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Pedagogical Issues for Selections from the Popular Selection List, 2002 Edition

RCM Examinations January 2005

RCM Examinations

Pedagogical Issues for Selections from

the Popular Selection List, 2002 Edition

Grade 3

The Entertainer Students will delight in the challenges of learning this

arrangement of Joplin’s popular ragtime composition. Although

the first two pages only are required for examinations (play the

third ending), students will want to learn the entire piece – an

excellent recital piece to showcase their talents!

Pedagogical issues

! “baby stride” left-hand in several places – requires control of

tone and free left-hand movement for success! syncopated melody lines

!

some use of pedal for colour

(Meet) The FlintstonesThis popular television theme from the 1960’s opens with a

flourish as the student plays a sixteenth-note sequence.

Pedagogical issues

! some use of pedal for colour

! syncopated right-hand with two-note slurs from chord to

single note

! some four-note chords in both hands, none larger than a 7th

! balance of melody against inner chords in right-hand in the

last three measures

Once Upon a DreamThis arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s delightful waltz provides the

student with the opportunity to develop voicing and pedaling

skills.

Pedagogical issues

! voicing: highlight the melody

! pedaling

! legato touch

! long lyrical lines

The Pink Panther This timeless classic from 1963 should be performed with

rhythmic precision and a real sense of mystery.

Pedagogical issues! dotted rhythms

! syncopation

! chromatic patterns

! triplet figures in mm. 11, 19, 23, 25, and 27 need to be played

evenly in contrast to the dotted rhythms that precede and

follow them

! bring out the accented notes

The Rainbow ConnectionThis charming, yet simple melody encourages musical students to

play with sensitivity, without requiring great technical

development.

Pedagogical issues

! 7th chords

! broken sixths give a possibility for working on balance withi

the right hand

The Siamese Cat Song Precise articulation and rhythmic control are required to perform

this slow march effectively.

Pedagogical issues

! left hand 5ths require firm staccato touch for control

! coordination and control of alternating open 4ths in right

hand

! phrasing in a completely staccato line

! quite challenging for small, unevenly developed hands – can

be used to develop the balance between the thumb and 4th

and 5th fingers

! precise rhythm

Take Me Out To The BallgameA traditional favourite, this work is quite straightforward, offerin

no real hidden pitfalls for average students.

Pedagogical issues

! stretched waltz bass is excellent for developing the 5th finger

of the left hand and free arm movement needed for the

traditional bass line

! 5 measures from the end (in the A7 chord), ensure that the

left hand is not unbalanced by the C# in the offbeat chords

Under the SeaA light and buoyant approach is needed for this swinging calypso

tune.

Pedagogical issues! syncopation

! swing rhythm

! coordination between the hands

! parallel 6th chords

Grade 4

A Whole New World A Whole New World is a prime example of a winning popular

song that has emerged from a successful Disney movie to become

a modern standard.

Pedagogical issues! much rhythmic interest

! good voice leading in left hand! arpeggiations, melodic balance, pedaling

Cruella De Vil





Capture the essence of this Disney villain by bringing out the

accented notes and keeping the rhythm tight.

Pedagogical issues

! walking bass

! syncopation

! voicing! register shifts

! interesting harmonic progressions

“Hockey Night in Canada” ThemeA firm, resolute touch is necessary – but no rough play, please.

Pedagogical issues

! unison statements in Part A and Recap need clarity andrhythmic precision

! syncopation

! tied notes require full value

! opportunity for transferring accents and inflections that

students have heard on telecasts to a tactile sense

! Part B is both polymetric and syncopated, more relaxed

dynamically

! sequences require a good sense of hand shifts for precise

harmonic sixths and thirds

! dramatic dynamics

Imperial MarchThis arrangement of the Darth Vader theme is very effective.Pedagogical issues

! left hand solid triad shifts demand a relaxed and balanced left

hand

! abrupt harmonic shifts make this musically interesting

! keep the melody moving and shape it carefully

Nadia’s ThemeThis theme is certainly familiar to anyone who watches daytime

television.

Pedagogical issues! the transfer of the melody line to the left hand at m. 11

requires carefully shaped phrasing while maintaining the

ostinato-like chord progression in the right hand

! work on pedaling “by ear” for maximum musical effect

Part of Your World Pedagogical issues

! switching fingers on repeated notes

! syncopation

! some pedaling required

Schroeder

This clever work turns the theme from Beethoven’s well-known Minuet in G into a waltz with distinct jazz tendencies.

Pedagogical issues

! perform with a sense of humour and a blend of styles

! learn Beethoven’s original Minuet first, then Vince Guaraldi's

parody

Star Wars (Main Theme)With the recent release of Star Wars, Episode One: The Phantom

Menace this piece will be more popular than ever.

Pedagogical issues

! development of firm touch for brass-like fanfare opening

! requires rhythmic precision throughout, triplet and dotted

rhythms

! contrast of second theme needs legato touch and fluid

phrasing! chord progressions in left hand

! pedal for connecting chords and for fuller orchestral colour

! control of inner chordal voice in right hand to avoid

overbalancing the melody

YesterdayA sensitive and pianistic arrangement of this Beatles standard.Pedagogical issues

! sensitive pedaling required

! a variety of accompaniment styles

! syncopation

! clearly defined structure

You’re Still the OneThis is a Number One hit from Canadian Country Music supersta

Shania Twain.

Pedagogical issues

!

clearly defined rhythms

! right hand alterations

! select an appropriately slow tempo while still maintaining th

lyrical and rhythmic integrity of the piece

! maintain the musical line

Grade 5

Can You Feel the Love Tonight Pedagogical issues

! mild syncopations

!

left hand chord shifts and register changes! clear pedaling required

! interesting chord changes in mm. 7 and 8

! rhythmic issues in the bridge (mm. 15-16 and m. 20)

! variety of accompaniment styles

! melodic shaping and vocal line

EdelweissThis lovely, gentle waltz from the ever-popular Sound of Music

needs a lilting waltz feeling and gently shaped melody.

Pedagogical issues

! inner voices must be kept quiet throughout to avoid any

tendency toward heaviness

!

work on gentle shading of the lines, and on developing aChopinesque rubato style

I Got RhythmThis American classic provides an opportunity for introducing

students to a wide variety of recorded interpretations.

Pedagogical issues





Pedagogical issues

! bring out the inner voices found within the chordal structure

! use pedal for colour and control of tone quality – no harsh

sound must ever be heard in this sensitive work

! project climax on the second page, but with controlled tone

God Help the OutcastsThis lovely, tender highlight from the musical is a fine exploration

of cantabile, balance, and phrase contour.

Pedagogical issues!

LH figures need to flow and provide a firm harmonic

foundation, though with gentle tone

! the dramatic, emphatic culmination needs a full breadth of tone and support

! listen carefully to phrase contour/direction, otherwise this can

lapse into a vertical context

! use pedal to enhance warmth, but avoid abrupt changes or

murky texture

! explore colouration of key harmonic changes or

chromaticisms (Eb min; D7 ; G,-9)

! subtle rubato possible

“Happiness” ThemePedagogical issues

! jazz waltz featuring a very quick tempo and challenging

articulation in the left-hand pattern

! play with lightness and buoyancy

! sensitive pedaling required

Love Will ComePedagogical issues

! legato melody in octaves in the right hand

! skillful use of pedal and fingering will let this sing

! single-note melody must always project over the inner

chordal voices

! gentle rubato helps to give this piece the sense of breathing

that it should have

Lullaby of Birdland Pedagogical issues

! swing eighth notes

! balance

! interesting left-hand “fills”

! a crisply articulated – but not overly percussive– touch isrequired

OneGreat fun! A jaunty, optimistic, and rhythmically punctuated

selection.

Pedagogical issues

! a good work-out for dotted rhythms, triplets, clean attacks,

and controlled but mobile pacing

! clear articulation is necessary in chromatic fills and melodic

motives

! LH provides harmonic support and clarity without harsh

quality

Pachelbel’s CanonThis traditional favourite starts simply, increasing in technical

challenge through the variations.

Pedagogical issues

!

intensity builds to the most complex passages, and thenrelaxes to the end

! firm, controlled fingers required for right-hand double thirds

! non-legato touch can be developed in both hands to give thisclarity and style

The Prayer This attractive reduction allows an intermediate level performer t

produce a lush orchestral sound without undue duress.

Pedagogical issues

! LH accompaniment is fluid, flowing, subtly supportive! RH legato thirds and sixths need vocal contouring and clarity

! explore colour changes in the surprising harmonic changes,

i.e., from V to flat-VI (finale) and in the modulations to D

minor and B flat major

! pedaling is absolutely necessary, however, chord changes

need complete clarity

! work on control of tone and phrasing within soft dynamics

! much cross-generational appeal

SolacePedagogical issues

! this ballade needs a legato touch, and very subtle use of

rubato

! project and shape the inner voices to achieve musical

sophistication and colour

SolitudeThis Ellington standard begins as a sensitive ballad moving into a

swing-tune in the second section.

Pedagogical issues

! voicing

! chord streaming – melodic and block chords

! sensitive pedaling is required

Sophisticated LadyA sensitive and effective arrangement of this Ellington ballad.

Pedagogical issues

! parallel tri-tones

! cumulative phrasing

!

judicious use of pedal required

! left hand sweeps! some stride piano

Tears in HeavenThis is a beautiful song with a tragic personal history for

composer/performer Eric Clapton.

Pedagogical issues

! lovely introduction with broken left hand figures! right hand shifts and balance concerns which continue in Part 1

! p. 21 bridge: rhythmic shift, mood change, harmonic change





! warmth of tone and pedal considerations throughout

Tell HimThis contemporary ballad was co-authored by The Royal

Conservatory of Music graduate David Foster and recorded by

Canadian superstar Céline Dion with Barbra Streisand.

Pedagogical issues

! melodic balance, phrase sweeps

! left-hand arpeggiations, coordination in part 3

!

p. 88 – harmonic changes!

long melodic statements require contour

! the character changes in each section

That’s The Way It IsThis piece needs a relaxed but fluid pace, and a gentle but full

tone.

Pedagogical issues

! good cross-over appeal

! a variety of rhythmic sub-divisions

! gentle syncopation, held figures/ties keep the performer

focused on the main pulse

! the E flat major section can pose tactile challenges

! breadth and support of tone necessary at the dramatic high

point (p. 4)

Where is Your Heart A welcome revival, this charming Parisian waltz demonstrates the

Neo-classic style of “Les Six” member Georges Auric.

Pedagogical issues

! the E flat major setting poses some tactile challenges as do

the chord voicings and upper note projections

! warm tone and lush texture needed but also careful pedaling

to ensure a clear harmonic sense

! a good opportunity to introduce some aspects of keyboard

harmony, e.g., Dm7b5, D7b9, chains of 7ths (p. 3, third

system)

!

subtle use of rubato helps communicate the vocal breathing

and tender mood! good cross-generational appeal

Grade 7

Alice in Wonderland A charming and sophisticated waltz.

Pedagogical issues

! a general leggiero and clear touch

! left-hand syncopated chordal accompaniment

! long right-hand legato phrases over detached left hand

!

p. 6 – both hands have rhythmic challenge!

p. 7 – left-hand chord shifts

! right-hand chord streams

All My LifeThis lovely ballade provides an opportunity to play with singing

tone and carefully crafted phrasing.

Pedagogical issues

! repeated note sequences need extra attention to avoid

heaviness in the line

! with syncopation and triplet against duple quarter notes, the

rhythm needs to be accurate, but not stilted

! judicious use of pedal for a suitably soft edged sound

BreathePedagogical issues

! this country crossover song has an easy rock feel throughout

! challenge in balancing the melody and accompaniment withi

the right hand

! left-hand bass line needs to maintain a relaxed rock feeling,

and yet must also be strong and steady

Colors of the Wind Pedagogical issues

! left-hand arpeggiations

! parallel 6ths

! maintaining long phrases

! the sequences should not sound too static

! harmonic pedaling

Don’t Get Around Much AnymorePedagogical issues

! swing eighths

! syncopation

!

right-hand chord streams

Hedwig’s ThemeThe tender, mysterious and reflective Section A is followed by an

animated, scherzo/leggiero Section B, concluding with

arpeggiated, florid passage work.Pedagogical issues

! section A requires tonal warmth, fluency in the broken “harp

chords (mm. 11-14), melodic balance, and a clear sense of th

3/8 meter

! LH counterpoint in accompaniment

! fine staccato clarity in the repeated chords alternate with

slurs, inflections and tricky shifts in the harmonic thirds and

fourths! the wrist needs constant attention as do poised finger ends

! develop ease in arpeggios, broken chords, and hand

interchanges to express a sense of flair and vibrancy in the

finale! an excellent articulation exercise which will enhance sonatin

and toccata work

“Hockey Night in Canada” ThemeThis unofficial national anthem combines memorable rhythmic

and melodic hooks instantly recognizable by hockey and non-

hockey fans in Canada, the United States and as Dave Bidini (of

the Rheostatics) observes in his recent book, anywhere you can

create ice and flood a rink.

Pedagogical issues

! primary technical considerations are syncopation and tricky

hand shifts





Pedagogical issues

! the melody and sense of text need to project through the

varied fills and delayed vocal entries

! subdivisions range from syncopation to duplets to triplets

! chord shifts include streams of sixths, ninths, strategic

appoggiatura chords and many melodic suspensions! sense of long vocal line requires sophisticated rehearsal

listening

! tonal hand and arm support is necessary for breadth without

undue percussive quality

!

a structural understanding needed to create the dramatic

culmination and key arrival points

Cool Pedagogical issues

! a jazzy, funky riff is the primary rhythmic motive

! an excellent study in syncopation, triplet quarter notes in a

cut time context, and clear single line chromatic melodic

statements

! harmonically, an interesting use of dissonant sevenths,

ninths, altered chords, and flattened scale degrees (a

sophisticated chart/lead sheet)

! a finger-snapping, punctuated chord attack warranted, but a

controlled pace is needed to keep the clear texture andstructural cohesion

Here’s That Rainy DayPedagogical issues

! sophisticated chording

! interior voice leading

! challenging chord shifts!

subtle rubato required

“Mission Impossible” ThemePedagogical issues

! 5/4 time

!

syncopation

! active left-hand broken octaves! cross rhythms

! accents

! excellent left-hand 4th and 5th finger development

! octave shifts

! 4-note solid chords

“Peter Gunn” ThemePedagogical issues

! the ostinato left hand provides the underpinning for the entire

work

! the lazy triplet quarter notes in the right hand in the seventh

and eighth measures must feel relaxed, while keeping the

ostinato absolutely steady in the left hand

! an opportunity for improvisation occurs after the double bar ! the written parallel chords need to be clean and clearly

articulated

! the buildup to the wonderful dissonance of the final chords

should be over the top, with the final chords nailed to the wall

SomewhereThis tender, nostalgic, reflective song is also a rhythmic workout

Pedagogical issues

! the left hand accompaniment has a constant dotted rhythm

within the expanded broken chord figures, which also

necessitate harmonic perception and tactile awareness for the

shifts to be clean

! pp. 7 and 8 contain a variety of cross-rhythms

! judicious pedaling is necessary to enhance tonal warmth

!

unconventional chord constructions and voicings in RH part pose challenges in melodic projection

! strategic, subtle rubato can be effective

Star WarsThis maestoso, brawny theme from the popular Lucas films will

attract all fans of the Star Wars movies!

Pedagogical issues

! marcato and martial aspects, bravura chordings, hand shifts,

chromaticisms, and harmonic shifts are the immediate

pedagogical concerns! chord streaming in contrary motion, triplet subdivisions

followed by 8ths, strong dotted figures

! much registral change and chord spacing requiring

control/coordination

Stormy Weather Pedagogical issues

! judicious use of pedal required

! swing the slow blues section

! voicing – project the melody

! flourishing dramatic introduction

! syncopation

! rhythmic shifts from triplets, to dotted notes, to eighth notes

The Time of Your Life

Pedagogical issues! differentiate the fill chords from the melodic line

! swing eighths

! syncopated rhythms

! 4-note solid chords

Tonight Rapid-fire mobility, rhythmic drive, and clear and clean harmonic

changes characterize this piece.

Pedagogical issues

!

an over-aggressive, harsh tonal attack needs to be avoided so

that the optimistic character remains! the chord spacing and chromaticism on p. 11 is particularly

tricky, as are the frequent rapid, repeated, and often

syncopated chords

! requires considerable stamina

Grade 9

A Love Before Time





Among the collaborators is celebrated composer Tan Dun,

esteemed in the Classical Avant-Garde for his compositions

merging Eastern and Western traditions. This is a sophisticated

composition, requiring a thoughtful and patient approach.

Pedagogical issues

! an interpretative challenge is to convey the structure andcohesion, avoiding a sense of musically unrelated events

! high degree of syncopation, both melodically and

harmonically, ostinato figures, varied rhythmic patterns, often

assymetrical/unpredictable

!

chord streams/parallel motion provides tactile and voicing

challenges, especially given the frequency of the “alto”

register

! the textural fabric is thick, but the character necessitates an

approach similar to late French romanticism

! a subtle and elegant sensuality will communicate the essence

Bridge Over Troubled Water This Simon and Garfunkel hit from 1969 has become a modern

standard.Pedagogical issues

! beautiful gospel harmonies

! chromatic voice-leading

!

differentiate the fill chords from the melodic line

! rhythmic flexibility required

Colors of the Wind This spiritual piece has already passed the test of time.

Pedagogical issues

! balance, melodic sweep, chord tonal control/support

! textural warmth but also clarity sweep to arpeggiations,

sophisticated pedaling

The Heart Asks Pleasure First Pedagogical issues

!

polyrhythmic accents! capture the difference between the cantabile and marcato

sections

! the melody notes must not be overwhelmed by the sixteenth

notes

Linus and LucyThis popular jazz theme was written for Charles Schultz’s

“Charlie Brown” cartoons.

Pedagogical issues

!

syncopation

! ostinato! 4-note chords

! tricky double-note right hand legato

! no pedal

Take FiveThe classic jazz tune as performed by Dave Brubeck.

Pedagogical issues

! 5/4 time

! hybrid metre

! left hand ostinato

! tactile considerations

! unusual key centre

! intricate articulation

! needs to swing

Theme from “Angela’s Ashes” This piece is terrific pedagogically on many levels: a beautiful,

melodic contour and memorable hooks, with ample opportunity

for compelling emotive communication.Pedagogical issues

! warm and lyric tone necessary to interpret the long melodic

lines and fluid accompaniment figures! here is an interesting structure – both a sense of spontaneity

and logical order are present

! despite the tremendous contrasts, a synthetic cohesion is

compositionally achieved

! much opportunity for colour variance and rhythmic

sophistication

! polymeter, shifting metric accents, syncopation, rhythmic

hooks, and even rhythmic dialogues are present

Time to Say Good-bye (Con te partiro)This piece is a mixture of tender melody and over-the-top

emotional drama.

Pedagogical issues

! the “recitativo” pattern needs careful musical consideration

and a sense of purpose

! the tonal breadth requires support during the “opening up”

dramatic culmination, as do the octaves in the prelude,

postlude and pre-cadential segments!

LH part contains many challenging shifts

! much rubato possible

! requires an understanding of triplets vs. duplets in the

subdivisions, and careful observation of longer durations and

rests

!

the performer needs to think orchestrally

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