Today’s post is the second in a series of five by renowned composer Christopher Norton. In each post, he is offering a free copy of one of his piano pieces, each one hailing from his popular series, Connections. ‘Open Window’ can be found in Book 4 and, in this article, Chris imparts a few valuable practice tips and ideas.
OPEN WINDOW
(Connections Book 4)
Connections for Piano has been very popular since its launch in 2007. It is a major part of the new Royal Conservatory syllabus in Canada. It features a variety of pop and jazz styles, with (free) backing tracks. It is also available on Superscore. There are 11 levels, Preparatory and 1-10.
‘Open Window’ is an easygoing 8-beat piece with a Latin feel, with a nicely syncopated middle section. There are composer performances on YouTube of all 11 Connections volumes (and lots more besides!).
Do subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Here’s a link to a composer solo performance.
And here’s the music:
‘Open Window’ has a repeated 4-bar right hand main theme, then a second, 2-bar idea leads to an 8-bar rhythmic C section, which builds to dramatic chords and a restatement of the main theme. So the structure is AABCAA.
The backing track for ‘Open Window’ is available by clicking this link.
The track tells the student (and teacher!) a lot about the style.
With the track playing or someone else playing the piece, try tapping the basic bass drum and snare patterns on your legs:
Here’s me playing ‘Open Window’ on my YouTube channel:
Tap the drum rhythm above as I play (or play the piece with me!).
The opening chords of ‘Open Window’ are quite simple in outline, over a pedal E:
Play and savour each chord.
Play all the chords below with the track, then try simple chord rhythms with them.
A suggested left hand pattern (with right hand scales) for the opening 8 bars:
Some ideas to get you started with right hand ideas:
- Create your own right hand melody (or melodies) above the left hand pattern
- “Answer” an “A” idea with a “B” idea
- Try various structures: AB, ABA, AABA, AABCAA….
- Try playing very freely!
- Go beyond the scales pitch-wise.
Connections 4 is available from 80dayspublishing.com (debrawanless.com in Canada).
