The Importance of Introducing a New Piece
When playing a new piece for the first time, it is crucial to approach it with the right mindset. As accomplished pianists and teachers, we naturally scan the music to check for important elements such as the time signature, key signature, and texture before playing through it. However, many students find sight-reading challenging, often struggling with note reading and rhythm. To help students become more comfortable with sight-reading, it’s important to guide them through the process of introducing a new piece.
Step 1: Scan the Piece
Before diving into playing, encourage the student to scan the piece and ask them what they notice about it. Guide them to look for key elements such as key and time-signature changes or places where the hands move to different clefs. Ask specific questions like, "Do you see any other places in the piece where this theme or pattern occurs?" or "Can you point to all the places where there is an interval of a 6th?" This helps students familiarize themselves with the structure of the piece before they start playing, allowing them to anticipate any tricky sections.
Step 2: Count and Clap the Rhythm
One of the most common struggles for students is maintaining rhythm while sight-reading. A helpful technique is to count and clap the rhythm of the piece before playing. This is particularly beneficial for young beginners who may not yet be accustomed to sight-reading. Rhythmic practice is essential, and combining it with singing the pitches helps students "hear" the pitches in their heads, functioning as an ear training exercise. This way, they gain a sense of the piece’s flow and sound before they play it on the piano.
Step 3: Discuss the Piece's Background
Introducing students to the background of the piece can enhance their understanding and appreciation. Take time to discuss the composer, the historical context of the piece, and the period of musical history it was written in. Understanding the title and the intent behind the music can give students a greater connection to the piece and inspire them to interpret it more effectively.
Step 4: Analyze Compositional Techniques and Composer’s Intentions
To deepen the student’s connection with the piece, discuss the compositional techniques used and the composer’s intentions. For example, if the piece is about a merry-go-round, talk about how to create the right mood and energy to evoke a fun, playful atmosphere. Discuss how the composer used articulations, note values, and dynamics to portray the movement of the carriages going round and round. This analysis helps students grasp the expressive qualities of the piece and apply appropriate musical techniques to bring it to life.
Developing Sight-Reading Skills
Following these steps can significantly improve sight-reading skills, making the process less daunting and more engaging for students. Introducing a piece methodically helps students develop a better understanding of its structure, rhythm, and emotional expression.
If you have additional methods or techniques that work well for you or your students, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s share ideas to help everyone improve their sight-reading abilities.