chopsticks
blog posts

Teach music confidently without the stress

Using “sus” chords to inspire beginners

by Tim Topham

No, I’m not talking about anything ‘suss’, but rather chord “suspensions”. If you’re not familiar with suspensions, or how they can be used to inspire your students from their first or second lesson, read on… I like to introduce triads in a student’s very first lesson or two and in some cases it’s the first ... Using “sus” chords to inspire beginners

01/30/2012 Read more

Chord playing for beginners

by Tim Topham

I normally introduce chord playing for beginners in root position within the first two lessons for a new beginner. Why? Simply because playing triads with the RH and octaves or single bass notes in the LH is instantly fun and sounds really musical. It’s also great practice for learning about harmony and common chord progressions. I ... Chord playing for beginners

06/13/2011 Read more