Happy Fall, SKC Music Academy students and families!
This month, I want to introduce you to a practice strategy that can help you learn a song quicker, and with less frustration, on the tricky parts: Chaining
Chaining is a highly effective practice technique that involves breaking down a challenging musical phrase into smaller, more manageable sections. It’s a very intentional way of practicing.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to chaining:
1. Identify the Difficult Passage— Pinpoint the specific section of music that you find challenging. If it helps, mark it in pencil so you see the exact section you’re working on.
2. Divide and Conquer—Break down the difficult passage into smaller, more manageable chunks. These sections should be short enough for you to play comfortably without making mistakes. They could be whole measures, or even single beats. Draw in pencil lines to keep track of the chunks!
3. Practice Each Section Individually—Nice and easy, several times each, until you have them right.
4. Connect the Sections—Once you’ve mastered each individual section, start connecting them together. Begin by playing the first two sections, then add the third, and so on.
5. Put it All Together! — Once you’ve successfully connected all the sections, practice playing the entire passage from beginning to end.
6. The Grand Finale – Now it’s time to play the whole song, with your newly worked out section!
And that’s chaining—simple and effective! At your next practice session, look over your music and see where chaining could help you. Try it out and let your teacher know how it went!
Have a wonderful week,
Laura Lee Crandall, owner SKC Music Academy
Student of the Month – Gibson Cheever
Gibson has been taking drum lessons at South Kansas City Music Academy for almost 2 yearrs! He is in the Tuesday Advanced Band and has a vibrant passion for music!
Here’s a little more about Gibson:
Age: 13
School: Prince of Peace, 8th Grade
Why did you choose to play the drums? I was listening to the song Misery Business and was like, “I want to do that!”
Favorite song you’ve learned: Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard
Do you play other instruments? Yes, piano, guitar, and saxophone
Do you have other hobbies? Yes! I love to bake stuff!
Awesome job, Gibson! Keep up the good work!
Where’s your teacher playing?
Many of our teachers perform as well as teach! Check out where your teacher will be playing soon:
Bryson Thomas:
9/25 – Overland Park Fall Festival with Post Clarity
10/11 and 10/25 – solo guitar at Cliff’s Taphouse
Laura Lee Crandall:
9/27 – Sounds on the Square, Gladstone, MO with Midnight Rodeo
10/12 – Plattsburg Fall Festival with Midnight Rodeo
Karren Schiele:
every Sunday, at Grace Baptist Church – Raytown, MO