Sunbeams® 1, 2 and 3

Sunbeams 1 (SB1) is the entry point of the MYC® Method for 5-6 year old beginners.  They are first introduced to piano geography and rhythms through our MYC Critters to help set their foundation of music knowledge and education; however, the pace of learning for these Sunbeams matches their developmental stages.  Vocabulary development is the focus for this age group- at this stage we introduce “big kid” terminology to introduce concepts, finger numbers, and keyboard geography.

  • Identification and development of keys and rhythm through MYC’s unique keyboard ‘critters’
  • off-the-staff reading for contour and patterns
  • steady beat experiences
  • on-the-staff (pitch) reading in treble clef and bass clef
  • Grand staff reading (treble and bass clef)
  • listening to identify and use dynamics (loud and quiet sounds)
  • listening to a rhythm pattern and writing it using rhythm writing tools.
  • coordination of LH and RH
  • scale playing with harmonizing bridge chords in C major, a minor and G major.
  • Study of seven different keys with key signatures.
  • Two note bridge chords grow to three note full chords.
  • Coordination of left hand and right hand in playing broken chords with a melody.
  • Coordination in hand-over-hand (crossing over) pieces.
  • Grand staff reading expands to include notes from low G in bass clef to high G in treble clef.
  • Staccato (detached) and legato (smooth) touches are explored.
  • Harmonization (adding chords to a melody) and transposition (moving from one key to another) are important study elements this year.
  • Continued listening to identify and use dynamics (loud and quiet sounds), rhythm patterns and accompaniment styles.
  • Study of minimum of eight keys
  • Continued study of scales harmonized with primary chords and practice of accompaniment patterns including broken chords and playing rhythmic patterns
  • Study of three forms of the minor scale: natural, harmonic, and melodic.
  • Study of inversions of triads
  • Study of cadences. (A cadence is a progression of chords.)
  • Expanded studies of: note names to include ledger lines and articulation with an introduction to accents.
  • Introduction to simple analysis.
  • Continued practice of: harmonization and transposition, composition and arranging, listening for dynamics, meter, articulation, form, and accompaniment styles.
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