My kids gave me a violin for Christmas 2 years ago. I was so excited. It was on my wish lit, and still on my bucket list is learning to play it. The first 4 months or so, I pulled it out often. Found the proper app so I could tune it correctly. Learned how to care for the bow. Figured out The Irish Jig for a St. Patrick's Day party. I was so gung-ho. I always put it away properly when I was finished playing. [I also learned how not to tune it correctly. I was trying to find concert A. I tightened that string, and no change in pitch. How can that be? I tried again, same story. Third time, BOING! the E string broke. I had been turning the wrong peg! Oops. I put it away and forgot about it. (And I call myself a music teacher.)]
I re-discovered my violin when I was packing to move. In the new house, I kept that violin visible. I wasn't going to lose it among the boxes. I wasn't going to forget about it among all the other demands on my time. This past Sunday, I took it out to see what I remembered. I wanted to play Yankee Doodle. You can imagine how out of tune it was after so many months resting in its case. No prob, I said. I know how to tune it! What I didn't have was much luck keeping the little bridge in place. The bridge, that little bit of wood to hold the strings above the body of the instrument. It sends the vibrations of the strings to the soundboard of the instrument, which then sends the vibrations to the surrounding air and creates music. (Sometimes questionable music -- squeak, cringe.)
Anyway, I tightened up on the A string, and pop!, the bridge went flying across the room. I fetched it up, replaced it, worked on the D string and pop! again, under the furniture goes the bridge. This went on for too long. I decided then and there it was time to get serious. It was time for a violin lesson. Went online, found a teacher at the local music store, and started lessons last night. Oh, such fun.
Maybe. But first, the teacher had to replace the bridge for me, and tune that poor, neglected violin. It had sat so long, the pegs were loose, The bridge was not cooperating. The fine-tuners were set, hard to turn. Yeah, I spent most of that first lesson watching and listening as my teacher tuned my violin. Exciting? Not really. Important? You bet! Now I think I can proceed without popping the bridge, or the E string, and if all goes well, receive the pitch results I'm aiming for!
We had a few minutes left in the lesson. I learned how to hold the bow properly. What I had read online way back when was good, if perhaps a little incomplete. Last night, not only did I learn how to hold the bow; he also taught me how to hold my arm, my fingers, my wrist. A lot to think about. I did well enough that he finally let me play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! My form was not good, I dropped my arm, arched my wrist, bowed up when I was supposed to bow down, and really played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!
I heard Dvorak's New World Symphony as I drove home. When I got inside the house, I pulled out my dear violin, tightened up the bow, and played the theme from the Second Movement. I will never make the concert stage, but what satisfaction to hear a favorite tune and be able to reproduce it, just like that. I think I'm going to like these lessons.
[This post was supposed to have gone out on 8/6, but seeing as it is still in my draft box, I'm going to try again. Between 8/6 and today, I have enjoyed my violin lessons and finally moved beyond Twinkle, Twinkle. I have also experienced something of what my own students face every week at their lessons. Topic for another post.]
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
This just in, from Frederick!
I have just recently moved to Frederick, MD, and I'm taking the summer months to get situated and explore my new hometown. So far I like what I see. I've been to see a play and an art show, enjoyed a concert at the park just about every weekend, eaten my way around town, and toured a few wineries. Who knew Frederick was home to such viniculture? It's a relatively new industry here, but the hills and valleys surrounding this city are quite conducive to growing grapes of such varieties that the wines from this area are enjoyable! The fireworks in the park last night were spectacular.
I have been enjoying time at the piano this summer. I have read through volumes of lesson books, beginner to advanced, as well as supplemental materials. I am currently reading Music Makes Your Child Smarter, by Phillip Shepard. I am familiar with the premise but had not appreciated the amount of research to back up the thought. No, it does not necessarily make your child smarter, but it opens neural pathways, thus allowing the brain to be more receptive to processing and storing information. The key is creating music, playing an instrument, engaging the brain in the creative process.
That's where I come in. I am just setting up shop, as it were, here in Frederick. I plan to open my studio door in September. The piano is tuned, I've just ordered new glasses so I can see the music, and I am eager to get started. Part of my plan is to write here once a week. Wish me luck in that endeavor. Here in my new abode, tiny house, tiny yard, I think I will find the time to get more accomplished.
I have been enjoying time at the piano this summer. I have read through volumes of lesson books, beginner to advanced, as well as supplemental materials. I am currently reading Music Makes Your Child Smarter, by Phillip Shepard. I am familiar with the premise but had not appreciated the amount of research to back up the thought. No, it does not necessarily make your child smarter, but it opens neural pathways, thus allowing the brain to be more receptive to processing and storing information. The key is creating music, playing an instrument, engaging the brain in the creative process.
That's where I come in. I am just setting up shop, as it were, here in Frederick. I plan to open my studio door in September. The piano is tuned, I've just ordered new glasses so I can see the music, and I am eager to get started. Part of my plan is to write here once a week. Wish me luck in that endeavor. Here in my new abode, tiny house, tiny yard, I think I will find the time to get more accomplished.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Performing
Hee, ha, I love my job! Earlier this month, my students performed their annual Halloween mini-recital for the residents of Sunrise Assisted Living. The Activities Director had us set up in the cafe, a new performance space for us. It was a more intimate space, easier for the residents to enjoy the children's performance.
It was a perfect performance. The kids were happy to be there, enthusiastic to share their most recent repertoire, and they were well received. They each played more than one selection; two girls had even composed their own creepy tunes. I loved Opposite of Fun; Claire explained that it starts happy-go-lucky, but as the Halloween evening wears on, night begins to fall, and it gets scary. She did an excellent job, and used most of the keyboard to describe the fright of the night.
The Sunrise staff is always welcoming, and treats the children and adult alike with cookies and juice after the performance. The following week, we changed our focus to holiday music. As musicians, we prepare to celebrate the holiday at least a month early, so by the time Christmas is upon us, we can play those carols with confidence. Anyone walking by my house this month has heard many versions of Jingle Bells. We're planning a Twelfth Night party to enjoy lots of Jingle Bells and other winter fare. Oh, I love this time of year!
It was a perfect performance. The kids were happy to be there, enthusiastic to share their most recent repertoire, and they were well received. They each played more than one selection; two girls had even composed their own creepy tunes. I loved Opposite of Fun; Claire explained that it starts happy-go-lucky, but as the Halloween evening wears on, night begins to fall, and it gets scary. She did an excellent job, and used most of the keyboard to describe the fright of the night.
The Sunrise staff is always welcoming, and treats the children and adult alike with cookies and juice after the performance. The following week, we changed our focus to holiday music. As musicians, we prepare to celebrate the holiday at least a month early, so by the time Christmas is upon us, we can play those carols with confidence. Anyone walking by my house this month has heard many versions of Jingle Bells. We're planning a Twelfth Night party to enjoy lots of Jingle Bells and other winter fare. Oh, I love this time of year!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Happy Halloween
My young students are gearing up for Halloween. We are presenting a mini-recital at Sunrise Assisted Living next weekend. The kids are excited; the music they have chosen is a whole lot of fun. I even have one student who has written her own Halloween composition. She calls it The Opposite of Fun, and she uses the whole keyboard to describe a spooky, not-so-fun Halloween night.
It's funny how different people respond to their assignments. I told everyone that I was challenging them this fall. I am pushing a little harder than in the past. Some step right up to the plate, and conquer the tricky passages without much complaint. Others look at the music and say that there's no way they can play it. We approach it phrase by phrase, measure by measure if needed, and they come out claiming how easy it was to learn!
I am very proud of my students' achievements already this fall. I'll write again after the mini-recital with a review of their performances. I am looking forward to it. Happy Halloween!
It's funny how different people respond to their assignments. I told everyone that I was challenging them this fall. I am pushing a little harder than in the past. Some step right up to the plate, and conquer the tricky passages without much complaint. Others look at the music and say that there's no way they can play it. We approach it phrase by phrase, measure by measure if needed, and they come out claiming how easy it was to learn!
I am very proud of my students' achievements already this fall. I'll write again after the mini-recital with a review of their performances. I am looking forward to it. Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Practice time
I addressed this issue earlier, but I return, because it is an on-going concern. Both the teacher and the parents are key elements in the practice routine, at least with younger students.
I'll address the teacher first. How many times have your students made no progress between lessons? You know it's all about the practice. Talk to the child. Ask him or her what else is on the plate that keeps him from the piano. A lot of kids are over-scheduled any more. "If it's Tuesday, it must be piano" kind of week. Ask him why he takes lessons in the first place? Remind him that mom and dad are paying real money for the privilege (yes, it is a privilege) of taking lessons.
Does he like sports? Is he an athlete? Remind him how the team has to practice in order to improve; same with musicians.
Practice with her at the lesson, and write down exactly what she needs to do over the next week. Have her repeat the assignment to you, in mom or dad's presence. Do mom and dad understand the assignment? Write it out clearly, so there are no questions.
Ask him if there's a specific piece he wants to learn, and find it at his level. Not always as easy as it sounds; you might need to edit it a bit to fit his abilities.
Assign 3 or 4 short pieces she can read through at home, then have her pick her favorite piece to practice for the next lesson. What about that piece does she especially like?
Perhaps you need to lessen the assignment. Or have him keep a daily record of his practice time.
Parents, I have less suggestions for you. I actually don't like parents to push too hard; that often results in angry practice, which accomplishes very little. At least in my house, the more I pushed, the more she pushed back. My own daughter learned to hate the French horn.
Does she watch a lot of TV? Does she have an electric keyboard? She can play that during commercials. These days, I think there is more time spent airing commercials than the program.
Is the piano in a busy section of the house? He can run through a scale or a quick passage when he walks past the piano.
Even my committed adults have weeks where there really isn't time to practice. The lesson is a time to slow down, to enjoy the process of making music.
More than just a few thoughts. Sorry. My goal is not to make masters at the keyboard, but to encourage a love of music. Beat the rhythm on a drum, play the melody on a kazoo. And don't forget to laugh during your lessons. Remember, it's really not "work" you're asking him to do; he gets to "play" the piano. Such fun! Good luck.
I'll address the teacher first. How many times have your students made no progress between lessons? You know it's all about the practice. Talk to the child. Ask him or her what else is on the plate that keeps him from the piano. A lot of kids are over-scheduled any more. "If it's Tuesday, it must be piano" kind of week. Ask him why he takes lessons in the first place? Remind him that mom and dad are paying real money for the privilege (yes, it is a privilege) of taking lessons.
Does he like sports? Is he an athlete? Remind him how the team has to practice in order to improve; same with musicians.
Practice with her at the lesson, and write down exactly what she needs to do over the next week. Have her repeat the assignment to you, in mom or dad's presence. Do mom and dad understand the assignment? Write it out clearly, so there are no questions.
Ask him if there's a specific piece he wants to learn, and find it at his level. Not always as easy as it sounds; you might need to edit it a bit to fit his abilities.
Assign 3 or 4 short pieces she can read through at home, then have her pick her favorite piece to practice for the next lesson. What about that piece does she especially like?
Perhaps you need to lessen the assignment. Or have him keep a daily record of his practice time.
Parents, I have less suggestions for you. I actually don't like parents to push too hard; that often results in angry practice, which accomplishes very little. At least in my house, the more I pushed, the more she pushed back. My own daughter learned to hate the French horn.
Does she watch a lot of TV? Does she have an electric keyboard? She can play that during commercials. These days, I think there is more time spent airing commercials than the program.
Is the piano in a busy section of the house? He can run through a scale or a quick passage when he walks past the piano.
Even my committed adults have weeks where there really isn't time to practice. The lesson is a time to slow down, to enjoy the process of making music.
More than just a few thoughts. Sorry. My goal is not to make masters at the keyboard, but to encourage a love of music. Beat the rhythm on a drum, play the melody on a kazoo. And don't forget to laugh during your lessons. Remember, it's really not "work" you're asking him to do; he gets to "play" the piano. Such fun! Good luck.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Adult Soiree
I had 6 adult students at the community college this past summer. I love teaching adults. They take lessons because they want to, not because mommy wants them to. They take practice time seriously, and admonish themselves when they don't meet their own expectations. Makes my job easy.
My adult students are at both ends of the experience spectrum, and all are enthusiastic about their progress over the summer session. The absolute beginner learned Jingle Bells, and given the extreme temperatures this summer, it helped her to cool down each evening. A more advanced student worked on Grieg's Norwegian Concerto. When she and I first met over the phone, she exclaimed that she wanted to play "that piece that goes buumm, bump bump buumm," I knew exactly what she meant, and actually have 2 copies! Not the whole concerto, but a piano reduction. She read through it gloriously, but the rhythm just wasn't there. With some clapping exercises, bongo drums and rhythmic poetry, we conquered that challenge. May I add, a good time was had by all.
I hosted an adult soiree at the end of the summer term. One student had to back out at the last minute for work. The others arrived, amazingly all at once. My living room was chock full. Everyone played beautifully, and confidently. When the performance segment of the evening came to a close, we moved over to the dining room to share stories over wine and cheese. Everyone had a great evening.
I am hoping to make the soiree a semi-annual event. I have hosted soirees in the past, and get the most pleasure from watching the faces, of performer and audience alike. The pride both in and out of the limelight is palpable. Let's do it again!
My adult students are at both ends of the experience spectrum, and all are enthusiastic about their progress over the summer session. The absolute beginner learned Jingle Bells, and given the extreme temperatures this summer, it helped her to cool down each evening. A more advanced student worked on Grieg's Norwegian Concerto. When she and I first met over the phone, she exclaimed that she wanted to play "that piece that goes buumm, bump bump buumm," I knew exactly what she meant, and actually have 2 copies! Not the whole concerto, but a piano reduction. She read through it gloriously, but the rhythm just wasn't there. With some clapping exercises, bongo drums and rhythmic poetry, we conquered that challenge. May I add, a good time was had by all.
I hosted an adult soiree at the end of the summer term. One student had to back out at the last minute for work. The others arrived, amazingly all at once. My living room was chock full. Everyone played beautifully, and confidently. When the performance segment of the evening came to a close, we moved over to the dining room to share stories over wine and cheese. Everyone had a great evening.
I am hoping to make the soiree a semi-annual event. I have hosted soirees in the past, and get the most pleasure from watching the faces, of performer and audience alike. The pride both in and out of the limelight is palpable. Let's do it again!
September First
School started this past week, giving me a week to prepare my studio for the piano year. I like to give my students and their parents the first week of school away from the piano, enabling them to make the transition from lackadaisical summer to structured school year as smooth as possible. My lessons will recommence on Tuesday.
In the meantime, I am sprucing up my studio. Fresh paint on the walls and ceiling. Yes, the Teletubby water stain above the piano will soon be a thing of the past. I am very excited about the studio up-do. The shelves that house all my music are not big enough to hold the books vertically -- I'm getting that changed. New wall color to coordinate with the re-upholstered furniture, and new curtains. I'll even wax and polish the floor. When all is said and done, I hope to find my camera and post a picture of the finished product.
All that being said, I am still accepting students for the coming piano year. The first lesson is complimentary; we need to make sure we fit. I am currently teaching Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for school age children; adult lessons are any time of day. Give me a call, or shoot me an e-mail. I will be happy to discuss my philosophy and studio policy with you. Remember, you are never too old to learn to play an instrument. Or too young, for that matter. I love what I do, and I do it well.
In the meantime, I am sprucing up my studio. Fresh paint on the walls and ceiling. Yes, the Teletubby water stain above the piano will soon be a thing of the past. I am very excited about the studio up-do. The shelves that house all my music are not big enough to hold the books vertically -- I'm getting that changed. New wall color to coordinate with the re-upholstered furniture, and new curtains. I'll even wax and polish the floor. When all is said and done, I hope to find my camera and post a picture of the finished product.
All that being said, I am still accepting students for the coming piano year. The first lesson is complimentary; we need to make sure we fit. I am currently teaching Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for school age children; adult lessons are any time of day. Give me a call, or shoot me an e-mail. I will be happy to discuss my philosophy and studio policy with you. Remember, you are never too old to learn to play an instrument. Or too young, for that matter. I love what I do, and I do it well.
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