February 2019

January flew by and I can’t believe the first week of February is already behind us! I don’t know about you, but here in the Elzinga home we are ready for SPRING! These frigid temperatures are keeping us indoors but we are also finding lots of ways to stay busy and get creative at home while we wait out this cold snap and dream of warm sunny days on the beach.

This past month in the studio:

“Christmas Colouring Challenge” prizes were awarded to 4 studentsWe worked on Winter themed theory practice“McDrip the Slushy Snowman Improv” activities“BUSTED!!” was our new game this month and we had a ton of fun playing this rhythm/note reading game.

More to come in February….

Valentine’s Day Rhythm Shakers!A special Valentine’s Day Improv song.Valentines Theory Activitiesmore “BUSTED!” game play!The “FABULOUS FEBRUARY FIVE” practice challenge!

“FABULOUS FEBRUARY FIVE”: I hope those positive practice habits are still going strong! Because we are stuck indoors, I’m setting a lofty practice goal for my students this month: 5 practice sessions (preferably one a day), every week for the rest of February! I will record (as per usual), 5 boxes at the top of the lesson notes page. For each practice session, check off/sign the box. The students who achieve 5 practice sessions during the week, each week, for the final 3 weeks of February will receive a prize!

Students! Keep your GOALS in mind!! Check your goal sheet each time you practice to remind yourself of your priorities. You have all been working so hard and I’m so proud of you! Many students are getting to the end of their current books and are ready/have moved on to the next one in the series!

APP Highlight: “NOTE RUSH”

Are you sick of flashcards but want to learn to recognize and name your notes? Try this game out for size! It helps music students learn tangibly, audibly and visually. There are different themes you can choose from and even a custom level you can create yourself. SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Practicing Tip of the Month: Be Consistent With Fingering!

As soon as you start learning a new piece, find the best fingering that works for you stick with it. One of the most unproductive ways to practice is to practice something differently each time! When you ignore the proper fingering and you spend valuable time practicing your music incorrectly, you’ll just have to spend more time going back and learning it the correct way! It may take more patience from the start, but take it slow and be wary of the fingering from the start! ;) (adapted from: https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/10-piano-practice-tips/)

I still have a space or two left for lessons so if you know of anyone that may be interested, please pass on my information. Thank you to all of you for your continued support!