“Neptune Run” is a level 2 piece intended for the first week of instruction. Students read simple stepwise lines on strings 3 and 2 using quarter, eighth, half and whole notes. It is appropriate to complete a few level 2 sight-reading examples with the students before starting this piece. Parts 1 and 2 utilize similar skills, however part 3 introduces new notes on the bass strings. Teach these notes by rote using the notation as reinforcement.
Keep in mind that, even though this is a carefully constructed technical piece of music, the primary goal of this - and every - piece of music should be joyful, expressive music making.
Sequence:
1. Get into good playing position
2. Place p on string 3, i on string 2, and m on string 1.
3. Play eighth notes on the open B string, then on a fretted C with 1st finger.
4. Play the first phrase of part 1 by rote while singing letter names. Students then play while reading the notation for the first 4 bars (either on the board, or from printed scores)
5. Repeat steps three and four for Part 2
6. Split students in half to play parts 1 and 2 together while the teacher plays part 3
7. Play “Neptune Run” in four bar increments putting larger phrases together as the class develops
8. Play “Neptune Run” from beginning to end with perfect rhythm and dynamics
9. After students demonstrate proficiency in playing parts 1 and 2, use the same approach to learn part 3.
Troubleshooting
Always keep a close eye on the right hand stroke. Make sure i moves past the thumb inside the hand. Call on groups of three to play with you to identify individual issues.
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.