Train with a Columbia College Chicago graduate guiding you through a comprehensive musical journey.

The Student and Tutor reviewed rhythm exercises, focusing on eighth-note subdivision and rhythmic anticipation. They then practiced D and G major scales, receiving corrections on fingering, and introduced the A major scale. The session concluded with the introduction of a new piece in 6/8 time, where the Student learned about the new counting system, strong beats, dotted notes, and key signatures while practicing the initial measures.

The Student and Tutor worked on advanced piano technique and music theory, analyzing the Schumann piece for phrasing, dynamics, fingering, and pedaling. They delved into improvisation concepts, discussing harmonic decisions, predominant chords, and different types of cadences. The Student also practiced arpeggios and received a new technical assignment: Czerny etudes, with a follow-up task to research cadences.

Student and Tutor discussed proper piano technique, addressing hand pain that might stem from typing habits. They reviewed scales and arpeggios, focusing on achieving smooth execution and relaxed hand posture. The session also involved working on musical pieces, including an E minor prelude and a Beethoven sonata, with emphasis on dynamic control, musical interpretation, and voice separation. The Student will continue to practice these areas with a focus on relaxation and voicing.

Student and Tutor worked on Piano. They reviewed C minor scale and arpeggios, then introduced the G minor scale (natural and harmonic) and G minor arpeggios, focusing on wrist movement and control. They addressed two pieces: "Mrs. Magic," where they practiced octave technique and dynamics, and a Mendelssohn song, for which they discussed fingering, blocking chord practice methods, and musical interpretation. The Student needs to practice the new scale and arpeggios, and apply new fingering and practice strategies to both pieces.

The Student and Tutor reviewed rhythmic tapping exercises using a metronome, focusing on beat subdivision and consistent timing. They practiced D major scales, specifically addressing correct descending fingering and register awareness. The session concluded with applying dynamics and correcting note registers and rhythms within a musical piece. The Student's homework involves practicing metronome work at 40 BPM, refining descending scale fingerings, and incorporating dynamics into the musical piece for the next session in two weeks.

The Student and Tutor engaged in an in-depth discussion on advanced music theory concepts, including chord identification, non-chord tones, secondary dominants, and harmonic analysis of pieces like "To a Wild Rose" and Chopin's E minor prelude. They also covered effective practice strategies for complex piano pieces and explored avenues for finding a musical community. The Tutor assigned a music theory course for the Student to review, and they plan to cover arpeggios in the next session.