How To Teach Crimson by Robert Starer
Today we’re talking about how to teach the Crimson from Sketches in Color by Rober Starer. I’m also using this piece as a jumping off point for discussing mixed meter and asymmetrical meter. Be sure to watch or read to the end where I give my #1 piece of advice on teaching students music in the 20th century idiom with “unusual” sounds.
Recommended editions and other pieces I mentioned with mixed/asymmetrical meter:
You can purchase Sketches in Color here - set 1 only or here - sets 1 and 2
Bartok’s Dance in Bulgarian Rhythm No.2 in Festival Collection book 8
Kevin Olson’s Imaginations book 3
Kevin Olson’s Imaginations book 4
Bartok’s Jeering Song from For Children Vol 1 in Hal Leonard Piano Library: The 20th Century, Intermediate level
Kevin Olson’s Impressions on Color
Christopher Norton’s Connections series can be purchased here
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
RCM Level 8
Illinois AIM Level 10
Jane Magrath Level 7
Skills and knowledge required to play this piece well:
Ability to count and feel 7/8 time; 2+2+3 - The eighth note micro-beat should always be constant and steady
Modal melody (shades of lydian mode)
Attention to articulation: slurs, staccatos, sharp accents
Repeated notes and fingering
Balance (repeated notes can easily be too loud)
Extreme dynamics
The need for imagination to achieve an overall programmatic effect
So, what is my #1 tip for teaching the “contemporary idiom” or music with “unusual sounds” to students? It’s this: a student’s performance will be most effective when they really go for it. We should encourage our students to commit and highlight those characteristics.
When performing dissonant harmonies, strange melodies, or complex rhythms, students oftentimes shy away and play in almost an apologetic manner, which communicates something to the effect of, “I’m sorry this is so dissonant!” This approach is actually counter-productive and makes the piece lose its effect, making it less enjoyable to hear.
Do you agree? Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts on this subject. Or let me know your favorite pieces that use mixed meter and asymmetrical meter!
Some of the above are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a product link and make a purchase, Janna will receive a small commission.
