Lesson notes. May 20, 2025
Scales
• Today: B minor
• Next lesson: F# minor
Feel free to send me recordings of your progress during the summer—especially if you’d like feedback on counting and note accuracy. I’ll be happy to help!
Granada – Albéniz
Page 1: Last line – review the left-hand C major chord. Check the notes carefully.
Page 2: Keep 8th notes even.
Line 2, measures 5–7 – pay special attention to rhythm and fingering.
Trills can be added later—focus on getting the notes secure first. This will help with counting.
Page 3:
Line 1, measures 1–2 and 5–6 – mentally count the beats and chords.
Line 2 – key signature changes to F minor. Keep the 8th notes even.
Last line, measures 3–4 – check the right-hand chord notes carefully and remember to count the 8th notes.
Tango – Albéniz
This piece is new and includes some counting challenges—mainly the combination of 8th notes and triplets.
Remove all ornaments and trills for now. We’ll add them back later.
I’ve uploaded a photo with a visual explanation on how to count this section.
Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 – Chopin
We talked about diminished chords—remember the three types I wrote out for you. Use them to help identify chord patterns.
Some of the left-hand chords are written high—write in the note names so you don’t have to stop and check every time.
They All Laughed – Gershwin
This is the accompaniment for the choir piece. Work on rhythm and style.
• Today: B minor
• Next lesson: F# minor
Feel free to send me recordings of your progress during the summer—especially if you’d like feedback on counting and note accuracy. I’ll be happy to help!
Granada – Albéniz
Page 1: Last line – review the left-hand C major chord. Check the notes carefully.
Page 2: Keep 8th notes even.
Line 2, measures 5–7 – pay special attention to rhythm and fingering.
Trills can be added later—focus on getting the notes secure first. This will help with counting.
Page 3:
Line 1, measures 1–2 and 5–6 – mentally count the beats and chords.
Line 2 – key signature changes to F minor. Keep the 8th notes even.
Last line, measures 3–4 – check the right-hand chord notes carefully and remember to count the 8th notes.
Tango – Albéniz
This piece is new and includes some counting challenges—mainly the combination of 8th notes and triplets.
Remove all ornaments and trills for now. We’ll add them back later.
I’ve uploaded a photo with a visual explanation on how to count this section.
Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 – Chopin
We talked about diminished chords—remember the three types I wrote out for you. Use them to help identify chord patterns.
Some of the left-hand chords are written high—write in the note names so you don’t have to stop and check every time.
They All Laughed – Gershwin
This is the accompaniment for the choir piece. Work on rhythm and style.
