Silly Sally Seeley (Minor Scales)
You might be familiar with “Ebeneezer Sneezer” written by the late Lynn Freeman Olson (see footnote). It’s a fun and easy way to teach very young students the major scale. All my early level students know it — in fact we often begin lessons by playing it together. My young students love it because of the silly lyrics — Ebeneezer is a “topsy-turvy man” who walks upon his elbows and wears clothes made of paper, among other things. Well, some years ago I decided poor Ebeneezer might like to have a girlfriend, so I set out to find him one. I believe I found just the gal for him: Silly Sally Seeley, who, while also busy teaching students the harmonic minor scale, also manages to perch on a rooftop hooting like an owl, balance a table on her head, and take care of a pet gorilla (whom she calls “Uncle Ted”). Well, truth be told, I didn’t FIND Silly Sally Seeley, I CREATED her!
(See below for more information about Ebeneezer Sneezer)
(NB: The sheet music for Ebeneezer Sneezer is available in Our Small World , a collection of pieces for early-level students. The song (with scrolling lyrics) can be viewed here. (The links will open in a new tab.)
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TESTIMONIAL
Nancy DeHaven began teaching our four daughters piano in our home in Wilmette September, 2003, and gave her last lesson July 2018. Nancy was a wonderful piano teacher and I can’t imagine the last 15 years without her. She brought music to our children’s lives which will benefit them forever. I will miss the knock on the door followed by, “Nancy’s here!”
Nancy is a great teacher! She is kind and funny! I really enjoyed all of the jazz we have worked on!
After an almost 50-year absence I returned to the piano and decided I wanted to take lessons again. I met Nancy in a class and she agreed to take me on as a student. What a great experience this has been! She has the skills and especially the patience to work with me and most importantly to give me a real sense of accomplishment! Every lesson has been a rewarding challenge and opportunity to grow! She has my enthusiastic recommendation!