How to Teach Reverie by Debussy

Today we're talking about how to teach Reverie by Claude Debussy. It is a well-loved piece that late intermediate/early advanced piano students love playing, and a good introduction to Debussy. It should go without saying that in an eleven-minute video, I was unable to go into a long discussion of how to teach tone color and nuanced voicing, but I hope that these basic thoughts are helpful to you and your students.

 

Recommended editions:

Also recommended: Jennifer Linn’s Les Petites Impressions for intermediate students preparing to study Debussy.

 

Skills and Knowledge Required to play this piece well:

  • Polyrhythm - three against four

  • Left hand arpeggios

  • Changing key signatures and interesting harmonies

  • Shifting all over the keyboard

  • Melody passed between hands

  • Voicing of melody over accompaniment

  • Debussy’s instructions such as “meno p” (and other very softs)

  • Damper pedal and possible use of una corda

 
 

Stay up to date with Janna!

Enter your email address to get great piano pedagogy content in your inbox.

    Please choose one:
    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
     

    The above are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a product link and make a purchase, Janna will receive a small commission at no charge to you.

    Previous
    Previous

    20/20 Vision for Piano Teachers

    Next
    Next

    How To Evaluate An Intermediate Repertoire Series