Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Playing Today's Music - Simply Simple

If you have mastered the 5 finger warm-ups/scales, tonic and dominant chords, I assure you that you can play along with this video.

As you watch this performance you might think it difficult, but if you listen carefully the bass line, is simple, the rhythm is simple (even when adding the drum, which you have done in class), the chords are simple (students in Book 3-6 should not have a problem). Even the singing is extremely simple!

What makes this a good performance after breaking it down into simple, simple, simple?
The pianist's skills and technique are NOT simple.
Even if he is playing simple chords, bass lines and melodies, he is accurate, clear and precise. Not an easy task while your foot is thumping, your body is dancing and you are singing. Plus his passion is contagious. It takes hours of practice - not many can do all these simple things at the same time and do it in ensemble with a partner.

Have YOU been practicing your simple 5 finger warm-ups, and simple tonic, subdominant and dominant chords during the summer? With the skills you are learning and daily practice your simple can turn into a great performance!

Lessons begin Monday August 17...make sure you have practiced something simple but accurate and beautiful to share in class!

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