Piano Lessons by Boston University Educator | Creative and Engaging

During a recent piano lesson, Kirstie Bruno guided Sophia through a practice that encompassed familiar tunes such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Yankee Doodle," and "Can't Help Falling in Love." The lesson also focused on foundational elements like penta scales and chords. For her assignments, Sophia is tasked with teaching her brother, Ollie, either "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or a penta scale, along with "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Additionally, she needs to practice all penta scales starting on white keys in preparation for a pop quiz scheduled for the following week.

Kirstie's piano lesson with Veronica centered on the song "My Heart Will Go On," along with C major scales and arpeggios. Veronica dedicated her time to improving hands-together coordination and refining her finger placements. Her assignments include practicing the first page of "My Heart Will Go On" with both hands, beginning the top line of page two, and continuing work on scales and arpeggios at the tempos discussed.

During a recent violin lesson, Kirstie tutored Francesca, focusing on scales and arpeggios in G and D major. Francesca diligently practiced two-note slurs and worked on improving her finger placement and shifting techniques. Kirstie assigned scales and arpeggios with specific metronome speeds and introduced three-note slurs for arpeggios as a new challenge.

Kirstie and Francesca recently focused on violin techniques, specifically D major and G major scales and arpeggios, incorporating slurs. Their work emphasized metronome accuracy and precise finger placement. They also progressed through exercises 27-30 from a book, played in third position, with Kirstie providing a violin finger chart for Francesca's reference. For her continued practice, Francesca is tasked with practicing the scales and arpeggios up to 140 bpm, continuing the assigned exercises, and preparing the Barkarilli piece for their upcoming lesson.

During her piano lesson, Sophia worked with Kirstie Bruno on scales and memorization techniques for pieces she already knew. The instruction also introduced her to a new song, "Can't Help Falling in Love." To enhance her recall, Sophia practiced playing the instrument with her eyes closed. For their upcoming lesson, she was challenged to sing while playing familiar melodies. Kirstie's homework assignment for Sophia was to practice "Can't Help Falling in Love," paying close attention to its structure.

Kirstie guided Veronica through her piano lesson, where they focused on scales, finger exercises, and began learning the song "My Heart Will Go On." Veronica diligently practiced the C major scale, extending it to two octaves, and worked on improving her finger coordination. For homework, she is tasked with practicing scales using separate hands and learning the first four lines of "My Heart Will Go On," playing the initial two lines together and the following two separately.