Madeleine plays a duet along with me. It’s a traditional Russian folk song called “Yablotchko” (apples). Playing duets is a great way to get students to learn to play in rhythm. It can be the most challenging part of learning to play piano. Improving rhythm skills on the keyboard can be improved by tapping the left food, counting out loud, and using a metronome. These are all useful in getting familiar with playing in tempo. Duets are a fantastic way to focus on rhythms, and a lot of fun. Students who play tentatively gain lots of confidence when joined in a duet.
My students love playing New Age music on the piano. It’s fun to play, and pieces can be learned quickly. The music is quite repetitive, and it creates a nice flow, filled with emotion. It’s one of my favorite types of music to teach. New Age music is intended to create a peaceful sense of inspiration and relaxation in the listener. Often used as a background for yoga, massage, and meditation, it gives students a relaxed and peaceful connection to the piano.
Taking piano or keyboard lessons opens up a whole new world of learning and creativity. Children and adults will discover a great avenue for personal self expression and a way to have fun. Playing piano is probably one of the most satisfying and fulfilling activities that someone can do. Learning to read music will inspire and challenge you, and make you a more confident person. You might also find it interesting learning to play by ear, doing blues improvisation, jamming with friends, or accompanying a friend singing.