What to teach after scales and chords











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I’m teaching piano. So far all scales have been covered and soon all family chords will also be done. I’m not trained in reading sheet music and so can’t teach that. So what else to teach now...?










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    I suggest you take lessons and/or study a lot on your own to learn to read music and develop your abilities as much as possible. That’s an important part of being a teacher: continued learning. Sooner or later your students will figure out they have caught up to you in knowledge. If you want to keep teaching, you’ll have to stay ahead of them by constantly learning. Slightly an answer: teach songs in addition to or instead of chords and scales. That’s what playing is all about: making music. It’s not about memorizing patterns.
    – Todd Wilcox
    yesterday








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    yesterday






  • 1




    Literacy is a must for all human beings in all walks of life. I think it's important that you expand your knowledge by training in reading then teach it when you get better at it.
    – ggcg
    yesterday










  • what style(s) are you teaching? all scales? which scales specifically?
    – Michael Curtis
    yesterday












  • Are you charging people for lessons, or are you just teaching a friend or family member?
    – David K
    11 hours ago















up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1












I’m teaching piano. So far all scales have been covered and soon all family chords will also be done. I’m not trained in reading sheet music and so can’t teach that. So what else to teach now...?










share|improve this question







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user308123 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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  • 8




    I suggest you take lessons and/or study a lot on your own to learn to read music and develop your abilities as much as possible. That’s an important part of being a teacher: continued learning. Sooner or later your students will figure out they have caught up to you in knowledge. If you want to keep teaching, you’ll have to stay ahead of them by constantly learning. Slightly an answer: teach songs in addition to or instead of chords and scales. That’s what playing is all about: making music. It’s not about memorizing patterns.
    – Todd Wilcox
    yesterday








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    yesterday






  • 1




    Literacy is a must for all human beings in all walks of life. I think it's important that you expand your knowledge by training in reading then teach it when you get better at it.
    – ggcg
    yesterday










  • what style(s) are you teaching? all scales? which scales specifically?
    – Michael Curtis
    yesterday












  • Are you charging people for lessons, or are you just teaching a friend or family member?
    – David K
    11 hours ago













up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1






1





I’m teaching piano. So far all scales have been covered and soon all family chords will also be done. I’m not trained in reading sheet music and so can’t teach that. So what else to teach now...?










share|improve this question







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user308123 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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I’m teaching piano. So far all scales have been covered and soon all family chords will also be done. I’m not trained in reading sheet music and so can’t teach that. So what else to teach now...?







piano chords scales






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asked yesterday









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  • 8




    I suggest you take lessons and/or study a lot on your own to learn to read music and develop your abilities as much as possible. That’s an important part of being a teacher: continued learning. Sooner or later your students will figure out they have caught up to you in knowledge. If you want to keep teaching, you’ll have to stay ahead of them by constantly learning. Slightly an answer: teach songs in addition to or instead of chords and scales. That’s what playing is all about: making music. It’s not about memorizing patterns.
    – Todd Wilcox
    yesterday








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    yesterday






  • 1




    Literacy is a must for all human beings in all walks of life. I think it's important that you expand your knowledge by training in reading then teach it when you get better at it.
    – ggcg
    yesterday










  • what style(s) are you teaching? all scales? which scales specifically?
    – Michael Curtis
    yesterday












  • Are you charging people for lessons, or are you just teaching a friend or family member?
    – David K
    11 hours ago














  • 8




    I suggest you take lessons and/or study a lot on your own to learn to read music and develop your abilities as much as possible. That’s an important part of being a teacher: continued learning. Sooner or later your students will figure out they have caught up to you in knowledge. If you want to keep teaching, you’ll have to stay ahead of them by constantly learning. Slightly an answer: teach songs in addition to or instead of chords and scales. That’s what playing is all about: making music. It’s not about memorizing patterns.
    – Todd Wilcox
    yesterday








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    yesterday






  • 1




    Literacy is a must for all human beings in all walks of life. I think it's important that you expand your knowledge by training in reading then teach it when you get better at it.
    – ggcg
    yesterday










  • what style(s) are you teaching? all scales? which scales specifically?
    – Michael Curtis
    yesterday












  • Are you charging people for lessons, or are you just teaching a friend or family member?
    – David K
    11 hours ago








8




8




I suggest you take lessons and/or study a lot on your own to learn to read music and develop your abilities as much as possible. That’s an important part of being a teacher: continued learning. Sooner or later your students will figure out they have caught up to you in knowledge. If you want to keep teaching, you’ll have to stay ahead of them by constantly learning. Slightly an answer: teach songs in addition to or instead of chords and scales. That’s what playing is all about: making music. It’s not about memorizing patterns.
– Todd Wilcox
yesterday






I suggest you take lessons and/or study a lot on your own to learn to read music and develop your abilities as much as possible. That’s an important part of being a teacher: continued learning. Sooner or later your students will figure out they have caught up to you in knowledge. If you want to keep teaching, you’ll have to stay ahead of them by constantly learning. Slightly an answer: teach songs in addition to or instead of chords and scales. That’s what playing is all about: making music. It’s not about memorizing patterns.
– Todd Wilcox
yesterday






1




1




Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
– b3ko
yesterday




Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
– b3ko
yesterday




1




1




Literacy is a must for all human beings in all walks of life. I think it's important that you expand your knowledge by training in reading then teach it when you get better at it.
– ggcg
yesterday




Literacy is a must for all human beings in all walks of life. I think it's important that you expand your knowledge by training in reading then teach it when you get better at it.
– ggcg
yesterday












what style(s) are you teaching? all scales? which scales specifically?
– Michael Curtis
yesterday






what style(s) are you teaching? all scales? which scales specifically?
– Michael Curtis
yesterday














Are you charging people for lessons, or are you just teaching a friend or family member?
– David K
11 hours ago




Are you charging people for lessons, or are you just teaching a friend or family member?
– David K
11 hours ago










7 Answers
7






active

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up vote
23
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With all due respect, you are doing your students a grave disservice by not having them read sheet music from the start. Yes, chords and finger patterns are very important, but nobody can become a skilled pianist without being able to read the charts. Not all music is simple folk tunes! Beyond just learning to read notes and chord groups, there's rhythm, dynamics, pedal applications, and more. There is zero chance of anyone less talented than, say, Felix Mendelssohn, being able to play a Beethoven Concerto just by listening to it.






share|improve this answer

















  • 7




    I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
    – Tim
    yesterday








  • 2




    @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
    – Todd Wilcox
    yesterday










  • @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
    – ggcg
    yesterday










  • @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
    – Tim
    yesterday






  • 2




    @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
    – Carl Witthoft
    yesterday


















up vote
12
down vote













All scales? Majors, minors (x3), pentatonics, blues, modes, chromatics, whole tone, diminished?!!



In reality, now's a good time to learn how to read yourself. Being serious - one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. At the level of your student, you'll be ahead of him, and while you're learning about it yourself, showing him will help you. What better incentive?



On to what next. Being able to play one tune in several keys (scale usefulness) - there has to be a tangible point to learning scales. Just for their own sake is boring. Listening to you play a couple of bars then repeating them. (rhythm and melody). Harmonising a melody. (Happy B'day is a good start). Learning the national anthem (depending where you are!). Just a few ideas.






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  • Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
    – user308123
    yesterday










  • Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
    – user308123
    yesterday






  • 1




    Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
    – Tim
    yesterday


















up vote
7
down vote













If you've taught scales and chords the next natural step is progressions and song structure, resolution and how chords naturally move from one to another. If you don't read music how do you teach songs if at all? By ear. If your student has a specific goal then focus on lessons that lead to that goal. Although in my opinion lessons in an instrument should be general and broad for well rounded development. Last but not least when about technique? Based on your post it almost sounds like you gave your student a list of scales, then a list of chords and not much else. I would imagine that there are many voicings of chords possible on the piano, have you covered these?






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  • 1




    As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
    – Tim
    yesterday




















up vote
3
down vote













Put the scales and chords into context to give meaning and purpose to it all. Your students must have a purpose in music (and in life, but that's a slightly more advanced topic). Make the students play actual songs that they like, try to learn to hear melodies and chords by ear, and do performances for an audience, no matter how small. In my opinion, it is extremely important to play for someone and with someone, and perform as often as possible. Performing has to be a completely natural thing, just like talking and other kinds of human interactions. Being in touch with people and having a meaningful, successful role in those interactions gives you perspective and purposeful orientation, which is important for motivation. Make the steps of progress the right size for each student, so they achieve things, without being put down and without feeling that the obstacles are beyond their capacity.






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    up vote
    3
    down vote













    I like your question and I like how most answers start with or include 'You must teach how to read music'.



    In my experience, there are two and a half types of musicians:




    • Those that play from sheet.

    • Those that play by ear.

    • Those (few rare) that excel in both.


    I am the second type. I learned reading sheet music only when I had to. Sometimes I still ask my wife 'What's that note?' or 'What chord is this?'...



    I also like how most answers state or imply 'practice, practice, practice'. In my experience, to become better, the most important part is not to practice, but to use it.



    For me, music also is about passion, expression and connecting to your inner self.



    When someone approaches me to be taught how to play, I try to find out what serves the student best.




    • For self-disciplined, eager people a 'classical' training is ideal, and I ask them to pay for a professional music teacher.

    • Others need to perform so they have a reason to practice, so I give them the chance to be on stage accompanying more seasoned musicians.

    • Again others want to try out (learning by doing) so I give them some hints on how to improve what they already can or show them how to sound nice with little effort.

    • Those who are fed up with their music school I try to teach playing by ear and/or improvising - because that sometimes opens a whole new world to them.






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      up vote
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      down vote













      I can think of a couple of directions you might choose to take your students without focusing on reading. First, you might show them how to make up their own chord charts for songs that have their lyrics posted on line, and how to transpose those songs into keys that are most useful to them. This can go along way towards allowing the student to study the kind of music they are interested in. Second, you might choose to open the door to melodic patterns and sequences study, which can take a considerable period of time to cover completely and may inspire you and your students to learn at least basic sight reading. From this point, you may find one thing leads to another and the learning never really has to end.






      share|improve this answer






























        up vote
        0
        down vote













        The main pillars of teaching an instrument are (I just made this up):




        1. Technique -- scales, rhythm, arpeggios, fingerings and (sometimes) embouchure

        2. Literacy and aural skills, e.g. the ability to either read music or play music by ear

        3. Repertoire

        4. Performance, interpretation, and authenticity


        It sounds like for #1 you have it covered.



        For #2 you have chosen not to teach your students how to read music. Which is a something of a shame, but whatever, if you can't, you can't. Teaching them to identify melodies and harmonies by ear, and recreate them with the keyboard, is a decent alternative.



        For #3, students should be at least exposed to the "standards" (if not learning to play them outright). And/or you can have your students pick out songs they wish to be able to play and help them learn how to play them perfectly.



        And for #4, they must master the other skills and apply them in performance. You can teach them how to interpret a piece so their performance is expressive and/or historically accurate.






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          7 Answers
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          7 Answers
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          up vote
          23
          down vote













          With all due respect, you are doing your students a grave disservice by not having them read sheet music from the start. Yes, chords and finger patterns are very important, but nobody can become a skilled pianist without being able to read the charts. Not all music is simple folk tunes! Beyond just learning to read notes and chord groups, there's rhythm, dynamics, pedal applications, and more. There is zero chance of anyone less talented than, say, Felix Mendelssohn, being able to play a Beethoven Concerto just by listening to it.






          share|improve this answer

















          • 7




            I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
            – Tim
            yesterday








          • 2




            @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday










          • @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
            – ggcg
            yesterday










          • @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
            – Tim
            yesterday






          • 2




            @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
            – Carl Witthoft
            yesterday















          up vote
          23
          down vote













          With all due respect, you are doing your students a grave disservice by not having them read sheet music from the start. Yes, chords and finger patterns are very important, but nobody can become a skilled pianist without being able to read the charts. Not all music is simple folk tunes! Beyond just learning to read notes and chord groups, there's rhythm, dynamics, pedal applications, and more. There is zero chance of anyone less talented than, say, Felix Mendelssohn, being able to play a Beethoven Concerto just by listening to it.






          share|improve this answer

















          • 7




            I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
            – Tim
            yesterday








          • 2




            @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday










          • @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
            – ggcg
            yesterday










          • @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
            – Tim
            yesterday






          • 2




            @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
            – Carl Witthoft
            yesterday













          up vote
          23
          down vote










          up vote
          23
          down vote









          With all due respect, you are doing your students a grave disservice by not having them read sheet music from the start. Yes, chords and finger patterns are very important, but nobody can become a skilled pianist without being able to read the charts. Not all music is simple folk tunes! Beyond just learning to read notes and chord groups, there's rhythm, dynamics, pedal applications, and more. There is zero chance of anyone less talented than, say, Felix Mendelssohn, being able to play a Beethoven Concerto just by listening to it.






          share|improve this answer












          With all due respect, you are doing your students a grave disservice by not having them read sheet music from the start. Yes, chords and finger patterns are very important, but nobody can become a skilled pianist without being able to read the charts. Not all music is simple folk tunes! Beyond just learning to read notes and chord groups, there's rhythm, dynamics, pedal applications, and more. There is zero chance of anyone less talented than, say, Felix Mendelssohn, being able to play a Beethoven Concerto just by listening to it.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered yesterday









          Carl Witthoft

          8,00011229




          8,00011229








          • 7




            I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
            – Tim
            yesterday








          • 2




            @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday










          • @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
            – ggcg
            yesterday










          • @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
            – Tim
            yesterday






          • 2




            @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
            – Carl Witthoft
            yesterday














          • 7




            I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
            – Tim
            yesterday








          • 2




            @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
            – Todd Wilcox
            yesterday










          • @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
            – ggcg
            yesterday










          • @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
            – Tim
            yesterday






          • 2




            @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
            – Carl Witthoft
            yesterday








          7




          7




          I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
          – Tim
          yesterday






          I always find it strange that when teaching piano, reading is considered a must, whereas teaching guitar, it's most often something that gets ignored by most - unless it's classical guitar. Never actually understood the reasons for this - except a lot of people who teach guitar don't read themselves. Maybe time for a question... Although as a teacher, I always want students to get to know their instruments way before presenting them with yet another hurdle - dots.
          – Tim
          yesterday






          2




          2




          @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
          – Todd Wilcox
          yesterday




          @Tim I teach reading when I teach guitar. Although to be fair, I start by teaching how to read tab. It’s not “real” reading but it’s also not obvious. Also for guitar, tab is a good way to begin because the student doesn’t have to learn to figure out where on the neck to play each note. That’s not a problem on most other instruments, and grand staff is practically tab for piano.
          – Todd Wilcox
          yesterday












          @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
          – ggcg
          yesterday




          @Tim, you comment is based on limited experience I suspect. For guitar reading is a must. At least if one is learning from a real certified guitar instructor. None on mine would have let me out w/o reading.
          – ggcg
          yesterday












          @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
          – Tim
          yesterday




          @ToddWilcox - as you probably know, I'm not a big fan of tab, but granted, it works, except for the timing issue. But with good tab, it's halfway to 'proper' reading, as the timing is there to help. And of course there's always the big problem of where to play certain notes on the guitar neck. Such a big choice sometimes! Then learning using open strings, which maybe don't get used when one's learned to play better. The plus over piano music is there's only one stave! One good reason to teach 'proper' reading is there's a much bigger choice of music available -play a sax solo on guitar, maybe?
          – Tim
          yesterday




          2




          2




          @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
          – Carl Witthoft
          yesterday




          @Tim "where to play certain notes on the guitar neck..." This is (gosh!) an issue with all string instruments. For the bowed set, at least, there are several methods. Some composers specify which string to use, since the timbre of a high note on one string is different from the same pitch on an upper string. The choice is also dependent on performer's planned positioning sequence (of left hand) to simplify playing the passage.
          – Carl Witthoft
          yesterday










          up vote
          12
          down vote













          All scales? Majors, minors (x3), pentatonics, blues, modes, chromatics, whole tone, diminished?!!



          In reality, now's a good time to learn how to read yourself. Being serious - one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. At the level of your student, you'll be ahead of him, and while you're learning about it yourself, showing him will help you. What better incentive?



          On to what next. Being able to play one tune in several keys (scale usefulness) - there has to be a tangible point to learning scales. Just for their own sake is boring. Listening to you play a couple of bars then repeating them. (rhythm and melody). Harmonising a melody. (Happy B'day is a good start). Learning the national anthem (depending where you are!). Just a few ideas.






          share|improve this answer





















          • Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
            – user308123
            yesterday










          • Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
            – user308123
            yesterday






          • 1




            Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
            – Tim
            yesterday















          up vote
          12
          down vote













          All scales? Majors, minors (x3), pentatonics, blues, modes, chromatics, whole tone, diminished?!!



          In reality, now's a good time to learn how to read yourself. Being serious - one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. At the level of your student, you'll be ahead of him, and while you're learning about it yourself, showing him will help you. What better incentive?



          On to what next. Being able to play one tune in several keys (scale usefulness) - there has to be a tangible point to learning scales. Just for their own sake is boring. Listening to you play a couple of bars then repeating them. (rhythm and melody). Harmonising a melody. (Happy B'day is a good start). Learning the national anthem (depending where you are!). Just a few ideas.






          share|improve this answer





















          • Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
            – user308123
            yesterday










          • Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
            – user308123
            yesterday






          • 1




            Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
            – Tim
            yesterday













          up vote
          12
          down vote










          up vote
          12
          down vote









          All scales? Majors, minors (x3), pentatonics, blues, modes, chromatics, whole tone, diminished?!!



          In reality, now's a good time to learn how to read yourself. Being serious - one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. At the level of your student, you'll be ahead of him, and while you're learning about it yourself, showing him will help you. What better incentive?



          On to what next. Being able to play one tune in several keys (scale usefulness) - there has to be a tangible point to learning scales. Just for their own sake is boring. Listening to you play a couple of bars then repeating them. (rhythm and melody). Harmonising a melody. (Happy B'day is a good start). Learning the national anthem (depending where you are!). Just a few ideas.






          share|improve this answer












          All scales? Majors, minors (x3), pentatonics, blues, modes, chromatics, whole tone, diminished?!!



          In reality, now's a good time to learn how to read yourself. Being serious - one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. At the level of your student, you'll be ahead of him, and while you're learning about it yourself, showing him will help you. What better incentive?



          On to what next. Being able to play one tune in several keys (scale usefulness) - there has to be a tangible point to learning scales. Just for their own sake is boring. Listening to you play a couple of bars then repeating them. (rhythm and melody). Harmonising a melody. (Happy B'day is a good start). Learning the national anthem (depending where you are!). Just a few ideas.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered yesterday









          Tim

          94.8k1097240




          94.8k1097240












          • Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
            – user308123
            yesterday










          • Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
            – user308123
            yesterday






          • 1




            Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
            – Tim
            yesterday


















          • Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
            – user308123
            yesterday










          • Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
            – user308123
            yesterday






          • 1




            Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
            – Tim
            yesterday
















          Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
          – user308123
          yesterday




          Thanks @Tim...All the scales u mentioned have not been taught but Majors and minors (x3) have been covered. Since the other ones were deep subjects and not so useful for normal songs/playing, I didn't concentrate on those. But yes, the scales and chords have been taught with songs in several keys.
          – user308123
          yesterday












          Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
          – user308123
          yesterday




          Also by Harmonising a melody, did u mean playing a tune/song after listening to it..?Also which scales are more important after majors and minors..?
          – user308123
          yesterday




          1




          1




          Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
          – Tim
          yesterday




          Depends which direction you and student want to go. Pents are interesting - compile a list of a dozen, learn them. Make up your own. Blues scales are pretty good for playing blues! And jazz. Harmonise both ways.
          – Tim
          yesterday










          up vote
          7
          down vote













          If you've taught scales and chords the next natural step is progressions and song structure, resolution and how chords naturally move from one to another. If you don't read music how do you teach songs if at all? By ear. If your student has a specific goal then focus on lessons that lead to that goal. Although in my opinion lessons in an instrument should be general and broad for well rounded development. Last but not least when about technique? Based on your post it almost sounds like you gave your student a list of scales, then a list of chords and not much else. I would imagine that there are many voicings of chords possible on the piano, have you covered these?






          share|improve this answer

















          • 1




            As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
            – Tim
            yesterday

















          up vote
          7
          down vote













          If you've taught scales and chords the next natural step is progressions and song structure, resolution and how chords naturally move from one to another. If you don't read music how do you teach songs if at all? By ear. If your student has a specific goal then focus on lessons that lead to that goal. Although in my opinion lessons in an instrument should be general and broad for well rounded development. Last but not least when about technique? Based on your post it almost sounds like you gave your student a list of scales, then a list of chords and not much else. I would imagine that there are many voicings of chords possible on the piano, have you covered these?






          share|improve this answer

















          • 1




            As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
            – Tim
            yesterday















          up vote
          7
          down vote










          up vote
          7
          down vote









          If you've taught scales and chords the next natural step is progressions and song structure, resolution and how chords naturally move from one to another. If you don't read music how do you teach songs if at all? By ear. If your student has a specific goal then focus on lessons that lead to that goal. Although in my opinion lessons in an instrument should be general and broad for well rounded development. Last but not least when about technique? Based on your post it almost sounds like you gave your student a list of scales, then a list of chords and not much else. I would imagine that there are many voicings of chords possible on the piano, have you covered these?






          share|improve this answer












          If you've taught scales and chords the next natural step is progressions and song structure, resolution and how chords naturally move from one to another. If you don't read music how do you teach songs if at all? By ear. If your student has a specific goal then focus on lessons that lead to that goal. Although in my opinion lessons in an instrument should be general and broad for well rounded development. Last but not least when about technique? Based on your post it almost sounds like you gave your student a list of scales, then a list of chords and not much else. I would imagine that there are many voicings of chords possible on the piano, have you covered these?







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered yesterday









          ggcg

          3,389219




          3,389219








          • 1




            As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
            – Tim
            yesterday
















          • 1




            As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
            – Tim
            yesterday










          1




          1




          As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
          – Tim
          yesterday






          As well as scales/chords, arpeggios are another facet. To be able to belt up and down with them sounds pretty impressive, and can be done within a few weeks.+1 for voicings, both open and closed.
          – Tim
          yesterday












          up vote
          3
          down vote













          Put the scales and chords into context to give meaning and purpose to it all. Your students must have a purpose in music (and in life, but that's a slightly more advanced topic). Make the students play actual songs that they like, try to learn to hear melodies and chords by ear, and do performances for an audience, no matter how small. In my opinion, it is extremely important to play for someone and with someone, and perform as often as possible. Performing has to be a completely natural thing, just like talking and other kinds of human interactions. Being in touch with people and having a meaningful, successful role in those interactions gives you perspective and purposeful orientation, which is important for motivation. Make the steps of progress the right size for each student, so they achieve things, without being put down and without feeling that the obstacles are beyond their capacity.






          share|improve this answer

























            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Put the scales and chords into context to give meaning and purpose to it all. Your students must have a purpose in music (and in life, but that's a slightly more advanced topic). Make the students play actual songs that they like, try to learn to hear melodies and chords by ear, and do performances for an audience, no matter how small. In my opinion, it is extremely important to play for someone and with someone, and perform as often as possible. Performing has to be a completely natural thing, just like talking and other kinds of human interactions. Being in touch with people and having a meaningful, successful role in those interactions gives you perspective and purposeful orientation, which is important for motivation. Make the steps of progress the right size for each student, so they achieve things, without being put down and without feeling that the obstacles are beyond their capacity.






            share|improve this answer























              up vote
              3
              down vote










              up vote
              3
              down vote









              Put the scales and chords into context to give meaning and purpose to it all. Your students must have a purpose in music (and in life, but that's a slightly more advanced topic). Make the students play actual songs that they like, try to learn to hear melodies and chords by ear, and do performances for an audience, no matter how small. In my opinion, it is extremely important to play for someone and with someone, and perform as often as possible. Performing has to be a completely natural thing, just like talking and other kinds of human interactions. Being in touch with people and having a meaningful, successful role in those interactions gives you perspective and purposeful orientation, which is important for motivation. Make the steps of progress the right size for each student, so they achieve things, without being put down and without feeling that the obstacles are beyond their capacity.






              share|improve this answer












              Put the scales and chords into context to give meaning and purpose to it all. Your students must have a purpose in music (and in life, but that's a slightly more advanced topic). Make the students play actual songs that they like, try to learn to hear melodies and chords by ear, and do performances for an audience, no matter how small. In my opinion, it is extremely important to play for someone and with someone, and perform as often as possible. Performing has to be a completely natural thing, just like talking and other kinds of human interactions. Being in touch with people and having a meaningful, successful role in those interactions gives you perspective and purposeful orientation, which is important for motivation. Make the steps of progress the right size for each student, so they achieve things, without being put down and without feeling that the obstacles are beyond their capacity.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered yesterday









              piiperi

              1845




              1845






















                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote













                  I like your question and I like how most answers start with or include 'You must teach how to read music'.



                  In my experience, there are two and a half types of musicians:




                  • Those that play from sheet.

                  • Those that play by ear.

                  • Those (few rare) that excel in both.


                  I am the second type. I learned reading sheet music only when I had to. Sometimes I still ask my wife 'What's that note?' or 'What chord is this?'...



                  I also like how most answers state or imply 'practice, practice, practice'. In my experience, to become better, the most important part is not to practice, but to use it.



                  For me, music also is about passion, expression and connecting to your inner self.



                  When someone approaches me to be taught how to play, I try to find out what serves the student best.




                  • For self-disciplined, eager people a 'classical' training is ideal, and I ask them to pay for a professional music teacher.

                  • Others need to perform so they have a reason to practice, so I give them the chance to be on stage accompanying more seasoned musicians.

                  • Again others want to try out (learning by doing) so I give them some hints on how to improve what they already can or show them how to sound nice with little effort.

                  • Those who are fed up with their music school I try to teach playing by ear and/or improvising - because that sometimes opens a whole new world to them.






                  share|improve this answer








                  New contributor




                  Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                    up vote
                    3
                    down vote













                    I like your question and I like how most answers start with or include 'You must teach how to read music'.



                    In my experience, there are two and a half types of musicians:




                    • Those that play from sheet.

                    • Those that play by ear.

                    • Those (few rare) that excel in both.


                    I am the second type. I learned reading sheet music only when I had to. Sometimes I still ask my wife 'What's that note?' or 'What chord is this?'...



                    I also like how most answers state or imply 'practice, practice, practice'. In my experience, to become better, the most important part is not to practice, but to use it.



                    For me, music also is about passion, expression and connecting to your inner self.



                    When someone approaches me to be taught how to play, I try to find out what serves the student best.




                    • For self-disciplined, eager people a 'classical' training is ideal, and I ask them to pay for a professional music teacher.

                    • Others need to perform so they have a reason to practice, so I give them the chance to be on stage accompanying more seasoned musicians.

                    • Again others want to try out (learning by doing) so I give them some hints on how to improve what they already can or show them how to sound nice with little effort.

                    • Those who are fed up with their music school I try to teach playing by ear and/or improvising - because that sometimes opens a whole new world to them.






                    share|improve this answer








                    New contributor




                    Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                    Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                      up vote
                      3
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      3
                      down vote









                      I like your question and I like how most answers start with or include 'You must teach how to read music'.



                      In my experience, there are two and a half types of musicians:




                      • Those that play from sheet.

                      • Those that play by ear.

                      • Those (few rare) that excel in both.


                      I am the second type. I learned reading sheet music only when I had to. Sometimes I still ask my wife 'What's that note?' or 'What chord is this?'...



                      I also like how most answers state or imply 'practice, practice, practice'. In my experience, to become better, the most important part is not to practice, but to use it.



                      For me, music also is about passion, expression and connecting to your inner self.



                      When someone approaches me to be taught how to play, I try to find out what serves the student best.




                      • For self-disciplined, eager people a 'classical' training is ideal, and I ask them to pay for a professional music teacher.

                      • Others need to perform so they have a reason to practice, so I give them the chance to be on stage accompanying more seasoned musicians.

                      • Again others want to try out (learning by doing) so I give them some hints on how to improve what they already can or show them how to sound nice with little effort.

                      • Those who are fed up with their music school I try to teach playing by ear and/or improvising - because that sometimes opens a whole new world to them.






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      I like your question and I like how most answers start with or include 'You must teach how to read music'.



                      In my experience, there are two and a half types of musicians:




                      • Those that play from sheet.

                      • Those that play by ear.

                      • Those (few rare) that excel in both.


                      I am the second type. I learned reading sheet music only when I had to. Sometimes I still ask my wife 'What's that note?' or 'What chord is this?'...



                      I also like how most answers state or imply 'practice, practice, practice'. In my experience, to become better, the most important part is not to practice, but to use it.



                      For me, music also is about passion, expression and connecting to your inner self.



                      When someone approaches me to be taught how to play, I try to find out what serves the student best.




                      • For self-disciplined, eager people a 'classical' training is ideal, and I ask them to pay for a professional music teacher.

                      • Others need to perform so they have a reason to practice, so I give them the chance to be on stage accompanying more seasoned musicians.

                      • Again others want to try out (learning by doing) so I give them some hints on how to improve what they already can or show them how to sound nice with little effort.

                      • Those who are fed up with their music school I try to teach playing by ear and/or improvising - because that sometimes opens a whole new world to them.







                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer






                      New contributor




                      Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      answered 19 hours ago









                      Martin Hennings

                      1313




                      1313




                      New contributor




                      Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.





                      New contributor





                      Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                      Martin Hennings is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote













                          I can think of a couple of directions you might choose to take your students without focusing on reading. First, you might show them how to make up their own chord charts for songs that have their lyrics posted on line, and how to transpose those songs into keys that are most useful to them. This can go along way towards allowing the student to study the kind of music they are interested in. Second, you might choose to open the door to melodic patterns and sequences study, which can take a considerable period of time to cover completely and may inspire you and your students to learn at least basic sight reading. From this point, you may find one thing leads to another and the learning never really has to end.






                          share|improve this answer



























                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote













                            I can think of a couple of directions you might choose to take your students without focusing on reading. First, you might show them how to make up their own chord charts for songs that have their lyrics posted on line, and how to transpose those songs into keys that are most useful to them. This can go along way towards allowing the student to study the kind of music they are interested in. Second, you might choose to open the door to melodic patterns and sequences study, which can take a considerable period of time to cover completely and may inspire you and your students to learn at least basic sight reading. From this point, you may find one thing leads to another and the learning never really has to end.






                            share|improve this answer

























                              up vote
                              0
                              down vote










                              up vote
                              0
                              down vote









                              I can think of a couple of directions you might choose to take your students without focusing on reading. First, you might show them how to make up their own chord charts for songs that have their lyrics posted on line, and how to transpose those songs into keys that are most useful to them. This can go along way towards allowing the student to study the kind of music they are interested in. Second, you might choose to open the door to melodic patterns and sequences study, which can take a considerable period of time to cover completely and may inspire you and your students to learn at least basic sight reading. From this point, you may find one thing leads to another and the learning never really has to end.






                              share|improve this answer














                              I can think of a couple of directions you might choose to take your students without focusing on reading. First, you might show them how to make up their own chord charts for songs that have their lyrics posted on line, and how to transpose those songs into keys that are most useful to them. This can go along way towards allowing the student to study the kind of music they are interested in. Second, you might choose to open the door to melodic patterns and sequences study, which can take a considerable period of time to cover completely and may inspire you and your students to learn at least basic sight reading. From this point, you may find one thing leads to another and the learning never really has to end.







                              share|improve this answer














                              share|improve this answer



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                              edited yesterday

























                              answered yesterday









                              skinny peacock

                              1,8802321




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                                  The main pillars of teaching an instrument are (I just made this up):




                                  1. Technique -- scales, rhythm, arpeggios, fingerings and (sometimes) embouchure

                                  2. Literacy and aural skills, e.g. the ability to either read music or play music by ear

                                  3. Repertoire

                                  4. Performance, interpretation, and authenticity


                                  It sounds like for #1 you have it covered.



                                  For #2 you have chosen not to teach your students how to read music. Which is a something of a shame, but whatever, if you can't, you can't. Teaching them to identify melodies and harmonies by ear, and recreate them with the keyboard, is a decent alternative.



                                  For #3, students should be at least exposed to the "standards" (if not learning to play them outright). And/or you can have your students pick out songs they wish to be able to play and help them learn how to play them perfectly.



                                  And for #4, they must master the other skills and apply them in performance. You can teach them how to interpret a piece so their performance is expressive and/or historically accurate.






                                  share|improve this answer

























                                    up vote
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                                    down vote













                                    The main pillars of teaching an instrument are (I just made this up):




                                    1. Technique -- scales, rhythm, arpeggios, fingerings and (sometimes) embouchure

                                    2. Literacy and aural skills, e.g. the ability to either read music or play music by ear

                                    3. Repertoire

                                    4. Performance, interpretation, and authenticity


                                    It sounds like for #1 you have it covered.



                                    For #2 you have chosen not to teach your students how to read music. Which is a something of a shame, but whatever, if you can't, you can't. Teaching them to identify melodies and harmonies by ear, and recreate them with the keyboard, is a decent alternative.



                                    For #3, students should be at least exposed to the "standards" (if not learning to play them outright). And/or you can have your students pick out songs they wish to be able to play and help them learn how to play them perfectly.



                                    And for #4, they must master the other skills and apply them in performance. You can teach them how to interpret a piece so their performance is expressive and/or historically accurate.






                                    share|improve this answer























                                      up vote
                                      0
                                      down vote










                                      up vote
                                      0
                                      down vote









                                      The main pillars of teaching an instrument are (I just made this up):




                                      1. Technique -- scales, rhythm, arpeggios, fingerings and (sometimes) embouchure

                                      2. Literacy and aural skills, e.g. the ability to either read music or play music by ear

                                      3. Repertoire

                                      4. Performance, interpretation, and authenticity


                                      It sounds like for #1 you have it covered.



                                      For #2 you have chosen not to teach your students how to read music. Which is a something of a shame, but whatever, if you can't, you can't. Teaching them to identify melodies and harmonies by ear, and recreate them with the keyboard, is a decent alternative.



                                      For #3, students should be at least exposed to the "standards" (if not learning to play them outright). And/or you can have your students pick out songs they wish to be able to play and help them learn how to play them perfectly.



                                      And for #4, they must master the other skills and apply them in performance. You can teach them how to interpret a piece so their performance is expressive and/or historically accurate.






                                      share|improve this answer












                                      The main pillars of teaching an instrument are (I just made this up):




                                      1. Technique -- scales, rhythm, arpeggios, fingerings and (sometimes) embouchure

                                      2. Literacy and aural skills, e.g. the ability to either read music or play music by ear

                                      3. Repertoire

                                      4. Performance, interpretation, and authenticity


                                      It sounds like for #1 you have it covered.



                                      For #2 you have chosen not to teach your students how to read music. Which is a something of a shame, but whatever, if you can't, you can't. Teaching them to identify melodies and harmonies by ear, and recreate them with the keyboard, is a decent alternative.



                                      For #3, students should be at least exposed to the "standards" (if not learning to play them outright). And/or you can have your students pick out songs they wish to be able to play and help them learn how to play them perfectly.



                                      And for #4, they must master the other skills and apply them in performance. You can teach them how to interpret a piece so their performance is expressive and/or historically accurate.







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered yesterday









                                      John Wu

                                      1,29348




                                      1,29348






















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