Learn How to Play the Bassline from The Pink Panther!
This is a short video tutorial of the LH bassline for the music from The Pink Panther by Henry Mancini.
There are many hand positions for this bassline. I have broken it down into small phrases by hand position.
Give it a try!
Access to Theory Answer Keys and Piano DustBusters App
Monday, May 18, 2020 by Melanie Burke | Theory & Games
I want to let you know that those of you working in Method books have access to ALL of the theory answer keys in your online resources.
I have also included in your online resources PDF's available for print or viewing pleasure copies of the music in the books with the NOTE NAMES WRITTEN IN! (For Primer Level & Level 1. If you are in Level 2, you should know your notes by now, and also have resources to write them in yourself).
Simply look for the file folder of the book you are working in. Here's an example:
I hope to encourage all of you who are just beginning to read notes on the staff to write in your note names. Now, you can try yourself, or copy the answers until you feel more confident.
Playing piano is fun, but can be daunting when learning to read notes. It gets easier with consistent practice - I promise!
I hope that Piano Maestro is helping, as well. You may also download another app by Joytunes called "Dust Busters".
It's more of a game, but many students are enjoying it as well to help with note recognition. It connects with me in the same manner as Piano Maestro. Here's the link:
Piano Dust Busters
Enjoy being present in your piano practice!
See you soon!
-Mel
The Peanuts Gang sing Don't Stop Believin'!
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 by Melanie Burke | Uncategorized
Many of my students are working on "Don't Stop Believin'" in our online lessons. This is a fantastic song to learn on the piano, not only because the riff is so fabulous, but there are many learning skills involved.
- Harmonic 3rds with the pinky and 3rd finger are notoriously difficult to play! The riff for this song does just that!
- The steady 8th-note rhythm of the right hand is offset with the bassline. It is easy to play when you know how to count your 8th notes!
- This is a great opportunity to learn Roman numerals and tonal harmony. If you like to play contemporary songs, this is a must!
I loved The Peanuts and Charles Schultz when I was growing up. My best friend in elementary school knew how to draw them really well, and he also played piano. So I have many fond memories growing up with The Peanuts Gang. (Of course, Schroeder was my favorite!)
Someone put this Journey song to clips of The Peanuts and it is AWESOME! I wanted to share it with you here. I hope you find it as inspiring and uplifting as I have!
Practice your Don't Stop Believin' riff so you can play it as well as The Peanuts Gang! :D
Click on the link below to view!
The Peanuts Gang Performs Don't Stop Believin (by Journey)
Cookie Sheet Staff and Keyboard - A project to do at home with your Young Learners!
Thursday, April 2, 2020 by Melanie Burke | Uncategorized
Here is a cool project you can do at home with your young children who are just beginning to learn their notes!
You will need the following items:
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An old (or new) cookie sheet
- Contact paper
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Templates (locate in the Downloads section > file folder: Music Education Accessories)
8.5" x 14" (legal size) paper for printing-
[8.5" x 11" paper will work - but it will be smaller, and you must adjust the formatting in Word]
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[8.5" x 11" paper will work - but it will be smaller, and you must adjust the formatting in Word]
- Disc Magnets
If you want to make the "No-H-in-Snake cards:
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Card stock
- Template
I laminated my cards, of course, this is an option.
I have given instructions in my goofy, yet short video. Reach out to me if you have any questions! (You may see me using these in our online lessons! )♫
TESTIMONIALS:
Hard to sum up in a few words how amazing Mel is as a person and a piano teacher. Quite simply put she just rocks! Not only is she wonderfully talented herself, but she also has a way of connecting to her students to bring out the very best in them and fill them with a love of all things music. Mel is patient, kind, and creative. She teaches all three of my children who have very different personalities, and she meets each one where they are. She gives them an experience each week that they continue to talk about. They are eager to learn from Mel and continue to progress in their training. Mel feels like part of our family, and I trust her completely. If you are looking for a music teacher who is dedicated to your kiddo, who sees your child as a complete package, and who will immerse your family with a rich musical education. Please choose Mel. She really is this fabulous. — Sandra
Mel is an honest and upbeat teacher. She coaches kids and adults with the utmost professional integrity. She is fun and funny and an intelligent musical inspiration who listens and communicates with honesty and depth. --Max
We are so happy working with Melanie as our kids' piano teacher. She is patient, fun and tailors her teaching to how they learn. This is important to us in order to keep the love, passion, and learning moving forward. She's amazing! -- Nancy