<< -- 2 -- Joanne Chang WIDE RANGE AND EXPERIENCE
These students want to identify themselves through their musical preferences.
Thus a wide range of categories -- jazz, pop, R&B, Broadway tunes, and
popular movie songs are requested. Learning the piano partly through this
repertory is an approach needing care to ensure that keyboard progress is
the underlying purpose. Luckily enough, adult students are conscientious
in work and practice and regular in attendance.
It is necessary to tailor needs according to age and level of experience.
Some older students have children learning the piano as well, and they yearn
for additional experience to assist their children. But they do not have
the ability as yet, so it is good to explore simple musical games that help
both child and parent. Piano duets are of course valuable, and are not difficult
to discover at music stores.
People in retirement perhaps show themselves to be the most dedicated
in terms of persistence and steady practice. Some of them enjoy singing,
which provides a useful adjunct. Some have involvement with churches and
can be helped to learn hymn tunes and the most effective ways of providing
Copyright © 22 March 2001
Joanne Chang, New York City, USA
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