Tender Moments. Piano Solo, Early Intermediate. Studio License
Nomads was commissioned by Nicola Cantan for Vibrant Music Teaching’s Concept Collection Five: Un-Position.
As a piano teacher for over 30 years, I see how easy it is for students to get “stuck” in certain hand positions! But of course, “real” music isn’t written that way. Students must learn to explain their keyboard geography beyond 5 finger positions!
As a composer preparing for this project, I pondered the word, “move”, since that is what we are asking the students to do - move their hand positions. I found 2 different definitions for move: 1. to physically move from place to place and 2. emotionally - we can be “moved" by a beautiful piece of music. I enjoyed exploring both of these possibilities.
For this Early Intermediate piece, Tender Moments, I decided to focus on the concept of “move” as an emotional element, while still asking the student to make various hand position movements. Be sure to exaggerate the suggested dynamics for more expressive playing to create that emotional connection with the listener. This sweet piece speaks to the Heart!
You can see the hand position movement most clearly in the Left hand accompaniment, as the student is asked to change positions almost every measure.
Right hand uses a variety of ways to move positions: Crossing fingers over to reach the new position (m. 2 to 3). Extension of reach - a 6th or 7th (m. 5 and 15). Same note, finger substitution (m. 10 to 11). Also notice the Left hand figure that extends to reaches of 10ths. Don’t worry, use a rotation of the wrist to reach this interval - you can do it!
Key: D Major
Time signature: 6/8 , BPM = 54 (Dotted Quarter Note)
Skill development:
Moving hand positions by jumping or extension. Lyrical playing. Dynamics. Note reading. 6/8 Time.
What level: Early Intermediate.
How long: Cover + 1 page music. Performance time 1:00.
This is a STUDIO LICENSE: One purchase - One person is allowed multiple copies for students in their Studio. Thank you for honoring the creativity and work of the composer.
I hope you enjoy playing this ballad - what emotions do you think it is trying to express?
