I currently have an 8, 6, 4, and 1 year old in our home, and Mozart the Wonder Boy has been an inspiration for all of us. We’ve all been enlightened, and we have all broadened our knowledge of the life of Mozart. This is the first book we’ve read in the Great Musicians Series, but… Read More
Thank you for those who attended and asked questions at our recent sessions. This session was recorded on July 11, 2021. Due to privacy of the participants, I am posting Audio Only.
Thank you for those who attended and asked questions at our recent sessions. This session was recorded on June 29, 2021. Due to privacy of the participants, I am posting Audio Only.
Hello to all of you who learned this hymn together at the November 2020 conference in central Illinois! This hymn carries words of immense encouragement for the mother. Enjoy using these recordings or downloading the music to play for yourself. Here is a recording in the key of F. Click Here to Download the music… Read More
I’m diving into 1st Step videos right now, and I’m sifting through books outside of Curwen’s that I use with my 1st Step students.
Here are a few points to keep in mind:
1. Curwen’s 1st Step students are just BEGINNING to read music. Most of the student’s work at this point has been done at a desk. They’ve actually done very little playing. Most other Level 1 books from other methods are going to be too difficult for a Curwen Step 1 student.
Hello friends who love to sing!
A few months ago, a sweet friend and I chatted about some possibilities for upcoming Mother Culture evenings. We had two goals in mind. We desired an evening where like-minded moms could gather to enjoy each other’s company. We also desired an evening where our hearts and minds could be enriched. What is something we could do so we could all walk away feeling nourished? Or feeling like we learned something new? Or feeling like we honed a skill we already had?
After brainstorming out a number of ideas, we landed on an evening of folk singing.
“The unsatisfactory performance of nine-tenths of the young players we hear – pupils of careful and painstaking teachers, who wonder why they do not do better – is due to the lack of ear-training.”
These are the recordings of the duets for the 1st Step book. These are for use with your student when the teacher is not available or able to play the teacher portion of the duet. Hopefully your student can play along with the duet and experience the joy of both parts being played together.
Which edition or reprinted version of the The Teacher’s Guide should you purchase?
In short, I’m not completely sure yet. There are clear differences between the editions I have, but much of the content is the same.
I am asked this question often: How does Mrs. Curwen’s method compare to other piano teaching methods?
I’ll answer this question as best as I can (in a somewhat generic sense). As you compare methods, feel free to graciously comment with your own thoughts and interpretations. I’m curious what you think as well!
I like this piano book. It’s called Pieces for Children by Dimitri Kabalevsky. If you’re looking for additional recreative music for a beginner to intermediate pianist, I think this book is full of songs with character.
What list of assignments would we see if Mrs. Curwen was making a list for her students to practice through the week?
When reading Mrs. Curwen’s book, you will see that she has written (a) TECHNIQUE (See Introduction) at the beginning of the chapter for the fourth preliminary lesson. You’ll see technique listed in most of the preliminary lesson chapters.
What is she referring to? What technique related subjects should we be presenting to our students?
Mrs. Curwen often mentioned her desire for children to have music in front of them that is well written for their small hands. This 1st Solo Album is her compilation of pieces of music she felt suited the needs for children. They were pieces written simply for the beauty of music, yet they were written with children in mind.
Hi friends, I saw this hymn posted on Instagram this week. (BuildingLivingRelationships posted it.) I was not familiar with it, but I thought it was absolutely beautiful. If you are printing this out for a beginner pianist to play, here are a few things to consider. The hand will have to move twice. You’ll see… Read More