TTTV019: Everything But The Pieces (Part 2) with Abe Cytrynowski: Technical Work & General Knowledge
Summary: <br> <br> In part four of the exam focus series, I’m talking with Abe Cytrynowski about technical work & general knowledge.<br> Abe is passionate about scales. Yes, you read that correctly! Often, scales can make both student and teacher eyes glaze over. Scales are done on autopilot, the muscle memory takes over and students are barely aware of what they’re playing.<br> In order to break out of this scale rut, we need to do something other than ask our students to play their G major scale again. Abe asks his students to play scales in so many different ways, that they have no choice but to engage with their technical work.<br> Take a listen to today’s podcast and revitalise your teaching of general knowledge and technical work.<br> In this episode, you’ll learn:<br> <br> * How to make general knowledge an integrated part of your teaching<br> * Why general knowledge is an invaluable part of your teaching<br> * How to turn off “scales autopilot” and get students engaged with their technical work<br> * How to make scales fun and interesting for you and your students<br> <br> Items mentioned in this podcast:<br> <br> * <a href="http://www.bettermusic.com.au/how-to-blitz-general-knowledge-coates-cytrynowski-blitz-books" target="_blank">How to Blitz! General Knowledge</a><br> * <a href="http://www.margaretbrandman.com/books/pictorial.html" target="_blank">Pictorial Patterns for Keyboard Scales and Chords</a> by Margaret Brandman<br> * <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Scalecards/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Scalecard Facebook page</a><br> * <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/decide-now!/id383718755?mt=8" target="_blank">Decide Now app</a><br> <br> Some of Abe’s Scale Tricks<br> <br> * Play with one finger<br> * Playing in rhythms<br> * Using accents in different places<br> * Playing in blocks or “clusters”<br> * Different articulations in each hand<br> * Different dynamics for each hand<br> * Playing with eye’s closed<br> * Crossed hands<br> * Asking questions about the scale before they begin<br> <br> >>See below for a free cheat sheet of all Abe’s great ideas<<<br> <br> Today’s download:<br> Today’s sponsor: ABRSM<br> <br> The exam board ABRSM have created a range of useful digital learning tools which help make music practice more engaging.<br> Whether you’re looking to slow down recordings on your tablet, encourage your students to practice for aural tests more effectively, or help them learn to write melodies, ABRSM have a collection of mobile and web apps which you’re sure to find useful for you and your students.<br> <br> * You may have heard of Speedshifter? It slows down any recording you may have on your tablet without altering the pitch.<br> * The award-winning Aural Trainer which I previously mentioned is now available for Grades 1 to 5 and Grades 6 to 8.<br> * Melody Writer is a free online tool and develops musical theory knowledge and understanding.<br> * And if your students are learning to play the ABRSM exam pieces, Piano Practice Partner and Violin Practice Partner, are fantastic tools designed to make their practice sessions more fun and engaging.<br> <br> Check them out today – you can find more information about all of them at <a href="http://www.abrsm.org/apps">www.abrsm.org/apps</a><br> Thank You for Tuning In!<br> There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine.<br> Being a full-time teacher myself, I know how busy teachers are and how much time, effort and passion we put into our students. Sometimes, the last thing we want to do in our time off is listen to more piano teaching stuff! So, well done for using this time for self-improvement.<br> Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in...
