Kasaya

This level 2 piece requires students to use all of the skills learned up to this point. There are also a few things that students need to add to their technique:

• Students play bass notes on strings 4, 5, and 6. Ask them to pay careful attention to the included fingering indications. Teach these notes by rote if necessary.
• In measure 17, students play a phrase twice using specific tone colors. Model these techniques for the students and ask for a big distinction between ponticello and sul tasto.
• Students play harmonics at the 12th fret. Model this technique. Teach students to place left hand fingers lightly on the strings directly over the 12th fret. Teach them to move the right hand closer to the bridge to address clarity issues when playing harmonics.

The title “Kasaya” can refer to the robes worn by Buddhist monks. Ask students how the tone and style of the piece convey this image. As always, insist on robust, beautiful tone from the students.