Chrissy Ricker
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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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An Easter freebie for beginners!

3/22/2021

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With Easter right around the corner, today I am sharing a free arrangement of the lovely song "Amazing Grace." This primer level arrangement has no position shifts, very simple harmony, and is a great tool for teaching students to count eighth note pairs.

Click HERE or on the picture to download your free copy. Happy Easter!

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Why I Teach Video Game Music (and You Should Too!)

3/16/2021

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If you have browsed around my site, you’ve probably noticed lots of video game arrangements and original pieces in video game style. I began exploring this genre several years ago, inspired by the requests of my video game-loving students. This exploration has developed into a true love of the video game genre and the many wonderful composers who write for it.

So, today I am sharing with you some of the reasons I teach video game music...and why you should, too! If you have ever wondered how video game music can further your pedagogical goals with your students, this is the article for you!

Click “read more” to learn about the benefits of teaching video game music in your studio!




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New Cinematic Solo!

3/11/2021

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My newest single is now available at Piano Pronto! This fiery, movie soundtrack-inspired solo will appeal to intermediate students of all ages, and provides some nice technical challenges for developing pianists! Consider this a sneak peek at the upcoming "Let's Quest! Volume 4" collection, arriving later this year!

Click on the cover to see and hear the music, as well as for purchase information.

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Freebie for Saint Patrick's Day!

3/4/2021

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Happy March! If you are looking for ways to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in your studio this month, give this traditional Irish song a whirl! 

This song focuses on several important concepts for elementary and late elementary students: root position chords, playing in 3/4 time, and counting syncopated rhythms. 

You can also use this song as a transposing challenge for your more advanced students, or as an opportunity to experiment with different accompaniment patterns in the left hand.

Click HERE for your free copy of "Molly Malone!"

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    Author

    Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. These are her thoughts on teaching, composing, and all things music.


    Looking for teaching ideas related to a specific topic? Use the "search" feature or scroll down to see blog posts organized by category!

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