Some of my piano students throughout my years of teaching have enjoyed writing their own songs. At present some of my young students have been bringing in original songs to share with me. I am so thrilled these students write down their songs and eagerly share them with me. Writing songs can be a creative outlet and a form of self-expression. I encourage each student to give their song a title. Some students have written songs and I type their song into a software I have called Sibelius and print a professional copy for the student. Kevin's song is called Staircase and there is a photo down below of his piece. Learning the note names and chord families can provide the tools to compose a song. One of the music theory topics we learn in piano lessons is the circle of 5ths. (See image below) We begin with the key of C and learn the scale. Then we count up 5 notes clockwise and learn the next key signature. Depending on the age and level of the student we will begin learning the chords that go with each key signature. We continue to go all the way around the circle of 5ths and learn all the keys. Inside the circle of 5ths are the minor keys. We also will learn the minor keys. If the student is learning a song in a minor key for example 'Moonlight Sonata' by Beethoven is written in the key of C# minor we will learn the minor scales. If a student completes the entire circle of 5ths by memory, I have a circle of 5ths notebook for them as a reward. I also enjoy songwriting and have been writing songs for a while. I wrote a song called Metamorphosis which is inspired from when I headed back to college and began the challenge of completing my music degree. The lyrics are metaphorical and inspired by nature. My song Metamorphosis is below for you to listen to.
So... during piano or voice lessons I'll be watching out for budding composers!
Have a great rest of your week!
- Holly


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