CPTP102: Teaching and Exploring Modes in the Piano Studio

When it comes to teaching modes, teachers can come across all sorts of stumbling blocks. For one thing, they may not have the in-depth knowledge they feel they need – or they may just be unsure of where modes fit in the piano curriculum.

I get questions about modes all the time from teachers. How to identify them, when to teach them, and what their place is in our studios.

So in this episode I thought I'd tackle teaching modes and how to have fun with them in your teaching. I'm talking about the characteristics of each mode and breaking down the mystique that surrounds modal pieces.

Don't forget to download the worksheet so you can follow along for maximum effect.

Transcript

If you'd like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below.

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Get the fantastic modes cheatsheet to take away the confusion for good and get to grips with modes.

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In this episode, you’ll learn

• What exactly is a mode
• The difference between a scale and a mode
• Why I don't reference modes based on white piano keys
• Why we need to teach modes
• The characteristics of each mode
• How you can use the modes to improvise
• How to tell if a piece is in a mode
• What you can do to get better at identifying modes

Links Mentioned

• AMEB Piano for Leisure
• Daniel McFarlane – Supersonics Piano
• Robert Vandall – Modal Expressions
• Robert Vandall – Modes and Moods
• Anne Crosby Gaudet – Emoji Modes
• Marilyn Lowe – Music Moves for Piano
• Forrest Kinney – Pattern Play
• Willard A. Palmer – Fun with Modes
• Lisa Donovan Lukas – Duets a la Mode
• Margaret Brandman – Contemporary Modal Pieces
• Debra Wanless – In the Mood for Modes

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Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run.

Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons!

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How do you go about teaching modes?

Do you explore modes throughout your students' studies? Did this episode help you to clear some things up around modes and what to do with them?