Achiever 2
Some Introductory Teaching Points
1. Scherzo
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Introduce through root position block chords.
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Write in the letter names for the RH broken chords, but play block
chords initially. Approach the LH in
the same way.
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Play block chords hands together.
When this is secure, keep LH block chords, but play the RH as written,
taking note of the articulation.
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The final step involves playing the LH as written. Some preparatory work may be needed to
ensure rhythmic accuracy.
2. Swing in F
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Students would already be familiar with the chords of F major.
3. Scenic Rim
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Write in the chord numbers and play LH sight reading line 2.
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Identify the form and discuss the shape of the Question and Answer
phrases before sight reading with RH. The last line will need particular care
with the rhythm.
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Develop the articulation in both hands before attempting hands together
playing.
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Now play this piece in the keys of C and G major.
4. F Major Scale &
Cadence
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Place the hands in the F major five finger position first to establish
the finger pattern with the inclusion of B flat. Teach LH first followed by RH.
Approach hands together playing only when the scale fingering is secure when
playing separately.
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Play the LH in contrary motion first the RH followed by hands together.
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After playing the cadence hands together try creating different ways of
playing the cadence by altering the rhythm in both hands and alternating the
chords between LH and RH.
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Add melodic changes by playing broken chords both ascending and
descending which serves to reinforce the chord structure.
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Sing the LH notes as you play hands together to reinforce the aural
awareness of the harmonic progression.
5. Ist Inversion Chords
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Revise Root Position Chords from Book 1 first
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Write in the letter names of the chords and name/play chords
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Explain that in root position the keynote is at the bottom of the
chord, but it is found at the top of the chord in first inversion.
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Play/find random chords in root position and first inversion. Be guided by keyboard shapes and finger patterns.
6. Ist Inversion Cadences
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Revise Root Position Cadences in C major then discover the chord shapes
for first inversion chords with RH. When the RH chord changes are secure play
hands together.
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Approach G major and A minor in the same manor as C major.
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Try to achieve legato playing in the LH and ensure students can play
both root position and first inversion cadences securely.
7. Chiapanecas
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Sight read RH of the piano accompaniment first relating it the first
inversion cadence chord playing. Write
in the chord symbols.
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Ensure that the chords are played with a relaxed arm and wrist action
that will assist with key bedding.
8. Willow Bend
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Discuss the form (AABA).
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Approach this piece by shadow playing (with RH fingers on top of the
piano keys or with keyboards turned off) of lines 1, 2 and 4. Then follow with
LH. Lastly teach line 3 noting the finger changes in the RH.
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As hands together playing is achieved ensure that the phrasing is
understood and played with relaxed arms and wrists.
9.Two Octave Graphic Scales
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Two octave scale playing is achieved hands separately and continued for
the duration of this book. Hands together playing should only be attempted when
the student is absolutely secure with fingering and has achieved a good even
finger technique.
10. Seventh Heaven
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Please note that the quavers in this piece are to be played with a
swing rhythm.
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Shadow play the LH of lines 1 & 2 first followed by the LH of lines
3 & 4.
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Sight read the RH playing the quavers with a swing rhythm. As the RH
becomes more fluent ensure that the articulation is achieved.
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Lastly play hands together.
11. Finger Zips
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Approach all finger zips by sight reading developing each technical
element as the students progress. Ensure wrists are relaxed and encourage a
good finger shape.
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Transpose each finger zip into the keys of C major, G major and F
major.
12. Sight Reading
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Allow students to play these examples by themselves. Then follow up by
hearing their attempts in the next lesson.
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Intersperse the examples through Unit 1.
13.Chord Sight Reading
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Students play the chords in the LH as the teacher play the melody.
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Some students may try and achieve these examples hands together but
this is not absolutely necessary.
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Intersperse the examples throughout their music semester.
1. Indian Dance
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Identify the form using colour and playing LH first in section A. Play
RH with attention to the articulation. When playing hands together ensure the
LH is not played too heavily.
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Develop the dynamics in Section B hands separately first and then with
hands together.
2. Night Rider
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Discuss the new key of D minor and shadow play the RH achieving the
acciaccatura with practice. When the melody is fluent notate and play the
missing chords.
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Now play in the key of A minor.
3. D Minor Chords
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Sight read chords noting the small chord V7 shape. When the chords are
secure create different rhythmic patterns as in the Achiever Challenge.
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Now play the chords melodically ascending and descending.
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Finally play in the key of A minor.
4. Folksong
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Shadow play the RH drawing attention to the fingering in the second
phrase. Also the crossover to the raised seventh in the third and last phrase.
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Write in the missing chord symbols and play with LH.
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Now play in the key of A minor.
5. Pastoral Symphony
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Sight read RH with attention to the long legato phrases.
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Articulate LH chords clearly so that when playing hands together the RH
legato is sustained over the staccato chords.
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As an extension discuss the composer and listen to part of the Symphony
No 6..
D Minor Scale & Cadence
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Play in the RH and LH reading form the graphic scale score.
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Play the Contrary motion scale hands together before playing in similar
motion with hands together.
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The cadence chords may be achieved and played with a number of
different rhythmic patterns that allow for repeated chords and alternate
combinations between LH and RH.
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Play the chords melodically (broken chords) ascending and descending.
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Sing the LH notes as you play hands together to reinforce your aural
awareness of the harmonic progression.
6. Backyard Grubs
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Identify the form with the use of colour. Sight read the RH of Section
A noting the accidental and repeated staccato notes.
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Identify and practice the new cadence progression in the LH of Section
A (Bflat, A7, Dm) before playing hands together.
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Relate the chords in Section B to the key of Backyard Grubs and write
in symbols.
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Now play hands together with attention to the articulation and
dynamics.
8. Yum Cha Cha
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Secondo: Tap the rhythm coordination on knees with the following words. “Left
right left, right left.” Once this is grasped, demonstrate the hand position of
both LH and RH on the keyboard and just play one bar only until the notes and
rhythm are achieved. Add the next bar the same way and play Section A with the
backing at the slower speed.
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The remaining parts can be included as the
students progress.
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Primo: Point to the score and sing the following words in Section A with the CD
backing. “Yum cha cha at lunch time, Yum cha cha at lunch time, Yum cha cha at
lunch time, what a yummy treat.” Play hand separately then hands together.
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The remaining parts can be added as the
students progress.
9. Improvisation
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Play hands together and fluent improvise a
melody using the notes from the chords.
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As confidence is gained include some passing
notes to create more interest.
10. Finger Zips
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Sight read each example and intersperse them
throughout Unit 2.
11. Sight Reading
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Sight read each example and intersperse them
throughout Unit 2.
12. Chord Sight Reading
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Sight read and play the LH chords first. The
teacher plays the melody. However, the melody may be treated as sight reading
and interspersed throughout Unit 2.
© 2002 Accent Publishing PTY LTD.