Why You Should Learn Chords At the Early Stages
Separation of Duties
Making this distinction right away will avoid relearning later. For special needs students especially, Switching gears from melody shared between the two hands to melody-plus chords (the goal) in an unnecessary burden. Establish the habit right away!
Reflects the True Structure of Music
Most music has a melody and an accompaniment. In piano music, the accompaniment usually provides the rhythmic drive, as it does in any music without strong percussion. Getting students used to this dynamic will help them not only with their own music making, but also in understanding music they hear.
Improves Visual Focus
The chords can become a vital tool, both in creating a good sound, and in aiding the learning process. I have found that students often ask to play with chords even before they have been assigned. It helps them feel "grown up" and aids their sense of accomplishment -- Especially for older students (pre-teens or adolescent).
One Size Doesn't Fit All
There are chords to fit every hand size and degree of coordination. At the outset, younger students will play just two notes at a time with the left hand. Later, they can move up to three-note chords, which provide a huge number of possibilities. We can stay with three-ntoe chords even when learning sevenths, simply by eliminating one note.
Creativity is the rule!
- The approach in a nutshell
- Why it works
- Helps with school work
- Why use chords?
- How is ear/chord playing different?
- You can teach your children!
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