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.

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!

Quick Reference for Very Young Students

3-5 years old -  Use braced 2nd fingers.

I've ordered these songs by degree of difficulty, but of course, each student is different!  Appropriate for 3-9 years old.

Black Keys:

Hot Cross Buns on 3 black
Chinese Chimes on black
 Fist Play
Mary Had a Little Lamb

In C :

London Bridge
Ode to Joy
Twinkle Twinkle
Old McDonald
Chop Sticks
Happy Birthday in C


Transpose to different key areas: B, G, Gb, C

Review old pieces as duets.

Copycat on black, then white keys:

intervals, rhythm, dynamics, using different fingers (23154)

Article: Music Teaching Philosophy

 A parent shared found this interesting article on Music Teaching interesting from the The Parents' Review,  A Monthly Magazine of Home-Training and Culture, edited by Charlotte Mason.   A philosophy of music teaching that is worth reading! 
And teaching in general, as seen from the  motto of the magazine, 

"Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life."

______________________________________

Something I Like on Facebook!

Why teach (learn) music?

Hooked on Classics

Something for everyone!  A medley of the world's favorite classics.  In the version he taught me years ago, Dave Clark altered the Beethoven 5th and added in the Rhapsody in Blue theme.  We did it as an adaptation, using what was written note wise, and the chord symbols given.  Always fun!

Fun Piano Duets

Duets are fun and a great way to learn to play with others, a skill that can often be lost to pianists.   Of course, any piece can be made into a duet - divide here, add a little there.    I would love to do a recital with Whitewater Chopsticks made into a duet.  Here is one arrangement.  Although I would probably arrange it for four hands instead of two pianos.

Two years of "Piano Ensemble" in college consisted almost entirely of playing with the other pianists in duets and trios.  Here are a few  of the pieces I learned and watched in class.

Brahm's Hungarian Dance no. 5

Buy at: http://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/score/Hungarian1H.html

Free copy - The first ever published version - more difficult:
http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/9/92/IMSLP205870-PMLP16016-Brahms_-_Hungarian_Dances__14___2P_ed.Simrock_.pdf

The Bercuese from Faure's Dolly Suite is a charming beginning duet for intermediate players, and is also available on Virtual Sheet Music.  IMSLP or other printable classical score providers might have it for free. 
Here is the Bercuese:

Also, listen to the world's most famous duet playing pianists, the Lebeque Sisters:

And for some real inspiration, listen to the Five Browns.

Playing by Ear and Jane Austen Music

  Playing by ear has no official term that I am aware of for when someone re-composes music based on hearing something, be it a simple melody, a vocal piece with accompaniment, or a complex jazz improvisation. 

When I "pulled this by ear," it was a special point in my aural training because for the first time I really "re-composed," so to speak, a full and rich rendition of a very excellent piece of music.  Before most of my aural renditions had been just completing an assignment.  When my teacher heard this, he said I had turned a page in my skill.  Those are special moments for a teacher. It just took the right piece to inspire me, no necessity or particular knowledge of what is achievable as far as aural renditions.  Sometime I'll get myself recording on my digital piano and put my rendition on here.
Later, I received the score of this piece in the book "Jane Austen's World."  The rendition there added a few touches to mine, but actually I had re-composed a much fuller rendition of the film soundtrack than the book offered.  One advantage of playing by ear! 
If you can hum it, you can play it by ear.

Playing at Nursing Homes with Linus and Lucy

Here they are again, The Piano Guys - my favorite cellist, Steven Sharp Nelson, with his fantastic pianist. My dear Mom took me to nursing homes to bring brightness and variety to shut in people from a young age.  This continues to be a ministry that is near and dear to my heart - being a friend to the lonely.  Playing an instrument can be a great entry into a lonely soul's life. 
Playing at nursing homes is a great way for a pianist to step out of their comfort zone and playing in public. Most of the time it tends to be like you are playing background music.  Another venue is for ministry fundraisers.  I have played in numerous banquets and teas for Pregnancy Care Centers - great atmosphere and response.

Competitions for the Tampa Bay Area

 Researching piano competition in the area, and there are a lot of choices.  Thanks to Betty Chester for the info.

Florida State Music Teachers' Association*, the  Florida section of the The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and  the Mid-State Music Teacher's Association (MSMTA) offer different competitions.  Teacher and student membership required.  MSMTA has two in Spring, March and May.    Under competition, MSMTA has judge's sheets along with application which list things that judges listen for - useful. 

This is an independent competition by prestigious pianists:
Piano 2 0 1 2  S o n a t i n a - S o n a t a F e s t i v a l   at St. Pete College - Brochure link:
http://www.spcollege.edu/spg/music/images/Sonata_brochure.pdf


A more broad annual youth competition with an emphasis on entertainment is Spotlight on Talent in Wesley Chapel.
 
Also, I am interested in looking into what Federated Music clubs has to offer as well, and they use Hillborough Community College facilities.

Many competitions are open to the public.  I would highly recommend a student attend one before participating, to learn and enjoy!

*P.S.   The February 2012 newsletter of the Florida State Music Teachers' Association contains further info on pianist competitions.  The next public competition is FSMTA Competitive Events, May 11-12 – HCC Ybor Campus, Tampa.

Boston Pop's Christmas - Somewhere in My Memory

When I was growing up, Boston Pop's "Joy To The World" with John Williams was my favorite CD at Christmas time, and "Somewhere in My Memory" will always be in my memory.  Home Alone is a great Christmas movie!!  =]  I happened upon this video from another pianist-blogger. Some Christmas, I hope to teach this to some student who shares my joy in this sweet melody.  Enjoy!

http://blip.tv/pianopodcast/somewhere-in-my-memory-from-home-alone-5815895

This is my instrument!

Featuring : True Piano Feel and Expressive Control

I'm researching about this digital piano, especially how to record with it.  I discovered why the box didn't have the manual.  It is available at Yamaha's website.  So I'll be registering my Arius YDP 161's serial number to get access to this and other features.

"50 classic piano songs are provided in the song player and as a music book, "50 Greats for the Piano." These songs can be used for background music or as learning reference.

10 Voices  -  In addition to the realistic Grand Piano Voice, you can play other instruments like Vibraphone, Electric Pianos, Harpsichords and Church Organs. There’s also a rich Strings Voice that sounds great when used in Dual Voice mode with the Acoustic Piano.

The easy to use, built-in 2-track recorder lets you capture your music and plays it back. Play both hands together and use the second track to add a different part. Or play one part at a time and rehearse complicated pieces. You can also transfer recorded songs to your computer using Yamaha’s free Music Downloader software..."

Happy Thanksgiving!... Songs

I've been assigning Thanksgiving hymns to my students. 

And Thanksgiving would not be complete without good ol' Charlie Brown!  One of my students just began learning this theme.  Should be a fun challenge for rhythm and agility.

 

Expanding

I've just expanded my "Students" page, on the top menu here, to include more links to free sheet music.  This was particularly to give my students some Christmas lead sheets.  It's less than three months away! With Thanksgiving coming next month, I'm thinking I'll post about traditional Thanksgiving  music. 

More from our Honeymoon: WhItEwAtEr Chopsticks!

On our way home from our time in Virginia, we stayed at the home of a most hospitable family I met in 2006 at a Little Bear Outdoor Adventure camp in Pennsylvania. Hope, also a pianist and piano teacher, showed us a video of her and her student playing a dramatic duet of this piece, and it was AWESOME!  I want to learn this piece, and copy her idea!!  :)  Here is a rendition I liked from youtube:





Sheet Music  here

The Three Ways to Play Piano

My learning of piano was revolutionized by the tri-fold learning method of Dave Clark in Brandon, Florida.  For 30 years, he has been using the method of teaching by Notes, Chord Symbols, and Ear with great success.  I have continued in his foot steps teaching this approach.  So, what makes it work?

First, the three ways bring a great variety of music to the musician’s fingertips.  Some music is only available completely notated or in lead sheet form.  Some music is not written down!  No matter which camp it’s in, you can play it with one (or maybe all?)of  the three ways. 

Second, the three ways give to the musician incredible versatility.  The above reason is one, the ability to add to the music according to taste is another.  The list goes on.

Third, the three ways reinforce and enhance each other.  Simple as that!  You can see this in a myriad of ways.  To name one, when you know chords well, you will quickly spot them in notated music, seeing recurring patterns, and read much, MUCH faster.

Fourth, when you have three ways to play, each tapping into different neurological, motor, and aural functions, each having their access to certain genres, one  of the ways is bound to stick with you!  Mr. Clark has noticed this from keeping in touch with his students over the years.

By the way, the musician who plays tuba is just as likely to prophet by learning all three ways.  Granted, the tuba, like most instruments, does not in obvious ways give the ability for playing harmony which is needed for the chord symbol approach. Yet if a tuba player learned a bit of the chord symbol style on the piano, it would enhance his reading and by ear skills. 

Mr. Clark wrote Piano Companion, a book which guides the student to advanced playing in all three ways.  I use it with intermediate to advanced and older students.

Because this is so basic and special to my teaching method, and kind of revolutionary in the piano pedagogy community, I’m sure I will write on it more in the future.

Go Bug Dad For Anything - Mnemonic Devices

I start teaching staff notation very early.  Even with 5 year olds, it will come in the first lesson -usually.  By the second or third lesson, they are chanting "All Cows Eat Grass."   Here is the chart I teach them, with the exception of the Good Burritos - I teach "Go Bug Dad For Anything," just for laughs:

New tips I learned:

Rhyming and Reading Music

"Notice that if you say it this way, "FACE is for the space" it rhymes.

"Every Good Boy Does Fine is for the lines," rhymes as well.

This will help with the hardest part for students, which is keeping the memory tools for the lines and spaces straighted out in your head. Also keep in mind that there are 4 spaces on each staff and 5 lines. So that helps narrow down the options."   -http://hubpages.com/hub/Learn-to-Read-Music-for-the-Piano-Faster

 For intermediate students: Once I asked a friend, "How do you remember the keys with sharps and flats?" For the order of sharps, she reminded me of the mnemonic I learned so long ago it was like stumbling upon the old train set in the attic: 

Fat Cat Go Down Allies Eating Bird.

 But she lamented not having a mnemonic for the flats.  Now I know why.  On this music theory site, I just learned that the order of flats is the same sequence but backwards. Nice!

♫*¤*.¸¸.·´¨`

P.S.  I always tell students that Go Bug Dad For Anything is not good advice.

Thoughts in Harmony - Benefits of Music study

There are many long-term values to learning music, apart from its role in our worship to God, including confidence, perseverance, precision and motor control, identification of talents, overcoming fears of public speaking and service, intellectual and social development, commitment to excel, creativity, self-expression, and following directions.  Ultimately, I hope that each student will have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the gift of music.

♫*¤*.¸¸.·´¨`