JIM'S ARRANGING PHILOSOPHY
Notes for teachers and those considering my arrangements
SONGS STUDENTS WANT TO PLAYI arrange songs students have heard in movies, video games, or on streaming services. They may be new releases or classics that have stood the test of time. Students will practice music that interests them, so capitalize on the opportunity to keep them playing! |
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SIMPLIFIED RHYTHMS FOR THE EYE, EASILY 'FIXABLE' BY EARNotation of 16th notes and syncopation intimidates learners early in their piano journey. Simplified rhythms are easier to read. Once the notes are learned, encourage using the ear to “fix” the rhythms so they better match the recording artist’s performance. This is especially powerful for teen and adult beginners whose musical diet exceeds their fingers’ current abilities.
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PERFORMANCE-WORTHY FORM
Each arrangement is structured with an intro, verse, refrain, and outro making it sound like a complete song for a recital. Try referring to the sections by name and make it a study of pop song form!
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LEVERAGE SKILLS THEY KNOWI arrange with pentascales, note values, time signatures, and other common method book concepts in mind. Students will use the musical tools learned in their lessons, master songs they want to play, and realize that all genres use the same musical building blocks. |
