Chrissy Ricker

Tips for introducing a piece by rote

4/19/2021

Following up on my post last week about my new pattern-based pieces for beginners, today I am sharing a few thoughts on teaching by rote.

In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in the idea of teaching by rote, with numerous articles and books dedicated to the subject. But how exactly do you go about teaching a piece “by rote”? And more importantly, how does rote teaching benefit your students?

Read on for my thoughts on rote teaching and the step-by-step process I use for introducing a piece by rote.

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New pattern-based pieces for beginners!

4/16/2021

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Happy Friday! Just popping in to share two brand-new pieces now available at Piano Pronto!

These pieces are part of my upcoming "First Perfect Patterns" collection for elementary pianists. These would make great "first recital" pieces or rote learning pieces for your beginning students.

Solar Storm is a mysterious solo that explores the whole-tone scale, clusters, and using the damper pedal. Double Dip is a rockin' blues piece that includes a teacher duet.

Looking for pattern-based pieces for your more advanced students? Check out the whole "Perfect Patterns" series HERE!

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2 Minute Teaching Tip #6: Warm-up exercises for beginners

4/12/2021

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Do you have beginners that struggle with flying fingers or tension in their shoulders, arms, and hands? If so, check out these quick and easy exercises that will help students of all ages to develop body awareness and learn techniques to release tension at the piano.

Click "read more" to watch the video!

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Video Game Theme Freebies!

4/5/2021

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I have just added 2 new selections to my Free Stuff page that I am excited to share with you today: two free video game themes that are sure to be a hit with your students!

Click on the photos below to access these free pieces.

"Korobeiniki" is a traditional Russian folk song that became famous when it was used in the video game "Tetris." This primer-level arrangement is perfect for your beginner video game fans!

You can also purchase a longer version of this primer-level piece that includes a teacher duet HERE.

If you have gamers in your studio, you have probably heard of "Cuphead." This popular video game is inspired by cartoons from the 1930s and has a soundtrack full of ragtime and big band sounds.

My arrangement of the opening theme from the game is now available as a free download exclusively at Musicnotes! Your late elementary and early intermediate students will enjoy this fun, jazzy arrangement.

If you enjoy these free pieces, don't forget to check out my many other video game arrangements at a variety of levels HERE!

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Musicianship Monthly for April

3/29/2021

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It's that time again! A new month means a new opportunity to explore a fun musicianship skill with your students! (Want to learn more about Musicianship Monthly and see past activities? Click HERE!)

For the month of April, we will be exploring 3 basic chord progressions and creating original music using the process of guided composition. Through this process, even your elementary students can compose and notate their own musically satisfying compositions!

Click "read more" to learn how it works, and to download your free guided composition worksheets!

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Tips for introducing a piece by rote

New pattern-based pieces for beginners!

2 Minute Teaching Tip #6: Warm-up exercises for beginners

Video Game Theme Freebies!

Musicianship Monthly for April

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