Clouds in the Sky, Piano Solo, Late Elementary. Studio License.
Clouds in the Sky was commissioned by Nicola Cantan for Vibrant Music Teaching’s Concept Collection Six: Octaves.
As a piano teacher for over 30 years, I love to help students see the intervalic relationships between melody notes and accompaniment patterns, and playing Octaves are sometimes a stretch for students! (lol) Often times, we have to wait for their hands to grow or find creative ways to incorporate Octaves.
As a composer preparing for this project, I considered how could I creatively let younger students reach an Octave. So, I choose to use a slower tempo, with plenty of time to find the next note; use pedal so students could play the lower note of the Octave “staccato” and jump to the upper note; and use the Octave in a melodic line - not blocked (or played at the same time).
I love to talk to my students about creating a mood when they play - in Clouds in the Sky, I want the music to create a sense of wonder. What do you see when you sit back on a warm sunny day and stare at the clouds? Do you see them slowly change shape? Is there a gentle breeze across your face? Can you convey these feelings to your audience when you play? Dynamics and shaping the phrases will help you achieve this. Optional: try the Soft pedal when you play - what does that do to the mood?
Key: D Mixolydian with accidentals.
Time signature: 3/4 , BPM = 104.
Skill development: Reaching for Octaves by jumping or extension. Slow, Lyrical playing. Dynamics. Note reading.
What level: Late Elementary
How long: Cover + 1 page music. Performance time :40.
This is a STUDIO LICENSE: One purchase - One person is allowed multiple copies for students in their Studio. Thank you for honoring the creativity and work of the composer.
Clouds in the Sky was commissioned by Nicola Cantan for Vibrant Music Teaching’s Concept Collection Six: Octaves.
As a piano teacher for over 30 years, I love to help students see the intervalic relationships between melody notes and accompaniment patterns, and playing Octaves are sometimes a stretch for students! (lol) Often times, we have to wait for their hands to grow or find creative ways to incorporate Octaves.
As a composer preparing for this project, I considered how could I creatively let younger students reach an Octave. So, I choose to use a slower tempo, with plenty of time to find the next note; use pedal so students could play the lower note of the Octave “staccato” and jump to the upper note; and use the Octave in a melodic line - not blocked (or played at the same time).
I love to talk to my students about creating a mood when they play - in Clouds in the Sky, I want the music to create a sense of wonder. What do you see when you sit back on a warm sunny day and stare at the clouds? Do you see them slowly change shape? Is there a gentle breeze across your face? Can you convey these feelings to your audience when you play? Dynamics and shaping the phrases will help you achieve this. Optional: try the Soft pedal when you play - what does that do to the mood?
Key: D Mixolydian with accidentals.
Time signature: 3/4 , BPM = 104.
Skill development: Reaching for Octaves by jumping or extension. Slow, Lyrical playing. Dynamics. Note reading.
What level: Late Elementary
How long: Cover + 1 page music. Performance time :40.
This is a STUDIO LICENSE: One purchase - One person is allowed multiple copies for students in their Studio. Thank you for honoring the creativity and work of the composer.
Clouds in the Sky was commissioned by Nicola Cantan for Vibrant Music Teaching’s Concept Collection Six: Octaves.
As a piano teacher for over 30 years, I love to help students see the intervalic relationships between melody notes and accompaniment patterns, and playing Octaves are sometimes a stretch for students! (lol) Often times, we have to wait for their hands to grow or find creative ways to incorporate Octaves.
As a composer preparing for this project, I considered how could I creatively let younger students reach an Octave. So, I choose to use a slower tempo, with plenty of time to find the next note; use pedal so students could play the lower note of the Octave “staccato” and jump to the upper note; and use the Octave in a melodic line - not blocked (or played at the same time).
I love to talk to my students about creating a mood when they play - in Clouds in the Sky, I want the music to create a sense of wonder. What do you see when you sit back on a warm sunny day and stare at the clouds? Do you see them slowly change shape? Is there a gentle breeze across your face? Can you convey these feelings to your audience when you play? Dynamics and shaping the phrases will help you achieve this. Optional: try the Soft pedal when you play - what does that do to the mood?
Key: D Mixolydian with accidentals.
Time signature: 3/4 , BPM = 104.
Skill development: Reaching for Octaves by jumping or extension. Slow, Lyrical playing. Dynamics. Note reading.
What level: Late Elementary
How long: Cover + 1 page music. Performance time :40.
This is a STUDIO LICENSE: One purchase - One person is allowed multiple copies for students in their Studio. Thank you for honoring the creativity and work of the composer.
