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Under the Acacia Tree

Step 1 

Step 2 

Step 3 

Step 4 

Step 5

    Familiarise and Analyse

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  • listen to the recording of the piece carefully at least 3 times

  • identify a key signature (which sharps, flats?)

  • play the scale with the same key signature for one octave

  • check time signature ( how will you count?)

  • what is the character of the piece? ( sad, happy, fast slow etc.)

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      Reading the Notes

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  • read the notes aloud without playing

  • work on one line at a time

  • play hands with separately only

  • find the correct hand position

  • play slowly and say the letter names of the notes

  • use the correct fingering (check finger number carefully)

  • follow the video, stop the video when instructed and master each section

     

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    Establishing Melody and Rhythm

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  • clap the rhythm of the right hand and count aloud 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 etc.

  • play with the right hand and count aloud

  • clap the rhythm of the left hand and count aloud 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 etc.

  • play with the left hand and count aloud

  • keep mastering with hands separately until it is in time and flowing/continuous

  • try to add articulation ( legato, staccato)

  • play in time and count in your head

  • add metronome if possible 

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     Playing with Both Hands Together

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  • play very slowly with both hands together and master one line at a time

  • play again with both hands but now count aloud

  • don't move to another line until mastered and flowing

  • play the whole piece from the beginning till the end ( do not rush )

  • ​keep playing until you have almost memorised it

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     Adding More Details

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  • add the dynamics ( loud, soft etc. )

  • if you feel confident try to play a little faster

  • check for tempo changes (last bar)

  • keep playing and find the good feeling while you play

  • add character by using all of the covered elements ( dynamics, articulation, right tempo etc. )

  • enjoy playing the piece and always keep the standard high

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