ACTIVE LISTENING - WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT [2021-2022]
I encourage all of my students (and their families!) to spend some time doing active listening each week and to reflect on various aspects of what they hear. Every Saturday I will update my website with a link to a new song/piece of the week along with a question relating to the music. I ask that students write down their answer(s) to the question(s) and any other observations in the space provided in the lesson planner. Have fun with this and also feel free to share your own musical discoveries with me throughout the year!
May 22-28, 2022
It's Bossa Nova time! Your homework this week: transcribe (notate if possible) the rhythm of the bass line in this video. At our next lesson, let's talk about the style and do some improvising on a bossa! If you get stuck, feel free to use the power of the internet to help you and search for "Bossa Nova bass rhythm" or something similar. See what you can learn and then tell me about it.
May 15-21, 2022
Today (May 14) marks 20 years since the final concert of The Augustana Choir's 2002 Scandinavian Tour. I was in the choir that year, and I am finally getting around to sharing some of the video footage that I have. I took my video camera with me and ended up with ten hours of footage. It has taken me 20 years to finally look through it and share some of it, and I still have a lot of editing to do...
One of my favourite songs is that we sang is "Verleigh uns Frieden" by Felix Mendelssohn. Here is our performance of that piece -- the last selection of the last concert of the tour (skip to 46:56). The location is Sankt Pauls Kirke, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Have you sung in a choir before? Tell me about your choral experiences!
One of my favourite songs is that we sang is "Verleigh uns Frieden" by Felix Mendelssohn. Here is our performance of that piece -- the last selection of the last concert of the tour (skip to 46:56). The location is Sankt Pauls Kirke, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Have you sung in a choir before? Tell me about your choral experiences!
May 8-14, 2022
Are you familiar with Cory Wong and Victor Wooten? If not, I encourage you to research both of these musicians and check out some of their recordings.
Here is a funky instrumental track called "Direct Flyte". Watch the whole video, and get ready for the wild bass solo!
My assignment for you -- can you name all of the instruments that are being played in the band? I encourage you to think about that with any music that you listen to!
Here is a funky instrumental track called "Direct Flyte". Watch the whole video, and get ready for the wild bass solo!
My assignment for you -- can you name all of the instruments that are being played in the band? I encourage you to think about that with any music that you listen to!
May 1-7, 2022
When I am working at my computer late at night, I will often put my headphones on and turn on some of Sean Angus Watson's guitar improvisation loops. Here is one of my favourites. I find it to be the perfect background music while I get some work done, but I also love to focus on the music and be very attentive to everything that is going on -- the many layers that interplay and weave together in such a cool mosaic. Sometimes I'll watch the video and sometimes I'll just listen. I love the ending when he gets to just sit back and enjoy what he has just created.
Do you have any go-to chill/relaxing/background music in your life?
Do you have any go-to chill/relaxing/background music in your life?
April 24-30, 2022
Have you ever seen the film Amadeus? Here is an interesting annotated video with music notation shown for Confutatis from Mozart's Requiem. Check it out! Can you follow along with what is happening?
My assignment for you: make a list of any terms/symbols that you do not understand and then research them and look up definitions. At your next lesson, tell me what you learned! Also, come to me with any questions that came up!
My assignment for you: make a list of any terms/symbols that you do not understand and then research them and look up definitions. At your next lesson, tell me what you learned! Also, come to me with any questions that came up!
April 17-23, 2022
I feel that it is important for musicians to know how to play "Happy Birthday" on their instrument -- at least for those who celebrate birthdays with the singing of that song. Do you know how to play it? I put music on page 69 of the lessons planner so that you can learn it! I encourage you to make it your own by changing the harmony, tempo, rhythms, etc. to suit your musical tastes!
There are some brilliant renditions of "Happy Birthday" online. Here is one by Cyprien Katsaris!
There are some brilliant renditions of "Happy Birthday" online. Here is one by Cyprien Katsaris!
April 10-16, 2022
There is (often) absolute joy in making music with other people! What an amazing gift -- to set the air vibrating with the sound waves from voices and instruments and to join together to create something new and exciting.
I recently learned about the band Lawrence. They are so good! Put on some headphones and enjoy. What music have you discovered recently that makes you smile?
Clyde Lawrence and Gracie Lawrence have been writing songs and listening to countless Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman, and Aretha Franklin records in their family’s New York City apartment since they were little kids. After years of playing together, they officially created Lawrence, an eight-piece soul-pop band comprised of musician friends from childhood and college.
(caution: mild language)
I recently learned about the band Lawrence. They are so good! Put on some headphones and enjoy. What music have you discovered recently that makes you smile?
Clyde Lawrence and Gracie Lawrence have been writing songs and listening to countless Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman, and Aretha Franklin records in their family’s New York City apartment since they were little kids. After years of playing together, they officially created Lawrence, an eight-piece soul-pop band comprised of musician friends from childhood and college.
(caution: mild language)
April 3-9, 2022
I recently learned about Katie Thiroux. She is a fantastic bass player and this video speaks for itself -- some good advice! At the end of your practice sessions, play something that you feel confident with and really enjoy playing. End on a happy note, even if you had some frustrations throughout your practice session.
March 27 - April 2, 2022
Think back to some musical experience that you had when you were younger (as a performer, participant, listener, or otherwise). How do you feel when you think about it? Positive/negative? Happy/sad? Nervous? Anxious? Excited? I have fond memories of playing piano duets with my friend, Graham Jensen. We had the opportunity to play in the 'grand concert' at the end of the Camrose and District Music Festival in 1996. Here is the video! I hope that your memories of musical experiences make you smile. I certainly have some that make me cringe, too!
March 20-26, 2022
Aimee Nolte is one of my favourite YouTube teacher-musicians. Here is a video where she talks about learning how to play by ear with chords. Whether you want to play jazz, rock, pop, soul, or country music, you need to do this first! It is 20 minutes long, but if you have time, watch through the video and see what you can pick up that might be helpful for where you are at!
March 13-19, 2022
Here is Joni Mitchell performing "California" live in 1970. What an amazing voice. I hadn't seen her play the dulcimer until I found this video. My challenge to you this week -- find an instrument that you have little to no experience with and see if you can figure out how it works (search YouTube if you need some pointers). If you don't have such an instrument at home, consider borrowing from a friend or buying an inexpensive instrument from a music store. Maybe a harmonica, ukulele, recorder, dulcimer, or ___?
March 6-12, 2022
Let's play some blues! This video goes through common variations of the standard 12-bar blues. I'd like you to try playing along with at least one of the versions presented here. We can jam on it at our next lesson and add in some improvisation. Also, please reference page 65 in the lesson planner. Have fun!
February 27 - March 5, 2022
With the invasion of Ukraine, I have found myself very concerned at the state of the world and thinking of all of the people in danger and impacted by these events. Music, as we know, is a powerful expressive outlet. I spent some time improvising on the Bill Evans tune, "Peace Piece". Perhaps it would be good for your mind/body/soul to do some similar quiet, meditative improvising? Let me know if you tried it. Peace and love to you all!
February 20-26, 2022
The description for this YouTube video is:
"Considered by many to be the greatest piano solo in history, this is just overwhelming for any musician. The solo development, the left hand comping variety, the tempo changes, the right hand going crazy fast, and NHOP and Barney Kessel's facial expressions while Oscar goes berserk. Even great musicians like them, can not believe what they are witnessing. Sit back, relax, and take your time to assimilate this 8 glorious minutes of jazz at its finest. Enjoy and happy practice!"
I encourage you to watch this entire video and see if you can follow along with Juan Ortiz's awesome transcription of the solo. Which chorus/section is your favourite? Might there be a recording that you really like that you could try to transcribe (listen to, learn to play it, write it down)?
"Considered by many to be the greatest piano solo in history, this is just overwhelming for any musician. The solo development, the left hand comping variety, the tempo changes, the right hand going crazy fast, and NHOP and Barney Kessel's facial expressions while Oscar goes berserk. Even great musicians like them, can not believe what they are witnessing. Sit back, relax, and take your time to assimilate this 8 glorious minutes of jazz at its finest. Enjoy and happy practice!"
I encourage you to watch this entire video and see if you can follow along with Juan Ortiz's awesome transcription of the solo. Which chorus/section is your favourite? Might there be a recording that you really like that you could try to transcribe (listen to, learn to play it, write it down)?
February 13-19, 2022
There are some musicians who seem to be having so much fun when they play! Check out Ellen Alaverdryan. She is a young bass player and she has lots of videos online if you want to see some more. Who is an artist you can think of who seems to love what they do? Does it inspire you?
February 6-12, 2022
I tested positive for Covid-19 in January and one of the symptoms I wasn't quite prepared for was how it would change my voice. Check out this video to see what I mean...
Just kidding. Your assignment is to learn a bit about vocoders. How do they work? What is a song you know that uses a vocoder? If you aren't sure where to start, I suggest listening to some Daft Punk.
Just kidding. Your assignment is to learn a bit about vocoders. How do they work? What is a song you know that uses a vocoder? If you aren't sure where to start, I suggest listening to some Daft Punk.
January 30 - February 5, 2022
What amazing musicianship here... wow. Mother and daughter team Elisabeth Roma and Rita Payés. If you like this sort of thing, also browse around Joan Chamorro's YouTube channel. I won't say any more here, but explore if you are interested! Like this one.
Can you think of other parent and child musical duos?
Can you think of other parent and child musical duos?
January 23-29, 2022
Well... COVID-19 has reached our house. It seemed like only a matter of time. My task for you this week is to watch this video and do some careful listening -- can you figure out what key it is in and what the chord progression is? After you figure that out, try playing along on your instrument! It is pretty repetitive, so once you have the main part down you get to repeat it over and over. Have fun! Best wishes (from the inside).
p.s. I'll be in touch about lessons this week -- rescheduling, switching to online, etc.
p.s. I'll be in touch about lessons this week -- rescheduling, switching to online, etc.
January 16-22, 2022
Please watch this video and read the description on the YouTube page. I have to admit that I didn't know about Ruth Slenczynska before today, but I find her story fascinating. I also encourage you to search for more videos that feature her -- look for the ones where she is only five years old! Of the pieces you hear her perform in various recordings, which is your favourite?
January 9-15, 2022
Jon Batiste teaches you how to play piano! Check out the video. Did you learn anything? Did he miss anything? How about Lesson 6: The Pedals. What does the middle pedal do? Let me know at our next lesson. Also, I'd like you to give a lesson to someone else about how the piano works. Share your knowledge!
December 19 - January 8, 2022
I won't post new listening assignments over the holidays, but this would be a great time to go back and review any videos that you might have missed over the past few months. Also, I challenge you to find at least three new artists and listen to their music -- be intentional about finding new music, perhaps by asking for recommendations from friends and family or by browsing a streaming service or online. Share your new discoveries with me when we get back in January. Happy holidays!
December 12-18, 2021
Music Theory! Everyone's favourite subject, right? I know it is for me!
Here is a video explaining major scales. Check it out. Let it sink in. When you're done that, visit this website and do some exploring. Try playing some new scales on your instrument.
Here is a video explaining major scales. Check it out. Let it sink in. When you're done that, visit this website and do some exploring. Try playing some new scales on your instrument.
December 5-11, 2021
The new “The Beatles: Get Back” film has been released! Have you watched some or all of it yet? There are a lot of short clips being uploaded to YouTube as well. Check out this one. Paul McCartney is improvising chords and melodies for what will eventually become the song, "Get Back". I'd like you to try coming up with a song idea! Maybe you can show me at our next lesson. Sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most effective.
November 28 - December 4, 2021
Do you have a favourite song? I think this is mine (as of today):
November 21-27, 2021
We have a student recital coming up on December 5th and one performer is preparing "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile. I am struck by this amazing song and would like to share it with you. Here is a live performance to check out. As you are listening, see if you can sing/hum along. Try following both the vocal melody and also the bass line. If you can track the bass line, you can use that to figure out the chord progression and then try playing it yourself!
November 14-20, 2021
Are you familiar with "the lick" (sometimes referred to as "the licc")? It seems like multiple times per day I see a video online about this short motif/pattern of notes. Here is a video to help explain what I'm talking about...
I have even started noticing it hiding in the background of shows and movies that I watch with my daughters. It has become a sort of inside joke. Those who know -- know.
So, my challenge to you is this: play the lick! Here is a video with notation in all 12 keys to get you started.
So, my challenge to you is this: play the lick! Here is a video with notation in all 12 keys to get you started.
November 7-13, 2021
At our recital on December 5th, we will have a special ensemble performance of "Waltz of the Flowers" from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker! To get acquainted with the original version, please enjoy this performance by New York City Ballet.
What year did The Nutcracker premiere? What is the time signature of this piece of music? Try counting and tapping along.
*Our version will feature Katelynn on the piano and the rest of us will try our hand at cup tapping! More details to come...
What year did The Nutcracker premiere? What is the time signature of this piece of music? Try counting and tapping along.
*Our version will feature Katelynn on the piano and the rest of us will try our hand at cup tapping! More details to come...
October 31 - November 6, 2021
Here is a video of one of my favourite instruments -- the music saw! This is one of my favourite players of the musical saw, Natalia Paruz, a.k.a. the 'Saw Lady'. Can you name the piece that she is playing?
Click here to see my version from this past Halloween!
Click here to see my version from this past Halloween!
October 24-30, 2021
I have an ongoing project where I am compiling a list of fun piano intros to teach to my students. If we find one that a student really likes, then we'll go on to learn the entire piece. This video has a random selection of 20 intros. How many can you name?
So far I have 212 on my list... please offer any suggestions you might have and I'll add them to my list and include them in a future video!
So far I have 212 on my list... please offer any suggestions you might have and I'll add them to my list and include them in a future video!
October 17-23, 2021
Who else is excited for the new "Get Back" film coming out in November? Did you know that I used to play in a Beatles cover band, complete with wigs?? What is your favourite song by The Beatles? I am always up for working on their music -- let me know if you'd like to learn one of their songs!
Made entirely from never-before-seen, restored footage, the film provides the most intimate and honest glimpse into the creative process and relationship between John, Paul, George, and Ringo ever filmed. Don’t forget to watch “The Beatles: Get Back” when it rolls out over three days, November 25, 26, and 27, 2021 (on Disney+).
Made entirely from never-before-seen, restored footage, the film provides the most intimate and honest glimpse into the creative process and relationship between John, Paul, George, and Ringo ever filmed. Don’t forget to watch “The Beatles: Get Back” when it rolls out over three days, November 25, 26, and 27, 2021 (on Disney+).
October 10-16, 2021
Børge Rosenbaum (3 January 1909 – 23 December 2000), known professionally as Victor Borge, was a Danish-American comedian, conductor, and pianist who achieved great popularity in radio and television in the United States and Europe. His blend of music and comedy earned him the nicknames "The Clown Prince of Denmark", "The Unmelancholy Dane", and "The Great Dane".
What is your favourite part of this video? Is there a musical joke that you could 'borrow' and make your own?
What is your favourite part of this video? Is there a musical joke that you could 'borrow' and make your own?
October 3-9, 2021
Check out this performance by Maya Rathnavalu! I had the pleasure of recording Maya in the Augustana Chapel for Alumni Week(end) this year. The composition is by Kristin Flores. I went to Augustana, as did Maya and Kristin.
The composition is titled "Birds: Soaring, Fluttering and Gliding". Can you hear moments in the piece that make you think of birds in flight? Which is your favourite section?
The composition is titled "Birds: Soaring, Fluttering and Gliding". Can you hear moments in the piece that make you think of birds in flight? Which is your favourite section?
September 26 - October 2, 2021
There are some pieces of music and performances that leave me awestruck and totally inspired. This is one of them -- Wynton Marsalis performing "Carnival of Venice" arranged by Jean-Baptiste Arban. John Williams is conducting (the composer of Star Wars music and much more). Watch the entire video and notice how each section gets progressively more complex and difficult. Wow!
What is one song or piece of music that inspires you? Let me know at your next lesson (and write it down in your lesson planner)!
What is one song or piece of music that inspires you? Let me know at your next lesson (and write it down in your lesson planner)!
September 19-25, 2021
My family has been really into the movie Vivo lately, both the film and the soundtrack. My two daughters love to sing along! Here is one of my favourite tracks from the soundtrack, called "Keep the Beat".
My challenge for you this week -- make a list of all of the instruments that you hear in the recording. See if you can identify when each part enters. Also, try clapping or tapping along with each of these parts:
-guitar
-kick drum
-bass
-shaker
-piano
-melody (vocals)
-strings
-percussion
-brass
My challenge for you this week -- make a list of all of the instruments that you hear in the recording. See if you can identify when each part enters. Also, try clapping or tapping along with each of these parts:
-guitar
-kick drum
-bass
-shaker
-piano
-melody (vocals)
-strings
-percussion
-brass