The Successful Piano Recital

Hard to believe I am a retired piano teacher now! When Covid struck our little town and schools closed, well it seemed that my 25 years of teaching piano was coming to a close. Since then, I've had lots of time to read so many great books and fantastic articles.

In 1931, yes before you were born, Louise Christine Rebe wrote an article, "The Practical and Profitable Recital." She begins with, 3 Reasons for Giving a Recital.

1. To advertise the work of the teacher. 

2. To give the pupils an opportunity for public appearance. 

3. A fine stimulus to the pupils' work. 

Yes so true in advertising and I also found over the years that word of mouth was the best referrals! Oh, I so agree and almost all of my students loved performing in front of others. I never made my students perform and I recall over the years that only one girl had a serious melt down. Mostly everyone had a wonderful time and I called it a "Family Gathering." Indeed, the audience will be greatly entertained!

Louise Christine Rebe goes on to mention the planning and preparation of the recital:

1. Selection of Material. 

2. Preparation. 

3. Within the Pupil's Scope. 

4. The Hitching Post Plan.

5. Stage Etiquette

I always give my approval for students to play a piece that best suits their personality! Hard work and preparation with both student and teacher. Usually takes a few months to work on recital songs over and over. When the student feels confident with his or her songs and I feel he/she is well prepared, then I give them a green light to perform with my blessing.

I've had so many rich memories of hosting recitals and seeing my students perform well, so successfully and very pleased with themselves!!

-- LadyD

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

Popular Elvis Song of the 50s

George R. Poulton wrote this song in 1861 and called it "Aura Lee." It first became famous as the class song for the West Point graduating class of 1865. Its popularity was hardly short lived. In the 20th century, it achieved Hollywood stardom in no less than 3 films: "Come and Get It" of 1936, 1952's "The Last Musketeer," and 1955's "The Long Grey Line." Elvis Presley's adaptation became "Love Me Tender," and his recording held the #1 position for 5 weeks. The rest is history!

Love Me Tender

Words and Music by Elvis Presley and Vera Matson in 1956.

Key of G in 4/4 Time

G                        A                      Am/D  D7     G

Love me tender, love me sweet; Never let me go.

  G                           A                    Am/D  D7        G

You have made my life complete, And I love you so.

Chorus:

G             B7       Em        G7   C         Cm            G 

Love me tender, love me true, All my dreams fulfill.

G            E7        A               D7sus4  D7    G

For, my dar-lin', I love you, And I always will.

Here are some slash chords on how I might play this song:

G = G/DB or G/BG 

A = A/C#A

Am/D = D/CG

D7 = D/CE

B7 = F#/D#B

Em = E/GB

G7 = D/FB

C = C/EB

Cm = Eb/G

E7 = G#/DC

D7sus4 = D/CG

Blessings!

~ LadyD 

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

Master Stride Piano

Image via Wikipedia

"The swinging, stride sound of early jazz pianists like Fats Waller and James P.Johnson is undergoing newfound popularity. Suddenly, everyone wants to play and hear this bouncy style again. So here are some exercises to help you get in the stride groove. Remember, when playing stride you should not be thinking about lightning-fast tricks or an amazing left hand, but rather a steady left hand and an all-around relaxed feeling." By Judy Carmichael

 

Exercise #1

(play 2 x's) Bb/Bb D, F then G/G Bb D F,   C/ G Bb C Eb,   F/ F A C Eb 

Exercise #2 

D/D F# A C,  E/D F# A C,  F/D F# A C,  F#/D F# A C,  G/D F G B,  A/D F G B,  A#/D F G B,  B/D F G B,  C/C E G Bb,  D/C E G Bb,  D#/C E G Bb,  E/C E G Bb F F/ l.h. octaves F, Eb, D,C/ l.h. single notes 

Exercise #3 

C/G A C E,  C#/G Bb C# E,  D/ G B D F,  G/G B D# F (repeat) C/ C E,  Bb/Bb C E, A/A C F,  Ab/Gb Ab C Eb,  G/G C E,  G/G B E C, B, A, G/ l.h octave single notes (repeat) Puttin' On the Ritz - Solo Stride Piano

 

 

Chris Dawson plays this great rendition from the title song of the 1930 film. Clear crisp lines! Everything between the melody bookends is improvised. None of this was arranged beforehand. Chris is a consummate improviser. 

 * Related Topic: http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html Powered by Disqus

Happy Playing!

~ LadyD

General Music Education Sites

Vinyl Grooves

I'm pretty sure you have decided what instrument you're attracted to by now. I suggest you start with an instrument that creates excitement, which in turn will provide more of a chance for continued studies. Perhaps you have begun the traditional lessons such as private or group lessons. Some of you may be self-taught or a combination of both. A more contemporary approach can be teachers teaching from home or at music stores and tend to focus more on pop-rock and blues. Music camps and summer workshops are other alternatives. It has been an honor for me to teach kids and adults for 25 years. I am retired now... perhaps the timing is perfect since Covid arrived in our area around mid-March. What I can tell you is that having the right teacher plays an important role in musical development. A disciplinary or relaxed approach follows that different people learn through different methods. 

On the net, you may want to check out www.musicstudy.com. Here you can find ear training and music theory software, which are great tools to help develop your ear as well as understanding theory. Also, if you want to learn how to read music online, visit www.datadragon.com. You can also ask any question in regards to music. And for you history buffs, there is an index for Music History in addition to information about different musical genres. 

Audio Waves

If you are more into classical music rather than contemporary music you will find what you are looking for at www.classical.net. Excellent site for CD/DVD/book reviews with 6,000 files and 4,000 links for classical music. Has a link to a buyer's guide which recommends CDs for your classical collection.

On The Net Piano Sites

Download free lessons for beginner piano and also purchase videos and CDs. Learn chords, chord progressions, keys, and playing by ear. You don't need to know how to read music for these lessons. Contains a section on how to read music in 30 minutes at www.playpianonow.com 

For beginners, intermediate and advanced players, this site offers piano lessons including jazz, arranging, and playing your favorite songs at www.musicandyou.com

By signing up with Jermaine Griggs, the site's founder, you can receive 60 free piano lessons. Start playing right away and get over 200 chords by ear. Visitors to the site can study major and minor chords and create chord progressions at www.hearandplay.com 

I hope these sites will equip you to become a better musician!

Blessings,

-- LadyD

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

Simple Way To Accompany Yourself

Yes, you can accompany yourself! I read a short article by Big Wilson and here's what he had to say:

Now that you've practiced all the basic chords, let's make things even simpler. When the music calls for an II-V7-I progression, try playing it this way:

Old Way

DC/FA, GF/BD (Dm7, G7, C)

New Way

DC/FA, DB/FG, CC/EG (Dm7, G7, C) ... or

DC/FA, DB/FA, CC/EG (Dm7, G9, C)

The left thumb moves down 1/2 step. The top note in the right-hand moves down 1 whole step. And the A and C is played as always. The same four notes are struck but in a different order or inversion. The third way is even easier. Just move the thumb 1/2 step as shown in the 9th Chord version. The G7 chord is still a dominant 7th, but with a 9th added.

Have fun with this technique not only for keyboardists!

-- LadyD

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

How To Play Dare You To Move

Dare You To Move by Jonathan Foreman

Key of E
2/2 Moderately slow, in 2

E6, E5, E, E5, Esus (2 xs)

                          E6 E5 E E5 Esus

Welcome to the planet

                           E6 E5 E E5 Esus
Welcome to existence

                   F#m11
Everyone's here

                    Asus2
Everyone's here

                        E6  E5  E   E5  Esus
Everybody's watching you now

                    E6   E5    E     Esus
Everybody waits for you now

                         G6
What happens next?

                                B (add4)
What happens next?

                      E5

I dare you to move

                      B(add4)
I dare you to move

                         Asus2
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor

                 B(add4)  E5
I dare you to move

                       B(add4)
I dare you to move

                             Asus2
Like today never happened 

                      B(add4)      E6 E5 E E5 Esus E6 E5 E E5 Esus
Today never happened before

                           C#m7  Asus2

Welcome to the fallout

                            C#m7   Asus2
Welcome to resistance

                        F#m11
The tension is here

                        Asus2
The tension is here

                              C#m7                               Asus2
Between who you are and who you could be

                          F#m11                       Asus2
Between how it is and how it should be
Yeah

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened before

                     E5                           A5

Maybe redemption has stories to tell

                   E5                                     A5
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell…

                          C#m7                              A5

Where can you run to escape from yourself?

                                 F#m11
Where you gonna go?

                             B7sus
Where you gonna go?

                     E5      A5  E5
Salvation is here

                      E5

I dare you to move

                      B(add4)
I dare you to move

                     Asus2
I dare you to lift yourself

To lift yourself up off the floor

                     B(add4) E5
I dare you to move

                      B(add4)
I dare you to move

                              Asus2
Like today never happened

                     C#m7
Today never happened

                       A5
Today never happened

                      B              E5
Today never happened before

Some Chords:

F#m11 = F# A B E and F#C#F#/ABEF#

B(add4) = BF#B/F#BD#EF#

Get The Beautiful Letdown

-- LadyD

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

Cadence Types and Definitions

Awhile back I wrote a blog post about my understanding of different cadences. You can see it, here. Later on, I came across an excellent resource book regarding Cadence definitions and music theory in general called, Edly's Music Theory for Practical People. I highly recommend this one. Here's a short blurb from the book to give you an idea of what I learned from Edly's book.

Cadences

What/When: Cadences occur at the end of a phrase, or the end of part of a phrase. A cadence consists of two or more chords that interrupt the harmonic momentum. The interruption can be temporary, in the form of arriving at a point of tension or arriving at a resolution. Analogies in language include phrases ending with a comma or question mark in the case of tension, or with a period in the case of resolution.

Why: The saying goes, "all good things must come to an end." This is equally true for music. If you can recognize the most common ways in which phrases end, you are that much farther ahead in understanding all musical phrasing.

Cadence Types & Definitions

The full cadence is V(7) -> I and again corresponds with moving from tension, and arriving at a resolution. In written language, this corresponds to a phrase ending in a period or exclamation point. Technically, a cadence is only "full" if the tonic is in both the melody and bass.

The half cadence is something -> V(7), that is, just about any chord moving to the dominant. In language, a half cadence corresponds to a phrase ending in a comma or question mark. A half cadence creates the expectation that something will indeed come next because of the unresolved nature of the dominant. The listener knows that the song or piece is not over at this point unless the composer or player is being cheeky, or deceptive. The chord preceding the dominant chord is often it's own dominant, or the V/V ("five of five," as it's called). In the same way that the dominant, creating the effect of a "temporary tonic." How temporary this ends up depending totally on the situation, and can be anywhere from a beat or two to a whole section of a piece.

The plagal cadence is IV -> I. You've heard it in the amens sung and played in church. IT shows up elsewhere, too, but usually to invoke that "churchy sound."

A deceptive cadence is simply any cadence that doesn't do what you expect it to. More specifically, a deceptive cadence is usually V(7) (since the dominant creates such a high level of expectation) to something other than I. The deceptive cadences found in classical, jazz, and pop music differ in destination chords, but the effect is similar in each case... one of foiled expectation. The mediant and submediant chords are the most standard tonic substitutes - the submediant (vim), in the case of classical music, and the mediant (iiim), in the case of jazz. (Notice that each of these two triads shares two of its three notes with the tonic triad! This might help you see how they might easily get away with replacing the tonic.

Most common deceptive cadences:

V(7) --> vim (classical and pop)
V(7) --> iiim (jazz and pop)
V(7) --> im (when key is major)
V(7) --> I (when key is minor)
V(7) --> bVI (various pop, classical, etc)

Learning about cadences is important. If you can recognize and identify cases, you will be able to recognize melodic and harmonic patterns much more easily and understand better how music is put together. Get the book, Edly's Music Theory for Practical People.

Blessings,

-- LadyD

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

Two Jimmy Buffett Songs

Our Summer is almost over and the first line of the lyrics to this Jimmy Buffett song caught my eye!

"Headin' up to San Francisco for the Labor Day weekend show."

Here in SoCal, I will be settling in for another new school year schedule, offering piano lessons. Where will you be, Come Monday?

Come Monday

Songwriters: Jimmy Buffett

Come Monday lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Key of C
4/4 Time (Moderately)

C                   F

Headin' up to San Francisco

G                             C
For the Labor Day weekend show,

                   F
I've got my hush-puppies on,

               G
I guess I never was meant for

           C
Glitter rock and roll.

F/D              F
And honey I didn't know

G
That I'd be missin' you so.

         F                   C

Come Monday It'll be all right,

          F                      G
Come Monday I'll be holding you tight.

            C               Em           F                G
I spent four lonely days in a brown L.A. haze

          F                    G                 C
And I just want you back by my side.

Verse 2

Yes, it's been quite a summer,
Rent-a-cars and westbound trains.
And now you're off on vacation,
Somethin' you tried to explain.
And darlin' I love you so that's
The reason I just let you go.

Come Monday It'll be all right,
Come Monday I'll be holding you tight.
I spent four lonely days in a brown L.A. haze
And I just want you back by my side.

Dmaj7    Gmaj7

I can't help it, honey,

Dmaj7                    Gmaj7
You're that much a part of me now.

Dmaj7                           Gmaj7
Remember the night in Montana when

Fmaj7                                         G7
We said there'd be no room for doubt.

I hope you're enjoyin' the scenery,
I know that it's pretty up there.
We can go hikin on Tuesday,
With you, I'd walk anywhere.
California has worn me quite thin,
I just can't wait to see you again.

Come Monday It'll be all right,
Come Monday I'll be holding you tight.
I spent four lonely days in a brown L.A. haze
And I just want you back by my side.

C                           Em           F               G

I spent four lonely days in a brown L.A. haze,

         F                    G                Bb  F  C              

and I just want you back by my side.

Come Monday Live

This is a very easy song to play. Fmaj7 sounds great, F/EAC and G7 with G/FGBD. Then ending with Bb/FBbD and F/FAC and C/EGCE.

Son Of A Son Of A Sailor

Songwriters: Jimmy Buffett

Son of a Son of a Sailor lyrics © Coral Reefer Music

Songs You May Know By Heart

Key of D
4/4 Time (Moderately slow, in 2)

     G / F / C / G /
 
              G

As the son of a son of a sailor

           F               C                   G
I went out on the sea for adventure

      C                                    G
Expanding the view of the captain and crew

D                                              G
Like a man just released from indenture

As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin' man

           F                 C          G

I have chalked up many a mile

          C                                    G
Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks

          D                                                 G
And I learned much from both of their styles

F/G                C/G

Son of a son, son of a son

                             G
Son of a son of a sailor

F                                  C
Son of a gun, load the last ton

                                     G
One step ahead of the jailer

Now away in the near future
Southeast of disorder
You can shake the hand of the mango man
As he greets you at the border

And the lady she hails from Trinidad
Island of the spices
Salt for your meat, and cinnamon sweet
And the rum is for all your good vices

Haul the sheet in as we ride on the wind
That our forefathers harnessed before us
Hear the bells ring as the tight rigging sings
It's a son of a gun of a chorus

G

Where it all ends I can't fathom my friends

              F          C                 G
If I knew I might toss out my anchor

         C                             G
So I cruise along always searchin' for songs

               D                           G
Not a lawyer a thief or a banker

F/G                          C/G

But a son of a son, son of a son

                            G
Son of a son of a sailor

F                            C
Son of a gun, load the last ton

                                     G
One step ahead of the jailer

I'm just a son of a son, son of a son
Son of a son of a sailor
The sea's in my veins, my tradition remains
I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer

Repeat and fade: 

F = F/ACFG

C = C/GCEG

G = GBDG

Son Of A Son Of A Sailor

Enjoy these last days of summer!

-- LadyD

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

Three Dixie Chick Songs

Around 1997 I was listening to the country sounds of the Dixie Chicks. I loved hearing the violin and the excellent vocal harmonies. Along came the ever-popular song, Wide Open Spaces and from there, I knew I had to purchase the songbook.

I thought I'd share a few of their songs in the Key of E to start with. Of course, there are a few songs in A, like Give It Up Or Let Me Go, You Were Mine, and Loving Arms. Also, from the album, you'll find one in the Key of F and a few in C.

Here are 3 chord charts in E:

I Can Love You Better

Key of E Major
4/4 Time (Moderately)

C#m  B/C#  C#m          E 
Doodum doooh ooh oh
C#m            D D 
Hey hey hey oooh 
E             D                   A          
She's got you wrapped up in her satin and lace 
E       D                 A 
Tied around her little finger 
E                D          A     
She's got you thinking you never can escape 
E          D                     A     
Don't you know your heart's in danger 
B                        C#m      
There's a devil in that angel face 
    D                      A                        
If you could only see the love that you're wasting 

Chorus:

E      D         A            
I can love you better that that 
E              D         A 
I know how to make you forget her 
E        D             A              
All I'm askin' is for one little chance 
E           D         A             E ----D A 
Baby I can love you, Baby I can love you better 


E          D               A              
I'm gonna break the spell she's got on you 
E            D           A 
You're gonna wake up to find 
E          D              A      
I'm your desire my inten-tions are true 
E     D              A 
Hey babe, I know in time 
B                          C#m 
You're gonna see what you mean to me 
    D                       A              A  
So open up your eyes cause seeing is believing 

Chorus


C#m  B   C#m    E 
Woooo oooh oooh oh 
C#m  B   C#   D   A7 
Hey hey hey oooh

Chorus: 
E      D         A          A 
I can love you better than that
E              D         A 
I know how to make you forget her 
E        D             A 
All I'm askin' is for one little chance 
E           D         A 
Baby I can love you, Baby I can love you 
E      D         A 
I can love you better than that 
E              D         A         E 
I know how to make you forget her 
E        D             A 
All I'm askin' is for one little chance 
E           D         A 
Baby I can love you, Baby I can love you 
E      D         A               E 
I can love you better than that 
E      D         A     E 
I can love you better 
E      D         A 
I can love you better than that 
E           D         A                    E       
Baby I can love you, Baby I can love you better 

Wide Open Spaces

Key of E Major

4/4 Time (Moderately Fast)

Intro: E A/C# E A/C# E A/C# E A/C# E F#m7 E F#m7 A/B

E = E/BEG#

A/C# = C#/AC#F#

F#m7 = F#/C#EA

A/B = B/C#EAB

WEho doesn't kF#m7now what I'm Etalking about


Who's never left hF#m7ome, who's never stE/G#ruck out


To find a drAeam and a life of their oEwn


A pAlace in the clouds, a founA/B         Bdation of stone


  EMany preF#m7cede and many will fEollow



AE young girl's dF#m7ream no longer hEollow

It takes the sAhape of a place out Ewest

But what it hAolds for her, she hasn't yA/Bet guessed

Chorus:

She needs wEide oF#m7pen sp
aces

REoom to mF#m7ake her big m
istakeAs

She needsE neF#m7w faAces

She kBnows the high sEtakes F#m7   A  B

Verse 2:

SEhe traveled this F#m7road as a cEhild

WEide eyed and grF#m7inning, she never tEired

But now she wAon't be coming back with the rEest

If these are lAife's lessons, she'll take tA/Bhis test

(Repeat Chorus)

                             A/C#                             E

As her folks drive away, her dad yells, "Check the oil!"

                               A/C#                             E

Mom stares out the window and says, "I'm leaving my girl"

She said, "It didn't seem like that long ago"

When she stood there and let her own folks know

(Repeat Chorus)

She knows the highest stakes

She knows the highest stakes

She knows the highest stakes

She knows the highest stakes


E F#m7 A  A/B E
Wide Open Spaces


Let 'Er Rip

Key of E Major

4/4 Time (Slowly, freely)

      A7                                      E 
I can tell there’s something you don’t wanna tell me
       A7                                 B  Bb7 A7 
It’s killing you cause words are hard to find
Bb7    A7                          E 
I know you want to break it to me gently
           F#7                      B   C B B7#5 
Well sweet baby say what’s on your mind

CHORUS:(Fast)
            E            E 
Let’er rip,   let it fly

Come on baby say it do you think I’m gonna cry
      A7                            E 
ain’t about to bawl  I ain’t gonna die
             B                      A7 
so if you’re gonna say goodbye don't take all damn night
           E            E7 
let’er rip, let it fly

A7                                                E
Why the drama we don’t have to drag out the situation
          A7                                                   B
It wasn’t you, it wasn’t me, sometimes the chemistry don’t ignite
      A7                                                 E
There ain’t no rings, no mortgage there ain't any complications
       F#7                                             B 
Just a hyphenated word get it out I’m sure I’ll be alright

Chorus:

It ain’t no big deal, it ain’t no great loss
You and I are on the same train of thought
You don't have to tell me where to get off
Maybe I misunderstood you if you leave me baby would ya

CHORUS:
            E            E 
Let’er rip,   let it fly

Come on baby say it do you think I’m gonna cry
      A7                            E 
ain’t about to bawl  I ain’t gonna die
             B                      A7 
so if you’re gonna say goodbye don't take all day and night
           E            E 
let’er rip, let it fly
             B                      A7 
so if you’re gonna say goodbye don't take all damn night
           E            E 
let’er rip, let it fly
            
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Blessings,

-- LadyD

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