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
    12 hours ago








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    12 hours ago






  • 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
    12 hours ago










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

















up vote
3
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







New contributor




user308123 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 2




    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
    12 hours ago








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    12 hours ago






  • 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
    12 hours ago










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















up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
3
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







New contributor




user308123 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











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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share|improve this question







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asked 21 hours ago









user308123

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162




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  • 2




    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
    12 hours ago








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    12 hours ago






  • 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
    12 hours ago










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
















  • 2




    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
    12 hours ago








  • 1




    Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
    – b3ko
    12 hours ago






  • 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
    12 hours ago










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










2




2




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
12 hours ago






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
12 hours ago






1




1




Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
– b3ko
12 hours ago




Have you ever taken lessons? If so what did you learn?
– b3ko
12 hours ago




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
12 hours ago




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
12 hours ago












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






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












4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
12
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

















  • 6




    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
    13 hours ago












  • @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
    12 hours ago










  • @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
    12 hours ago










  • @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
    12 hours ago






  • 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
    11 hours ago


















up vote
9
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
    20 hours ago










  • 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
    20 hours ago






  • 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
    20 hours ago


















up vote
6
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
    13 hours ago




















up vote
1
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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    4 Answers
    4






    active

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    4 Answers
    4






    active

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    active

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    votes






    active

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    up vote
    12
    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

















    • 6




      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
      13 hours ago












    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago






    • 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
      11 hours ago















    up vote
    12
    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

















    • 6




      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
      13 hours ago












    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago






    • 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
      11 hours ago













    up vote
    12
    down vote










    up vote
    12
    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 13 hours ago









    Carl Witthoft

    7,89011229




    7,89011229








    • 6




      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
      13 hours ago












    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago






    • 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
      11 hours ago














    • 6




      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
      13 hours ago












    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago










    • @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
      12 hours ago






    • 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
      11 hours ago








    6




    6




    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
    13 hours ago






    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
    13 hours ago














    @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
    12 hours ago




    @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
    12 hours ago












    @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
    12 hours ago




    @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
    12 hours ago












    @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
    12 hours ago




    @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
    12 hours ago




    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
    11 hours ago




    @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
    11 hours ago










    up vote
    9
    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
      20 hours ago










    • 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
      20 hours ago






    • 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
      20 hours ago















    up vote
    9
    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
      20 hours ago










    • 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
      20 hours ago






    • 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
      20 hours ago













    up vote
    9
    down vote










    up vote
    9
    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 20 hours ago









    Tim

    94.7k1097239




    94.7k1097239












    • 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
      20 hours ago










    • 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
      20 hours ago






    • 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
      20 hours ago


















    • 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
      20 hours ago










    • 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
      20 hours ago






    • 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
      20 hours ago
















    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
    20 hours ago




    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
    20 hours ago












    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
    20 hours ago




    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
    20 hours ago




    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
    20 hours ago




    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
    20 hours ago










    up vote
    6
    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
      13 hours ago

















    up vote
    6
    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
      13 hours ago















    up vote
    6
    down vote










    up vote
    6
    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 14 hours ago









    ggcg

    3,369219




    3,369219








    • 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
      13 hours ago
















    • 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
      13 hours ago










    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
    13 hours ago






    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
    13 hours ago












    up vote
    1
    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
      1
      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
        1
        down vote










        up vote
        1
        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 14 hours ago









        piiperi

        1645




        1645






















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