Christina's progress diary ( 8 years old )

Good morning everybody . I think this is my weak point , my tina is willing and practicing all the time but following the curriculum and keeping a diary is something we have to work on it this year . my question for hellene tina was doing prep level C last year , should we go to level 1 ??

Viv, the difference between the grades is ear training games, music writing and theory. Each student learning piano pieces on their own pace.

So, my question to you: did Tina accomplish all the C requirements for the subjects that I mentioned?

If the answer is yes, she may proceed to the Level 1.

Tina, please, record all of your accomplishments, please! As a very bright girl you may have some difficulties in organizing (all bright people have that problem! )

But if you will be able to handle it, it will help you not just in music, but in life. Sometimes to be bright and even very talented is not enough to become successful: one have to learn patience and discipline. I hope to see your notes!

Dear hellene
Tina is practicing her christmas pieces but is getting very frustrated with sight reading left hand and then both hands . She seems to pick up the right hand quickly but get stuck with the left hand .

It is very normal

Any advice ??

Lower the level. If she was reading on 6, go to 5, 4 or 2. 2 is the BEST! On 2 she can understand the direct and bold relationship between lines/spaces and the piano keys. Many think that our goal is to move to 6th as quickly as possible, because 2nd became available just recently

As a 'traditional' piano teacher in my past I also was keen to move my students to 6th asap since I didn't know any better. Now, after working with the program for a while I know better: 2nd presentation has to be introduced for much longer to promote the skill of reading music notes.

Please, let me know, what piano pieces Tina is having problems with.

when practicing do you recommend i insist on her playing one song till she masters it ??

no. I recommend to play all pieces 1-2 times, but to set the goal to allow certain amount of mistakes.

or she can practice few songs at a time ??

the goal is not the mastery, but the accuracy of music notes' recognition

What I mean is do you follow certain discipline and order when practicing piano pieces ??

Yes! I described the routine in the lesson plans: www.softmozart.com/forum/63-lesson-plans.html

Viv, what piece are you talking about?