Just finished writing up a letter of observation for an independent learning music student from The Evergreen State College. He is doing so well. In his first semester, he learned his foundational forty-eight scales (Major, minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor) in all twelve keys and is able to play them with proper fingerings in the circle of fifths. He has also learned all his modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian). He also learned the diatonic chords in all twelve major keys.
He has since moved on beyond his foundational scales to learning all of his scales in two octaves and has begun learning scales in double thirds (a challenging task). In addition to the scale work, he has learned all his 7th chords in all keys and modes, to include learning all the inversions. He is nearing the end of Alfred’s Adult All-In-One Course for Piano, which means he is reading very well in piano music for both hands including chords, counter melody, and contrary motion. His sight reading improves all the time, and I look forward to teaching him piano arranging and lead-sheet reading for accompaniment work.
I hope to continue to teach him and see him grow even more as a musician and am thankful for the continued opportunity. We have had a few Evergreen students and are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Evergreen in developing musicians for the community.
I love teaching students that love to learn.-SD