What did Mrs. Curwen’s Students Practice for their Lessons?

The below excerpt is taken from The First Music Lesson. This is an article from the Parent’s Review that’s been posted by www.amblesideonline.org. It was written by Mrs. Curwen.

“One thing more. You will ask “Is it possible, in the time usually allotted to a music lesson, to attend to so many topics?” I think so. If the child is taught at home, a short lesson of a quarter of an hour daily — increasing by and by to half an hour — will produce the best results. Let five minutes be given to finger exercises, taught at first by pattern, and five minutes each to two of the other topics, the lesson being varied from day to day. If there is a visiting teacher, the usual lesson is an hour a week. The constant change from one topic to another prevents the long lesson from being wearisome, and it is a better arrangement than two half-hours. I have divided it thus in my pianoforte method [“The Child Pianist,” with Teacher’s Guide (J. Curwen & Son). ]:–

Finger exercises . . . . . . . . . 10 minutes
Naming notes . . . . . . . . . 5 ”
Writing notes from dictation . . . . . . . . . 5 ”
Reading intervals . . . . . . . . . 5 ”
Ear Exercise in Time . . . . . . . . . 5 ”
Reading Time . . . . . . . . . 5 ”
Ear Exercise in Time . . . . . . . . . 5 ”
Reading Time and Tune combined 5 ”
45 minutes.

Leaving a quarter of an hour for the recreative music, which should come last, as a sugar plum.

If the child has a weekly lesson from a visiting teacher, it is absolutely necessary that either mother or governess should be present, and should superintend a short daily practice, giving five minutes to finger work, and taking the other topics in rotation day by day. I know several children who are being taught very successfully on this plan; the music lessons being a pleasure both to teacher and pupils, and the results a delight to the parents.”

The next logical question to be asked is, “What is the recreative music?”

1. Duets.

Duets are a huge part of Mrs. Curwen’s method. They serve three purposes.

1.  They are an opportunity for sight reading and an opportunity for something just learned to be put into practice immediately.
2. The duets cultivate an aesthetic sense.
3. The duets carry out maxim 12, “Let the pupil, as soon as possible, derive some pleasure from his knowledge.” (page 87, 31st edition)

“For recreation, interest, and training in musical feeling there are the duets aforementioned and two solo albums, in one of which the music lies under five fingers for both hands.” (page 28, 31st edition)

2. The Solo Album.

Mrs. Curwen had three Solo Albums published that move in complete harmony with her Step books. The little solos in the 1st Solo Album lie within the compass of a fifth for each hand. Each solo is preceded by a very short reading exercise that prepares the child for what is to come with each little piece.

Not that my opinion counts much, but I was quite impressed with the forethought graciously given to the student before attempting to play the solo piece. The student is allowed to conquer the piece before ever getting started.

There are a few resources within her books that point piano teachers to additional music. I’m still trying to understand, though, when she introduces these pieces.

Through her book, Mrs. Curwen has a meticulously laid out plan for learning music. It builds so flawlessly. I’m surprised she would provide lists of music without instruction as to WHEN to use that music.

Within her Teacher’s Guide, Mrs. Curwen specifically references a set of music she composed herself. It’s called Sheila’s First Pieces. From what I understand, this is a set of music specifically designed for the beginner student. I have not been able to find this music yet.

Also, inside the cover of many of her pupil’s books, you will find a very specific set of music divided into levels. This set of music “has been especially selected with a view of its use by children.”

She also says in her Teacher’s Guide (an earlier edition) that “Members of the Curwen Piano Teacher’s Association have access to a Reference Library of Children’s Music, selected by her from various publishers and graded according to the development of rhythm in the Lessons.”

All that to say, even though Curwen & Sons Ltd published thousands of pieces of music, Mrs. Curwen seemed to have an edited list of music specifically set aside for children. My conclusion (at this point in my research) is that this music was used as recreative music as well alongside the student’s lessons.

For those of us homeschooling with Charlotte Mason’s philosophy in view, we know that she encouraged music to be played written the composer currently being studied. If you are studying a composer, their music would also be appropriate to add to the recreative music repertoire.

(Keep in mind that many composers were not writing with children in mind. Always give music within the child’s capabilities.)

In summary, what did a student practice between lessons?

1. Finger exercises
2. Interval exercises
3. Reading exercises
4. Unbarred Sentences
5. C-clef exercises (I have not been able to find this book yet.)
6. Solo Album
7. Duet
8. Additional Recreative music