Pianoworks, Any opinions? Options

[chocolatedog]

Hi - have just got my copy of Pianoworks from OUP......what does anyone else think on first impressions? I'm not sure what to make of it, to be honest - it seems to move extremely fast, and be very "wordy" - that's obviously the intent but knowing my adult pupils I'm not sure whether it would have suited any of them.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[BusyBee]

Thanks chocolatedog for starting this thread because I do have some thoughts about the new tutor. Overall I quite like the no nonsense, straightforward approach and I think it has a good layout with explanations on one page followed by a piece which puts theory into practice.

However, I am quite concerned about the explanation of how to do basic pedalling, which suggests to a pupil that the pedal goes down on the first beat rather than just after it. A lot of help with co-ordination will be needed here. Also, I don't like comparing 6/8 with 3/4 because that mixes up the concept of duple and triple time. I am also quite particular about LH arpeggio fingering on white keys 5 4 2 1 to keep a good alignment of the wrist behind the hand.

I will use the tutor when an opportunity arises as the above is easily explained to the pupil in a lesson and I can give them a reason if I make any changes. I think the tutor might work well - but the pupil will need a teacher to help them through the explanations. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) too but ready to try it out with the right pupil.

The repertoire book that goes with it is quite fun and useful sight-reading material.

[Mrs KW]

I am also quite particular about LH arpeggio fingering on white keys 5 4 2 1 to keep a good alignment of the wrist behind the hand.

Slightly off topic, but would you explain further what you mean by this? I'm a fairly new teacher (two years under my belt now), and have always left it to the pupil to decide whether to use finger 3 or 4 with the LH arpeggio, based on what felt comfortable to them. Have I been too soft?

Thanks

Karen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[organgrinder]

I am also quite particular about LH arpeggio fingering on white keys 5 4 2 1 to keep a good alignment of the wrist behind the hand.

Slightly off topic, but would you explain further what you mean by this? I'm a fairly new teacher (two years under my belt now), and have always left it to the pupil to decide whether to use finger 3 or 4 with the LH arpeggio, based on what felt comfortable to them. Have I been too soft?

Thanks

Karen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have to agree - 5 4 2 1 does ensure a better alignment and position for the left hand. Although it may feel a little more comfortable for some to use 5 3 2 1 I have never found it to be successful. Most of the scale books suggest 5 4 2 1 I believe anyway.

[chocolatedog]

I am also quite particular about LH arpeggio fingering on white keys 5 4 2 1 to keep a good alignment of the wrist behind the hand.

Slightly off topic, but would you explain further what you mean by this? I'm a fairly new teacher (two years under my belt now), and have always left it to the pupil to decide whether to use finger 3 or 4 with the LH arpeggio, based on what felt comfortable to them. Have I been too soft?

Thanks

Karen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have to agree - 5 4 2 1 does ensure a better alignment and position for the left hand. Although it may feel a little more comfortable for some to use 5 3 2 1 I have never found it to be successful. Most of the scale books suggest 5 4 2 1 I believe anyway.

A lot of them say "5 - 4/3 - 2 - 1" for the arpeggio fingering.........

[organgrinder]

I am also quite particular about LH arpeggio fingering on white keys 5 4 2 1 to keep a good alignment of the wrist behind the hand.

Slightly off topic, but would you explain further what you mean by this? I'm a fairly new teacher (two years under my belt now), and have always left it to the pupil to decide whether to use finger 3 or 4 with the LH arpeggio, based on what felt comfortable to them. Have I been too soft?

Thanks

Karen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I have to agree - 5 4 2 1 does ensure a better alignment and position for the left hand. Although it may feel a little more comfortable for some to use 5 3 2 1 I have never found it to be successful. Most of the scale books suggest 5 4 2 1 I believe anyway.

A lot of them say "5 - 4/3 - 2 - 1" for the arpeggio fingering.........

I have never seen the option for the fingering in the arpeggios however although other options exist in my book for fingering in scales.