Busy few weeks. Shaking the sand out of the beach towels one more time. Getting the kids back to school. Continuing to mow the lawn. That's the one constant as we transition to a new school year and a new routine.
My day to day is anything but routine. That's one of the joys, or not, of moving. I've gotten comfortable in my new surroundings, and very comfortable having no schedule, no calendar. I can't say I've necessarily used all my time wisely, but I have accomplished a few things over the summer months. I spent a lot of time at the piano. Beethoven and Brahms mostly. The Brahms in particular is an angry piece, lots of forte and fortissimo octaves. I like to play at night, but I live in a row house. I don't want to wake my neighbors, so I keep my foot firmly placed on the soft pedal. So far, no complaints from next door.
My tomatoes came in all at once, so I've also been busy in the garden and the kitchen. My latest kitchen project was pickles, bread and butter pickles. Oh, how I love bread and butter pickles. I have definitely enjoyed the summer months.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. I find myself creating a new routine. I still have a few lessons in the old neighborhood, but that entails a round trip commute of 120 miles. Fortunately, I've had some success finding students in my new home town. I need to continue advertising, marketing. That is not my forte. As I continue to learn that skill, my new studio will grow. That's what I'm counting on, anyway. Like I tell my students, it all takes practice!
Piano is my forte, one student at a time.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Friday, September 2, 2016
And the beat goes on...
Where did the summer go? School started a week ago. Lessons start back this week. I have been between jobs since the end of April. So much to do to get the old house sold, and to get moved into the new house. I have definitely missed teaching; I set myself a goal of September 1.
Early on, I was gung-ho to get things put away, arranged to my liking. I moved from a big house with a big yard to a tiny house with a tiny yard. Perfect, really. I can stay on top of things here, not get buried in the responsibilities of maintaining a large home. But I brought too much stuff from the old house. I've got most of the boxes unpacked, and I've made more than my fair share of trips to Goodwill and the Restore. The music books, however, are still in boxes under the piano.
Having tried to build a music room out of a dining room has been more challenging than I had anticipated. Where I want a music room that will accommodate a dining table, I have a dining room with a piano in it. One step at a time, I guess.
I found bookshelves last night. Don't you love Kohl's? I had a 30% this month, expiration date August 31. So, I hit the website at 10, with not a moment to spare. Finally settled on 2 black bookcases, 43" tall. Six shelves in all, I hope it's enough to house all the music. Great thing about Kohl's. If I don't like them, I can return them to the store.
And here we are, September 1. All I've wanted to do is teach, and today I get to do just that. I've dusted and vacuumed, I've arranged and rearranged the room and rearranged it again. I have the bookcases on order, and my enthusiasm, which admittedly had waned a bit in August, is returning with gusto. My class roster is not too full yet, but that's okay. Just like I don't want to overwhelm my students with lessons the first week of school, I too will get to slide slowly back into the habit of working and scheduling and routines.
Yes, summer flew by, but it dragged a bit as well. I am looking forward to a slower-paced fall, filled with music and routine. But mostly music.
Early on, I was gung-ho to get things put away, arranged to my liking. I moved from a big house with a big yard to a tiny house with a tiny yard. Perfect, really. I can stay on top of things here, not get buried in the responsibilities of maintaining a large home. But I brought too much stuff from the old house. I've got most of the boxes unpacked, and I've made more than my fair share of trips to Goodwill and the Restore. The music books, however, are still in boxes under the piano.
Having tried to build a music room out of a dining room has been more challenging than I had anticipated. Where I want a music room that will accommodate a dining table, I have a dining room with a piano in it. One step at a time, I guess.
I found bookshelves last night. Don't you love Kohl's? I had a 30% this month, expiration date August 31. So, I hit the website at 10, with not a moment to spare. Finally settled on 2 black bookcases, 43" tall. Six shelves in all, I hope it's enough to house all the music. Great thing about Kohl's. If I don't like them, I can return them to the store.
And here we are, September 1. All I've wanted to do is teach, and today I get to do just that. I've dusted and vacuumed, I've arranged and rearranged the room and rearranged it again. I have the bookcases on order, and my enthusiasm, which admittedly had waned a bit in August, is returning with gusto. My class roster is not too full yet, but that's okay. Just like I don't want to overwhelm my students with lessons the first week of school, I too will get to slide slowly back into the habit of working and scheduling and routines.
Yes, summer flew by, but it dragged a bit as well. I am looking forward to a slower-paced fall, filled with music and routine. But mostly music.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Going Home
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.]
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, 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.
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