Pieces from AGMS Syllabus: Arabian Journey | Secret Agent Hideout | Skater's Dream | Tricks of the Trade

About Skater’s Dream

Skater’s Dream is a charming piano piece set in a gentle triple time, evoking the graceful and fluid movements of figure skaters gliding over ice. This five-finger piece was written to develop dexterity and individual control of each finger across a legato pattern.

Teaching Tips

1. Start with body singing. This is singing the notes (letter names or sol-fa) and touching the body: C=feet, D=knees, E=hips, F=shoulders & G=head. Teacher & student should face each other whilst playing the backing track. The teacher can sing one phrase demonstrating, and the student can copy back while singing the next.
2. Next, identify which direction the notes go, either up or down. Draw the phrase shapes on a piece of paper, identifying the direction of the notes. Notice that each phrase is repeated.
3. If available, have the student play chimes or a xylophone along with the backing track whilst singing. Make it more challenging by changing hands to play the chimes like the music.
4. Play the piece on the piano along with the slow version of the backing track. Gradually speed up. Introduce the sheet music. Ask your student to point and sing.

The focus for technique in this work includes:

• Legato playing – ensuring a smooth, even sound between fingers.
• Rhythmically secure quavers – each bar has the same rhythm so it is important to ensure the notes are played evenly across each phrase and each hand.
• Dynamics – encourage your student to play the dynamics to the best of their ability. 

General Knowledge

Key:
C major

Tempo:
Andantino: is slightly faster than walking pace or Andante.