How To Teach Satie Gymnopedie No.1
Today we’re talking about how to teach the first Gymnopedie by Eric Satie. This is a beautiful piece that ranks in the top list of most-recognized piano pieces. To that end, I have included it in my curated listening list for students titled Piano Pieces Every Piano Student Should Know. If you have not already downloaded that, please click here.
One thing that I could have stated more explicitly in the video is this: it is the teacher’s responsibility to help a less experienced student (regardless of age) decide on fingering and distribution options, based on the individual student’s hand size and comfort level with large chords. Teachers are encouraged to consult multiple editions (see below) and experiment with various fingering options themselves to help each student decide what works best for him or her.
Syllabus listings for difficulty level:
Illinois AIM Level 8
Jane Magrath Level 8
Skills and knowledge required to play this piece well:
3/4 time signature
D Major key signature with interesting chords and extended harmonies
Three-tiered texture: melody + bass line + inner chords
Redistribution of large chords in two hands, decisions around fingering
Balance of melody over accompaniment
Damper pedal to sustain through whole measures, given the bass line
Imaginative engagement with this ambient piece with a bizarre title
It is of vital importance that our students listen to professional recordings of well-known pieces, such as this one. Here is one option:
And here is a recording of Debussy’s orchestration. Note that Gymnopedie No.1 begins at 3:12.
