General Knowledge Worksheets (AMEB Theory Grade 4)

There are 5 worksheets in this collection:
1. Vocal Ranges (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass)
2. String Tunings (Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass)
3. Baroque Ornaments
4. Baroque Suite (Speed and Time)
5. Baroque Suite (Characteristics)

Print on stiff white paper and place in clear plastic pockets or you may wish to laminate it. Students can use dry erase markers to fill-in the worksheets.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Intervals Worksheet (AMEB Theory of Music - Grade 1)

This worksheet (DOWNLOAD HERE) can be used by teachers to revise over intervals.

Students and teachers should note that only 3 keys (C,G and F major) will be examined in this grade (AMEB Theory of Music First Grade).

The most common mistake in writing intervals above given notes in this grade is forgetting to place a sharp in front of F above G and a flat before B above F.
C major causes no problems.

Matters of the Heart

It's so nice and comforting to know that students and parents appreciate all the things a teacher does.

Last night, I was presented with some home-made chocolate biscuits which were so beautifully presented. My heart just melted.

It's thoughts and actions like these that really encourages me to to do the very best for my students.

I feel so lucky that I have the opportunity to work with such amazing families and students.

The cookies were delicious!

24.6.11
Just cleaning out my sticker draw and found this. This lovely sticker set was given to me by Kloe. Kloe was my last student tonight and we (Kloe, Kloe's mum and I) had such a great time playing Interval Towers.

Triads Worksheet (Theory of Music - AMEB Grade 3)

This worksheet was created for my (Australian Music Examinations Board) Grade 3 Theory of Music Class.

A lot of my students forget to raise the leading note in minor dominant triads (root position and first inversion) so this worksheet was a result of this common error.

I use this worksheet to revise over triads during lesson time so it's easier to make copies and laminate it. Students use a dry erase marker to complete the worksheet. I re-use these with other students and classes.

Feel free to use this worksheet. Click here to download.

Organized Music Collection

Having an organized studio helps save valuable lesson time. My books/CD's are all in order so it's easy to find during lessons and no time is wasted searching.

I have loaded all my CD's on my laptop which sits on top of the piano. It's now very simple to play a recording for a student. No more going to the CD library, inserting the CD etc...

I store all my flash cards in a door shoe rack. It's so easy to find as one pocket stores one set of flash cards. I have yet to put labels on the front of each pocket.

Brahms Rhapsody in B minor Op.79 No.1

I am currently learning this piece for fun and what a challenge it has turned out to be! It is expected to be finished by the end of next month (July 2011). I'm rewarding myself with an Ipad 2 once completed.

General Knowledge and Technical Work

General Knowledge: I printed out on yellow paper the most common questions asked by AMEB examiners on piano examination day. I cut them in the shape of stars. When it's time for general knowledge during a lesson, I ask the student to select a star and answer the question printed on the star. Depending on time, the aim is to answer all 18 questions correctly. I also place transparency paper over the top of the students sheet music and ask student to mark the form and all modulations using whiteboard markers (Crayola Dry Erase is the best!!).












Technical Work: I divided all the exam technical work (AMEB) for each grade into groups (A, B, C, D etc...) and printed them out on colored paper and laminated it. Each week I choose a group to check. For example, this week was group B, next week will be group C etc... Over a period of 1 month, all technical work is checked. I make a note of which technical work a student is having trouble with and check that one each week until it's fixed. I set many challenges with these problem scales such as:

1. Play the scale from memory once correctly.
2. Be able to play the scale in contrary motion
3. Play a four octave version of this scale.
4. Play the scale that covers the entire keyboard.
5. Play the scale three times in a row without error.
6. Play the scale 10 times in a row without error,
7. Play the scale 25 times correctly within a 3 minute time limit.
8. Play the scale for 3 minutes continuously without a single mistake.
9. Play the scale in front of a total of six different people.
10. Start the lesson with this scale , no mistakes, first attempt.
11. Play the scale super-slow with no mistakes at 60bpm, 4 beats per note.
12. Commentate the scale by describing the notes and fingering of the entire scale without actually playing it.
13. Play the scale in splat cluster.
14. Play the scale with eyes closed.
15. Play the scale on a tabletop.
16. To play a piece in the key of the scale in question.
17. Collect 250 octaves of this scale.

I have plenty more such as playing scales in various rhythms, articulations, dynamics, ratio, balance, interval, contrary and cacophony of other twists.

Whole-Step and Half-Step Sprint

Students having a bit of fun towards the end of a theory class playing Whole-Step and Half-Step Sprint. What a fun way to learn all about tones and semitones!

DOWNLOAD GAME

Interval Tower Game

I was so excited when I found this game online and could not wait to try it out with my students.

Each student had to draw an interval card, identify the interval and then add the number of blocks to his or her tower. The next person does the same.

They played back and forth until all of the blocks were used or one of the students tower topples.

If all the blocks were used, the student with the highest tower at the end wins.

The interval cards are available here DOWNLOAD.