teaching solos by rote?

[Bob]

Is there any value to teaching piano solos by rote?

[pianistimo]

i used to think 'no, no, no.'  but, if you already are working on sightreading regularly - why not go a step further and play something (a small phrase) and see if they can pick it out.  this will develop their aural abilities.  if they can sing - perhaps singing the intervals (taking only two for several weeks - then moving to three for three weeks and four for four).  i think students pick up VERY fast on intervals when given these types of little 'tests.'

before you give the two interval test (one week)  - work 1/2 the intervals with them together:

M second - happy birthday
M third - michael row
M fourth - here comes the bride

etc. 

first sing it.  you can use 'ba- ba' or whatever.  then, try to find the notes on the piano.  and finally, if you want - converting it to paper. 

for myself - i wouldn't teach a full solo by rote - but after each measure is converted to paper - i would have them repeat the measure they learned the previous week by sightreading it and then learn the next one by your playing the second measure.  they will then have to figure out the intervals again.  singing them and playing them and writing them down.

[joyfulmusic]

I do it all the time.  Some of my best (talented) students respond terrifically to learning this way while they trudge through theory.  Then a couple of years later when they can really read well they can go to more technical music.  I began this way with many students because it was my experience.  I couldn't read the bass clef until I was 17, but I played by ear all my life.  when I got a great conservatory teacher he propelled me forward with difficult pieces within a couple of months.