What would be your ideal Repertoire choices for your students ?

[m1469]

For the following things :


1.  Just for them to be familiar with.

2.  To know and have memorized; be able to perform at any time.

3.  General progression of learning.


I know that there is probably not a single student who would follow this exactly, but I have been thinking about trying to pool together some pieces to fit my wishes for what my students could know.  Also, I have been wanting to focus my attentions even more in my teaching, starting with a couple of student's particular education in my studio, and then having that provide a backbone to more of my students' educations.  So, I am going to be giving more concerted thought toward which pieces lead into other pieces and so on.  I suspect the "categories" of repertoire to have numerous choices, with one piece leading into a number of other pieces so that there is still room for individuality, of course.

I also realize that I would always be adding more, but there would already be some structure involved.


Okay, I know this is a big project, but I am wanting to do this and thought that if any other teachers are wanting to do the same type of thing, or have done this type of thing already, we might want to work with each other 


m1469

[ted]

The probability that I would ever teach is very, very small. However, if I did I would provide examples of every type of piano music I could think of as pieces. Ragtime, swing, boogie, novelty and stride, in particular are almost totally neglected by most teachers and institutes of learning. Once past the initial stages I would make improvisation the primary vehicle for all learning in all styles, including classical and romantic.

But this is just what my teacher did with me, so I'm actually not stating anything new.

[sarahlein]

For the following things :
Okay, I know this is a big project, but I am wanting to do this and thought that if any other teachers are wanting to do the same type of thing, or have done this type of thing already, we might want to work with each other 

I'd like to join you 

Did you have in mind to make a distinction between stages such as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanded?

 

[m1469]

I'd like to join you 

Did you have in mind to make a distinction between stages such as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanded?

Well, one idea I had was to start with a group of pieces that are more advanced, as possible overall goal pieces for my students.  And then from there, devise some sort of trail leading there, starting from scratch.  However, I also just feel it is important for them to at least be familiar with certain pieces, like the Bach's inventions and sinfonias, for example. 

Being able to play all of these would not necessarily be needed to reach the goal pieces, unless that is a goal in and of itself (however a group of them to choose from might be very appropriate for certain goals) and with something like that, I think categories like beginning, intermediate and advanced is a great plan.

Also, I have in mind some basic things I want my students to be able to do regarding music in general.  A simple example would be that I wish for them to be able to subdivide by the time they leave my studio (again, this is part of the ideal).  So part of my trail of pieces would be beautiful pieces that address this and give natural opportunity to work on this.  Of course there will be a huge selection within that group of pieces and the idea is that the student never even knows I have a plan (well you get the idea anyway).  All they know is that they get to play music that they really love.

How does that sound ?  This is a sketch anyway of an evolving project and it helps to focus the project when I think of individual students.  I am happy you would like to join this project, and btw, feel free to address it anyway you feel is truly beneficial to you.  Even if we do not approach it the same way, we could still learn from each other and help each other out.


m1469

[sarahlein]

However, I also just feel it is important for them to at least be familiar with certain pieces, like the Bach's inventions and sinfonias, for example. 

I agree with you. So how about adding to that:

Bach A.M, French Suites, English Suites,WTK

Sonatinas-Clementi op36,37,38, Kuhlau op55. Diabelli op168 and others

Sonatas- Scarlatti, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and others

Well, one idea I had was to start with a group of pieces that are more advanced, as possible overall goal pieces for my students.  And then from there, devise some sort of trail leading there, starting from scratch.

How do we define 'advanced'?
A late-intermediate piece might be seen as advanced from a beginner's stand point.

However I do imagine you are talking about pieces graded  8+ (ABRSM)

I must admit I need some guidance on this.

So why don't you suggest an advanced piece and we design such a trail to it from scratch.

[pianistimo]

most of the time i am guided by the individuality of each student.  if you have most all of your students learning different pieces - they each feel more special (even if they used the same method books).

once i came for a lesson at wcu and someone in the next studio was playing MY piece.  i thought, 'how dare they'  and also  'how dare they play it so well' (smile)  i was about to get started, and my teacher noticed the unease that had begun to set in on me.  he eased the situation by saying something like 'piano etiquette dictates that piano teachers never have their students play the same pieces as each other at the same time ' and suggested that i play something else for that lesson. 

i think younger students can feel the same.  so - even though you weren't asking about students playing similar pieces - maybe a different trail for each student?  that's my idea for the day.