Minor Chords and Five Finger Positions

Minor finger positions and minor chords can be related to the major keys that the student has already learned. To create the five finger position for the minor or minor chord, begin with the major position and move the middle finger (degree 3) down the nearest key (one semi-tone/half-step). The nearest key can be either black or white.

Have the piano student practice parallel major and minor chords in various rhythms. When changing chords he should not look down at the keyboard. He should form a mental picture of the chord shape and arrange his fingers this way.

Optimally, each new class in theory should be accompanied by ear training drills. Use ear training games to distinguish between major and minor tonality. At first the student can sing the tones while the piano teacher plays minor positions or chords. Emphasize the minor third. Next have the student listen to a chord and tell if it is a major or minor. Lastly, play several chords in a row (major, minor, minor, major) all in the same key, and have the student ascertain what was played. Later, play the same pattern, but change the first tone of each chord (CM Am Gm EM).

The student can then create little tunes based on major and minor scale fragments and their chords.

For more information about piano instruction in Basking Ridge, contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.

Intervals Training

It's important to include ear training drills when students learn intervals. First have the student play and sing intervals at the piano. For example, sing 1-3, 1-5, and so forth. Then have him try to recognize intervals played by the piano teacher. Use familiar songs to recognize intervals. The first two notes of "I've Been Working on the Railroad" for a fourth, the first two notes of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" for a sixth, and so forth.

Flash cards are great to use when teaching intervals. Students can work with flash cards at home and also in class.

Intervals can be explained easily as the difference in tone (pitch) between two keys (notes). Melodic intervals are individual notes (relate to the "melody" of a song). Harmonic intervals are two notes played at the same time.

A second moves from a line to the next space or a space to the next line on the staff. A third moves from a line to the next line or from a space to the next space on the staff and it skips one musical letter. A fourth move from a line to a space or a space to a line on the staff. It looks like a second but it skips two musical letters. A fifth moves from a line to a line or a space to a space on the staff. It looks like a third but it skips three musical letters.

For more information about piano classes in the Bedminster area, contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.