Q. My child’s new piano teacher insists on purchasing a theory book along with the regular piano books that he will learn from. I don’t know why this is necessary because he doesn’t have the time with the homework he has from school. His old piano teacher said it wasn’t important and never did theory with him. Why do some teachers disagree on learning theory?
J.M. Dallas, Texas
A. Why learn music theory in piano lessons? I think it is a great help for students to learn music theory along with the regular lessons. First of all, I use it with my students and although the student may not believe it is helping them immediately with note reading, chords, intervals, and rhythm, it really does offer some assistance in the long term. Most good piano teachers do offer theory and some ear training as well as keyboard theory---where the student learns the chords and cadences. The combination and integration of the knowledge from music theory can facilitate the student’s sight reading ability, artistic sensitivity to the music, and as development of a music ear. True, they may not be heading off to college to major in music, but it is a great addition to a piano student’s music training.
There is software available that make learning music theory like a game. I think it is a great way to make it fun for the student. Check out listings of various available software in Google like Piano Mouse: Music Theory fundamentals; Musique, which is a self-paced theory instruction, and other various software too numerous to mention. Some of the theory software tutorials and games specialize in chords and harmonies only, intervals, common jazz chords and progressions, and music terms, and note reading just to name a few. This is also great for a new adult piano student just beginning piano or returning to lessons after years away from the piano.
Q. I am a 56 year old career person who has taken piano lessons on and off for more than 40 years. Unfortunately I don’t think have gotten anywhere. I have had four different teachers because of career moves I have had to make and it has not been easy for me to get started again. I noticed that when I took lessons it was hard for me to get much out of my practice time. I’m about to start lessons again with another new teacher. I want to know how I can utilize my piano practice time and progress faster this time around. Any tips?
Lee, Stamford, CT
A. First of all, I commend you for not giving up. Many people with your background tend to lose motivation and resign themselves to quitting piano forever. (That’s a long time, isn’t it?)
You need to discuss your thoughts and concerns with your new teacher. You may be given ideas and techniques about piano practice that you or I have not thought about.
Next, if your teacher requires a new piano method book for you to purchase, most likely it will have a CD in the back of the cover. (Sometimes if it is an older method you will have to order it separately or some old methods do not have CDs at all). Learn to listen to your assigned piece(s) with the CD, a recording, or when your teacher plays your piece for you. Remember you are playing music, and music should communicate something emotional to the listener. Yes, the way the music is “put together” looks technical, but it is also a very emotional language.
What I am saying is that although you may have some technical hurdles to overcome , keep in mind the music feeling: dynamics (loud and soft), rhythm, tempo (speed), and the feeling you have toward the piece as you play it.
Listen to the important points the teacher makes during the lesson. Many times a teacher will make some significant points about a piece, but students do not pay attention. This is what you are paying for, isn’t it? Ask your teacher to write down the important points about a piece (or you do it)!
Last of all, try to listen both to your teacher and to how the piece should be played. Next, determine what the problem is: is it fingering, notes, a weak finger, etc. Make a note of any questions you have and ask your teacher for the best solution for it. Learn to observe and listen to yourself, and then solve the problem or question on your own or with your teacher’s help. (And if you do not feel that your teacher cannot help you, start interviewing other teachers—after all, you are paying for those lessons!)
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