Bastian Lit 1: Minuet in G Bach 114 and Practice Steps

This post includes lesson plans and activities that correlate with Minuet in G by Bach 114  in Bastian Lit 1, Schirmer JS Bach, Succeeding with the Masters Bk 1, Easy Classics to Moderns.

Browse the Minuet in G tutorial video to learn specific tips for learning this piece and play along to guide your practice sessions.  Follow the bolded practice steps.

1. Tap the Rhythm

As you listen to the minuet tap the rhythm with a strong downbeat  (1,2,3, 1,2,3, etc.) and lighter arm weight on the phrase endings to imitate the minuet dance style. (see 04:41 & 06:15).

11:30 Note reading & fingering:

2. Practice Right Hand Alone

Mark scale patterns in the music and watch the fingering tips for Expansion, Contractions, Leaps and Crosses (see 11:30 & 13:03).

3. Practice Left Hand Alone

Prep the fingering and hold the left hand longer notes in measures 25, 26, and 29 (see 17:05).

4. Practice Hands Together

Practice hands together slowly noticing parallel/contrary motions or patterns. (see 19:49)

5. Fine Tune Expression with BAPDARP

Balance - Voice the moving melodies 25:52

Articulation -  21:11 Breathe at phrase ends with small wrist float offs

Phrasing 23:00

Dynamics - 25:24 Added by the editor not Bach, Strong downbeat, light thumb pliés

Architecture - Label the form and repeating sections

Rubato - possibly add a slight ritard on the section end and final cadence

Pedaling N/A

30:01 Style & mood

6. Choreography and Technique

View the Minuet in G video tutorial with choreography of tips (wrist circles, rotation, arm weight, etc.)

03:47 Right hand choreography 06:36 Left hand choreography 08:30 Both hands 09:59 Recap & summary