Alouette
Lesson Book page 29
- Playing the dotted half note as part of a familiar song
what's new
- Holding the dotted half note for the full three counts
- Being ready for the quick changes of direction in Mm. 3-4 and Mm. 7-8
what's important
let's get started
- How many counts does the dotted half note get? The Alouette bird sits for three counts before she takes off.
- Listen to the pattern of her name. (Play and sing.) But before we can catch her, she flies up an octave. I'll play and sing her name, moving up to higher Cs each time. (See video)
- Let's see you play her name. I'll try to catch your Alouette bird as you fly your hand to higher Cs.
- The other part of Alouette's song has quick steps and skips. (Practice the RH in Mm. 3-4 and Mm. 7-8.)
- What's the only note the left hand plays? Let's fit it into the music.
Anticipate a tricky part. Rehearse it ahead of time so it's ready to go!
explore and create
Quick Alouette Bird
(Encourage the quick feel of this rhythm.)
Alouette Flies High
Play the piece in the highest octave. (Accompany like a music box.)Alouette Flies Away!
(Show the student how to play a short glissando from the second highest C to the top.) After playing the piece in the highest octave, Alouette does a glissando.Je Te Plumerai, la Tête
After you play the piece, I'll play the middle part of the tune. Then join me again to end the song.
partner pages
Theory
p. 17 Review (Units 1-3)
- Review basic rhythms, finger numbers, LH C scale and more with Simon Says.
Technique & Artistry
p. 16 A Special Ending for Alouette
- Pretend Alouette is flying to the top of the tree. Coach to lift gently with the wrist as the bird flies up and gently lands on the next higher D.
- As Alouette flies higher and farther away, the music becomes softer!
- Lean (don't scoot) to reach the highest notes. Slow down and watch for firm fingertips!
Performance
p. 11 School Bell is Ringing!
- Guide students to see the sequential pattern, "5 step down, 4 step down, 3 step down," etc.
- Can LH finger 4 be round as a bell when it rings the dotted half notes?
pedagogy pointers
Here the new dotted half note is used in a 4/4 meter. It's helpful to tap, clap, or drum the rhythm and count 1-2-3-1 1-2 1-2 before playing it with the notes. Pretending that the bird flies to higher octaves is an easy way to repeat the rhythm pattern that includes the dotted half note.
Measures 3-4 and measures 7-8 change direction quickly and require some finger independence and coordination. Prepare these in advance so that, when played in the piece, the first performance is correct. You can help the student avoid stumbles and struggles. This also shows the student how to practice!
accompaniments on disk
- CD Tracks 30-31
- MIDI File 15