• Fast rock version
• Slow jazz version
A simple starter: students play repeated crotchets on E, with two-bar rests between
each phrase. Two different accompaniment versions are provided for the same
students’ part: fast rock and slow jazz. There are several advantages to this: you can
ask students to repeat the piece without their becoming bored or feeling they are
just doing it again, while you can check that everyone’s
fingering/embouchure/posture is correct It also introduces students to the idea of
listening to the accompaniment while they are playing. Ask them which version
they prefer, and why (there are no correct answers!).
Notes used: E
Key: Fast rock version – concert Bb major
Slow jazz version – concert G major
Learning points: stave
treble clef
time signature 4/4
note E
crotchet/crotchet rest
whole bar rest
double bar
tempo/style indication

• Fast rock version
• Slow jazz version
A simple starter: students play repeated crotchets on B, with two-bar rests between
each phrase. Two different accompaniment versions are provided for the same
students’ part: fast rock and slow jazz. There are several advantages to this: you can
ask students to repeat the piece without their becoming bored or feeling they are
just doing it again, while you can check that everyone’s
fingering/embouchure/posture is correct It also introduces students to the idea of
listening to the accompaniment while they are playing. Ask them which version
they prefer, and why (there are no correct answers!).
Key
Fast rock version: G major
Slow jazz version: E major
Learning points
stave
treble clef
time signature 4/4
note B
crotchet/crotchet rest
whole bar rest
double bar
tempo/style indication

An easy 12-bar blues using only the notes A and B. Ask students to invent an
alternative last line of lyrics (it must rhyme with blues/news) for further repetitions,
eg He’s been on a cruise etc.
Notes used: A, B
Key: A minor
Time signature: 4/4
Note values: minim, crotchet
Rest values: minim rest, crotchet rest