We had a fun group lesson in February, studying W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues!” Born in Alabama to parents who were former slaves, Handy learned many instruments and toured with minstrel shows at a young age. He is credited with popularizing the blues genre by transcribing and publishing it, bringing it to national attention. We then learned how to play and create songs using the 12-bar blues formula. They did a great job trying it out on the piano! Students took home “Blues Beignets” (a.k.a. mini powdered donuts) with a challenge to go listen to “Memphis Blues,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “Beale Street Blues.” Thanks, W.C.!
A Jazzy Black History Group Lesson
Published by Susan Leavitt
Music has been a huge part of Susan's life, from her first "performance" at age four, plunking out the melody of a favorite hymn by ear in church, to now, entering her thirtieth year of teaching piano. She began taking formal lessons at age seven, and continued on, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance/pedagogy from Brigham Young University. She has been a member of numerous choirs, as a director, singer and accompanist (piano and organ), performing throughout the community, as well as serving musically in her church. She was the accompanist for award-winning choirs at Cherokee Trail High School in Denver area’s Cherry Creek School District from 2015-2019, performing in Chicago and New York City, and assisted in their preparation for singing at Carnegie Hall. Most recently she joined the Parker Chorale. Susan is a member of Music Teachers National Association, Colorado State Music Teachers Association, and Aurora Music Teachers Association, for which she currently serves as president. Several of her students have received regional recognition and awards. She loves teaching all aspects of the piano, as well as theory, music history, composition, and the joy of all kinds of music. One of her favorite activities is to take students to hear great piano performances. Besides music, her favorite things are spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, quilting, gardening, traveling, and daily walks with the family labrador retriever, Rocky. View more posts
Susan Leavitt Piano Studio 