Success Music Studio

Geoff

Geoff (pronounce Jeff) Keith has taught instrumental music lessons for over 30 years, and special needs students for over 20 years, accruing over 6,000 hours working with special needs and LD students. In the 1990’s, he developed FBC Sudbury’s Kid’s Music Club program (children’s choir). His articles on teaching music to students with learning disabilities have appeared in the Dyslexic Reader. The information in the blog is similar to the information he presented at Berklee College of Music’s ABLE Assembly, which is a special needs arts conference for teachers. Also, he has been included in Marquis Who’s Who biographies.

Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies - Music Book - How Do I Switch from Minor Key Shaped Notes to Standard Notation

Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies

Do you want to sing Eastern European folk melodies and mediaeval chants? Are you puzzled about how the aeolian mode works? Modes have been a feature of music from ancient times to today. Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies lets you explore the exotic sound of the aeolian mode. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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Need Advice for Teaching a First Year High School Jazz Pianist - Pianist - How to Graduate from Color Coded Music Symbols

Need Advice for Teaching a First Year High School Jazz Pianist?

“What advice do you have for a pianist in jazz band?” Piano in middle school and high school jazz band can be challenging. Jazz is chromatic and modulates often. This means that piano teachers will have to have a plan of attack. Click if you need advice for teaching a first year high school jazz pianist. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

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How Do You Sing Eastern European Vocal Harmony in 2nds by Ear - Babushka Musicians - Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies

How Do You Sing Eastern European Vocal Harmony in 2nds by Ear?

Have you ever wondered how Eastern European vocalists sing polyphony in parallel 2nds? Do you want to know how world music works? Understanding world music involves stepping outside your own perspective and seeing from the world musician’s point of view instead. Click to answer the question, “How do you sing Eastern European vocal harmony in 2nds by ear?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

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What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music - Don Quixote - Stage Fear, How to Deal with Performance Anxiety

What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music? Part 2

Do you want to move your audience to tears as you perform? Do you need suggestions for how to interpret your songs? Interpretation is when you put your personal stamp on a song. Today’s interpretation tip can help you craft powerful performances. Click to answer the question, “What do people mean by the term interpretation in classical music?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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Can Someone Explain Roman Numeral Analysis in Layman's Terms for Me - Lego Roman - Tonic vs. Root in Music Theory - What’s the Deal with These i-VII-VI-V and iv-V-VII Chords and Stuff

Can Someone Explain Roman Numeral Analysis in Layman’s Terms for Me? (Part 1)

“Can someone explain Roman Numeral Analysis in layman’s terms for me?” The Roman numerals you see in music might seem arcane. However, once you get a handle on them, they can really help your understanding of music. Click to have the secrets of music theory explained in simple terms. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

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Can I Become a Music Teacher if I Have Special Needs - Cello

Can I Become a Music Teacher if I Have Special Needs?

“Can I become a music teacher if I have special needs?” Having special needs doesn’t automatically bar you from teaching. In fact, if you want to teach special needs students, you have an edge as a teacher. Click to find out how you can become a special needs music teacher. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

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How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation - Boys Choir - How Do I Switch from Minor Key Shaped Notes to Standard Notation - Singing Shape Notes Solfege Ionian Melodies - What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean - What Exactly Is a Chord and What Does the Term Harmony Mean

How Do I Switch from Singing Shaped Notes to Standard Notation – Part 1

“How do I switch from singing shaped notes to standard notation?” Because they’re easy to read, shape notes will always be a good choice for struggling readers, and it makes a great introduction to solfege too. However, the limited shape note repertoire means that shape note singers may want to learn to read standard notation as well. Click to learn how to transition from shaped notes to standard notation. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

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Whats a Good Alternative to a Metronome for Practice Sessions - Metronome - I’m Having a Hard Time Keeping a Steady Beat - Singing Rhythm - BPM (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat) - - How to Learn Music Theory with a Learning Disability

What’s a Good Alternative to a Metronome for Practice Sessions?

Teachers, do you have students who can’t use a metronome and can’t keep a steady beat? We all know how valuable metronome practice can be. However, it can be tricky for students to sync with a metronome, and many students flat out refuse to work with them. Click to answer the question, “What’s a good alternative to a metronome for practice sessions?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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