How To Teach Play by Bartók
Today we’re talking about how to teach Play, which is the fifth piece in Béla Bartók’s For Children Volume 1. This is a fun early intermediate piece with two very contrasting sections.
Recommended editions:
For Children, Volume 1 - Boosey & Hawkes
Masterwork Classics book 4 (Jane Magrath)
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
RCM Level 3
Illinois AIM Level 4
Jane Magrath Level 3
Skills and knowledge required to play the A section well:
Accurate playing of the RH - articulation
Correct reading of LH chords
Varied articulation between the hands
Bartok’s fingering
Pedal at the end
Skills and knowledge required to play the B section well:
Relaxed wrist for repeated notes
Tenutos
Putting the piece together: students must be ready for a change in tempo and character. This is a great time to engage their imaginations or use body movements to increase expression.
Interested in learning more about For Children? There’s a fantastic webinar available to MTNA members linked here titled Articulating Bartók: Tips for Teaching For Children. Not an MTNA member? You can watch an excerpt here. (And I highly recommend becoming a member if you live in the United States!)
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