I had to share this precious photo sent to me by a “music mom”. I am sure this little student was overcome with exhaustion after a particularly productive practice session. I wonder if she was dreaming of playing at Carnegie Hall?
Have you ever taken a good look at a piece of music…a really good look? It is made up of lines, dots, squiggles and a mish mosh of symbols….a beautiful piece of visual art that, when translated by the capable hands or voice of a musician, becomes an auditory treat….well, if it is translated correctly. Like…
If you have ever completed a practical music exam (where you play test pieces and technique on an instrument), then you know that apprehensive feeling as you walk into a room with a complete and total stranger to bare your soul with the pieces you have been working to perfect for months. You may…
I hate to say it, but summer is almost at an end. As sad as it is to see it go, I am getting so excited for the return of my students, routine and the hustle and bustle of the music year. It can be difficult to transition from the lack-a-daisy schedule of the past…
Is your child having a hard time keeping a steady beat? When playing ensemble in class, are they struggling to stay in time? Difficulty in keeping a beat is relatively uncommon in my studio these days due to earlier exposure to formal music classes. Most of my new keyboard students have attended one or more…
How do you know when you are an exceptional student? When your teacher is always asking you for something new! You work hard at the shaping of a phrase so now your teacher requests that you add more rubato. You finally reach the metronome speed in your lesson book and your teacher comes up with…
Want to be a great musician? “Play” music every day! Between baseball, soccer, art class, dance class, doctor appointments, school work, laundry and dishes, shopping, visiting family and all the other goings on of the busy families of today…when are we supposed to fit practicing in? Ideally students need to be spending time every day working on…
