Music Makers: At the Keyboard, a Joy for All!

Music Makers: At the Keyboard is a level of Musikgarten that focuses on creating music. Throughout this course, students learn to read written music, learn how to create music aurally, and also learn to play the piano! We do it by focusing on making music, dancing, drumming, singing, and of course, becoming oriented on and playing the instrument.

In August’s CYM Course, Music Makers: At the Keyboard, primary focus was given to the gross and fine motor skills involved with traveling and stationary movement, with emphasis also on establishing a steady beat. Because of these practices, musicality on the piano comes extremely naturally. The physical piano technique also comes with extreme ease, since once the flowing and graceful movements are learned, are translated directly to the keyboard. 

We analyzed and practiced “Mouse, Mousie” using Gordon syllables, solfege analysis, and gross motor movement activities. Musical experience was expanded when we explored varying dynamics and articulation in our dances and this piece in particular. Afterward, we sat down at the piano and the student was able to sound out this song aurally. By the end of the fourth lesson, “Mouse, Mousie” was performed with both hands together!

Overall, Music Makers: At the Keyboard has expanded many aspects of student musicality. At the end of the month, specific keys on the keyboard could be identified, playing drone accompaniment was easy, steady beat was developed, rhythmic connections were strengthened as we moved from from gross motor to the applied instrument, solfege was practiced, and confidence was gained steadily throughout the progression of the month. One big highlight of our meetings was when we all kept a steady beat while singing a song I wrote, “Lonely Moonlight” – tapping evenly on the floor, on our knees, and on the piano! I am looking forward to continuing next month!