Once a student knows a basic I - IV - V7 pattern, I like to use simple fakebooks for ear training. Usually, I play the melody while the student figures out by ear which chord to use where. Afterwards, we talk about the patterns we can find. For example, the first chord is almost certainly a I chord, as is the last. The penultimate chord is usually a V7, though sometimes it is a IV.
I have a number of sources for simple fakebook songs that my students like, but today I am sharing a song composed by one of my students. It was her idea to compose the song. My only contribution was to make her repeat each phrase enough times that it settled into something consistent. Afterwards, she figured out the chords.
I have added her song to a new section on the Music page. It is called Rowing Down a River.
I have a number of sources for simple fakebook songs that my students like, but today I am sharing a song composed by one of my students. It was her idea to compose the song. My only contribution was to make her repeat each phrase enough times that it settled into something consistent. Afterwards, she figured out the chords.
I have added her song to a new section on the Music page. It is called Rowing Down a River.