Heidi’s Piano Studio: LPM Connections 1 Musical Elements and Chord Symbols

This post includes piano activities that correlate with Let's Play Music Connections Lesson 1: Musical Elements and Primary Chords.

Music Samples and History

Choose a primary chord song below and listen to hear when the chords change. Choose your favorite to learn with a lead sheet or sheet music (in the Primary Chords Folder).

C Major

Lava (Pixar short)

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ

Kiss the Girl

Lion Sleeps Tonight

Down on the Corner

Challenges:

Try Everything (Zootopia) - Play and sing in C, than transpose to Db to play with the video.

Try Everything by Shakira

I-IV-I-V: I-IV-I-V-I

I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz (D-flat)

I-IV-I : I-IV-I : I-IV-I:| I-V

Make You Feel My Love by Adele (B-Flat)
I-V : V-IV : IV- I : IV-V : I

Improvisation

Activity 1: Bug Rhythm Scales

Play C, G and F Pentascales (5 notes) hands together choosing a different rhythm pattern each day.

Bug- Butterfly (Example in C Major: C-CCC, D-DDD, E-EEE, etc.)
Slug- Bug or Bug-Slug
Surprise me and create your own rhythm!

Activity 2: Scale Melody Improvisation.

Use scale notes to improvise melodies as you play along with the backing track of your choice below.

Hint: It is easier if you repeat sentences in your head as you improvise to that rhythm. For example, use the Teach Piano Today Summertime Improv Card Pack and say "I love swimming!" or "Summer fun has begun."

C Major:

Ukulele