Middle C March
Lesson Book page 32
- Reading from the Grand Staff
- Changing fingers on Middle C
what's new
- Recognizing Middle C for either hand
- Understanding that any finger can play Middle C
what's important
let's get started
- Middle C is the short line between the treble and bass staves. (Show the sample in the book.)
- Any finger can play Middle C. Tickle Middle C with your RH finger 2, finger 4 … Your LH finger 3, thumb …
- Let's point to the notes and count: 1 1 1-2, 1 1 1-2 …
- Watch how I change my fingers. (Play the piece, showing how the fingers change.)
- It's your turn to try the piece and change your fingers. (If the student's rounded hand shape flattens, have him or her brace fingers 2 and 3 with the thumb.)
Middle C is in the middle of the grand staff, not the middle of the keyboard.
explore and create
Finger Tricks
Start each hand with finger 2.Take a Dare
Start each hand with finger 3!Disappearing Act
Begin each line forte, then get softer to the end.As You C It!
Choose your own fingers and rhythms. Use either hand. Make your own C music. I'll start a duet part. Feel the beat and join me when you're ready. (See video and download duet)
Any finger can play Middle C!
pedagogy pointers
The first piece that uses staff notation shows the Grand Staff, with Middle C placed between the staves. Both hands play this piece, making the student aware that the hands "share" Middle C. Each hand changes fingers on Middle C, so the student does not think of it as the "thumb note". The dynamics begin piano, then increase to forte in each hand.
Improvisation is easy when the student plays one note. Use this as a time to explore rhythm—don't waste a minute letting your beginner create at the keyboard.
accompaniments on disk
- CD Tracks 32-33
- MIDI File 16