accompaniment suggesting the coming and going of the tide. This solo will appeal to adult beginners as well as younger students.
Carnival Caprice - by Melody Bober - W9083 - $2.50 - Playful and rhythmic, this elementary piece offers excellent technical practice with slurs and staccati, while remaining rooted in Middle C position.
Crazy Cars - by Elizabeth Gutierrez - S4101 - $2.50 - This bright, energetic piece features staccato and legato articulations, along with some accessible hands-together playing. The sound of "car honks" adds to the imagery.
Dreaming by a Quiet Sea - by Elizabeth Greenleaf - W9089 - $2.50 - Peaceful and dreamy, this composition in the key of G features appealing harmonic changes, use of the damper pedal, and accidentals.
Moonlit Shores - by Kathleen Massoud - S4102 - $2.95 - A focus on legato playing between the hands with connected pedaling makes this elementary piece a perfect introduction to expressive playing.
A Patriotic Celebration Book 1 (collection) - arr. Melody Bober - FJH1329 - $4.95 - This outstanding compilation, arranged by Melody Bober, helps celebrate the spirit and heritage of America. Contents include: Yankee Doodle; Anchors Aweigh; You’re a Grand Old Flag; America, the Beautiful; The Marines’ Hymn; American Patrol; The Caissons Go Rolling Along; and The Stars and Stripes Forever.
Raindrop Serenade - by Melody Bober - W9061 - $2.25 - A sparkling, expressive elementary solo. Features both staccato and legato techniques with some left-hand crossovers incorporated.
Solos in Style Book 1 (collection) - by Melody Bober - FJH1229 - $5.50 - These seven colorful pieces may be played as solos or enhanced by the optional duet accompaniments. Written especially for the elementary pianist, these pieces are wonderful for concert performance.
Surprising Solos Book 1 (collection) - by Wynn-Anne Rossi - FJH1295 - $4.95 - The eight engaging solos found in this collection are packed with surprises that awaken the imagination. Surprising Solosis a comfortable stretch beyond the ordinary, written for the student (and teacher) who is looking for music that is fresh.
LATE ELEMENTARY
Evening Promenade - by Eric Baumgartner - W9094 - $2.50 - This classically-styled piece features a graceful melody that passes fluidly between the hands. Includes two- and three-note slur gestures, along with legato and staccato accompaniments.
Just for Fun Book 1 (collection) - by Melody Bober - FJH1337 - $5.50 - This exciting book by Melody Bober includes pieces that are interesting to hear and play, yet also serve a pedagogical purpose. Written in a variety of keys, they help students to become proficient in playing major and minor pentascale patterns. SAMPLE, SAMPLE
Minute March - by Melody Bober - W9239 - $2.50 - A late elementary piece played in the C position with L.H. crossovers plus varied articulations using both slurs and staccatos. Students will enjoy this march’s bright and perky sounds.
Snowflakes Dancing - by Mary Leaf - W9081 - $2.50 - This piece's mysterious quality is conveyed through a chromatic left-hand part opposite a legato melody based on the C minor pentascale.
Solo Souvenirs (collection) - Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Piano - by David Karp - FJH1281 - Solo Souvenirs provides imaginative and challenging piano solos that help to develop pianistic and musical awareness. These pieces for students of all ages are easy to learn, fun to practice, and exciting to perform.
EARLY INTERMEDIATE
An Enchanted Castle - by Pat Boozer - S4077 - $2.50 - A peaceful composition, reminiscent of Satie's Gymnopedies. Features some ledger line reading in both clefs and left-hand crossovers.
Legend - by Timothy Brown - W9020 - $2.50 - Written in the key of A minor, this composition's graceful melody will focus the student on expressive playing and legato phrasing.
A Patriotic Celebration Book 2 (collection) - arr. Melody Bober - FJH1335 - $5.50 - With great pride, Melody Bober has arranged this extraordinary collection of some of the best-loved patriotic tunes in American history. Contents include: Anchors Aweigh/The Caissons Go Rolling Along; The Star Spangled Banner; When Johnny Comes Marching Home; America, the Beautiful; Battle Hymn of the Republic; The Marines’ Hymn; and My Country ‘tis of Thee.
Tarantella Viva - by Melody Bober - W9238 - $2.95 - A fast, exciting piece in 6/8 time with staff changes and hand crossovers, and the RH alternating between eighth notes and chords. This piece proclaims that the tarantella is indeed, alive! Another terrific piece from the creative mind of Melody Bober. SAMPLE
INTERMEDIATE
Lakeside Reverie - by Melody Bober - W9097 - $2.95 - Dreamy and reflective, this composition begins with a tender melody in the upper register. As the piece unfolds, it becomes increasingly expressive and covers the full range of the keyboard.
Midnight Chase - by Christopher Goldstong - W9051 - $3.50 - An exciting, dynamic piece for performance! This up-tempo solo is to be played "with energy and intrigue." Features 6/8 time.
Midnight Escapade - by Melody Bober - W9233 - $2.95 - A furiously fast piece in D minor starting with the melody in the LH while the RH plays 16th notes. The melody is then picked up by the RH before moving back to the opening section, which is actually a toccata. Your students will need fast fingers for this big sounding, virtuosic showy piece.
Wind Chimes - Wynn-Anne Rossi - W9146 - $2.95 - Fresh, contemporary-sounding piece features a hypnotic left-hand ostinato, delicate textures, changing meter, singing right-hand melody and legato pedaling. This charming solo offers modern harmonies and repeated left-hand patterns which make it easy to play and memorize.
LATE INTERMEDIATE
Canyons and Waterfalls - by Melody Bober - W9006 - $2.95 - The variety of musical textures in this recital piece - booming thick chords, lyrical melody, splashing arpeggiated figures, and resonant octaves - is sure to make it a classic.
Friday, February 10, 2012
New Publications: Hal Leonard
The Worship Piano Method - Book 1 - Softcover with CD - Author: Teresa Ledford & Wendy Stevens - #HL00290591 - $9.99 - The Worship Piano Method is designed for beginning piano students who desire to praise God through His gift of music. Using solid pedagogy, appealing songs and fun activities, this course provides a strong foundation to develop both piano skills and a lifestyle of worship. The companion CD features professional-quality backing tracks to help students play with confidence and sound great! The CD is playable on any CD player, and is also enhanced so you can download MIDI files for each song. Songs include: Come, Thou Almighty King • For the Beauty of the Earth • I've Got Peace Like a River • Wonderful Words of Life • and more.
And a new series from Hal Leonard, 'Journey Through the Classics'! Journey Through the Classics is a four-volume piano repertoire series designed to lead students seamlessly from the earliest classics to the intermediate masterworks. The graded pieces are presented in a progressive order and feature a variety of classical favorites essential to any piano student's educational foundation. Benefits: Progressive order provides a variety of musical styles in a logical sequence; Includes a reference chart with the stylistic period and challenge elements listed for each piece; Authentic repertoire ideal for auditions and recitals; and more. Quality and value make this series a perfect classical companion for any method!
Journey Through the Classics: Book 1 - Elementary - Editor: Jennifer Linn - Composer: Various - Level: Elementary - #HL00296870 - $5.99
Journey Through the Classics: Book 1 - Elementary - Editor: Jennifer Linn - Composer: Various - Level: Elementary - #HL00296870 - $5.99
Journey Through the Classics: Book 2 - Late Elementary - Editor: Jennifer Linn - Composer: Various - Level: Late Elementary - #HL00296871 - $5.99
Journey Through the Classics: Book 3 - Early Intermediate - Editor: Jennifer Linn - Composer: Various - Level: Early Intermediate - #HL00296872 - $5.99
Also new from Hal Leonard:
FunTime® Kids' Songs - Level 3A-3B - Faber Piano Adventures® - Piano Level: 3A-3B - This new collection of kids' songs will entertain and encourage the early intermediate pianist. Carefully graded for Level 3A-3B students to enjoy, this collection includes: You've Got a Friend in Me • Consider Yourself • Be Our Guest • Yellow Submarine • Walking on Sunshine • The Addam's Family Theme • and more.
Accent on Classical - Early to Mid-Intermediate Level - Composer: William Gillock - Arranger: William Gillock - #HL00416932 - $7.99 - Gillock transformed several classical favorites into accessible teaching pieces, including Beethoven's “Für Elise” and “German Dance” (Op.17/9). He also often composed pieces “in the style of” a famous composer, like the brief, gorgeous “Homage to Chopin” and the light and playful “Etude (In the style of Czerny).” Other pieces in this timeless collection include: Capriccietto • Barcarolle • Piece in Classic Style • Sonatina in C.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Web Wednesday
from Frances Wilson's Piano Studio, Listening and Hearing
from Coppell Piano Shop, Why Do Children Drop Out of Piano Lessons
from NPR, Where Are Your Musical Blind Spots
from Leading Notes, Creating Musical Conversations in Private Teaching
from CNN, Can music improve behavior?
from Artiden, One Simple Secret for Accomplishing Anything
from Music in Practice, How to Help Music Beginners
from I<3EdTech, 21 Signs You're a 21st Century Teacher
Happy browsing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)