Flash Mob Motherload

I think I also have an obsession with flashmobs! See this post:   My Obsession (Flashmobs)   Many are musical, so enjoy, my friends!

P.S. Don't miss the ones posted in the comments section! 

P.P.S. Here's one of my favorites (because I think I already posted Handel's Messiah somewhere else!) :

Scales and Great Performers

I find great fodder for blogging in the trenches of piano teaching.  Today's subject is entirely ordinary - but it makes for extraordinary musicians.  And instead of just pasting my rather dry links to exercise charts, let me relate the inimitable way my best piano teacher, Dave Clark, describes the world's greatest musicians:

1) they know their scales
2) they know more than one instrument
3) they dress funny.

Now on to the dry stuff: I needed to find printable scales for a student to practice from.  Using a book for this is a sure way to kill the binding, so a few pages printed is worth the effort: 


Major Scales Chart 
(except Ab, go here for that one)

Natural Minor Scales Chart


Go here to view images of keyboards to see which keys to play
in either major or minor scales.

The liberating, terrifying realities of deliberate practice (and the 6 best deliberate practice books)

I highly recommend that older music students read one of these books.  But for starters, just read the  article:



The liberating, terrifying realities of deliberate practice (and the 6 best deliberate practice books)

 Of course honing practice skills would benefit anyone in any field (it's just practical ;)  ! 

Helpful Program for Studio Management

There are a number of applications and programs available to help teachers to manage their studios.  Moosic Studio was recommended at today's meeting  of the Fairfax Loudoun Music Fellowship.  I've been sent another recommendation, way back in my email inbox somewhere!  Since I've never taught more than 15 students at a time, I haven't needed this time saver. 

I think there might be free programs as well(another word for application, but application generally denotes for cell phone/ iPad use only.). 

The teachers that met today also were highly interested in a seminar about helpful apps during lessons.  I should look into that more! Two out of the 15 teachers there use their iPad in lesson regularly.

Holst's The Planets

 Article :  Majesty in Motion: Gustav Holst’s The Planets

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this expose on The Planets, a symphonic work with which I was only just familiar.  I first heard the theme of Jupiter sung by world famous child soprano Charlotte Church in the song, "I Vow to Thee, my Country" and later found the tune used for the hymn, "O God Beyond All Praising" in the Trinity Hymnal.   The tune is magnificent and enjoyably singable.  

 

Great Resource of Thoughtful Articles

http://www.theimaginativeconservative.org/category/culture

These articles explore musical culture with great whim and expertise.  I will feature my favorites at different times on this blog.  

Slightly Insulting Wagner

http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/inspiring-composer-quotes/johann-sebastian-bach/

2014 FLMF Spring Recital

2014 Recital for Students of Gabriela Morris

The Fairfax Loudoun Music Fellowship Spring Recital will be held on Saturday, May 17 in the afternoon, and, as I am a member of the fellowship, all my students are welcome to participate. This is a great opportunity for them to perform music which they have learned so far as well as hear what other students of all levels have accomplished. 

I heartily encourage attendance even for those students who choose not to participate. The recital will be recorded.

The available times are at 1:30 p.m. &  3:00 p.m.   If you have a time conflict, let me know.  

Public admission is free; however, there is a fee of $20.00 per performer, $10 for additional siblings, required by April 15th. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends – all very welcome!

Location:

Reston Community Center Theater - Hunters Woods

(703) 476-4500

2310 Colt's Neck Drive, Reston, VA  20191

Recital Participation and Attendance Protocol

Recital Protocol - adapted from flmf.org

PLEASE:

1. Arrive 15 minutes early.

2. Go directly to the front two rows in the theater where the performers will find their name on a program on their seat.

3. Remain for the entire recital.  It is distracting and discourteous for performers or audience to leave before the program is finished.

4. Stress courteous audience behavior.   Whispering and rattling of programs spoils the atmosphere.

5. Dress appropriately.  Look your best!   No tee-shirts, jeans, sneakers, or flip-flops.  Wear knee length or longer skirts or dress pants.

6. Video camera use is only allowed if the camera is not obstructing any patron’s view during the recital.  

7.  Photography must be delayed until after the recital.

8.  Students: Don't forget to BOW or CURTSY!

Modesty and Pride: Paradoxical Mix

http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/inspiring-composer-quotes/johann-sebastian-bach/