Chattanooga Choo Choo (Early-Intermediate Piano Solo) Alfred's Adult Level 1
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2015
- TEACHER DEMO. This big band swing tune is on p. 156 of the Alfred's Adult All In One Course Level 1. This song was originally recorded by the Glenn Miller orchestra for the film "Sun Valley Serenade" in 1941.
I like to use the pedal through the middle section of the song.
SHEET MUSIC
Alfred's Adult All In One Level One:
www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/...
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Our channel homepage: goo.gl/jH4v9H
PIANIST
Performed on a Bosendorfer 7'4" Concert Grand Piano (225SP) by Norma Meis
Camera: Samsung Galaxy S5
Microphone: CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser
Audio Recording Software: Audacity
Editing Software: Blender
If you're doing the book, congrats on reaching the end! Keep up the good work and carry on. :)
Thx
Much thanks from the future/present (which is now the past)
Stop it! Dont do that!
It’s four pages long 😅
thanks, steve.
This is going to be my celebration song!! Great Job everyone who has finished the book!!!!
Awesome!! Yes, Congratulations to everyone who has completed Level 1!!
Well played. I'm on this song. It's the last of my first Alfred's book. Can't wait to finish it
Congratulations!! Good for you!! --Norma
What do you think of the songs in the book
hey, haev you finished the song? If so, did you enjoy the feeling of all that practice and now finishing the book?
played very beautifully... Im learning it right now.
Thank you! Norma
Noice
Piano and this song combined creates the ultimate nostalgia for me
So glad! --Norma
Hi just wanted to say thanks; I started to learn this from scratch one month ago and pretty got it now - enough for my piano tutor to sign my certificate and now I’m onto book 2! Am writing this comment to hopefully inspire someone else to also finish the book. I struggled like mad on the final few songs, but practising an hour a day saw me through. I had many moments I thought I would NEVER be able to play this song! If I can do it then YOU can do it too! 👍 😃
Thank you so much for sharing those words of encouragement for others as they struggle through the challenging songs at the end of the book. Yes, the practice and perseverance pays off! And Congratulations on being in Book 2!! Yay!! --Norma
I really need to hear this, so thank you!
@@tuan_stev You're very welcome! --Norma
A tough piece to learn and play... have been going at it for months now and gradually getting it. Then... I listen to you playing it!!! Oh... I have so much more practice to do. Ha ha. Thanks for these demos - they are incredibly useful.
So glad that you are finding the videos helpful in your musical journey! --Norma
who else randomly went to the last song in the book?
edit- yay i finally got to the song!! :D
Definetly
Currently on pg 77 😂
vcp002 idk what page it is but i’m on scarborough fair and raisins and almonds
Me! I wanted to see what I’ll be capable of doing at the end of all this!
Lol I’m just now on Café Vienna, but I was curious to see what the last page was like
Wow. This is great. I just started learning this song for my lesson next week. Hopefully, I can do it as well (and fast!) as you have done one day. I started taking piano lessons a year ago at age 48!
Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment! And good for you getting started at 48. I just had a new adult student start 2 weeks ago. He is 51. Currently, my oldest piano student is 73. I would love to see more and more adults playing the piano. There are so many benefits mentally, physically, emotionally. It is time well spent! Keep up the good work! --Norma
I finally reached the end of the book after... 5 years... I had to reteach myself last year since there was a pause me playing the piano, but glad to be here I guess? This will help me a lot to learn the whole song, thank you!
You're very welcome! Good for you persevering! --Norma
Me, finish this level after ..8 years..put off..and restart
I have few other songs before this one and I'm already crying on how hard it's 😭
You've made it this far, you can do it!! And good news, the first few songs in the Level 2 book are actually easier than the songs that are at the end of the Level 1 book. So you'll get a bit of a reprieve at the start of the next Level. --Norma
4 months self learning during corona pandemic. Finally reached the end of this book. Thanks again!
You're very welcome! And Congratulations!!! Great use of your time!! --Norma
I've found Chattanooga Choo Choo alot of fun to learn, the harder the Alfred's level 1 tunes this and Singin' In The Rain the more I like them. A base of learning 20 years ago before lapsing has put me in good stead. I can't wait to take on Alfred's Lesson Book 2.
Yes, even after a gap of learning, the foundation that was laid is still very helpful! So glad that you are enjoying the more challenging pieces at the end of the Level 1 book and are eager to get started on the Level 2 book. There is a great variety of music in the Level 2 book and a range of difficulty levels. Let me know what some of your favorites are in the next book! --Norma
Thanks Norma, haven't started Alfred's book 2 yet but all through I've been expanding my off-book repertoire Liebestraum, Song For Guy, Moonlight Sonata 1st movement, Mad World gary jules version etc. happy tinkering.
@@erimart63 Awesome! Great to include some of your other favorites along the way. I use the Alfred's series as a foundation with my teen and adult students and then supplement according to their interests. And You've already got a head start on the Level 3 book by learning the 1st Movement of Moonlight Sonata. Keep it up! --Norma
For anyone looking for a challenge, play the left hand an octave down and the right hand an octave up. Also play the left hand chords two times per beat for a jazzy/bluesy sound
Great Idea!! I'll have to try that! --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 I've since learned a lot more about music. The original song has an 8 to the bar left hand, so you play the chords twice like I said, but it's a different pattern. It's C, G, A, low g for a quarter note, G, A, G, repeat. Of course you could use any 8 to the bar left hand and it would sound great. I don't think you should play the right hand an octave up because it doesn't sound right with the vocals of the song. I've decided to learn the original version because it makes me happy to play fast songs lol. It's hard relearning the timings.
Just about to start to learn this, have loved the journey through Alfred book 1. This seems extremely difficult but giving myself a month to learn it in before my next lesson. Thanks for these videos they are a huge help! 😃
You're very welcome! Yes, give yourself time and don't feel rushed while learning this piece. So glad that you have enjoyed your journey through the Alfred Level 1 book, I think you'll enjoy the Level 2 book even more! So much more great music to come! --Norma
I just learned how to read notes then skipped toward the back songs since i have been playing piano for a while. This song is a very fun toon to play.
Yes, this is a fun song to play! I especially like the middle section with the right hand broken chord pattern. --Norma
I've been working at this (and other songs) for about a month. I thought I was doing all right until I saw this performance, which is far smoother and faster than I've been able to manage. I definitely have more work to do.
You are not alone. I feel the same way with the songs that I am working on too!! I think that my tempo is okay and then I check it with my metronome or listen to a recording and go "Oh, Wow! It's going to take a lot longer to get it like that if I ever do?!! --Norma
I am in the middle of the book and... I will learn this a WoW
This is a fun song! I especially like the middle section. --Norma
Wow. Just, wow.
Thank you so much! --Norma
This looks like a fun piece to play. I hope to learn it.
It is! I especially like the middle section of it. Enjoy! --Norma
*"look like"*
yes, looks lile.
You are a big help! thank you!
So glad that you found the video helpful! --Norma
It took me almost a year to reach this, welcome to the club 👏
Thank you! --Norma
I can play each hand by itself but putting them together is the tough part but this really helps! Thank you for posting!
You're very welcome! --Norma
Nicely played. I've been working on this one for about a month. Tough going, but getting there!
Good for you! Keep it up! --Norma
Stranger Sun yes, this is very challenging...mine sounds like train straining to go uphill. Been working on this for a couple of weeks, but slowly getting there. I’ve been taking lessons since January (with a mandatory month off) and I’m 63 so kind of got a late start. Just keep at it, it’ll come.
Nice! I've just gotten through it, and it's pretty satisfying. I have to admit that while this is still baby steps in the grand scheme of things, it's the first piece that really feels like I did something. I don't know if it's true for anyone else, but this one took some conditioning in the wrists and hands to practice through.
The patterns are really different in this song compared to others in the book so what you were expressing makes sense since it is requiring some different movements than you had done prior. --Norma
I was looking forward to playing this but my book stops at Amazing Grace. This song sounds so fun to play
Yes, the newer edition of the Alfred's Adult series Level One has extra songs at the end of the book. There is a link for the sheet music in the description below the video. --Norma
Learned in about 1 month, first i was thinking this is too difficult but after practice this it will get easier by itself (playing piano for 2 years)
Wonderful!! Good work!! --Norma
thank you so much
You are very welcome! Norma
Working on this also. I'm 65 and just started lessons in March. My husband says I'm doing well. I hope to play it as well as you someday.
Yes, your husband is correct. You are doing well! Good for you making it to this song having just started in March! Keep up the good work!! --Norma
How's is your playing going? I was reviewing this song the other day and I forgot it all! 🤣🤣
Thanks a lot.
You're very welcome! --Norma
I'm learning it. It's quiete challenging ! I hope I can play it as well as you do someday...
Yes, this is a challenging song. Good for you putting in the time and effort learning it. You'll gain some good skills from this that will make future songs easier so it's worth the effort even if it's not as smooth as you'd like. Congratulation on being at the end of Level One! --Norma
Nice one! I'm almost ok at it! Lol The last 8 measures I really need to work on... Thanks for showing me how it should sound!
You are very welcome!! --Norma
I've been playing this for months and still haven't mastered it... There's just so many more techniques and difficult stuff to learn that the last songs don't have, it's a huge jump.
I agree with you, it is a huge jump. And then at the beginning of the Level 2 book, you will find some easier songs. So don't be afraid to start the next level if you haven't already. --Norma
finally finished with the book
Woohoo!! Congratulations! Celebrating with you! --Norma
I’m on this song and the pace is so quick! Though you’ve demonstrated it fantastically! Nicely done!! 🙂
Thank you so much! --Norma
Well played !
Thank You! --Norma
Well played and cool tune.
• Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
Cheers to you from Hawaii! Glad you enjoyed the song and great to hear from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway! Norma
Hawaii?? cool
Yes, Hawaii, we've lived here 15 years now and I love it! Aloha, Norma
I have another version of the Alfred 1 book and am so disappointed this is not in it... Hope I can learn to play this as well 😊
Yes, this song is included in the "All-In-One" edition but not in the "Basic" edition. They added several "bonus songs" at the end of the newer edition so you might find a few more songs on my channel that aren't included in your book. If you haven't already purchased the Level 2 book in the series, you might want to get the "All-In-One" edition since they added a lot more songs to that Level particularly. --Norma
now i wish i could finish this book faster to get to this
Ahhh! The never-ending plight of all pianists! I think we all can relate to your desire to be more advanced than we currently are. --Norma
Yeh i just got to the end of the book its great
I have This book Alfred's All-in one that I bought brand new. The last page is pg. 158 and the last verse ends.. " I used to call funny" and there's no more.. that's the end of the sheet music, end of the book. But I feel like I must be missing a page, because that's not the end of the song!
btw, I am not up to that song yet either, I got my very first piano in Oct so I m working on "When The Saints go Marching In." However I am having fun and learning alot! thank you for the lovely piano playing! It was very nice!
Yes, you are missing page 159 which is the last page of this song. And then on the back of that is a "Certificate of Award" for completing the book. Frustrating that a brand new book was missing a page. So glad though that you are having fun and learning a lot! Playing the piano should always be a good combination of those aspects. It still is for me even after all of these years. --Norma
I think you play this very beautifully, great job! I'm still trying to convince my parents let me have piano lessons, cause the piano seems like such and enjoyable instrument to play. Any advice of how I can get some lessons, and how I can convince my parents? Your a great pianist!
Thank you so much! The piano is a great instrument to play and something you can do for your entire life. There are so many benefits to learning how to play a musical instrument. You can google "benefits of playing a musical instrument" and will find many, many articles that will give you some talking points with your parents to encourage them in this process. Here's the link to a 5 minute video that shows how music benefits the brain: ua-cam.com/video/R0JKCYZ8hng/v-deo.html&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs
If it is the expense that concerns your parents, could you find some way to earn some money to help offset the cost? That would show them your commitment to the endeavor and the responsibility to follow through.
There are several ways to find a piano teacher depending on your location. If you have a music store nearby, ask them for recommendations. If there is a music teacher at your school, ask them. Google "piano teachers" in your area...some of them will have websites. Google "piano tuners" and call and ask them who they recommend. If you have any friends that play the piano, ask them who their teacher is.
It is important to find a teacher that you really connect with. If things aren't jiving, try a different one.
Let me know how it goes, Norma
Perfect. Learning this piece now and your performance has helped no end. Thank you.
Good work !!!
Thank you!! --Norma
Yes, in answer to your other question, I was swinging the 8th notes throughout the song in a triplet rhythm. --Norma
Thanks those grace notes are hard
You're welcome! I've had a lot of years with grace notes. They get much easier with time as the fingers develop more agility. You just gotta keep doin' them. --Norma
Thanks I always need some audio and visualizing it on the keyboard rather than just sheet music (I have a piano test due tomarrow and I haven't learned any of it lol)
You are very welcome! I hope you are a fast learner and can do well on that test tomorrow. :) --Norma
Killin Films How did the test go for you? :-)
Damn your good. Your grace notes sound so much better than mine. 😀
Thank you so much! It's kind of not fair since I've been playing grace notes for many, many years. It takes time to get used to those speedy little critters. So at this point, I definitely wouldn't expect yours to sound as speedy or effortless as mine. They're one of those elements that improve with time. By the time you get to the Alfred's Adult Level 3 book, they'll be a lot easier. --Norma
I’m on this last song and I want to play it as good as this
Yay!! You made it to the end of the Level 1 book!! Congratulations! Almost in Level 2. The first few songs in the Level 2 book are actually easier than the end of the Level 1 book. They were kind and started gently before giving you more challenges. :) --Norma
92PianoKeys thank you for the heads up 😊
Just started this- going to take a while to pick up I think
Be patient and practice it in sections. Norma
92PianoKeys thanks- will do- luckily I have. Teacher once a week so can go through it with him as well
Excellent!
Norma, do you EVER make a mistake? You play everything so perfectly! I love your videos; they are so useful and helpful. How many hours a day do you practice?
Thank you so much!! I actually make mistakes every single day, that's just a part of playing the piano. We like to call those "mistakes", "unintended" notes instead. :)
I wish I practiced 2-3 hours a day, but my life just hasn't run in that direction with all of my varying responsibilities over the years. If I can practice 5 hours in a week, then I feel like I can make some progress, anything beyond that is a bonus! --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 I'm in the same place you are with practice! I do enjoy playing but sometimes other things have to take priority. I love the "unintended notes" moniker for mistakes. 🤣🤣
Aye thanks lol I've been working on it and I still mess up a lot
You're welcome! Just keep at it. I play "unintended" notes every day at the piano. It is normal. Just a part of the learning process. --Norma
I’m Still plugging away at this- what make and model is your piano
Bosendorfer 7'4" Concert Grand Piano (225SP) ---We absolutely love it!! Norma
Letter notes?
Is 90 pages in 2 and 1/2 months good? I havent see anyone go through the book live yet.
Yes, you're doing great! Keep up the good work! And don't be discouraged when you find it taking longer to learn the songs towards the end of the book. They are more difficult and that is normal. --Norma
It's very good I'm learning at the age of 9 is it ease
Easy? depends on your ability level. For some this would be easy, for some this would be difficult. I have one 9 year old student who would find this easy and I have several other 9 year old students who would find this too difficult. You can let me know how you find it. Norma
I don't really like how there's a really hard difficulty jump here lol... it went from 5 to 50 then back to 5 on the 2nd book.
Yes, some of the songs at the end of the level 1 book are more difficult than the songs at the beginning of the level 2 book. They do that when they transition from the Level 2 to 3 as well. I think sometimes they are just trying to "ease" you into the next book with a couple of easier songs. --Norma
92PianoKeys That will actually help me a bit, I'm getting tired of spending 4 or more days on just 1 two pages song.
I’m also learning this piece now! Thanks for the demonstration but you’re rushing the upbeats on the quaver tied minims.
I re-listened to it and you are right! I did rush the tied notes in measures 16, 18, 24, & 26. Great attention to rhythmic detail. You'd be a good drummer as well as keyboardist. :) --Norma
92PianoKeys I’m just a beginner. Am using your video as a reference for me to practice the piece. Really awesome you’re doing this. :)))
@@shermie42 Even as a beginner, please always feel free to ask questions about my videos. I'm not perfect and there will always be room for improvement!! I did make an effort though to mention in the description beneath the video if I purposely chose to deviate from the notated score, unlike the unintended rhythmic error that you observed. I'm happy to clarify anything that seems incorrect or unusual. --Norma
My fingering position is just all wrong after watching this closely on when you go down from C on the right hand and down from the b flat
I assume that you are referring to the 2nd page where the right hand is in the extended hand postion (that way you don't have to hop your thumb). It creates a better phrase and more fluency with that fingering. Hope it's going better now for you. --Norma
Any tips for the grace notes? I have a hard time playing those with the chords
Play the grace notes (short appoggiaturra) very quickly to where the notes in the right hand are almost together. Think of them more as one group of notes rather than individual notes. See if that helps. --Norma
@@92pianokeys40 thanks! I'm getting soo close on this song.
Idek if I can play this song I just searched up this song cus I’m still on the middle book 😭😭
It's a super fun song to play, but you're right, it might be a bit challenging yet if you're still in the middle of the book. I'd recommend waiting a bit. You'll get there! --Norma
Increase the speed to 1.75x for a boogie woogie kind of effect.
This piece is so hard:(( i almost give up....
No, please don't give up! Persevere, even if it isn't up to tempo, that's totally okay. Just practice it slowly and you will still reap the benefits of working on it. Slow and steady wins in piano. Practice it for 3-4 weeks and then give it a rest. You can always revisit it again later, after a few months have passed. And the good news is that the first few songs of the Level 2 book are way easier. --Norma
I also can't get the tempo right
Slow steady practice is the key. Don't feel rushed. You can try using a metronome, count aloud, keep rhythm with your left foot or a slight bob of the head. Sometimes some body movement can help us keep a steady rhythm. Let me know what you find works for you. --Norma
Bösendorfer imperial?!!
7'4" 225SP! LOVE IT!! --Norma
Sorry adult? I’m playing it and my 9th birthday is coming up
Awesome! Good for you! This song is super fun to play at any age. It just happens to be included in the Alfred's Adult Level 1 book. --Norma
I skipped books one and two and went straight to Level 3....!
this is not intermediate at any level, I would consider myself to be late intermediate and I am grade 8 piano
I labeled this song Early-Intermediate based on the progression in the Alfred's Adult Series. Intermediate is a very broad category. If you do a numbering system from Level 1 - 10, with 1 being the easiest and 10 the most difficult, Intermediate would fall into the 4-6 range. I would place this song at about a level 4 in that system, but that is probably quite different from the grade numbering system. And I would place a "Virtuoso" pianist beyond a level 10 in a 1 - 10 system with 10 simply being Advanced. It's a challenge to categorize music in a manner that is consistently acknowledged around the world. Different countries and different composers tend to group songs a bit differently. --Norma
92PianoKeys fair enough then