Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Summer Lessons

It appears that the road construction has migrated away from Donegal Centre on 57th street, but I have noticed some construction along Louise and I-229.  For me, it has become a habit to take the exit at Western and travel down 57th, bypassing the terrible traffic near I-229 and Louise.

Summer Lessons are now underway and some students have taken a few lessons while others have yet to start.  Summer is a time where the curriculum is open.  Often times I ask students and families what they would like to study.  Some students opt to continue along the current curriculum, while others like to learn popular songs.  The South Dakota Music Teacher's Association will be holding its conference in Spearfish this Fall along with competitions open to ages 10 and up; summer is a great time to begin those competition pieces.  I have also had a few students request more music theory and sight reading.  The student of the month award goes to the student who not only requested more music theory, but also texted a music theory question to me on a Friday evening of a holiday weekend!  Whoa!  That is dedication! 

The question...
What is the difference between a chromatic half step and a diatonic half step? 

Answer:
A chromatic half step is a half step that does not change its key name - C to C#, B to Bb, E to E#. 
A diatonic half step is a half step that does change its key name - C to Db, B to A#, or E to F.   

If you have a preference concerning summer lesson curriculum, please let me know soon so that I may plan lessons accordingly.  Have a great summer!

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