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AMAZING GRACE

Lyrics by John Newton

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RHYTHM WARMUP:

Clap, sing, or play along with the rhythm cards! Notice the two new musical symbols!

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LISTENING:

Listen to this recording of "Amazing Grace" performed by the legendary Mahalia Jackson.  

How did her voice make you feel?

How would you describe her voice?

CONNECTING

LYRICIST Biography

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The lyrics to "Amazing Grace" were written by John Newton (1725-1807). He was born in London, England and began sailing with his father at a young age.  Newton spent part of his early adulthood as a slave trader before eventually deciding to devote his life to the church and to support abolition (a movement to end slavery).  

 

When Newton became a clergyman (a leader in the church) he wrote about a frightening storm he sailed through and the "grace" he received to have survive that scary night.  The song's melody is believed to have come from African slaves as a chant of sorrow.  "Amazing Grace" is very famous and believed to be performed over 10 million times a year in church services, funerals and stages everywhere . 

Listening Collection:

"Amazing Grace"

00:00 / 03:59

How does the Listening Collection recording sound different from the Mahalia Jackson recording above?

SONG ANALYSIS

(Think, track, and sing along!)

What does the rhythm sound like?

00:00 / 00:50

What does the melody sound like?

00:00 / 00:52

Which fingers play this song?

00:00 / 01:20
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Which hand will play this song?

PRACTICING:

Play along using the keyboard image with the video, or download your own keyboard card:

USE A CURVED HAND POSITION WITH BOTH THUMBS ON MIDDLE C.

BE SURE TO SWITCH HANDS WITH EACH CLEF CHANGE!

Amazing Grace BK 1 slow Video - At the Piano
Play Video
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PERFORMING:

Play along with and without the video using the interactive keyboard below!

USE A CURVED HAND POSITION WITH BOTH THUMBS ON MIDDLE C.

BE SURE TO SWITCH HANDS WITH EACH CLEF CHANGE!