Virginia State Music Teacher's Conference 2025

Studio One: Building Studios that Build Musicians. From left to right: Rene Johnson, NCTM( “Building a Better Studio with Policies that Shape Success”), Mark Atkins “From Battlefield to Concert Hall: Military Concepts for Music Studios. Dr. Hyrum Arnesen “Parent Partnering: Guiding Students to Confidence: Building Habits to Manage performance Anxiety”. Dr. Paulo Steinberg “Tech Skills: Engaging Social Media in the Private Studio”. Michele Caragan, “Pedagogy: Alternative Ideas for Group Lessons”. Jeanette Winsor, “Health and Wellness: Self-care to Enable Playing for a Lifetime.”

Highlights from the 2025 VMTA State Conference at George Mason University—music teacher panels, inspiring classes, performances, and creative teaching ideas. This past week was the VMTA Annual State Conference, held at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. It was great to be with other music teachers, make new friends, attend many classes and hear some wonderful music. I came away inspired and refreshed.

Here are some of the classes and performances I attended:

Leadership Summit—-overview of MTNA offerings, discussion about VMTA.

Why You Need Space to Create—finding hope through music after tragedy hits.

MTNA Certification Panel—I participated in a panel of five teachers who covered the five projects required for certification applicants. (Candace Cleary, Rachel Harmatuk, Aphrodite Mitsopuolou, Jennifer Scott, Rene Johnson).

Broadening the Piano Studio Repertoire: The Richness of Latin American and Spanish Composers—learned about the Venezuelan equivalent of IMSLP. There is some beautiful music there!

VMTA Teacher’s Recital—quite an amazing recital. Here’s a playlist of the music from the conference——the teacher’s recital, the concerto winners: YOUTUBE Teacher’s Recital and Concerto Winners Repertoire.

Studio One: Building Studios that Build Musicians (including topics such as alternative ideas for group lessons, Managing Performance Anxiety, Polices that Shape Success, Make Plans to. Continue Playing for a Lifetime, Capability Development). I participated in this panel talking about policies.

Sparking Creativity in your teaching and playing—-paint chips, paper plates, eraser animals, improvisation.

Sight-Reading for Life—-Nancy Breth says we should sight-read every day of our life for 5 minutes/day.

Crafting Effective Endings—Francesca Hurst. Very excellent class. Artistry and the last 2-3 measures of a piece. She demonstrated use of sound, silence, and gesture to elevate endings of pieces.

Enhancing Well-Being: Strategies for Reducing Stress—Studio activities for emotional and mental well-being: group lessons 2x a month, informal recitals encouraging ensemble performance, facilitate peer performance sessions for supportive feedback, goal-setting, 3 good things-3 things for improvement, collaborate with other studios, community outreach.

VMTA Banquet—gorgeous table decor (thank you to Caroline Kim), fun entertainment (thank you Bharti Soman and friends), tasty food (thank you GMU).

VMTA Concerto Winner’s Concert— accompanied the the McLean Symphony. The soloists were amazing: Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and a cellist.

Studio Creativity-practical, time-efficient strategies that engage and retain students—more improv demonstrations—work on recital pieces AFTER the recital and take some liberties as you improvise.

Rare Recital Treasures—by Kevin Chance, MTNA President, walking through his new book he compiled with Ingrid Clairfield—-interesting repertoire, great pedagogy tips!

Sight-Singing in the Piano Studio—fun. I really should sing more with my students!

Independent Music Teacher’s Forum—-Some interesting points including some things in which I have different perspectives.

State Competitions—I spent an hour as a volunteer helping with the State Competitions. I greeted contestants as they arrived, tried to help them feel more at ease, helped them prepare their music for the judges and answered questions in the hallway. I enjoyed listening to the young people play. They were remarkable! Young and impressive!

Break Room—-This is such a fantastic addition to the conference. We spend all day listening, talking. This room is for quiet, introspection. The room was filled with affirmations, 4-5 worksheets with guided thinking about strengths, ways to improve, some battery powered tiny lights in jars, some Mandala coloring pages and markers, stickers with uplifting messages, a yoga mat with various moves depicted. I appreciated it for a short nap one day, and some guided pondering exercises.

Things to do:

Listen to Renee Fleming in Casta Diva (Bellini) to learn how to shape Chopin.

Catherine Price Ted Talk about “fun”.

Look at Bradley Swish’s foot tambourine.

Teaching scales—just remember 3478 for majors.

Improvise to favorite cake and favorite frosting rhythms.

Learn to count aloud while playing!

Sight-reading—keep track of QUANTITY of pages. Keep track of QUALITY of sight-reading with a point system. Reward winners of each category.

Listen to Scherzo Waltz by Chabrier.

Questions:

Where do you draw the line between improvisation and composition?

Noteflight—consider premium level at some point?

Why do publishers want music in the public domain? I imagine cost.

MTNA Certification Panel: Left to right: Rene Johnson, project 5, Aphrodite Mitsoupoulou, Project 4. Rachel Harmatuk, Project 3. Jennifer Scott, Project 2. Candace Cleary, Project 1. All are NCTM Certified. Diane Perrett is the State Certification Chair.

Adult Piano Lessons--Spring 2026 Project: Dreams

I’m excited for our Spring 2026 theme: Dreams. Here is a list of ideas to begin planning ahead.

  1. Dreams of Love and Memory – Schumann, Chopin, Rollin

  2. Dreams of Imagination – Bober, Gillock, Disney themes

  3. Dreams of the Future – modern composers, improvisations, or personal aspirations

  4. Dreams of Sleep – lullabies, nocturnes, reveries

Elementary / Early Intermediate

(Evocative, imaginative, or night-related titles)

  • “Daydream” – Jon George (beautiful, lyrical, simple ABA form)

  • “In My Dream” – Melody Bober (expressive pedagogical favorite)

  • “The Dream” – Tchaikovsky, Album for the Young, Op. 39, No. 21

  • “Dream Journey” – Martha Mier (Romantic-style)

  • “Dreaming” – Gurlitt, Albumleaves, Op. 101, No. 2

  • “Shooting Stars” – Jennifer Linn (energetic and modern)

  • “Under the Moonlight” – Nancy Faber (lush harmonies for Level 2–3 students)

  • “Dreaming of Summer” – Gillock (poetic, very playable)

  • “Daydreams” – Dennis Alexander (Lyrical, introspective)

Intermediate

(Mix of tonal, impressionistic, and jazz-inspired “dream” pieces)

  • “Clair de lune” – Debussy (obvious but perfect)

  • “Reverie” – Debussy (more attainable for mid-intermediate)

  • “Dreamcatcher” – Melody Bober (flowing arpeggios and mysterious harmonies)

  • “Dreams” – Catherine Rollin (Romantic mood, lyrical phrasing)

  • Summer Dreams (from Lyrics Moments Book 1, Catherine Rollin)

  • “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Nocturne or Scherzo) – Mendelssohn (arranged versions available)

  • “Reverie” – Schumann (lyrical and tender, from Fantasiestücke, Op. 12)

  • “Traumerei (Dreaming)” – Schumann, Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 7

  • “Nocturne in C# minor” – Chopin (beautiful, accessible at late intermediate)

  • “Dream Waltz” – Gillock (jazzy waltz with lush harmonies)

  • “L’ensommeil (The Sleep)” – Burgmüller, Op. 109, No. 13

  • “Through the Clouds” – Martha Mier (modern and ethereal)

Advanced / Artist Level

(Dreams, visions, or fantasy as artistic/metaphoric expression)

  • “Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17” – Schumann (the dream of unattainable love)

  • “Ondine” or “Le Gibet” from Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit (nightmare vs. dream)

  • “L’isle joyeuse” – Debussy (ecstatic dream of joy)

  • “Liebesträume No. 3” – Liszt (literally “Dreams of Love”)

  • “Prelude in B minor, Op. 32, No. 10” – Rachmaninoff (dark, brooding dream)

  • “La Cathédrale engloutie” – Debussy (the mythical dream of a submerged cathedral)

  • “Sonata quasi una fantasia” (Moonlight Sonata, Op. 27 No. 2) – Beethoven

  • “Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2” – Chopin (a dreamy masterpiece)

  • “Somnium” – contemporary works by Ludovico Einaudi, Jon Schmidt, or Philip Wesley (modern dreamscapes)

Creative Ensemble or Group Options

  • “A Million Dreams” (The Greatest Showman) – duet or trio arrangement

  • “Once Upon a Dream” (Sleeping Beauty) – Disney, charming for intermediate trios

  • “Pure Imagination” (Willy Wonka) – jazz-inflected dream theme

  • “I Dreamed a Dream” (Les Misérables) – rich emotional storytelling

  • “Over the Rainbow” – lyrical and instantly recognizable

  • “Dream On” (Aerosmith) – bold, rock-inspired duet version

  • “Dreamers” – from The Piano Guys arrangemen

Early Intermediate—-6 hands

  • “Dreamcatcher” – Jennifer Linn (6 hands, poetic and modal)

  • “Dream Song” – Robert Vandall (6 hands, lyrical and rhythmic interest for all parts)

  • “Daydreams” – Melody Bober (6 hands, expressive and easy to balance)

  • “Star Gazers” – Valerie Roth Roubos (6 hands, lyrical outer parts with flowing middle)

  • “The Sleepy Puppy” – Randall Hartsell (light and humorous for beginner trios)

Intermediate

  • “Lunar Landscape” – Kevin Olson (6 hands, shimmering textures—perfect for “dreams” theme)

  • “Evening at the Lake” – Melody Bober (6 hands, reflective but accessible)

  • “Night Flight” – Martha Mier (jazzy, energetic—represents adventure in dreams)

  • “Dream Waltz” – Gillock, trio arrangement available (gentle and nostalgic)

  • “Once Upon a Dream” – Disney, arranged for 6 hands by Carol Klose or arranged in-house (sweet and familiar)

Late Intermediate / Early Advanced

  • “Pure Imagination” – arr. Jennifer Linn (6 hands, sophisticated but playable)

  • “Over the Rainbow” – arr. Carol Klose (6 hands, lush harmonies)

  • “A Million Dreams” (The Greatest Showman) – arranged for 6 hands (aspirational dream)

  • “Night on Bald Mountain” – simplified trio arrangement (the nightmare side of dreams)

  • “Liebesträume” – Liszt, arranged for 6 hands (romantic and grand closing piece)


Adult Piano Lessons--Fall 2025 Musicale

Adult students in my studio gather 2-3 times a year to share music with each other, learn new repertoire, share research on composers, and enjoy each other’s company.

On October 6, six students met to share music they had prepared. The theme was “Evil”, appropriate for the month of Halloween. Repertoire included Disney’s Cruella de Vil from Nicki, Brahms Op. 118 No. 6 from Terry, The Grey Crow by David Fern from Sheila, The Witch Op. 39 No. 20 by Tchaikovsky from Courtney, a trio “HoeDown Tonight” from Sheila, Sarah, and Terry, and a duet from Sarah and Rene. Payton, though present, was not able to play because of a finger injury. He had worked on Une Nuit Sur le Mont Chauve by Mussorgsky.

Additionally, everyone had studied a group of 26 pieces that had been on the MTNA Piano Competition program at the MTNA 2025 National Conference. Their task was to recognize and name the pieces within the first 10 seconds. It was an open note activity. Nicki got 19/19. Payton and Courtney tied for 17/19. Everyone was assigned two composers to report on and we learned new interesting information about the composers. (composers included Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel, Prokofiev, Price, Enesco, Shostakovich, Bartok, R. Strauss). The listening link is here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyOIRXzWebHP7CLR8lz5vDVh8FJaFAH3S&si=NFdJGzTozDL8sqI2

Sheila Herrling prepared this beautiful piece of artwork to help categorize the music so she could recognize each piece.

Sister Act on Two Keyboards: Organ-Piano Concerts

Concert List

Sunday, July 13, 2025, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Groningen, Netherlands

Saturday, August 23, 2025 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sweet Home, OR

Sunday, October 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Rd. NE, Vienna, VA

Saturday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 810 E 600 N., Oregm Utah

Featuring music of Kapustin, Brahms, Gounod, Mascagni, Bedard, and Bach.

Background

Carmen and I come from a family of five children. We all play the piano. This was inspired by our father, a passionate organist, and our mother, an accomplished pianist. Our dad had an organ in the house before we furnished the living room! Our household grew from one piano to three as all children took piano lessons from the same teacher, Mrs. Virginia Buhn.

We were so lucky to have Mrs. Buhn as our piano teacher. She lived just a couple blocks away and was a top-quality teacher with high expectations! When she moved to Eugene, Oregon after Carmen and I had graduated from high school, my younger siblings drove an hour for piano lessons so they could continue to study with her. On our recent trip to Oregon (summer 2025), we drove to Eugene to visit with her and play the piano for her. She’s 99 years old! It was such a privilege to see her again!

When I was in High School (Carmen was probably in 6th or 7th grade), we performed our first duet recital together. Whenever we are in the same town, we always spend time together playing the piano.

In the following years, Carmen received her BA, MA, and DMA in Piano Performance. I earned the CAGO level at the organ with the American Guild of Organists. We both teach piano.

Performing

in 2019, we prepared the Kapustin Sinfonia Piano duet to perform at our Wolthuis family reunion in Oregon. It is a massive piece and challenging and took a lot of work! We had fun with matching dresses, shoes, and necklaces.

Then in 2024, we traveled to Rome to perform a concert. We added a number of duets and performed the Kapustin piece again.

In July 2025, the Wolthuis siblings and parents traveled to the Netherlands and as part of the trip, we were able to perform a concert in a chapel in Groningen. This was a meaningful place for us since this was the city were our paternal grandfather and his family were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They emigrated to the United States shortly after joining the church and traveled by train to live in Ogden, Utah. These decisions had a lasting impact on our family. We loved performing in Groningen. The audience was so wonderful, appreciative, and friendly. We talked with those who attended the concert for quite a while after the performance.

In August, we traveled to Sweet Home, Oregon for another concert and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the LDS chapel in Sweet Home. Again, we had a really wonderful audience and we enjoyed seeing people from the congregation that we had grown up with. Satina Tolman wrote a really beautiful article after the performance which you can read here: New Era Article, Sweet Home, OR August 2025

On October 12, 2025, Carmen and I will be presenting this program at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Rd. NE, Vienna, VA at 6:30 pm. We hope you can join us! .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-What is it like preparing a concert together while living on opposite sides of the country?

A-Since we live in Virginia and Utah, practicing together presents its challenges. Fortunately, I am in Utah multiple times during the year since we have two sons who live there with their families. When I’m in Utah, Carmen and I usually wake up at 6 a.m. to grab a few hours of practicing before other activities. We also created recordings for each other to practice with and agreed on tempos and other YouTube recordings that we both liked. Then, once we are in the same city for a performance, we spend as many hours practicing together as possible.

Q-How does your bond as sisters influence the way you play music together?

A-Since we both spent about 10 years with Virginia Buhn, her influence is very strong on our music making. We also become very attuned to our breathing and subtle hand movements. We watch each other’s eyes and heads when we are playing on separate instruments and have learned to communicate with very small movements.

Q-Who usually takes the lead when preparing a piece? or is it always collaborative?

A-Carmen has had more performing experience and her DMA in piano performance has been very valuable in our practices and performing together. We collaborate on many aspects of the performance preparation.

Q-What do you admire most about Carmen’s musicianship?

A- She is a true professional! Her fingers can fly. She has great vision of the musical arc of a piece. She is artistic and is the best pianist I’ve ever played with!

Q-What drew you to pair organ and piano—-two such powerful instruments—for these concerts?

A-It gives us an opportunity to do something together that we really love. It is really a beautiful bonding activity for us. We love performing. We love sharing beautiful music. It’s been fun to travel together. We are actually good travel partners too.

Q-How do you select your repertoire as a duo?

A- A lot of our repertoire choices were inspired by the Scott Brothers. They’ve done quite a few arrangements that are fun and they’ve performed together as well. We look online for other recordings and propose them to each other. We decide if we like them, if they are in the scope of effort and time.

Q-Do you arrange any of the music yourselves, or do you stick with published duets?

A-We tried our hand at arranging a piano-organ duet while we were in Sweet Home this summer. We had been asked to provide a special musical number for our church meeting on Sunday. We were not finding anything that we really liked, but we found a piano arrangement of the hymn “How Gentle God’s Commands” by Sally Deford. I remembered that I had an organ arrangement of the same hymn by Mike Carson. Fortunately, both arrangements started out in the same key. So, we devised a short introduction, we followed Deford’s key change in the middle. I transposed Carson’s hymn for the new key in the middle, and we came up with an ending. So, yes, that was our first foray into arranging and we received some very nice comments afterwards.

Q-Are there challenges in balancing the sound of organ and piano?

A-Most definitely. The accoustics in the room vary from place to place. Sometimes I had to play “ahead” of the music with my fingers compared to what I was hearing. I had to anticipate the next beats in order to stay with the piano. Sometimes the sound in the room is very different from what we hear at the instrument. These are definite challenges that we have to accommodate.

Q-What piece in your current program best shows off your partnership?

A-That’s a tough question. Can I share a few examples? The Ave Maria piece is very emotional and beautiful. We have to be very in tune to each other’s expression of the music. The 2nd Bedard piece has some “conversational” elements between us that are very fun. The 5th Bedard piece is grand and very fun to play together.

Q-Do you see these concerts as the start of an ongoing tradition?

A-Maybe! It has potential! We have some places where we would like to perform in the future.

Q-What do you hope audiences take away from your concerts?

A- I hope they have a very enjoyable evening. I hope they enjoy our sisterhood. I hope they smile. I hope they feel contemplative, inspired, empowered. I hope it brings some peace to their lives.

Listener Comments from the 10/12/25 Virginia concert

Diane: What a joy it was to hear the beautiful music you and Carmen made last night!
The whole program was compelling, with impressive variety, incredible energy, and impeccable timing and adherence to style. My favorites were the Kapustin duet and your Bach. I wish all my Bach-reluctant students could have heard the passion in your playing of that magnificent music.
Thank you for inviting me to your concert.

Chris K: You and your sister were totally amazing last night. She is a strong and sensitive player, and the two of you were in perfect synchronization all night. Wow! Organ and piano together is a thing that I had never really considered, so sorry to admit that! But in the Widor, on occasion, the effect seemed a bit like a piano concerto with the orchestra being played by the organ, if that makes any sense at all. The Canadian piece had moments that reminded me of Poulenc—in the harmonic sequences that went in unexpected directions e.g.. The inner movements of that piece were my favorites—the minuet of course but also the slow movement was very beautiful.

One has to give Gounod credit. He really did something good with that Ave Maria piece!

About Bach, that piece you played is so impressive, as was your performance. That church is lucky to have two such fine instruments as was mentioned. 

Cynthia: WOW! What talent and technique!!! Favs were the Kapustin and Mascagni. Super fav was the Bedard number; it WAS fun!! And the “knock your socks off” was the Bach piece … It was magnificent!!  Your technique was amazing … The pipe (?) organ or building acoustics … Beautiful … You had Vic in tears.

Amy: Wow! That was so amazing and uplifting. Thanks to you and Carmen for developing and sharing your talents. Ezra and I watched most of it from a big window in the back and swayed back and forth to the “loud and soft and fast and slow.” I just loved the music so much.

David: “You and Carmen were a gift to everyone tonight!

Shauna: Beautiful concert!! It was lovely meeting your sister as well.

Listener Comments from the 11/1/25 Utah Concert

I heard about it from a friend. I thought every piece was fabulous. So glad I could come. Each piece was different, and thus the whole concert was super engaging. You both are so precise, and played so beautifully together. It was such a joy to hear you both. Bedard - Fughetta - so delightful. I think it was my favorite. Oh, loved the finale. I would love to come to more.

 I thoroughly enjoyed the bounciness of the music and its happiness that I felt as well as the peace. It was much needed for me. Suggestions - bring it down to ST. George, Utah so I can enjoy it again.


I am a piano student of Carmen Hall and was told about this concert and decided to come. All the pieces were very beautiful and I enjoyed the music very much. I found it very nice seeing my piano teacher play in front of an audience. I would enjoy seeing more performances with more modern piano songs.

The selection of repertoire, also the guided listening comments - so GREAT!


We enjoyed hearing some modern music that was new to us, and appreciated the historical background. Then - enjoy familiar music. The Ave Maria was wonderful. Our favorite was Kapustin!


My mother-in-law told me about the concert. Love hearing the history and personal connections to a piece. The passion and connection between you two is very engaging. Loved the variation in tempo and the lower register of the organ. I enjoyed the back and forth between the piano and organ, followed by a smooth blend. 


A personal invitation was sent through email. We enjoyed the concert tremendously. It was professional and highly entertaining. I think perhaps I enjoyed seeing your sisterhood on display the most. Your love for each other and the music was so fun to watch. I also appreciated the explanation and history of each song. Thank you for sharing your talents.

I saw a notice on Facebook. I did not see it until less than a week ago because I was away from FB in early October. What’s not to enjoy? Great music. Awesome family! Make the concert longer? Where was CHOPIN? RACHMANINOFF? I have always thought it would be cool if my kids could sometimes have a concert together and play duets again, but they are spread out across multiple time zones. How do you do it?

The duets and organ solo were just delightful! More - It was very nice! Just about the right length.


I heard about the concert from Rene. It loved it! Great variety of music, played so beautifully! I also loved that you shared information about the music and composers - it helped me appreciate it more. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

This was delightful. Thank you, Rene and Carmen, for sharing your phenomenal talent with us. A couple of these pieces are familiar to me - Ave Maria and Hungarian Dance. I appreciated hearing well-known songs, as well as several that are new to me. Thank you, Carmen, for giving a brief description of each piece. As well as a suggestion of things to listen for. That’s helpful. The song selection and concert duration make this an audience-friendly performance. Loved it. Thanks for the invitation.

Thanks for doing this. The Bedard was awesome, it was my favorite, and I also really enjoyed the Widor. I would suggest taking the same dynamic clarity and range of expression you showcased so brilliantly in these two pieces and applying them a bit more to the others. (I understand the acoustics in this room aren’t as ideal for the piano.) I enjoyed the whole program, again, thanks for your preparation and performance tonight! You’ve got my email already.


Looked up events on Google. Free, but excellent, comfortable seats. The first song was delightful and different from anything we had heard before. The piece Meditation moved me so deeply. It was warm and comforting and stirring. I’m a dancer, and it made me wish I could get up and move - move in a cathartic way to release emotions that are hard for me right now. But even though I want to release sadness, fear, disappointment, and worry, this song has hope in it to comfort me. So beautiful. Sinfonietta was a fun surprise with the jazzy influence. It reminded me of the music in Charlie Brown at the beginning. Thanks for the information about each piece. It was fun to hear the history of the music. So impressed. Thanks for sharing your talents! 


My sister-in-law and personal invite from Rene. AMAZING! Lovely! Very enjoyable! I love how the program was laid out with information about each piece. I enjoyed the short stories told about the composers or the pieces. It was so helpful to be directed in our listening of the last piece, which instrument had the melody. The final of the Duet Suite had amazing runs and felt so jubilant and triumphant

Extraordinary talent, so so enjoyable! Thank you for sharing this beautiful music with us.

I loved the Intermezzo Sinfonico. The duet was warm and lovely. Bach inspires me in so many ways—he is both regal and lovely and makes me want to contemplate. So, I really liked the Ave Maria because I heard Bach in it. The piano duets were so fun—sisters playing together!

I heard about it through family. The concert was beautiful! Mesmorizing actually. The length was perfect.


Special invitation from Rene. I loved the duets! There was a great variety of composers and styles of music. Ave Maria was beautiful. Hungarian Dance No. 1 was a lot of fun! You two practice to perfection. I’d call you the dynamic duo.

Amazing! So enjoyable. The energy was astounding! I would suggest Bohemian Rhapsody!

I love classical music and feel there is not enough offered to the community. So this is great!! Thank you. I found this concert on NowPlayingUtah.org. Ave Maria was sublime, so very enduring and touching.

I learned about the concert from Cassie Johnson - announcement in our ward email. Wondering where you played in the Netherlands. In a beautiful cathedral, I suppose. Thanks - a beautiful concert.

I liked your selections. They were very melodic and easy to enjoy. Carmen, your introductions of the pieces were great - it made the concert a little educational as well. My only suggestion would be a better venue - probably not possible. I didn’t think the acoustics for the organ were very good. The piano resonated nicely in the room, but not so much with the organ. Thanks for all your hard work! It was so fun to see two sisters, both very talented, playing together. 

Heard about the concert online, looking for chamber music concerts. I’m a BYU music major. Loved how well the piano and organ sounded together. As a violinist, it was new and fun. Thank you!

Dr. Hall texted my mom. I could really hear the jazz in the Kapustin. My favorite was the Hungarian Dance No. 1, or the Meditation on Ave Maria on Bach’s First Prelude.

I loved the Meditation - Ave Maria on J.S. Bach’s First Prelude! I wish I had a recording of it to listen to again and again. Every concert we attend, I wish more people were there to enjoy such wonderful and soul-filling music. It is always such a treat and simply delightful. Also, the Duet for Organ and Piano was so fun! The perfect way to end the evening.

I received an email from Rene about the concert. A great variety of music that highlighted the strengths of the organ and the piano. No suggestions. It was really helpful to get an introduction to each piece so we could know what to listen for ahead of time.

I really loved the variety of pieces selected and the different styles and time periods. I especially appreciated being introduced to composers I had never heard of before, along with a couple of favorite pieces. Beautiful performance. Thank you for bringing this music to our community free of charge.

A wonderful concert! Excellent balance between piano and organ, not an easy accomplishment. Bravo! Also excellent choice of repertoire. The last piece was my favorite. So dramatic!

My mom in Orchard 7th ward let me know about the concert It was wonderful. I feel so lucky I could attend with my mom. I wish I knew your background - how you both became so talented. Children today say it’s too hard to practice, and they want to give up.

I learned of the concert through word of mouth. The performance was engaging. The program was lovingly crafted, and the music was expertly played. The selection of pieces guided the audience through the night with care and professionalism. It was a joy to see the interplay between the organ and piano. Thank you for a lovely evening!

I heard about the concert by word of mouth. I hadn’t ever heard of duets with piano and organ, but it’s definitely something I would listen to more of. This was fantastic. I really enjoyed the mixture of slightly more percussive piano sounds and the sustained resonant sound of the organ. The piano duets were also very enjoyable.


"The Timpanogos Chamber Music concert featuring René Johnson and Dr. Carmen Hall in Orem was just wonderful! The two accomplished musicians brought depth, verve, and warmth to their performance, enchanting the audience and introducing us to some new composers while reviving the beauties of old favorites. The individual and duet piano numbers were uplifting and exciting, and the organ performance was a delightful demonstration that an organ can be fun and sparkling, and not just a somber accompanist of church hymns."





Parent Crash Course--How to help your child be successful with piano lessons!

Parents are encouraged to participate in a 5 week crash course. The purpose of this course is to provide you tools to help your children get the most from their piano lessons. You can sign up for the entire course or individual courses. Contact me for the registration fee. (Offered fall term or by request. Minimum class size is 2)

Week 1 Topics: Keyboard geography, the inside of the piano, rhythms and note values, intro to staff reading, quick games to play at the keyboard to help children learn note names, introduction to reading notes on the staff.

Week 2 Topics: Benefits of piano lessons, How to help your child practice the piano (setting up practice time, equipment, assignments, communication, what good and bad practicing sounds like, fostering good habits) how I track assignments, fall projects, other ways to support music education, continued work at the piano with pieces.

Week 3 Topics: Hands on experience with building scales, duets with scales, theory books, my year-round program including discussion on events offered through the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association. More work at piano with pieces.

Week 4 Topics: Practicing strategies for solving issues with pieces. How to prepare for a recital, continued work at piano with the pieces we have been working on.

Week 5 Topics: Overview of Musical Time Periods and characteristics, Listening recommendations, Performance venues for children, What to expect as students move past method books. Continue to work on pieces. Celebrate!

Repertoire Study List

Would you like to enjoy some beautiful piano music? These are titles that were played in competitions at the 2025 MTNA conference in Minneapolis.

Here is the list with Titles, Composers, Birth/Death Dates, place of birth. LINK

If you wish to add some discussion to column J—-it is open for general editing. Topics might include historical and contextual background, cultural and theoretical influxes, performance tradition, form and structure, motivic development, harmonic language, rhythmic complexity, counterpoint and textural elements, technical and pianistic challenges (fingerings and hand distribution, articulation and voicing, use of pedal), interpretation and artistic considerations (tempo and rubato, tone color and dynamics, comparative interpretations, expressive meaning), connections to other works (influences and similarities, legacy and modern performance.

Listen to the recordings from YouTube playlists linked below and be able to recognize the titles.

There is a link for a quiz for Playlist #1.

Here are Study Playlists from the spreadsheet.

Playlist Number 1 (26 pieces), A quiz will be provided at the end of May for these pieces to see if you can recognize them.

List Number 2 (25 pieces)

List Number 3 (25 pieces)

List Number 4 (27 pieces)

List Number 5 (18 pieces)

Adult Students--Recitals Ideas for October 2025 Musicale "Evil"

My adult students voted on the theme for the next musicale and it will be “Evil”. Here are some repertoire ideas I have gathered from other piano teachers on Facebook.

  1. Stacy Fahrion, “Lullabies for Arachnophobes” , https://pianopronto.com/composers-community/stacy-fahrion/stacy-fahrion-lullabies-for-arachnophobes/

  2. Jason Sifford, “The Creeps”, https://www.jasonsifford.com/the-creeps

  3. For Good, from “Wicked”

  4. Angelina Bell, “Alien Mushrooms”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=SKR2AvDNYRk

  5. Angeline Bell, “Seagull Attack”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3qoflCd5ic

  6. Melanie Spanswick “Ghostly Piano Tales! 24 Scary Stories

  7. Susan Staples Bell, “Dreams in Ruins” https://www.susanstaplesbellmusic.com/sheet-music/p/dreams-in-ruins-piano-sheet-music-from-castle-tales-vol-3?rq=dreams%20in%20ruins and “Darkest, Coldest Night”, https://www.susanstaplesbellmusic.com/sheet-music/p/six-fantastic-features-for-fall-collection?srsltid=AfmBOopDfOqwXnPeR1ovc4oXxoUZfX4leZ7HFufqcmY8M3lYCKhJM0xV

  8. To listen to: Evgney Kissin: S. Prokofief, Diabolique, Op. 4 No. 4, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY_XTnAkwhk

  9. Music I have in my studio: I have made recordings of the following four pieces and can share if requested.

    The Devil’s Grotto by Ross Petot

    As Darkness Falls by Timothy Brown

    Black and White by Robert Starer

    Spooky Old House by Valerie Roubos

Adult Musicale Programs

March 2025: Music that tells a story

Sarah: Wayfaring Stranger

Fumie: Castle in the Sky, Hisarshi

Penny: Sonatina Op. 27 No. 18, Kabalevsky

Terry: Andantino from Children’s Book, Khatchachurian

Sheila: Misty Days, Albert Rozin

Payton: Tiger Mountain Peasant song (Fleet Foxes)

Nicki: Feed the Birds (Mary Poppins)

Oscar: Rondo in f minor “Kendall’s Summit” from Succession

Fall 2024: Seasonal Music

Sheila: Icicles, Angelina Bell

Nicki: Snowfall

Sarah: To the Garden

Penny: Avalanche, Heller

Payton: Waltz of the Winds, Albert Rozin

Fumie: The Swallow Op. 100 No. 24, Burgmuller

Chloe: Spring, Vivaldi

Terry: Summertime, George Gershwin, arr. Chatin

Oscar: Spring Garden, Rocherole

Spring 2024: Jazz, Blues, Boogies, Ragtime

Terry: Cajun Gumbo (Kocow)

Sarah and Dan: Groovy Group and Get those Blues

Chloe: Maple Leaf Rag, Joplin

Penny: Super Sleuth, Vandall

Sheila: Boog’s Boogie

Payton: In a Sentimental Mood, Duke Ellington

Fumie: American Ragtime, Mier

Oscar: The Entertainer, Joplin

Fall 2023: Around the World

Sarah: La Cumparsita, Rodriguez (Mexican)

Terry: Two Roses, Kashperova (Russian)

Penny: Maleguena, Lecuona (Cuba)

Payton: Lullaby, Roux (South African)

Fumie: Sakura, Jiraj (Japanese)

Sheila: Kwela, Roux (South African)

Oscar: While Hearing the Sound of Rain, Daisuke (Japanese)

May 2023: Art and Music

Payton: Water Lilies (Monet), Catherine Rollin

Terry: The Gulf Stream or Starry Night, Catherine Rollin

Fumie: A Hero Victorious, Christopher Goldston, Nocturne, Grieg

Penny: A Dash for the Timber, Catherine Rollin

Sarah: Amanda the Panda, Carol Matz

Shi Chong : Summer, book 4

Sheila: Fisherman at Sea, Catherine Rollin

Adult Musicale March 2022

Terry : Old Man’s Love Song, Arthur Farwell, Harlequin, Amy Beach

Penny: Pastorale Op. 100 No. 3 Burgmuller

Fumie: Summer, Catherine Rollin, Pleading Child, Schumann

Payton: June Tchaikovsky, Song of the Deathless Voice, Arthur Farwell

Sheila: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Spiritual

Daiqui: Minuet in C, Mozart, Crazy Cars, Gutierrez

Concerti
Berkovich Concerto Op. 44 Mvt. 1 Allegro

Boykin Concerto

Albert Rozin Little Concerto

and more



Free Music Resources

Adult Students--Recital Ideas for March 2025

March 2025 Music Tells Stories

In March 2025, my adult students will get together and share music that tells stories. Here is a list of suggestions that are at an intermediate level (mostly).

Folk ballads are a form of folk songs. Folk songs are a broader composition of lyrics and music, while ballads set a story or a poem to music. Ballads are meant to be sung accurately, with attention to lyrics and melody. They have fully adapted songs, but emphasize the lyrical stories being told.

https://folkways.si.edu/logan-english/the-days-of-49-songs-of-the-gold-rush/american-folk-historical-song/music/album/smithsonian

Sweet Betsy From Pike

Clementine

https://folkways.si.edu/logan-english/kentucky-folk-songs-and-ballads/american-folk/music/album/smithsonian

https://folkways.si.edu/classic-american-ballads/american-folk/album/smithsonian

Frankie and Johnny

John Henry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:American_folk_songs

https://www.classical-music.com/features/works/best-american-folk-songs

This Land Is Your Land

The Wayfaring Stranger

Simple Gifts

Home on the Range (from the poem “My Western Home” composed around 1872 by Dr. Brewster M. Higley

Big Rock Candy Mountain (hobo-ing story)

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/story-songs/

Program Music

https://www.talkclassical.com/threads/program-music-for-piano.8604/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_program_music

https://www.britannica.com/art/program-music

Links to Piano Music Books or pdfs

Bell, Angeline, My Quirky Notebookl , Link for purchase, King Arthur, also see YouTube

Bell, Susan Staples Music: Dreams in Ruins, and Castle Tales with pieces like Castle Tales from Elementary to Intermediate that all tell stories. Pieces like The Chase is On, Defender of the Realm, Journey to Castle Roche, Black Knight's Ride, Race for the Flag, Story of True Love, Waiting for Your Return, and more. Link

Dow, Andrea, Beauty and the Beast, “The Stolen Rose Solos” retells the 19th century version of Beauty and the Beast through eight classical-pop piano pieces. Link

Fairchild, Amy, website, Book 1 (YouTube links) , Book 2 (YouTube links) Stories are on the website that go with the music.

Gretchaninoff: Op. 98, link to IMSLP

Gurlitt: Opus 101, Link to IMSLP

Khatchaturian, “Adventures of Ivan” (Ivan sings, Ivan can’t go out today, Ivan is ill, Ivan Goes to a Party, Ivan is very busy, Ivan and Natasha, Ivan’s Hobbyhorse, A Tale of Strange Lands).

Norton, Christopher: The Final Frontier, Performance

Poe, John Robert: “Meanwhile back at the castle” (young beginners), “Meanwhile Back in the Enchanted Forest, Meanwhile Back in the Jungle

Price, Florence: Some delightful easier ones, Thumbnail sketches of A Day in the Life of a Washerwoman (advanced) Link to IMSLP, an orchestrated version link

Schumann: Op. 68, Link to IMSLP, choose #51556

Sideris, Nikolas, trios (six hands one piano) Dusk of Day/Dawn of Night, Link to video, Link to purchase, collection of 10 works for 6 hands (also look at Fairyland in Treble, link to video, titles include The King and the Dragon, A Playful Countess, The Bold Barber, Nola and Ayla in the Jungle, Dreams, The Duke and the Cook, A Deaf Girl’s Music Box, The Sorcerer and his Apprentice, Fife on the Moon, The Two Violins, The Pirates High Sea Games.

Spanswick, Melanie, “Ghostly Piano Tales: New Music for the Elementary Pianist” Link

Tschaikovsky Opus 39, no. 6,7,8: The New Doll, The Sick Doll, The Dolls Burial, Link to IMSLP, choose #07996

Others:

Let me Tell You a Story (Early Intermediate, Grade 2) Link

I Love to Tell the Story (Hymn based) Link. Here’s a link to the story:

Peter and the Wolf

The Moldau

Other possibilities:

Do enigma with Jonathan—two piano

Or schumann’s forest scenes

Invite Henry to play Anitra’s Dance from Peer Gynt

Liszt—- lots of ideas with poems  Va or literature inspiration 

Sibelius 

Have Fun with Six-hand Piano Pieces!

Six-hand piano pieces add excitement to lessons! In this article, I share how I plan a trio program to boost collaboration and fun. By grouping students by skill, choosing appropriate repertoire, and scheduling rehearsals, students improve timing and ensemble playing. I track progress with a sticker chart, creating a motivating and social learning environment. Includes repertoire tips and program timeline!

Trio Time!

Playing trios in group piano classes can be really fun! These students have been working together for a while and I was so proud of their performance in our class today! Congratulations to Charlotte, Michael, and Brooks for their work. They are playing the Victory Day Parade trio by Melody Bober.

2023 PTA Reflections Contest and Music Composition

Every year, the PTA Association hosts an arts contest. Students can enter visual arts, photography, musical compositions and more. I like to encourage my students to participate in this event with musical compositions. The theme this year was “I am hopeful. . . .” One of my students, Bailey Huff, wrote this piece and explained its inspiration below. I loved the thought she put into her piece and the symbolism of her music choices. Congratulations to Sloan Frischknecht and Leo Kinney who also participated in this year’s reflections contest.



1000 hours at the Organ!

In the spring of 2021, I learned about an organ scholarship program through the local American Guild of Organists from one of my piano students. Since he was young, Adam Baker had wanted to play the organ. His parents wisely told him that he needed to learn the piano and at least be able to play Bach Inventions. He stayed with me and progressed to Preludes and Fugues. When he decided to audition for this program, I contacted them to see if there was room for adults as well and if so, could I audition without hurting Adam’s chances of being chosen. I was encouraged to try out and promised that it would not affect Adam’s chances.

I showed up in Washington D.C. and played a Bach Prelude and Fugue, a Beethoven Sonata, a Romantic piece, and a hymn. I was asked to sight-read a piece. Several months later, both Adam and I received word that we had been chosen for the scholarship and were given information about our teachers. He would study with Carol Feather Martin, Arlington and I would study with Dr. David Kelley in Vienna, VA. At the end of the school year, we would participate in an AGO recital.

My dad is an organist and I grew up with an organ in our home. My dad practiced regularly and he played the organ at church. Sometimes he and my mom would play organ-piano duets. Growing up, I focused on the piano. I wish I had taken advantage of that great instrument in our home, but I’m glad I honed my piano skills.

Organ lessons began in November 2021. The practicing requirement was at least 5 hours a week. I committed to that until my husband asked if I was just going to do the minimum. At that point, I decided to shoot for 10 hours a week. I tracked my practicing every day and kept track of the cumulative hours. When it became evident that I was going to hit 1000 hours and could maybe complete it before my two year mark, I decided to make that my goal which I accomplished on 11/10/23!

During the past two years, I have had the opportunity to play many organs. See the list below and the gallery pictures.

It has been two years of fantastic instruction and progress. I know I still have far to go, but I feel that what I offer my church congregation is much more than I did before. I feel much more confident using the pedals, setting registrations, and programming registrations for a piece. I have learned many pieces and have found a lot of joy in sharing the pieces with friends and family.

In 2022, I certified at the Service Player level with the American Guild of Organists (AGO). In 2023, I completed the certification requirements for Colleague Level with the AGO.

I appreciate very much two grants I received from NVMTA and MTNA to support my efforts as well as the initial scholarship through the local AGO chapter and the service of my teacher during this time. I am so grateful to my teacher, Dr. David Kelley for his patience, expertise, repertoire suggestions, history and theory discussions.

I have enjoyed performing organ pieces for my students at their piano recitals. I think it reinforces that I am still working on gaining new skills. I hope that I’m a positive model for sharing music with others.

I have learned a lot in the past two years—-more than just organ skills—

  1. A teacher’s role in inspiring their students.

  2. Attention to detail and musicality—this has been an inspiritation to me that has spilled over into my piano teaching.

  3. Reinforced lessons on the value of diligent, regular practicing.

  4. Sympathy to students working on a hard section. I have learned a lot of patience. For example, I began learning the Bach Prelude and Fugue in gm BWV 535 in December 2022. I am still working on a couple of sections that are particularly difficult. I’m close to mastering them, but it has definitely been a piece that has required patience and hard work!

  5. I have been intrigued by the learning process and how I can begin a piece barely going at a rate of 50 beats per minute for an 8th note and then gradually being able to process the music faster with my brain, fingers and feet until it’s at a performance level. The process is fascinating.

  6. I have learned some new music skills (related to piano as well as organ): transposition and modulation— and I have gained some great experience with new organ repertoire.

  7. I have learned hymns from other churches and gained an appreciation for the faith of others.

  8. I have met and gained new friends.

I was very pleased that another student, Bradley McMullin was chosen to participate in the scholarship program in 2022-2023 studying with Dr. Ben Kesely. Both he and Adam progressed so much in their studies.

My recordings can be seen on my YouTube Channel.

I plan to continue adding new pieces as I get them to performance level.

Repertoire since about March 2023 (does not include CAGO repertoire except for Minuet Gothique)

Widor Symphony No. 5 Mvt. 4 Adagio https://youtu.be/PixnAs-1QPo

Minuet Gothique https://youtu.be/HcETbhxMY70

A Mighty Fortress Hymn 68 https://youtu.be/SV_Wu-pQpcY

Ein Feste Burg ist Unser Got https://youtu.be/A2gQDLR8ncA

It is Well With My Soul https://youtu.be/38vbTfd6XCo

Buxtehude Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne https://youtu.be/1f-hIaUq3Jg

Encore:  Locklair's Thy Peace May Be Exchanged https://youtu.be/Df59YrAUQPI

My current repertoire projects include the following:

Sweelinck Echo Fantasia (Aeolian)

Bach Prelude and Fugue in Gm BWV 535)

Boyce Voluntary I in DM

Brahms Chorale Op. 122 No. 2

Radetzky March by Straus

Toccata Brevis by Dan Gawthrop.


Gallery guide for organs I have played (some of these are not pictured):

Rome, Italy

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Greek Orthodox Church, Norfolk, VA

Barcelona, Spain

Christ Church, Alexandra, VA

Washington, D.C. Basilica with Clay Christensen

Taylor and Boody Organ factory Staunton, VA

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Falls Church, VA

Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, VA

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA

Faith Luthern Church, Arlington, VA

LDS Stake Center, McLean (Allen)

LDS Arlington Ward (Rogers)

St. Agnes Catholic Church, Arlington, VA

St.George’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA

Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Vienna, VA

St. Mary’s, Arlington, VA

Unitarian Church, Arlington, VA

Mt. Olivet Church, Arlington, VA

First Presbyterian Church, Arlington, VA

Wannamaker organ, Philadelphia, PA

Trinity Presbyterian Church, Arlington, VA

LDS Sweet Home, OR

LDS Groningen, Netherlands

LDS Orem, UT

Student Accomplishments 2022-2023


NVMTA Fall Festival

Kyla Dorotheo, Sloan Frischknecht, Nolia Landrigan, Lawrence Madi, Henry McMullin, 

Sarah Ott, Shi Chong Zhao


Alma Grayce Miller NVMTA Composition Competition

Peter Hinckley 3rd Place


NVMTA Theory Mastery Day 

Students who achieved over 90% in bold, level in parenthesis

Peter Hinckley (9), Walker Schmidt (9), Sloane Dorotheo (6), Henry McMullin (6), Lawrence Madi(6), Samantha Follain (3A), Lyda Landrigan (3A), Nolia Landrigan (3A), Kyla Dorotheo (2A), Amara Maddux (2A), Sloan Frischknecht (1B), Sarah Ott (1B), Kenneth Velikonja (1B), Maya LeBlanc (1B), William Ackerman (1A)

NVMTA Bach/Baroque

Henry McMullin, Sammy Follain, Shi Chong Zhao


How to get the most out of Practicing

You just got a new piece at your lesson! Now what?

Let’s say you want to have the assignment learned well by your next lesson. Maybe it’s the whole piece, but it could also be a smaller section that is assigned. Here are some steps you can take to be effective in your practicing:

  1. Plan to practice the piece EVERY DAY!

  2. On the first day, look it over carefully. What key is it in? What is the hand position? Are there tricky rhythm spots (write out the counting on those and try tapping it). Practice hands separately. If there are hard spots, isolate those until you can do them well.

  3. Even before putting hands together, play with dynamics (p, mp, mf, f, crescendos etc) and pay attention to rests, accidentals, and articulation (like slurs and staccatos)

  4. Divide the piece into sections that are small and start work with hands together. It’s o.k. to go slowly. Pay attention to the detais, be as accurate as possible. For example, do measures 1-2 until you can do it perfectly. (go slowly enough so that you can). It might take 5 times or 10 or maybe just 3.

  5. Gradually play faster (if you can keep it accurate). Use the metronome to be methodic about going gradually faster. Work on one small section at a time. You might play the “Line Game” where you have to play the line perfectly. If you make a mistake you start over. It’s fair to go a little slower with the metronome. (M&Ms or Kix or Cheerios or small stickers when a line is mastered works well!) I like to write my metronome speeds on my music. It is very gratifying to know that once 50 was really hard, but now I can do it at 100!

  6. If you have 3-4 new pieces during the week, follow this same process with each piece. Target having the assigned portion completed on your 3rd or 4th day of practice during the week. Then, you can solidify it on the remaining days before your lesson.

Students can ask themselves questions which will help make practice more effective such as, “Which part of the piece was the hardest?” “How could we divide this piece into sections—-and then you just work on one or two sections today?” (parents can ask students these questions too!)

For new piano students, the following ideas can be hepful during practice

  1. Clap and count the rhythm

  2. Tap correct fingers on the piano

  3. Name the note letters while you play

  4. Count aloud while you play

  5. Sing while you play

  6. Hands separately

The value of slow practice

Slow practice allows the student to process detais. I’ve noticed this in my own practicing. I can save myself so much practice time if I slow down and notice EVERYTHING. A good plan is to play slowly, play medium, play fast (even if you make mistakes), go back to medium and then slowly (with lots of accuracy).

Varying the style

Another way to change up practicing is to vary the touch or the volume. Play the section with all staccato notes or all legato notes. Play it in a different octave for a different sound. Play it loudly or very softly.

Appreciation

When I was a child, I valued my parents praise and enjoyment for my practicing. I often practiced before school when my parents were still in bed, but my mom would mention how much she enjoyed my music. That was very motivating for me. Little notes on pillows expressing how proud you are of your child’s music work and efforts is a nice touch.

Regular Daily Practice Time

Having a regular time when practice is expected is so helpful for developing good practice habits. Some students thrive with charts or stickers. For the past almost two years, I have been practicing about 10 hours a week on the organ. I try to get it done first thing in the morning before other things take over my day. I record my time each day and sum it up so I have a running tally. I love seeing how much time it took me to get where I’m at now.

What are your ideas? What has worked for you? Please share below!

YouTube Links and Theory Practice links

Spreadsheet with level specific exercises

VMTA Syllabus (click here to see requirements for each level)

Keyboard to print for scale and pentascale practice: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G0ZrQwfSp31rDH6L_dErFosswFxRRhbR/view?usp=sharing

1. Whole Steps and half steps : Whole steps and half steps are the building blocks for figuring out scales.

Exercises: (coming)

2. Pentascales: Pentascales are five finger scales. Learn how to play them starting on any note, white or black.

3. Pedaling Proper pedals helps to connect notes for a smooth sound. It also adds richness to your playing. Done incorrectly, it leaves gaps of sound or muddiness which you want to avoid.

4. Major Key Signatures Watch this for an easy way to remember key signatures for scales with either sharps or flats.

5. Writing Sharps on the Staff, Learn the order of sharps and where to place them on the treble and bass clefs.

6. Writing Flats on the Staff, Learn the order of flats and where to place them on the treble and bass clefs.

7. Writing the Circle of Fifths. Learn how to draw the circle of fifths, about the rule of 7, and an easy way to remember how many sharps or flats a keys has.

8. Super Helpful List of links for Theory practice by levels