June Free Sheet Music: Boogie Woogie #3

Happy Father's Day!

Yesterday I hosted two in-person recitals - one at my house for the kids and one at a student's house (who has a lovely grand piano) for the adults; we call them "Piano Parties" to lessen performance anxiety. These were our first in-person piano parties since before Covid hit in 2020, and we were all both excited and nervous!

My students have been making and sending videos which I have compiled into virtual recitals twice per year, for the last 5 years. With videos, of course, you can film yourself as many times as you'd like 'til you get a clip you feel good about (or 'til you are too tired to shoot anymore video!) But as we gathered back together in one room, we had just the one shot at playing as well as we could. Yikes! It was intimidating. But performing is such an important skill to practice, along with our exercises and pieces. My students LOVED meeting each other and feeling all of that connection and support, and they all played very well in spite of shaky fingers and sweaty palms.

Playing music for others is a gift to the listener, truly! People love to hear you play; even if it isn't as good as you can play when you are alone, it's still going to sound great to others who wish THEY could play. I hope that this summer you will take opportunities to play for your friends and family members. As with any skill, the more you do it, the easier it becomes, and the more normal it begins to feel. We were all isolated for so long, so we have to exercise that togetherness muscle again! Sharing your creative practices with others is a part of being a vital human being. Let others support your musical pursuits. It will feel good to say, "Here is what I am playing now; I'm not a professional, and can't play flawlessly, but I love making music, and want to share a little of what I'm learning with you!"

Some of you know that I am studying French. My teacher told me from the outset that I will never be "fluent." (Ouch, did she have to be so brutally honest?!) But she said that over the years I will be able to express myself in French well enough so that French people will be able to understand me, and you know what? That feels like a fun challenge. I go to the French bakery near my house a few times per month and nervously try out a couple French phrases with the owner, and she is super encouraging. I leave the place feeling great! So cheers 🥂 to us for trying something difficult, something that increases our brain power, and something fun at which we can note (in our good, self-loving moments) our gradual progress.

This week I am posting Boogie Woogie #3 which has essentially the same right hand rhythm as Boogie #2 but with a new melody that moves around the keyboard a little more. In case you are wondering, there will be five Boogie learning pieces in all. (But I will also be happy to provide additional arrangements for all who want to delve deeper into Boogie Woogie!) It's a great practice for hand independence - you have to keep the left hand playing a complicated pattern while your right hand plays a melody. Talk about brain gain!! Once you get comfortable with Boogie #3 try playing Boogie #1, #2 and #3 in succession without pausing in between. It will sound great! If you have memorized Boogie #1 (if not, try!) play that one without looking, then move onto #2 and #3.

Print: BOOGIE WOOGIE #3

Here is my Youtube demonstration for Boogie Woogie #3:

How are you doing with the Boogie Woogies? Have you got the left hand pattern down yet? Is it fun or frustrating? I sure hope you are beginning to enjoy it and that it's feeling less difficult each month.

Here in southern California it's beginning to feel like summer already. A friend just gave us a gorgeous bounty of apricots, plums and peaches 🍑 from his trees. Stone fruits definitely light up the part of my brain that signals SUMMER 🌞, and we are relishing the fruit. This year we have herbs such as mint, oregano, dill and basil, lavender and rosemary bushes and many small wild flowers. Our fig and orange trees are filled with teeny tiny fruits which I will have to thin out soon. What's growing in your garden right now?

Thanks so much for subscribing to my blog! I hope you are enjoying the free sheet music and piano talk. Leave us a comment below and let us know how your piano practice is going!

And to all the beautiful dads who are loving and caring for their children, Happy Father's Day! Your strength and support inspire us to be our best selves. With love and music, Gaili