This Hymn Might Make It in a 23rd Century Hymnal

It will be interesting to see what music from my lifetime will survive into the future.

Quick Reference for Very Young Students

3-5 years old -  Use braced 2nd fingers.

I've ordered these songs by degree of difficulty, but of course, each student is different!  Appropriate for 3-9 years old.

Black Keys:

Hot Cross Buns on 3 black
Chinese Chimes on black
 Fist Play
Mary Had a Little Lamb

In C :

London Bridge
Ode to Joy
Twinkle Twinkle
Old McDonald
Chop Sticks
Happy Birthday in C


Transpose to different key areas: B, G, Gb, C

Review old pieces as duets.

Copycat on black, then white keys:

intervals, rhythm, dynamics, using different fingers (23154)

Cello Cow Call

This is what you get from imaginative musicians.  Love it.

Imagine what animal sounds other instruments can do!!!!!

Article: Music Teaching Philosophy

 A parent shared found this interesting article on Music Teaching interesting from the The Parents' Review,  A Monthly Magazine of Home-Training and Culture, edited by Charlotte Mason.   A philosophy of music teaching that is worth reading! 
And teaching in general, as seen from the  motto of the magazine, 

"Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life."

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Beginner Students and the Three Ways to Play

I was considering how to begin with students, especially young ones of about 3 or 4, and came to the conclusion that I need to think more about when to introduce the different ways to play.  For years I've seen the wisdom in beginning the young with ear training.  This is generally done in Europe more than in America.  Especially in Eastern Europe, it is required that the child learns aural skills simultaneously with note reading.  Perhaps with older people, whose eyes and hands are more developed, starting with note reading and chord symbols first is better.   Just some thoughts (and questions too, it seems)!   I think I'll bring this up with some music teachers soon.

Girl Plays Piano with Missing Fingers

Reminiscent of Joni Erickson Tada's drawing abilities.  People are amazing.


One winner of China's Got Talent was an armless young man who played piano with his feet...and sang.

Tips: Care of Pianos

This was sent to me back when I was a student at the University of South Florida's School of Music.  I didn't know some of these tips about caring for pianos...


Dear Music Students,

Four reminders:
1. Please remember to close the lid and the fall-board of the pianos in the practice rooms
2. Always cover the pianos in the Recital Hall and the Rehearsal Halls. If you have to move the piano, make sure it is covered.
3. Do not put anything on top of the concert grand piano located in the Recital Hall backstage area
4. Keep the thermostat at 71-72F - pianos go out of tune if the temperature keeps changing.

Thank you,
Svetozar Ivanov