Different students have different abilities and desires. Some are quick learners. However, you cannot master a musical instrument just in a few months. It takes time and patience to learn an instrument like a piano. You might come across some tips or tricks for learning this instrument faster. There is a difference between learning to play a few songs and being able to write new compositions. So, if you want to be a professional composer, don’t try to learn faster.
The theory sounds boring but you need to encourage your students to go through it. It is important to develop the fundamentals of music first. You cannot recognize rhythms, patterns and harmonies without understanding the fundamentals.
There are following three ways a beginner student can learn piano music:
- By Ear
- By Rote
- By Reading
It is good for the student if he can learn all the three ways. This can help him in playing different kinds of musical genres.
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Learning Piano Music By Ear
Learning the piano or any other musical instrument by ear is often overlooked in music classes in Brooklyn. It is just seen as a small part of music lessons and exams. However, many musicians give value to this skill. Playing by ear can be a natural talent for some people. However, you can teach this skill to your students as well. If you are teaching a beginner, you can start with easy tunes. Once your student has learned the basic melody, your student can move onto different keys. He can find different patterns of white and notes.
Aks your student to harmonize with two notes and then try some complex pieces. You, the piano teacher, can learn about pulse by teaching harmony. Your student needs to know what note to play and when to play.
You can further enhance their ability by encouraging them to play ‘mash-ups’ of different songs having similar harmonies and chords.
Learning Piano Music By Rote
This method is becoming popular now. However, traditionally this method has been on the receiving end of criticism. Teachers are often discouraged to use this method. You should use this method with the other two methods. If you are teaching a piece to your students, teach in all three ways. It is important to manage the expectations of students. Don’t make your students think that this is the only method for learning piano music. This method can make your students familiar with different patterns on the keys.
Your student can learn to recognize patterns if you teach chord shapes and scales a little early on. With learning by rote, you can encourage your students to use the complete keyboard. They will not play a few notes. You can combine learning by rote with learning by ear. They can acquire a better knowledge of melody and harmony.
Learning Piano Music By Reading
This is a classical teaching approach. However, with evolving musical education, there are different ways to work with modern students. Learning by reading has become just another way of teaching music. There was a time when teaching beginners was all about opening one of the popular method books and teaching them how to read. This approach does not work now as it is restrictive. As it is less creative, this approach can limit their ability to acquire new skills. However, it does not mean that learning by reading is of no use. Start your piano lessons with rote teaching.
You should make use of all three methods to help your students in learning the basics of harmony, melody, rhythm and beat. This way you can help your students in learning different genres of music. If you are offering piano lessons in Brooklyn NY, you should utilize all three approaches.