Teacher's Note (brief)
Written in a warm, sensuous Nigella Lawson cadence — rich, inviting and celebratory — these comments are tailored for an 11-year-old using material from Randall Faber, Hanon‑Faber: The New Virtuoso Pianist (Selections from Parts 1 & 2). Use the comments as ready-to-go report lines; each one names technique, musical growth and gentle next steps.
Exemplary (outstanding) — sample comments
- "There is something utterly delicious about the way you shape a phrase — every little rise and fall is like a perfectly timed bite of something sumptuous. Your scales and arpeggios from the Faber/Hanon material are even and glossy, your pedalling tasteful, and your dynamic colours glow. Keep savouring the details — the music responds beautifully."
- "An absolutely splendid year: secure technique from the Hanon‑Faber selections has translated into a flexible, singing touch. Your left hand is supportive and your right-hand lines have become wonderfully expressive — as if you were seasoning each phrase with just the right pinch of warmth. Performances were confident and musical."
- "You play with a refined sense of timing and a delectable approach to rubato — never heavy, always tasteful. Your sight-reading has improved noticeably and the agility drills in The New Virtuoso Pianist have given your passages a poised clarity. A joy to listen to, you’ve finished the year with exemplary artistry."
- "A wonderfully polished finish to the year. Technique work (Hanon/Faber) has given you evenness and brightness; your voicing and pedalling are considered and musical. Continue to record yourself occasionally — you already listen like a thoughtful chef tasting a sauce for seasoning."
Proficient (solid, reliable) — sample comments
- "You bring steady, pleasing performances to every lesson. The exercises from The New Virtuoso Pianist have strengthened your fingers and your rhythmic sense is dependable. With a little more attention to voicing and colour in the melody, your playing will feel even more alive — a tiny flourish here will make a big difference."
- "A very good year: your technical foundations are sound and your tempi are stable. Hanon‑style passages are becoming smoother; occasional tension and unevenness in the left hand will ease with relaxed wrist movement and slower, mindful repetitions. Keep tasting the music — small adjustments will deepen your expression."
- "You perform with care and thoughtfulness. Dynamics and phrasing are emerging well; focus next on evenness in scales and clarity in staccato passages from the Faber selections. Regular short practice of the online exercises will help consolidate gains and add sparkle to your pieces."
- "Consistent and musical — you have a reliable practice routine and your pieces are ready to communicate. Work on pedalling precision and phrase shaping to lift your interpretations from very good to truly memorable. You’re on a delightful path."
Practical notes & next steps
Reference: Randall Faber, Hanon‑Faber: The New Virtuoso Pianist — Selections from Parts 1 & 2 (Faber Piano Adventures, 2017). Online support and exercises are available here: https://pianoadventures.com/qr/ff3035/
Suggested focus for the coming term (short, clear):
- Continue the Hanon/Faber technical work 5–10 minutes daily to maintain evenness and finger independence.
- Practice short, focused slow runs for problem passages, then gradually add tempo with a metronome.
- Record one piece per week and listen together — notice phrasing, balance and pedalling.
- Experiment with two different tempi and two different dynamic schemes for the same piece to learn expressive choices.
Final note: you have finished the year with musicality and promise. Whether exemplary or proficient, the delicious care you give to each phrase will keep your playing growing — like a favourite recipe that becomes even more enchanting with practice.