Should You Be Practicing Right Now?

Greek Music Reconstruction

Some of the few earliest notated music pieces mankind has preserved are Greek.  Fascinating archeological and musicological project, as we try to cipher what those squiggles and jots mean.  Read article here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24611454

 The Classical Greeks wrote the earliest expositions on the science of sound,  which I never miss an opportunity to expound on to my students or chance passers by. :)  As best as I can, despite my sparse knowledge of this science, I explain why some notes sound great together while others are difficult on the ears, like an out of tune instrument (voice!).  The reality of consonance (stable) and dissonance (unstable) in sounds comes out of the way our world is, how it was designed, I believe.  It is elemental to understanding music composition and forms the basis of our theories about music and the emotions it conveys. 

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.

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!

Your Ears Are Like A Donkey's Back

That's what my piano teacher Mr. Clark would say about learning to like new music.

It's humbling to recognize that training for animals is not all that different from the training that gives us humans habits and skills.  Repetition is the mother of skill, whether you're training your dog, or learning your scales.

A commonly quipped rule of thumb is that it takes 21 days to learn to like something or form a habit.  I heard this type of reasoning used by Sesame Street characters to encourage kids to try new foods.  Try it, you might like it! And then, try it again.  Give it time!

 When it comes to music, our ears work like our tongues.  We might not like sushi or reggae at first, but with time, our body responds less and less in opposition to it.  All five of our senses are remarkably adaptable.   A new sound will  cause an excited reaction, either positive or negative.  It's up to you whether you avoid the sound so you continue to dislike it, or get used to and eventually enjoy it.  You decide what your ears like and what they don't.

If you swat the donkey enough times, eventually it moves.  If you listen to it enough times, eventually, you will like it.

Learning to love good things is a lifelong pleasure and gift from God.

"He that has never traveled thinks that his mother is the only good cook in the world."(Kenya)

Method Books I Use

Method books vary according to age, music styles, and teaching strategies... oh, and price.   The two main categories are adult and children.  Between children's methods there are some variations, and I enjoyed surveying many methods in my pedagogy studies.  I bring in elements of these other methods to my students to supplement the method books I use.  I also use whatever method books students may have on hand.

Students under about 6 can start with this:

Step by Step Piano Course - Book 1 (Step by Step (Hal Leonard))   (like this:http://www.amazon.com/Step-Piano-Course-Book-Leonard/dp/0877180369 )

 These are the first two books for older beginners:

Schaum Notespeller  - a workbook.   (like this: http://www.amazon.com/Schaum-Note-Spellers-Method-Supplement/dp/0769234534 )

M. Aaron Lessons Book One - method book (http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Aaron-Piano-Course-Lessons/dp/0898988551/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380216794&sr=8-1&keywords=aaron+piano+lessons+1)
 
Belwin Piano Method Book One  - method book   (http://www.amazon.com/Belwin-Piano-Method-Book-Grade/dp/B003FQQ96K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380216784&sr=8-2&keywords=belwin+piano+method+1)

 Add note flashcards.

After completing Book 2 of either method book, introduce:

Dozen a Day Book 1 - Technique / Finger agility (http://www.amazon.com/A-Dozen-Day-Book-1/dp/0877180318)

I generally introduce chord symbol and playing by ear around intermediate level note reading, since the reading takes the most discipline and sets a student solidly in a mindset of hard work.   I demarcate intermediate level as my teacher did, with Bach's Minuet in G.

The Classical School and Music by Douglas Wilson

The Classical School and Music by Douglas Wilson

Douglas Wilson's plenary talk from the 2013 ACCS Annual Conference. One of the great challenges faced by ACCS schools is the vexed question of musical training. We are dealing with a shortage of qualified instructors, an ocean of pagan filth, a lake of Christian schlock, the persnicketiness of many of the qualified instructors we do have, the normal resistance to anything new, the school day is already full, and the budget is
already limited. But other than that, everything is great.

Beginner Students and the Three Ways to Play

I was considering how to begin with students, especially young ones of about 3 or 4, and came to the conclusion that I need to think more about when to introduce the different ways to play.  For years I've seen the wisdom in beginning the young with ear training.  This is generally done in Europe more than in America.  Especially in Eastern Europe, it is required that the child learns aural skills simultaneously with note reading.  Perhaps with older people, whose eyes and hands are more developed, starting with note reading and chord symbols first is better.   Just some thoughts (and questions too, it seems)!   I think I'll bring this up with some music teachers soon.