Description: Purpose: I wanted young students to work on playing a smooth; lyrical piece; and thus improve their musicianship.

Suggestions for Instruction: * Practice the left-hand harmonic intervals (p.2) without the melody line; naming each interval. Next; try the left- and right-hand harmonic intervals on page 4.

* Practice the white-key arpeggios on page 3. Have the student try them without pedal at first; to work on legato playing. Then; add the pedal; being sure to change it smoothly where indicated. After the white key arpeggios in “Peaceful River” are mastered; the student may try all white key arpeggios; ascending and descending.

* Discuss the dynamics on page 3. Notice that during the ascending arpeggio; there is a crescendo; and as the arpeggio descends; there is a diminuendo.

* It is especially important that the student be taught musical sensitivity while playing this piece. Discuss the title of the piece; and how the music fits the title. Ask the students questions like: “How would you feel if you were sitting by a peaceful river?” “What would you do while sitting there?”

Key: C Major

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