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November is the warm drink

November's circle of 5ths is a warm drink. As the year comes to a close, I am wondering if having the circle of 5ths with a different theme has had an impact on students other than my own.


Last month the theme was a minor circle with skulls. When students entered the piano room they recited the order of sharps, and when they left, they recited the order of flats. Each was rewarded with a piece of Halloween candy.


It was pretty effective. Most, though not all, students now have the order memorized. When they see key signatures, I'll ask which sharps or flats, and then remind them what they told me when they came in or left. They are now starting to connect the order to what they are seeing and playing. It's a long game. I'm not expecting this to be completely understood for a year or two. That's OK. Learning doesn't happen overnight, and, eventually, it sticks.


Maybe instead of rewarding students with a warm cup of something, we should reward ourselves. How about a cup of your favorite fall drink after a day of teaching?


Happy Playing.








 
 
 

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