nonkeyboard music major

[muscleman]

I've been asked to help a HS graduate who is about to go to college as a music major.  He has played guitar for about 10 years, and his advisor has suggested working on piano skills for his piano proficiency that he will eventually have to pass.  I haven't yet met with him to begin work but would like some advice from some "seasoned" piano teachers on which route to take.  From our phone conversation and him being a guitar player, it sounds as if he has a decent knowledge of theory.  He reads music, knows his key signatures, but has not done much at a keyboard.  Advice?

[go12_3]

I would have him work on Fingerpower to help hand and finger coordination. Also,  there are
two books I recommend for older students:   They are by Faber & Faber. 
These books are Book One "For the Older Student"  .   Just get the *lesson* and *performance* books only.  Your new student already knows about music and these books will help him get familiar with the keyboard quickly and effectively.  I have used these books on my older students and they progress quite well.  The Fingerpower has 6 books.  Only use Primer through Level Three. Then he can begin on Hanon, if you want to.  Anyhow, start him off  with the Primer Level and then Book One Level.  I think after a few lessons with your new student, you will be able to determine how quickly he will develop technique.  I ususally let the older student lead as I guide them throught the learning process.  Happy teaching!   

best wishes,

go12_3

[Bob]

Why not just walk him through one of those college piano course texts?

Probably scales in two octaves.

Chords.

That's plenty for the summer.

[muscleman]

Thanks for the responses.  I'm thinking along the same lines so far.  I pulled out my Hanon book and thought this would certainly get his fingers going.  I remember one of my earliest instructors having me memorize the finger patterns of the Hanon so I wouldn't be focusing on technique rather than the printed music.  If I remember, I would do 5 of these a week.  That might be too much for a beginner, though.  I also planned on using scales to get him used to some over/under fingering as well as familiarizing him with major and minor keys.  I also have Frakenpohl "Harmonization at the Piano" that I used during my Music Theory I & II in college.  It has some simple melodies with accompaniment which should help him with reading.  I'll see what happens from there.  Thanks again.