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. 

C Major
Kiss the Girl (Little Mermaid)

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ

Down on the Corner

Lava (Pixar short)

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 
• 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.

C Major:
Ukulele

Little Idea

Hey!

A New Beginning

Buddy

Tenderness

Once Again

 

Retro Soul, A Day to Remember

A Day to Remember

Supplementary Music

Piano Safari Rote Technique Piece Half Step Song 

Can you play The Half Step Song with a relaxed hand, non-legato? Be sure to keep a steady beat to prepare for the duet.

Part 1: Ping Pong

Ping Pong High (Doghouse)

Ping Pong Low (Garage)

Ping Pong High

The End You Know

Related Posts

#2 LPM Cadences and Inversions

#3 LPM Note Naming and Chord Variations

#4 LPM Rhythm and Counting

#5 LPM Intervals

#6 LPM Major Scales and Key Signatures