The Escalator
Lesson Book page 23
- F-G-A-B as related to the 3-black-key group
what's new
- Be able to find and play groups of F-G-A-B
- Use fingers 2 and 3 in each hand, keeping a rounded hand shape
- Prepare the hand crossings with good "rainbows"
what's important
let's get started
- The note names right around the 3-black-keys are F-G-A-B.
- Four friends are going up this escalator: fingers 2 and 3 in each hand.
- Watch while I give these four friends a smooth ride. (Play the piece and sing the words.)
- Let's try it. Each hand has to start moving as soon as it's finished playing in order to keep the ride smooth. (You may want to use your own hand to guide the student's eyes and hand to the next group of 3-black-keys.)
- Did your four friends have a smooth ride on the keyboard escalator?
Any finger can play any key.
explore and create
Glide Right Up!
(Hold the pedal down while the student plays.) Listen to the smooth ride up.Finished Shopping
Coming down! Play B-A-G-F down the keyboard.Meeting Friends Halfway
You begin at the bottom, and I'll begin at the top. I'll go around you when we meet. (Reverse.) (See video)Having a Good Time!
When the friends get to the top floor, they have a little giggle. (Trill with fingers 2 and 3.) And they giggle all the way down! (See video)
partner pages
Theory
p. 11 Finding the Keys
- Have fun with the maze and label the keys as indicated.
pedagogy pointers
This piece introduces the student to the white keys associated with the 3-black-key groups.
It's easier to divide the F-G-A-B group between the hands, and using fingers 2 and 3 keeps the hands in balance. Hand crossings are also reinforced.
Care has been taken to ensure that the student does not associate the thumb (RH) or fifth finger (LH) with C, F, or G—as in C Position, F Position, or G Position.
The student begins to understand that any key can be played with any finger.
accompaniments on disk
- CD Tracks 18-19
- MIDI File 9