My Wish To You

Halloween Group Activities

It was time to decorate the house and get ready for Fall group lessons. 

   I had girlies on Tuesday and guys today, finishing with some older gals tomorrow. I don't know how they got gender divided.

    They are showing my current favorite read which I snagged from a friend. I love how Anna Goldsworthy describes her mental process as a child taking piano lessons. Her teacher was fun to get to know and I think I may develop a Russian accent and quote her to my students.

                                 Thank-you Susan Paradis for the bat facts handout. We liked it!

                                                                 
                                                                   I recommend it.

Middle School Blues

My pack of five have started middle school and we are singing the blues. One hour earlier to start school, way more homework, and sports in the afternoon is causing this malady. When can they practice the piano? Like last year, I have to dig around and find those songs which can capture their hearts. Speaking of hearts, this piece, on Musicnotes.com, is on the radio and happens to have an easy arrangement. My Faber Level 3A gang are getting this and really enjoying learning the whole six pages, with repeats. It is a girl song so He's A Pirate is an option for those who are more into action than lost love.

    Christina Perri who performs it and co-wrote it started writing songs on the guitar and transferred those chords onto the piano. I like the A minor key with the harmonic G# now and then. The first page is always free to print on Musicnotes.com.

 

Thank Your Music Teacher

If you can read this hug your piano teacher!

Play Every Day And Learn

       I have enjoyed pedaling my bike this summer and I learned so many things that apply to playing the piano. It helped me make up my new practice incentive. If my students log their practice minutes they may have a bicycle to pedal. For every hour of practice they can colorize their bike. 

   Things I learned while pedaling:

•    My muscles are stronger every day
•    I have come to know the divots and potholes on the street
•    I have more balance and trust myself more
•    I am trying new roads because I am more confidant
•    I feel increased joy going down the hills because I am not afraid of the upside

How does it apply to laying the piano?

• Your fingers get stronger every day you practice
• You come to know your weaknesses from working every day
• Your fingers become more confident as you repeat your pieces
• Playing everyday encourages you try new things
• Your joy in playing increases with success

                           Two thirds of my students have earned their thousand minutes so we are on to 
                                                          Playing Every Day And Learn

   Find the image of the bicycle here.

Between A Rock and a Hard Place

   Occasionally, we can find ourselves held hostage to a series of unfortunate events. Summer is an up and down time for piano practice and the lesson following a vacation period can be rough. Combine a reluctant child with a time crunch and you have three people between a rock and hard place.

   There is a child who refuses to come to the piano, a parent who is trying her best to change the mood, and a teacher waiting to see what transpires, all three in very vulnerable places. As the child digs in with more determination, all wait to see if the tipping point will come before the lesson is over. Ninety-nine percent of the time the child complies and the teacher takes over. At that point, improvisation on the black keys is a balm for frazzled nerves. Our child has been fighting the moment of truth when she will undoubtably, in her mind, fail to play her pieces correctly. Having the whole keyboard of blacks to call home she can relax and find the real reason she wants to play piano; to make music.
   Bring some fun into summer lessons by reviewing favorites and when it's time to really work on a piece, play some games.
 

 
  Grab a prop, like domino pieces and for every time they play a section of their piece, correctly, they can set another domino. At the end the fun is watching them fall. Happy summer practicing!

When Do I Start Lessons For My Child?

  I often get phone calls from parents who see an unusual talent in their young child. When should piano lessons begin? I have a two-year old granddaughter who demands a piano lesson when I come to teach her older siblings. What is she really asking for?  In my opinion she is asking for a musical experience.

    She has observed that music brings a great deal of pleasure to her parents and siblings. She is attracted to the piano and the sounds she can generate from that big, beautiful instrument. She is ready to explore the patterns and negotiate the keys in varied ways. She needs time to playfully explore music but one-on-one piano lessons are in the future. Lessons with a teacher are a long process of acquiring skill and musicianship not just an exposure to music.
  I teach music and movement classes to 18 month- 4year-olds to give this musical experience to the very young child. Some of these children come to me later with some foundation and are ready to embrace practice and accountability. A rule of thumb I believe to be true is that parents need to be with their child to practice until they are at least 8 years old. After that age they have some ability to go to the piano alone and know how to approach their practice sessions. Before then, they need the loving support of an interested parent.
Here are some other posts that address working with your children:
  How To Be As A Parent
  One Arrow At A Time