Group Piano (Ages 7-11 yrs)

Group Piano (Year 4) builds on the groundwork laid down in the first three years of the curriculum. Classes focus on the special nature of keyboard music- reading the bass clef, playing two different parts, using open fifths to harmonize melodies, etc. Classes are limited to 10 children.

An exciting addition to the program is the required, 4 week, summer dulcimer class, in which the students build their own mountain dulcimer, learn to string and tune it, and begin learning how to play on it.

Activities:

• Individual expression through improvisation, composition, vocal exploration, and movement
• Writing and reading music- notation and pitch at the same time, using common musical forms
• Playing music, especially in ensemble, with new melody instruments-
• Lap Harp, Recorder, Piano
• Movement in response to musical cues, more complex folk dances
• Singing, chanting, and exploring the voice- rounds and multi-part choruses
• Listening to longer pieces- The Magic Flute, Pictures at an Exhibition, Scenes from Childhood
• Hands on experimentation with many acoustic instruments