“Blue Magic” is a Level 1 trio intended to be taught entirely by rote. If the teacher chooses, she can begin to teach rhythmic values of quarter and eighth notes with this piece as well. This piece involves three ostinato patterns, one in each part. They are layered on top of each other then one-by-one they are changed to a percussion part until the end. Teach part 2 to the entire class first performing with teacher playing parts 1 and 2 together. Introduce other parts moving I finger to string 1 for guitar part 1. When the students are confident with each part, split the class into parts and switch them accordingly after performances.
Guitar 1 will begin with simple open E’s with index finger on string 1 and thumb on string 2. This will be the first time elementary students execute index stroke in the right hand. See tutorial video 3a. Adjust the tempo based on this part. Assess how fast the students can comfortably play part 1 together and set your tempo accordingly.
Guitar 2 will have index on string 2 and thumb on string 3. Guitar 2 begins with left hand 4th finger on fret 3 of the second string, shifting back with 2nd finger to C# and then open. If any student struggles with any version of this left hand fingering, feel free to adjust it as the overall goal of this piece is position setup, right hand stroke, good tone, and to build enthusiasm for playing together.
Guitar 3 will get set up with index on string 3 and thumb on string 4. They will play four D’s, four A’s, and eight E’s legato and with good tone. Perform measures 1-12 first, layering each ostinato with repeats and dynamics (gradual crescendo throughout). When you are satisfied with this performance, move on to the percussion parts in 13-20.
Percussion part 1:
Students will hold their right hand flat with palm facing the bridge of the guitar. They will lightly tap the bridge with the flat fingers stopping their hand on the bridge with each tap to create a bass drum sound in quarter note rhythm.
Percussion part 2:
Students will lay their left hand fingers across all six strings in the middle of the fret board. It is important that students do not squeeze at all so that pitches will not sound. Students then strum down through all strings with the outside nail of the index finger, moving from the elbow. Students should move quickly through the string creating a short raking sound. The final measure is the same as guitar part 1.
Percussion part 3:
This percussion is the same as guitar part 1 and only used in the final measure for a dramatic drum sound at the end.
Optional chord accompaniment: If you or any of your students are familiar with first position chords, perform the appropriate chord Dsus2, A, and E with the corresponding bass note to fill out the sound of the ensemble.
The audio recording for this selection was performed by members of the Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra Iris Rentaria, James Snyder, and Aidan Suskic, engineered by ACGYO member and ACG intern Lennox Kolics, and recorded at Chez Boom Audio in Austin, Texas, which generously donated studio space, equipment, and expert guidance.