EPIC Quest, Multi Level Ensemble (from Video Game Power Ups)
This Multi Level Ensemble is part of a series called, Video Game Power Ups: Flexible music that can be used as progressive solos or as Multi Level Ensembles.
Just like a video game, students need to pass each level before unlocking the treasures found in the next. In this music, we find that each level teaches a particular skill that is needed to advance to the next level. After all the work is done, (practice time!) the students find they have learned everything they need to achieve the EPIC Quest! (the hardest solo on Level 5).
This music starts at the beginning (Warm Up Level with basic whole notes, learning hand position notes) and progresses through a total of 6 levels, to achieve the coolest solo - EPIC Quest at Level 5! Teaching every skill the student needs to know, 1 level at a time. Don’t worry, each Level is satisfying on it’s own, so students won’t feel left out as they begin the journey. Especially, when they play along with the cool Backing Track.
BTW-This tune was inspired by “Grand March” which is an improvisation idea in my book, Exploring Improvisations: 30 Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Cool! What will these prompts inspire YOU to create?
Works well for Groups:
Use this in Group lessons, where students play the part at their own level, then progress when ready. In Recital or in class, all the parts work together as an ensemble! The Backing Tracks are extremely helpful for practice in class or at home; encouraging repetition, and can also be used in performance.
This ensemble is a progressive learning opportunity covering these topics:
• Playing in F Natural Minor, recognizing 4 flats.
• Right hand: F Minor Penta scale and later levels extend to the full range of the F Natural Minor scale.
• Left hand: F Minor Penta Scale, with some movement in Open 5ths.
• Bold dynamics - strong melody line.
• Crisp, staccato style playing.
• Counting rhythms that will be encountered in this music.
• Opportunity to learn dotted rhythms.
• Reading music - notice the differences between the levels keeps students engaged reading.
Teaching goals & tips for each level.
Just like teachers encourage students to practice music one hand at a time, these levels use that concept to learn skills in bite size pieces.
Warm Up: Discover the notes in F Minor Penta scale and get lots of practice in this hand position while the Right hand plays minimal whole notes. Left hand never leaves this position either, but practice playing staccato quarter notes while Right hand holds whole notes - good for independent hand coordination.
Level 1: Still in F Minor Penta scale, Left hand stays the same. Right hand explores more notes in this position, but still playing whole notes. In the B section, pianists are asked to play 2 notes at a time.
Level 2: Left hand stays the same, giving the student added confidence, so the Right hand can expand to a wider range of the melody. This simplified melody give the pianist time to change hand positions, but prepares them for what’s to come. This level also introduces the dotted eighth, sixteenth rhythm, but sparingly, and in a repetitive way. Make sure to introduce this rhythm with the included rhythm page, so they have seen this before.
Level 3: Right hand is ready for the real deal! This level introduces the real melody students are expected to play when reach Level 5!! The simplified Left hand part they know gives them greater confidence.
Level 4: Focus on Left hand - finally!! Notice the “boogie like” 2 note chord pattern from F & C to F & D flat. Concentrate on this part so you’ll be ready for the next level! Notice that Right hand is simplified to focus on the Left hand - make sure students notice the differences.
Level 5: Put it all together! This level combines all the concepts students have learned so far! You have unlocked the EPIC Quest!
Rhythm Practice: Use at any time. Great for introducing the rhythms needed or reinforcing skills. Clap or play the note. Use with the Backing Track or without, it’s up to you!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BACKING TRACKS HERE
How long: Cover + 22 pages. Each part is 3 pages long. Backing Track plays for 02:00 minutes.
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.
This Multi Level Ensemble is part of a series called, Video Game Power Ups: Flexible music that can be used as progressive solos or as Multi Level Ensembles.
Just like a video game, students need to pass each level before unlocking the treasures found in the next. In this music, we find that each level teaches a particular skill that is needed to advance to the next level. After all the work is done, (practice time!) the students find they have learned everything they need to achieve the EPIC Quest! (the hardest solo on Level 5).
This music starts at the beginning (Warm Up Level with basic whole notes, learning hand position notes) and progresses through a total of 6 levels, to achieve the coolest solo - EPIC Quest at Level 5! Teaching every skill the student needs to know, 1 level at a time. Don’t worry, each Level is satisfying on it’s own, so students won’t feel left out as they begin the journey. Especially, when they play along with the cool Backing Track.
BTW-This tune was inspired by “Grand March” which is an improvisation idea in my book, Exploring Improvisations: 30 Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Cool! What will these prompts inspire YOU to create?
Works well for Groups:
Use this in Group lessons, where students play the part at their own level, then progress when ready. In Recital or in class, all the parts work together as an ensemble! The Backing Tracks are extremely helpful for practice in class or at home; encouraging repetition, and can also be used in performance.
This ensemble is a progressive learning opportunity covering these topics:
• Playing in F Natural Minor, recognizing 4 flats.
• Right hand: F Minor Penta scale and later levels extend to the full range of the F Natural Minor scale.
• Left hand: F Minor Penta Scale, with some movement in Open 5ths.
• Bold dynamics - strong melody line.
• Crisp, staccato style playing.
• Counting rhythms that will be encountered in this music.
• Opportunity to learn dotted rhythms.
• Reading music - notice the differences between the levels keeps students engaged reading.
Teaching goals & tips for each level.
Just like teachers encourage students to practice music one hand at a time, these levels use that concept to learn skills in bite size pieces.
Warm Up: Discover the notes in F Minor Penta scale and get lots of practice in this hand position while the Right hand plays minimal whole notes. Left hand never leaves this position either, but practice playing staccato quarter notes while Right hand holds whole notes - good for independent hand coordination.
Level 1: Still in F Minor Penta scale, Left hand stays the same. Right hand explores more notes in this position, but still playing whole notes. In the B section, pianists are asked to play 2 notes at a time.
Level 2: Left hand stays the same, giving the student added confidence, so the Right hand can expand to a wider range of the melody. This simplified melody give the pianist time to change hand positions, but prepares them for what’s to come. This level also introduces the dotted eighth, sixteenth rhythm, but sparingly, and in a repetitive way. Make sure to introduce this rhythm with the included rhythm page, so they have seen this before.
Level 3: Right hand is ready for the real deal! This level introduces the real melody students are expected to play when reach Level 5!! The simplified Left hand part they know gives them greater confidence.
Level 4: Focus on Left hand - finally!! Notice the “boogie like” 2 note chord pattern from F & C to F & D flat. Concentrate on this part so you’ll be ready for the next level! Notice that Right hand is simplified to focus on the Left hand - make sure students notice the differences.
Level 5: Put it all together! This level combines all the concepts students have learned so far! You have unlocked the EPIC Quest!
Rhythm Practice: Use at any time. Great for introducing the rhythms needed or reinforcing skills. Clap or play the note. Use with the Backing Track or without, it’s up to you!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BACKING TRACKS HERE
How long: Cover + 22 pages. Each part is 3 pages long. Backing Track plays for 02:00 minutes.
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.
This Multi Level Ensemble is part of a series called, Video Game Power Ups: Flexible music that can be used as progressive solos or as Multi Level Ensembles.
Just like a video game, students need to pass each level before unlocking the treasures found in the next. In this music, we find that each level teaches a particular skill that is needed to advance to the next level. After all the work is done, (practice time!) the students find they have learned everything they need to achieve the EPIC Quest! (the hardest solo on Level 5).
This music starts at the beginning (Warm Up Level with basic whole notes, learning hand position notes) and progresses through a total of 6 levels, to achieve the coolest solo - EPIC Quest at Level 5! Teaching every skill the student needs to know, 1 level at a time. Don’t worry, each Level is satisfying on it’s own, so students won’t feel left out as they begin the journey. Especially, when they play along with the cool Backing Track.
BTW-This tune was inspired by “Grand March” which is an improvisation idea in my book, Exploring Improvisations: 30 Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Cool! What will these prompts inspire YOU to create?
Works well for Groups:
Use this in Group lessons, where students play the part at their own level, then progress when ready. In Recital or in class, all the parts work together as an ensemble! The Backing Tracks are extremely helpful for practice in class or at home; encouraging repetition, and can also be used in performance.
This ensemble is a progressive learning opportunity covering these topics:
• Playing in F Natural Minor, recognizing 4 flats.
• Right hand: F Minor Penta scale and later levels extend to the full range of the F Natural Minor scale.
• Left hand: F Minor Penta Scale, with some movement in Open 5ths.
• Bold dynamics - strong melody line.
• Crisp, staccato style playing.
• Counting rhythms that will be encountered in this music.
• Opportunity to learn dotted rhythms.
• Reading music - notice the differences between the levels keeps students engaged reading.
Teaching goals & tips for each level.
Just like teachers encourage students to practice music one hand at a time, these levels use that concept to learn skills in bite size pieces.
Warm Up: Discover the notes in F Minor Penta scale and get lots of practice in this hand position while the Right hand plays minimal whole notes. Left hand never leaves this position either, but practice playing staccato quarter notes while Right hand holds whole notes - good for independent hand coordination.
Level 1: Still in F Minor Penta scale, Left hand stays the same. Right hand explores more notes in this position, but still playing whole notes. In the B section, pianists are asked to play 2 notes at a time.
Level 2: Left hand stays the same, giving the student added confidence, so the Right hand can expand to a wider range of the melody. This simplified melody give the pianist time to change hand positions, but prepares them for what’s to come. This level also introduces the dotted eighth, sixteenth rhythm, but sparingly, and in a repetitive way. Make sure to introduce this rhythm with the included rhythm page, so they have seen this before.
Level 3: Right hand is ready for the real deal! This level introduces the real melody students are expected to play when reach Level 5!! The simplified Left hand part they know gives them greater confidence.
Level 4: Focus on Left hand - finally!! Notice the “boogie like” 2 note chord pattern from F & C to F & D flat. Concentrate on this part so you’ll be ready for the next level! Notice that Right hand is simplified to focus on the Left hand - make sure students notice the differences.
Level 5: Put it all together! This level combines all the concepts students have learned so far! You have unlocked the EPIC Quest!
Rhythm Practice: Use at any time. Great for introducing the rhythms needed or reinforcing skills. Clap or play the note. Use with the Backing Track or without, it’s up to you!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BACKING TRACKS HERE
How long: Cover + 22 pages. Each part is 3 pages long. Backing Track plays for 02:00 minutes.
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.
