Piano Beginners in Middle C (The Cat, the Mermaid, and the Soaking Wet Songbook by Andrea Dow)
In this 6-week class, students will use their knowledge of Middle C position on the piano to play songs in "The Cat, the Mermaid, and the Soaking Wet Songbook" by Andrea Dow.
Julie Schmidt
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(141)
What's included
6 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Who doesn't love cats and mermaids? This 6-week course uses "The Cat, the Mermaid, and the Soaking Wet Songbook" by Andrea Dow to play songs in Middle C position (see the link under Supplies to purchase the piano book)! This course is for anyone who already knows how to play songs in Middle C, and wants to strengthen their note reading, sight reading, and rhythm skills while having fun. The 3/4 time signature is also emphasized while students practice reading steps on the staff. Each week we will learn a new song and review the notes on the staff. We will also talk about types of notes and practice playing correct rhythms. I use one fun and easy acronym sentence to help students remember the notes on the treble and bass clefs - they don't have to memorize several different acronyms! Week 1 - Review the notes in middle C position for the right and left hand. Practice the warm-up songs. Introduce "Just Like You" and review how to step up and down on the staff. Week 2 - Play "Just Like You" if desired. Introduce "Mermaid Manor" and practice using the pedal. If time permits complete the note-naming exercise. Week 3 - Complete the note review page for fun! Introduce "Chasing the Tide" and review dynamics (forte, piano). Review the repeat sign. Week 4 - Perform "Chasing the Tide" if desired. Introduce "Ahoy Mermaid" and review the forward repeat sign. Create your own simple song using the cat and mermaid paths! Week 5 - Perform "Ahoy Mermaid" if desired. Practice drawing notes on the staff and finding F notes all over the piano. Introduce "Queen of the Sea". Week 6 - Perform "Queen of the Sea" if desired. Review skips on the staff using line notes! Introduce "I'll Be Me". If time permits, create your own mini song on the sight reading page.
Other Details
Supply List
Each student needs a copy of "The Cat, the Mermaid, and the Soaking Wet Songbook" by Andrea Dow. It can be purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mermaid-Soaking-Songbook-Level-Supplementary/dp/1777597110/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3104Y2BSOFUU8&dchild=1&keywords=soaking+wet+songbook&qid=1620334822&sprefix=soaking+wet+%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1 Each student also needs a piano or keyboard (at least 54 keys). An adult might be needed to help the student throughout the class depending on age and ability.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
141reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! My name is Julie Schmidt and I have 16 years of experience teaching individual and group piano lessons. Also, I have been playing and studying the piano for 35 years while earning a MS in Education. Music is definitely my passion. My favorite part of teaching the piano is finding out what kind of music motivates my students. Some of my students like reading the notes on the staff, playing classical music, and not straying far from the printed notes. Other students play more by ear and love to improvise! I always have a few students who want to be able to play songs quickly - I teach them chords and leadsheets so they can progress faster. I like to tailor my lessons to get a student excited about playing the piano. I use a variety of books, digital music, and resources to keep my lessons new and motivate my students to practice.
I have a laid-back teaching style and love to have fun during lessons. We will play games, improvise, compose, learn chords, and study different musical periods and composers. I really enjoy it when students bring their own music to lessons because I know that they are motivated to learn it!
Along with piano I have also earned a degree in Dietetics, owned a baking business, homeschooled my 3 children for a few years, taught in the public school, and taught Sunday School to middle schoolers. Luckily I did not do all of these things at the same time! I love reading, baking, line dancing, and attending concerts. Reviews
Live Group Class
$120
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
3-4 learners per class
