UNIT 1 Lesson Book page 12

Into the Cave

  • Playing 3-black-key groups in the lower keyboard range
  • Finding 3-black-key groups
  • Using LH fingers 2-3-4
  • The LH should float down from group to group, flexing gently at the wrist.

let’s get started

1

If you were going into a cave, would you be going higher or lower?

2

Now touch all the 3-black-key groups. Start in the middle with your LH and go lower and lower.

3

As the boys explore the cave, we can explore the music. Point to the finger numbers on the page as I play. Say “2-3-4, together.” How many times did I play the pattern? (3) The student may circle each pattern.

4

Notice fingers 2-3-4 will step down, then play together. Hold and listen. (Demonstrate.)

5

Are you ready to explore the cave? Float down to each group of 3 black keys.

explore & create

  • Bold Explorers!
    These boys are brave and stomp down into the dark cave loudly. Explore this big sound!
  • Scared Explorers!
    It can be spooky in the cave with bats! These explorers tiptoe slowly and softly. Explore this small sound!
  • Ear Training on the 3 Black Keys
    Use LH fingers 2-3-4. Close your eyes! I’ll play a short pattern. You play it back!

    Now I’ll close my eyes. You make up short patterns for me to repeat.

  • Little Bat Student – Student Duet
    Another student may play this rhythm high on a 2-black-key group. Use the words: Lit-tle bat.
    see video

theory book

  • Into the Cave Improvisation (pp. 4-5)
    Students learn the word improvisation and create “into the cave” music with a Teacher Duet—all on the black keys. The keyboard range is explored from high to low as the explorers descend deep down into the cave!

performance book

  • In the Jungle (p. 2)
    This 3-black-key piece encourages s-l-o-w steady fingers to imitate the big, heavy elephant legs.

pedagogy pointers

Again, the LH is the leader to explore more of the keyboard—this time the 3-black-key groups. Using just the middle fingers keeps the hand in a natural position and directs the weight to the center of the hand. Playing from the middle to the bottom of the keyboard reinforces moving down the keyboard.

  • As students play fingers 2-3-4-together on the 3 black keys, individual fingers may tend to flatten. If this happens, coach the student to roll the flattened fingers in—balancing on the fingertips to form a rounded hand shape.
  • Try this technique tip to help round the hand. The student plays and says aloud, “2-3-4 together, ROLL OFF.”

    The black key cluster gives an opportunity to hold and re-balance on the fingertips.

Create a simple duet for two students.