The
overall objective of this book is to familiarise the young student
with the intervals up to a Fifth or jump and the note values
of whole, half and quarter notes. The book also aims to impart
a sense of direction, i.e. Up, Down, Contrary Motion In or Out,
and most of the pieces use identical intervals in both hands.
For new users, the concepts are illustrated in the Contemporary
Piano Method DVD. For the complete learning experience,
The Contemporary Aural Course Preparatory Set (Book and CD),
should be used in conjunction with the book, for opportunities
to listen to and re-inforce the concepts of the Piano Method.
Section 1: Getting to know the basics.
Seating,
Hand-position, Parts of the Piano, High and Low, Improvisation,
Playing tunes from Graphic notation. Interval recognition- aural,
visual and tactile; Same (repetition) Step (second ) and Skip
(third), Rhythm Training through colour, the meaning of Staff,
Clef etc.
Section
2: Reading, Listening and Playing using the intervals of
Same and Step
Here the student learns to play pieces using the knowledge gained
in Section 1. Each page has written activities to consolidate
the concept being taught and a short piece to play. The material
in this section is for not only separate handed playing but
also for both hands playing concurrently, facilitated by the
use of direction concepts. Duets are provided and lyrics to
sing, all illustrated with pictures of Dexter the Koala.
Section
3: Reading, Listening and Playing using Skips,
plus review of Steps and Sames
The
tunes in this section explore these intervals, and the note
and rest values of whole, half and quarter. The songs require
students to play the same types of intervals in each hand whilst
experience is given in reading the direction in which both
hands are moving.
'Warm
Kitty' and 'I am a Fine Musician' from Junior Trax
should be introduced for extra tunes at this stage.
Section 4: Reading, Listening and Playing using Skip-plus-ones
(4ths) and Jumps (5ths)
The
fun way to learn the look, feel and sound of these intervals
through catchy tunes. The tunes require some differentiation
of tasks, for co-ordination and independence.
The
Contemporary Piano Method Book 1A is recommended for use
alongside this section of the book, to provide extra practice
in music speed reading of these intervals. Students can then
graduate to level one of the course.
'Twinkle,
Twinkle Little Star ' and 'Come Clap your Hands' from Junior
Trax should be introduced for extra tunes at this stage.