Beginnings is an all Level 1 piece intended to facilitate reading open strings and note values eighth, quarter, and half. Accent and dynamic range are important in making this piece enjoyable to play considering the harmonic language is limited. Because the piece is so short, consider teaching all students each part. The B section with 12th fret harmonics will be fun for the students, but it is important that the pitches speak using proper technique. The left hand finger is always lightly touching the string just above the metal on fret 12. Critique the harmonic by how much pitch you hear. If you here more of a “thud” sound, have the student adjust left hand finger placement and use a quicker right hand stroke. Emphasize good, big knuckle stroke throughout and stellar tone as always.
Title exercise: Have the students play though this piece a few times executing all dynamics with beautiful tone. Ask the students to just listen the first time. The second time, have them think of pictures, feelings, scenery, memories etc.. Have them write down these ideas and compile them into a list of appropriate titles for the piece. Finally, have the students vote on the working title for the concert.