Dushkin, David: The Dancing Bear

and other Tales for young Pianists

It is quite essential from the very start to arouse the musical imagination of the young pupil. The problem of teaching dynamics, phrasing, variety of touch, is greatly simplified, because the active and eager cooperation of the student has been won. These pieces have therefore all been made with a definite program on which the pupils can themselves build a more detailed music picture. A number of special technical elements are found here as well; for example: Crossing the hands, Division of a melodic line between the hands, Bringing out of two melodies at once, Frequent use of high and low register. As a preparation for some of the problems of modern music with its less accustomed rhythms and style, these pieces are quite useful.