CPTP110: Why Every Student Should Know Happy Birthday with Lucinda Mackworth-Young

CPTP110-Why-Every-Student-Should-Know-Happy-Birthday-with-Lucinda-Mackworth-Young

Lucinda was trained in a traditional classical system, but when she realised that she couldn’t even play Happy Birthday at a party (without sheet music) she felt a little cheated. Why couldn’t she do something so simple after all these years of study?

She wished that someone who had these playing by ear skills would write down the formula, so that we could all learn to do it.

Lucinda Mackworth Young

As Lucinda began to teach students herself she gradually developed this step-by-step process and eventually put it all together in her book: Piano by Ear.

Lucinda has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to teaching aural skills – and how to play Happy Birthday – in a way that’s digestible for students. She makes playing by ear accessible to even the most by-the-book teacher.

I’m so excited to share this interview with you today, I know you’re going to take away a lot of great tips and ideas.

Transcript

If you’d like to download a PDF transcript of this episode, please click below.

Inner Circle Members: You can access your PDF download now from the Resource Library. Not a member?

In this episode, you’ll learn

  • What sparked Lucinda’s interest in playing by ear
  • Why we got out of the habit of teaching ear training
  • What most people want from piano lessons
  • The balance between reading, ear and improvising
  • How to encourage more singing in your studio
  • Why you should sing the chord numbers as you play
  • How Lucinda teaches Happy Birthday with chords
  • How Lucinda approaches modes

Links Mentioned

Today’s Sponsor

“I am thrilled to be the brand ambassador for these incredible, dynamic, game-changing instruments developed by Casio – the Celviano Grand Hybrid pianos. If a person desires the qualities of a grand piano (or even more than one) but doesn’t own a manor house to place it in, the Celviano Grand Hybrid is your answer.” – Simon Tedeschi

The Casio Celviano Grand Hybrid range is the perfect combination of innovation and tradition. Developed in collaboration with C. BECHSTEIN, Casio has introduced a game changer – offering an acoustic grand piano action, response and feel, with the benefits of a digital piano.

Casio Celviano Grand Hybrid features at a glance:

  • Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard developed by C.Bechstein and Casio

Made with full-length wooden concert grand piano keys, using the same materials and processes as the C. Bechstein concert grand pianos.

  • AiR Grand Sound Source (Three 9’ acoustic concert grands to choose from Berlin§  Berlin (C. Bechstein)

*  Hamburg (Steinway)

*  Vienna (Bosendorfer)

* 32 other sounds (23 on GP300)

  • Grand Acoustic Sound System

*   6 x speakers, 2 amps

*    Arrayed vertically (up/down) for acoustic grand piano soundboard-like experience and sound-field

  • Record direct to a USB flash drive for sharing and editing
  • Dual headphone capability
  • Piano duet mode

For more details about the Casio Celviano click here.

Get $100 off Annual Inner Circle Membership

As a valued podcast listener, you’re eligible for a $100 discount on an annual Inner Circle Membership. This discount lasts for as long as you’re a member and whatever price you sign up for today is the price you’ll pay as long as you remain a member.

Copy this coupon code to use when you see the “Coupon Code” box:  PIANOPODCAST.

Thank you for Tuning In!

There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen mine.

Whether you’re at the gym, on the bike or in the car, I know that you and your students will get lots out of what you learn in the long run.

Just make sure you try out some of the ideas before they get lost in the business of your next lessons!

If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons on the left of the page.

Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes or on my Facebook page. Reviews are extremely helpful when it comes to show’s ranking and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally.

Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live.

Can your students play Happy Birthday?

What about Lucinda’s approach to this was most interesting to you? Do you teach them these kind of well-known songs by ear?

Your ultimate teaching resource

subscribe to the
Integrated music teaching podcast

Are you ready to upgrade your teaching?

Join the world's largest
creative music teaching membership

30 day money back guarantee

We understand that confirming your membership is a significant decision, so if you purchase a subscription and, within the first month, realise that this is not the right fit for you, simply send a message and we will refund your money immediately.

contact us

Reach out to learn more about our multi-teacher memberships