Posts by Jon Ophoff

Synergy at Level 1

There is much to share with our beginning students. With limited lesson time, how do we maximize our results? Fortunately, Level 1 presents three elements of pedagogy that have exponential value when taught in combination: introducing new notes with varied fingerings to develop note-reading skill utilizing arm weight for tone production and technique development using […]

Five-Finger Scales and Pattern Recognition

Pattern Recognition Why are five-finger positions a necessary part of piano pedagogy? Because our hands have five fingers. So the relevance of five-finger patterns applies at virtually any level of piano playing. Major and minor five-finger patterns are taught in Level 3 (Spanish Edition) of Piano Adventures® after the basics of reading are acquired in the […]