Sunbeams 1 (SB1) is the entry point of the MYC® Method for 5-6 year old beginners. They are first introduced to piano geography and rhythms through our MYC Critters to help set their foundation of music knowledge and education; however, the pace of learning for these Sunbeams matches their developmental stages. Vocabulary development is the focus for this age group- at this stage we introduce “big kid” terminology to introduce concepts, finger numbers, and keyboard geography.
Sunbeams 1 (SB1)
- Identification and development of keys and rhythm through MYC’s unique keyboard ‘critters’
- off-the-staff reading for contour and patterns
- steady beat experiences
- on-the-staff (pitch) reading in treble clef and bass clef
- Grand staff reading (treble and bass clef)
- listening to identify and use dynamics (loud and quiet sounds)
- listening to a rhythm pattern and writing it using rhythm writing tools.
- coordination of LH and RH
- scale playing with harmonizing bridge chords in C major, a minor and G major.
Sunbeams 2 (SB2)
- Study of seven different keys with key signatures.
- Two note bridge chords grow to three note full chords.
- Coordination of left hand and right hand in playing broken chords with a melody.
- Coordination in hand-over-hand (crossing over) pieces.
- Grand staff reading expands to include notes from low G in bass clef to high G in treble clef.
- Staccato (detached) and legato (smooth) touches are explored.
- Harmonization (adding chords to a melody) and transposition (moving from one key to another) are important study elements this year.
- Continued listening to identify and use dynamics (loud and quiet sounds), rhythm patterns and accompaniment styles.
Sunbeams 3 (SB3)
- Study of minimum of eight keys
- Continued study of scales harmonized with primary chords and practice of accompaniment patterns including broken chords and playing rhythmic patterns
- Study of three forms of the minor scale: natural, harmonic, and melodic.
- Study of inversions of triads
- Study of cadences. (A cadence is a progression of chords.)
- Expanded studies of: note names to include ledger lines and articulation with an introduction to accents.
- Introduction to simple analysis.
- Continued practice of: harmonization and transposition, composition and arranging, listening for dynamics, meter, articulation, form, and accompaniment styles.