1.Hanon Exercises: The repetitive patterns are learned, then played from memory with increasing speed. They can be done almost by rote in a short time, accessing a part of the brain that uses predictability and pattern recognition.

1a.Schmitt: These are simply 5-finger patterns that change with every measure, being repeated only once, and move in subtle differences of interval and fingering. The brain is constantly engaged in note reading , at the same time focusing on controlled, increased  speed.

The two exercises are contradictory and complimentary at the same time and should be used within the practice format.

2. White keys: When teaching the early elementary student to know the white keys, I use a couple of poems.  I always have them find “D” first, and have them repeat, “Hey Diddle Diddle, D’s in the middle.”  Then they find and play all of the D’s on the keyboard. They pick this up quickly and then I ask, “Who is D’s neighbor going up?” They find all of the E’s. I ask, “Who is D’s neighbor going down?” C…and they find all of the C’s. Then I ask them to find the groups of C-D-E’s. Depending upon the age and ability, I go on to F-G-A-B in the same manner, or I wait until the next lesson to cover the 4 remaining keys. I also use this poem for naming the MUSICAL ALPHABET going up and back down.

        Seven Little Keys Are We…. A B C D E F G

        Down We Go Now Let Us Say…G F E D C B A

 
3.Lesson on how to read groups of notes or chords. Read the example below and then the suggestions afterward.
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

This example of reading groups of letters and making sense of them is the same concept as reading groups of notes, either in a measure, a chord or a phrase. Use this same process to read more effectively while keeping the eyes ahead of the hands. You will become a faster, more accurate reader and a better musician.

4.Playing Scales:  When students are playing scales, I have a deck of cards handy. Why? When the thumb turns under or the crossing fingers go over, the wrist sometimes turns as well, causing the elbow to rise. A deck of cards placed on the hand will not allow twisting, or it falls off. The students think it is funny and it really does help form the correct habits.

To remind of the correct hand and finger position, I say, “No flying fingers,” or “Keep those fingers on their home keys.”

5. Repeat and Remember! I always recommend that each piece be played 5 times. The first time there will be mistakes. The second time those mistake will hopefully be fixed. The third, fourth and fifth times will solidify the corrections and then next practice session will reflect the memory of the corrections.

In the case of a difficult passage, isolating and repeating a measure or a phrase is the key to solving the problem. Then add the next few notes or phrase, and if successful, add the previous few notes or phrase. Continue to repeat the larger section until confident and muscle memory is acheived.

6. More on Chords: See chords as words. Spell the chord – root, third, fifth. Play solid chord, broken chord. Invert in three (or four for 7ths) positions, continuing to spell the letters. This is like reading a word instead of letters.

7. Computer Music Games and Worksheets: A particularly diversified and helpful site is:http://www.musictechteacher.com/musicquizzes.htm  Try the worksheets and games. They are all good but I recommend Flash Piano Games, Fabulous 4, How is your Timing and lots of othere fun games.

Check back for new sites and ideas for learning with fun.

8. Warm-Up Workout:  This is a 6-part workout for dexterity, fluency and speed. First choose a key signature, such as C Major.  Do the 2 or 4 octave arpeggios in the key, then the 5-finger scale with 3rds and chord at the end. Next the chord progression I-IV-I-V or V7-I chords. Intermediate students may do the inversions as well.  The 1 or 2 octave scale is next, followed by a Hanon exercise and then a Schmitt exercise.

The purposed of Hanon and Schmitt are different. Hanon requires memorization of a pattern which is sequential up the keys and enables one to focus on speed and control without reading notes. Schmitt, on the other hand, is dependent upon note reading as each measure changes slightly in pattern and requires speed reading and playing. The eyes must always be ahead of the hands and therefore fosters that same reading approach to repertoire.

This warm-up should be used in all major and minor keys.