Hello, Diana!
DianaA wrote: I would like your advice regarding lesson plans. As I mentioned, my primary handicap is sight reading (I've never been able to get past the Every-Good-Boy-Does-Fine system). I learned to survive my lessons through memorization.
Yes, this is common problem of music education. However, please, note: all the components of lesson plans are equally important to achieve your goal. They are all aimed towards sight-reading!
I started working with the Gentle Piano program on Wednesday, and it seems like the vertical staff will be the most useful tool for breaking bad habits. That said, the introductory-level pieces and familiar songs pose a problem in that once I recognize the tune I instinctively lose focus on the notation and go back to playing by ear!
I would suggest to follow this simple rule in your training. Use mode 1 and 3 in piano pieces that are challenging for your coordination and piano technique. Use 2, 4, 5 and 6 for sight-reading. Choose Albums from 0 level and up one by one (not 1 song a day! 10-20!) and sight-read using R, L and P. If easy, play P. If hard, L. Everything 2 times in a row to see improvement in score. Don't master any song! Just go-go-go
However, for the May recital choose something nice to play, if you want to participate (it is a lot of fun!)
I didn't mention it before, but it's worth noting that I spent three semesters at University as a voice major and received some excellent training in music theory. I'm quite comfortable reading a single vocal line using Solfege. The difficulty with piano is the coordination of both hands on the keyboard while following multiple staves of notation.
Yes. But you are in the right place now. You see clearly that to play both clefs is not as hard, right?
I will work on making a video for you this weekend, and will follow whatever course of training you recommend. Many thanks!
Wonderful! I will be able to give you some suggestions about choosing a piano piece to master. Can't wait to see your video.