Ear Training: High and Low

I came across a fun game for Preschool piano players! You may want to visit my WunderKeys Pinterest Board for additional resources. This particular game caught my eye because it's a familiar story, Five Little Monkeys! It's called, High and Low Game.

This upcoming week in the New Year I'll be sharing with my 3 to 5-year-old piano students High and Low Tones. For adults, it's an easy concept to play high melody tones with the right hand above Middle C. It's obvious to us that our left hand will grab chords and yes, sometimes single notes in the bass below Middle C.

I start kids with ear training right away. A popular free app I use is called Blob Chorus. For adults, I wrote about Jazz Musician's Ear and an article, Piano Lesson: Ear Training.

Another free app for ear training is, Relative Pitch Lite. Adults will like this one, too.

You may be interested in Hear and Play PITCH Ear Training Software.

Closing out 2016. Hope it's been kind to you... Here's looking ahead to a great New Year!

Blessings,

-- LadyD

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Learn To Play Angels From The Realms Of Glory

I wrote a blog post in 2011, Angels We Have Heard On High. I have the chord charts listed in the following Keys... D, E, F, and G. So many different arrangements to choose. I love the song and it is very popular with my piano students.

One song that you may be familiar with is called:

Angels, From The Realms Of Glory

The author of Angels From the Realms of Glory was an Irishman called James Montgomery. He came from a religious family background and sadly his parents, who were missionaries died following their vocation. Angels From the Realms of Glory was written in 1816.

Chords and Lyrics

Key: Bb
Time: 4/4

Bb    
Angels from the realms of glory,
Eb             Bb           F   F7  Bb
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Bb                                  Gm
Ye who sang creation's story,
Gm    D   Gm   Am11 F C7 F
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
F
Come and worship,
Bb               Eb
Come and worship,
Cm   Dm  Cm    Gm  Fsus4 F Bb
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light;
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!


Chords and Lyrics

Key: F
Time: 4/4

F                         C             F
Angels from the realms of glory,
                                     C         F
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
                              C          F
Ye who sang creation's story,
F                                C        F
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Chorus
F  D  Gm  C  F  Bb C C7

Glo......                       ria

F  C  F     Bb  F C

In ex-cel-sis Deo (repeat chorus)

F   C F    Bb  F  C7  F

In ex-cel-sis Deo.

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light;
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Previous Christmas Song Posts

Silent Night is one of the top loved hymns. Also, The First Noel is in the Key of C, D, and E. In addition to these lovely Christmas songs, you'll find Hark The Herald Angels Sing in E.

ChristmasKeys 1 is a great resource to have for your personal library. 300pg Piano By Ear Home Study Course is a great theory book for reference and study guide for chords, progressions, and passing chords.

Many of my piano students are playing the melody line in different keys this year. Using the same fingering, they are connecting with Jingle Bells in the Key of C, F, and G. Another approach for some of my intermediate piano players is the use of chord charts. Here is one to practice with, especially if you know your chords in the progression.

Have fun practicing these awesome songs! Oh, and be sure to check out How-to-play-o-holy-night and print the sheet music to O Holy Night here.

Blessings,

-- LadyD

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

How To Play Silent Night

This morning as I looked out over the land, I came upon a little bit of fog that had settled low in the valley. The town was still lit from last night with all its Christmas lights and in the distance, you can see a stream of headlights from the early morning commuters. The stillness reminds me of the famous Christmas song, Silent Night.

History

 "Silent Night" (German: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. For more history, read here.

So, in 2008 I wrote a few arrangements to Silent Night and ways to learn how to play them. I received some nice emails from the post. Thank you, dear readers. Is this one of your favorites for singing and playing at Christmas?

As you can see, there's plenty of free stuff online. So, here you go... Have fun!

Free Music to Silent Night:

http://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/SilentFREE.html

http://www.gmajormusictheory.org/Freebies (Key of A)

Level 2 Silent Night

Silent Night: Late Elementary

Silent Night-Primer Level

https://www.8notes.com

Silent Night: Key of Bb Chord Chart with Lead Line

http://www.music-for-music-teachers.com

For choir and congregation.

Be sure and check out Hear and Play's ChristmasKeys 1.

You may be interested in Kelly Clarkson's Silent Night

Blessings,

-- LadyD

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Book Review: Shaken by Tim Tebow

Yes, I know this is a blog about music. Specifically, teaching the piano but I have also reviewed a few famous authors who are popular musicians... Blueprint by Kirk Franklin, Pop Piano Book, Power Chords and Beginning Jazz Keyboard.

Now, I've been given an opportunity to share my review of a new book from Tim Tebow. No doubt you have heard of this famous football star. I was reading towards the begin.ning of the book where he meets Alicia Keys and you know how I love her songs and you can find chord charts like No One, Unbreakable, You Don't Know My Name and A Woman's Worth.

Perhaps you've experienced rejection with label recording. Maybe your heart has been broken with a failed marriage or your band broke up and all your dreams are shattered. Take heart, this book is for you!

My Review

"Shaken Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life's Storms" byTim Tebow is an encouragement to us all! The author's second book points us to discovering our true identity in the midst of life's storms. From my past experiences in talking with Junior Seau and John Carne of the San Diego Chargers, I have not felt such warmth and compassion (like a young Timothy in the Bible) sharing from his heart the ups and downs he has experienced lately. Folks, this superstar in just like you and me.

To say everyone loves Tim Tebow is simply not true. The media went after him for 'taking the knee,' and I can recall numerous intense negative reports. What I found by Tim's example in facing the darts 'on print' and through the airwaves was to take heart and be strong. Knowing that all the shattered dreams (the high and low days) were working for his good in trusting Christ. The 'nay-sayers' cannot extinguish the light shining through Tim.

In my opinion, the book should be required reading for everyone. It's about character building. It's about not letting success or failure define you but knowing who you are in Him and following God's plan (what really matters). I admire Tim's convictions and there are many lessons from the book that I can apply to my own faith journey as well. 

I'm happy the Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is receiving more accolades in sports, playing pro baseball. Truly, he is getting the nod of approval from the Lord in fulfilling his destiny in sharing the gospel of Jesus to the world. Well done, Tim!

5/5 stars. Highly recommend. He hit the ball out of the park with this one!

Shaken by Tim Tebow

My Favorite Review

“Shaken is everyone’s story. All of us know what it is to experience the best of days and the lowest of days. For Tim, he’s lived those days in public. I have the privilege to call Tim my friend and can tell you that with him, what you see is what you get, which seems rare these days! I appreciate how real and raw Tim is with his own struggles. In Shaken you will find great encouragement for your own life and faith.”
—Chris Tomlin, worship leader and songwriter

My Favorite Chapter

We must cease striving and trust God to provide what He thinks is best and in irst stepwhatever time He chooses to make it available. but this kind of trusting doesn't come naturally. It's a spiritual crisis of the will in which we must choose to exercise faith. -- Charles Swindoll

My Favorite Line

"God is greater than your heart."

About The Book

Who are you when life is steady? 
Who are you when storms come?
 
Most of us have been on the receiving end of rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times.
 
In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season. 
 
In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways. 
 
Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!

Shaken

About the Author

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, first round NFL draft pick, and Heisman trophy winner. After playing in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Tebow joined the SEC Network. In addition to his role on SEC Nation, the network's traveling road show, Tebow also contributes to a variety of other ESPN platforms. Through everything, Tim's true passion remains the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation which he began in 2010. The foundation's mission is to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is fulfilling that mission everyday by serving thousands of deserving children around the world.

A.J. Gregory is known for over thirty-five book collaborations, some New York Times bestsellers, with fascinating high-profile figures from celebrities to scientists. She is also the author of two books, Messy Faith and Silent Savior, which chronicles finding faith in the middle of unavoidable and sometimes harsh realities. A.J. calls New Jersey, and her husband and three kids, home. Learn more at www.ajgregorybooks.com.

Two reasons why you should buy a copy (or two) of Shaken today:

1) Shaken is a great read! Get the scoop on Tim's time in the NFL...some of the challenges he's faced...and how his identity has stayed grounded in in God and not in this world!

2) Shaken makes the perfect gift! Give the gift of faith, hope, and love to your son, daughter, mom, dad, grandparent, coach, teacher, pastor, minister, neighbor, or friend!



New from Tim Tebow, Shaken. Get the book!!

Follow Tim Tebow on FaceBook.

Thank you, WaterBrook Multnomah for the privilege of receiving a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Daniel Decker for the opportunity to be on the promotional team!


Love the book! What a great role model!


-- LadyD

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

How To Play Norwegian Wood

One of my high school students is coming for a piano lesson this afternoon. She enjoys playing popular songs from Disney movies. Her first choice are the Beatles music! Towards the end of this post, you will find a plethora of other Beatle songs that include chord charts for your enjoyment.

Norwegian Wood

Words and Music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
1965

Key: Em
Time: 12/8 Moderately

E Bm7 A E

E                                 Bm7        A   E
I once had a girl or should I say she once had me
E                                    Bm7    A    E
She showed me her room isn't it good Norwegian wood

Em                                             A
She asked me to stay and she told me to sit anywhere
Em                                               F#m7  B7
But I looked around and I noticed there wasn't a chair

E                             Bm7        A   E
I sat on a rug biding my time drinking her wine
E                                     Bm7         A   E
We talked until two and then she said it's time for bed

Em                                                   A
She told me she worked in the morning and started to laugh
Em                                                 F#m7  B7
I told her I didn't and crawled off to sleep in the bath

E                            Bm7        A   E
And when I awoke I was alone this bird had flown
E                             Bm7     A   E
So I lit a fire isn't it good Norwegian wood

Piano Chord Breakdown

E = E/EB
Bm7 = E/BDF#A
A = A/AC#
E = E/G#B
Em = E/BGB
A = A/C#EA
F#m7 = F#/C#EA
B7 = B/D#F#

Intro Right Hand Chords

EBE, EC#E, EBE, EAE, EG#E, EF#B,EAB, EG#B / BEB, BD, F#A, C#E, BE, BE

Intro Left Hand Single Notes

E, E, B, E (4x) per measure

Outro Right Hand Chords

EBE, EC#E, EBE, EAE, EG#E, EF#B, EAB, EG#B / BEB, BDF#A, AC#, G#B

Outro Left Hand Single Notes

E, E, B, E (5 times), last measure E, E, B, E, B, A, EE



Norwegian Wood (version 2)

D Dsus4 D C  G  D

D Dsus4      D                      C        G   D
I once had a girl, or should I say, she once had me
D   Dsus4         D                    C    G    D
She showed me her room, isn't it good, Norwegian wood

    Dm                                         G
She asked me to stay and she told me to sit anywhere
Dm                                               Em   A
But I looked around and I noticed there wasn't a chair

D Dsus4    D                    C        G   D
I sat on a rug, biding my time, drinking her wine
D  Dsus4        D                       C         G   D
We talked until two, and then she said, it's time for bed

    Dm                                               G
She told me she worked in the morning and started to laugh
Dm                                                  Em   A
I told her I didn't and crawled off to sleep in the bath
[ Tab from: http://www.guitaretab.com/b/beatles/273722.html ]
D   Dsus4   D                       C    G   D
And when I awoke, I was alone, this bird had flown
D   Dsus4   D                    C    G    D
So, I lit a fire, isn't it good, Norwegian wood

http://www.guitaretab.com/b/beatles/273722.html

Other Beatle Posts

All You Need Is Love (414)

Blackbird (1, 818 hits)

Eleanor Rigby (388 hits)

Help (57 hits)

Hey Jude (29 hits)

Let It Be (45, 882 hits)

Oh Darling (309 hits)



As you can see, Blackbird and Let It Be are the most popular song choices on my blog right now.
You're probably going to use the Song Robot Software with some of these tunes. Check it out!

Wishing you a great week of practice!

-- LadyD
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Learn Halloween Songs For Free

photo credit: morguefile.com

I'm looking forward to sharing lots of Halloween songsheets with my students this month. Do you have a favorite spooky tune that comes to mind?

If you're searching for Halloween Theme Songs, I have posted some and more at,
Free Halloween Piano Music

Lots More Songs

Black Cat Waltz by Robert Van Horne.

De Boself by Tabitha Slemmer

Get GospelKeys Organ 350

photo credit: morgue file

Free Printouts

Halloween Theme  by John Carpenter

Hedwig's Theme

In The Hall of the Mountain King

Monster Mash

Monsters Everywhere

Check out  GospelKeys Organ 450

photo credit: morgue file free photo

Variety of Songs for Halloween Season

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater

Shake Dem Halloween Bones sheet music for kids (www.singtokids.com)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (easy version)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Ben Landis)

The Addams Family Theme (arranged by Dennis Alexander)

Theme from Jurassic Park

This Is Halloween (Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas)

My piano students have so much fun playing scary sounds on the organ voicing on their keyboard!

You may be interested in GospelKeys Organ Collection

Have fun with many of the songs this month!

Blessings,

-- LadyD
 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Wide Open Space by Matthew Cooper

This is such a great song, Wide-Open Space by Matthew Hooper. Watch on YouTube performed by LIFE Worship. I've been listening to a lot of Matthew's songs lately. Here's one that is simple and clear, We Believe. Lots of worship leaders with a tenor voice love to play guitar in E. Try the progression below and sing along.

WIDE OPEN SPACE Matthew Hooper & Sem Schaap

Key = E 

Verse 1

         Bm7                G               D 

Your love breaks on me like an ocean

              Bm7            G                  D

and I’m caught up in Your rolling seas.
              Bm7       G
In Your love is a place
           D               F#m7
like a wide open space
               Bm7     G           D  A
Call me out into all I can be.

Verse 2

           Bm7          G                      D

I will walk on the waves of Your promise,

          Bm7             G               D

I will walk in Your word over me.

              Bm7        G

In Your love is a place 

          D               F#m7 

like a wide open space.

             Bm7       G          D A

Call me out into all I can be.

Mid-section

           Bm7          G                      D

I will walk on the waves of Your promise.
              Bm7      G
Call me out into all I can be.

Chorus

                   Bm7

I found my life in mercy deep. 

                       D                     F#m7 

I found Your kingdom on my knees. 

               Bm7                      G 
 I found salvation,wild and free, 

                        D     A

when I found You.

                  Bm7                 G

I found my life in mercy deep. 
                      D                        F#m7

I found Your kingdom on my knees.

             Bm7                        G

I found salvation, wild and free,

                           D [A]

when I found You.

| Bm7 | G | D | F#m7 | Bm7 | G | D | A |

Chords in the Song

Bm7 =  (B, D, Gb, A)
G = (G, B, D)
D = (D, F#, A)
A = (A, C#, E)
F#m7 = (F, Ab, C, Eb)

For many other songs to learn by Matthew Hooper, visit Popular Songs.

Whether you are just starting to play the piano or have been for many years, you'll want to get these audio CDs on types of chords and what they look like. Chords 101 & 102.

All the best, 

-- LadyD







 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Free Music Coloring Pages

I'm organizing my studio for "Back to School" piano students. Their new books have arrived! In addition, I have a work table set up for doing music worksheets and especially coloring music pages. If you haven't seen me on Pinterest, here is one my boards, Music-Clipart-Coloring-Font

It seems many are doodling in their Bibles and adults are coloring more as a popular past time nowadays. You and your children may be interested in the following links for music coloring pages. Did I mention... they're all free! One of my favorite crafts is making the Stand Up Piano using three pieces of a straw!

Adult Coloring Pages

Aristocats

Beethoven

Cat Coloring Page

Christmas Holiday Practice

Drums

Frog

Garfield Music Coloring Page

101-dalmatians-listen-music-coloring-page

Musical-instruments-coloring-pages

Piano, Keys, and Notes

Stuart-playing-guitar-coloring-page

Stand Up Piano Coloring Page

Upright Piano Coloring Page

I've gotten tons of coloring pages from Melody Payne on Teachers Pay Teachers and also her site, http://melodypayne.com/

Perhaps you can use some of these templates for your studio, to share with your homeschool group or grandchildren.

Happy piano playing and coloring!

-- LadyD

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King