Music Lessons: Theory, Composition, Production, & Performance at Ohio Christian University

During a recent music lesson, Rachael and Helen delved into the circle of fifths, exploring its connection to key signatures and how to identify sharps and flats in major keys. They also covered the fundamentals of chord construction within major keys. Helen was assigned to practice these concepts and review key signatures, preparing for their next lesson where they will continue their work on the circle of fifths and begin learning the new piece, "Elise Meets Emily."

During their recent music lesson, Helen and Rachael not only set a date for their next meeting but also thoroughly reviewed Helen's current assignments. Their focus was on pages 76-77, specifically the "Mexican Hand Clapping Song," where they honed hand positions and chord progressions. Beyond the practical exercises, the lesson incorporated an engaging game about composers and a discussion on historical context. Rachael also initiated Helen into the complexities of the circle of fifths, explaining sharps in key signatures and offering strategies for adapting music to smaller hands. For her practice, Helen is tasked with mastering the assigned pages and the foundational concepts of the circle of fifths.

Rachael Jenkins provided a singing lesson to a learner from Fletcher Heights, focusing on improving vocal techniques for a song. The individual practiced vertical singing, vowel pronunciation, and tongue relaxation to enhance vocal delivery and control. Rachael identified areas for improvement and provided exercises to address jaw tension and diction, with plans to continue refining these techniques in future lessons.

Rachael and Ethan's online singing lesson involved selecting Justin Bieber's "Sorry" as the song to focus on, discussing lesson scheduling and a potential free lesson via review, and practicing vocal warm-ups like the "do-me-so-do" and "do-so-fa-re-do" exercises. The session also included a wide-ranging conversation about topics such as the frustrations of nursing, city development, and experiences during a recent heat wave.

Rachael Jenkins tutored Helen Alonso in piano, focusing on music theory and practice from pages 85-91 of her book, with a goal of learning "The Entertainer." They discussed key changes, chord progressions, and musical terms. Rachael will send Helen a reference sheet of musical terms, and Helen will practice the piece hands separately before their next lesson.

Rachael Jenkins provided Ethan Pech with a vocal lesson that included music theory, vocal warm-ups, and song practice. They covered intervals of thirds and fifths, breath control techniques, and discussed Ethan's nervousness with the selected song, "All of Me." Ethan was assigned homework to practice breath support using a water bottle and to record himself singing.