Articulation and coordination
- Coordinate the right and left hands at a regular pulse:
- playing with more clarity and fluency
- using simple rhythmic patterns
Ask learners to play short, simple pieces, using different dynamics. Invite them to comment on the musical effect.
This can be linked to real-life situations, e.g. ‘Play the phrase as if it is the ice-cream van a long way away, or really close, or arriving from a distance (crescendo), then disappearing again (diminuendo)’.
Play simple songs with learners that require left-hand muting techniques for the chordal accompaniment. Discuss the various ways in which this can be done.
Using a familiar tune, demonstrate left-hand staccato. Ask learners to play the tune using staccato and legato articulation for alternate phrases.
Draw attention to the relevant markings for staccato and legato when using notation.
Ask learners to improvise some simple variations on a familiar tune, illustrating staccato and legato articulation.
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