“Tango” is a lively dance intended for the early stages of Level 2. There is only one note (third space C) that the student must learn to read for this piece. There is a small rote element on the Part 3 ostinato. There are tons of musical markings in this piece for the teacher to focus on, especially since the note reading is minimal and should come very easily. Focus on good, big-knuckle strokes, even when the tempo is increasing. As always, be uncompromising about tone.
Listening/Cultural lesson opportunity:
Take the opportunity to have the students listen to some different tangos from around the world to give them an idea of the style of the piece. Piazzola is a famous Argentine composer who wrote hundreds of “new tangos” and is credited for bringing the traditionally folk style to the concert hall.