Socratic Method: a method of teaching or discussion, like that used by Socrates, the meaning of a concept examined.
Making lessons fun again with our best ideas and printable music
we got our respective BAs in these. Realized as students, then as teachers: Beginner’s lessons suck. Couldn’t stand to put the kids we know and love through method books of any kind. So, we created
1- to 2-page pieces that put the fun back into lessons. How? We struck - and continue to strike - a better balance with arrangements being
RICH * LEARNABLE * FAMILIAR
Others give you only two out of three. Will release new titles through our blogs every month, so stay tuned!
AMY O' GRADY
(Socratic Piano coming soon!)Just click on the the music image to print your free music!
AURA LEE:
An American Folk song and a fantastic song for the beginner. By using basic rhythms and only playing on the E string, the beginner can reinforce and focus on their posture, technique and tone. The beginner’s challenge of this piece? Using that fourth finger!
GOOD NIGHT LADIES:
Get ready to count!! A fun song to introduce syncopated rhythms. We added marcato on all of beats one in the second half, to help feel the strong pulse beginning each measure. In the second half try playing straight eighth notes slowly to see when the syncopation happens.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME:
Spring time is coming and this is perfect to learn for the upcoming sports season! This song is exciting because you get to use a trill! Quick finger action is needed to keep the trill going. (By keeping a well grounded first finger down, move that second finger as quick as you can to create the trill.) Starting on open E, get first finger moving on and off as quickly as you can to create the trill. Try the action in the left hand first without using the bow. Once you are comfortable and strong there, add the bow while you trill. With some time and added concentration the coordination will come. It is as close to rubbing your tummy and patting your head as far as coordination goes! Also, the beginner should watch for the accidental D# in the first line. The third finger will get a good stretch here.
DANNY BOY:
A beautiful Irish Aire, and possibly the most requested song on the violin. A great chance to really be grounded in the dotted quarter note rhythm. We purposely did not add any bowings or slurs, dynamics, tempos, etc. in hopes that you, as the performer, will add your own finishing touches to this timely classic.
THE ENTERTAINER:
A definite crowd pleaser! As most ragtime favorites, you will have just as much fun playing this as listening to it. You get to do all sorts of fancy slides with your fingers as you encounter the chromatics. Don’t forget the fun syncopated rhythms too! Take out the ties to get an idea where those beats and notes land then add them back in. Try to avoid string crossings (they can slow you down) by using your fourth finger instead of open E.
For the player who wants a fun challenge: add the bottom notes in measures 11 and 12 (also in 15 and 16) to form chords! A solid way to practice these chords, is to play the bottom note, then the top note -while still keeping your bottom note finger in position- Get these two notes well in tune with each other. Then flattening the bow out on both strings, playing the two notes together. Voila you’ve got your chord!
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