February 2024 Studio Newsletter
- aelzinga
- Feb 7, 2024
- 2 min read

A New Look!
It’s been a busy January so this newsletter is the first of 2024 for AE studios! I just wanted to say hello to everyone again and mention a few things that have come to mind in January…
“Pulse” is a free metronome app that works great! You can change the colour and visually see the beat. I highly recommend, esp for those that don’t have a metronome at home.
Practicing with a metronome is a SKILL…it’s not easy but it VERY beneficial! Parents, please encourage!
SHORT NAILS help us curve our fingers and have better control ;)
Practice bookmarks - these are OPTIONAL but fun ;) I give out a new one to each student each week. Prizes are awarded for 5 or more practices (that’s ALLLLL the things that were assigned) in a week…including technique :P.
Parents, please SIGN the practice bookmarks! 😅I know life is busy and there are a million things to remember but the signature just helps me confirm that a prize is indeed earned.
Thank you for rescheduling/doing a virtual lesson if you are unwell!
I LOVE DUETS!!!!!! Thank you to all students who have worked to play a duet with me!!
The Royal Conservatory of Music
I have a couple of students who are working extra hard to prepare for practical RCM piano exams, coming up in April 2024. These exams happen year round and challenge students to not only learn various pieces (in various genres), but also to develop levelled skills in technique, sight reading and ear training (aural skills). Students receive a diploma certificate upon completion and it is recognized as a standard of musical achievement across Canada, the US and many other countries in the world. many areas of musical development.
Click on the link to learn more!
Scales! Scales! Scales!
I love my scale karate program and students are really working hard to complete the levels! But why learn scales? Some people might find them redundant and …boring!! If nothing else, scales help develop finger dexterity. They also help up develop a sense of key, a practical understanding of theory and some facility to transpose music (which is very helpful when we need to compliment various vocal ranges.) Arpeggios and Chords help students learn more about harmony and chord formations!
*****Please continue to encourage your student to warm up with their scale(s)/triads/arpeggios each time they practice.
Here are some questions you can ask as a parent to participate in practice and encourage learning at home:
… “How many sharps/flats are in your scale?”
… “What finger does it start on in the right/left hand?”
… “Can you show me hands apart / together, slowly?”
… “Have you tried it with a metronome?” ( 80 bpm or 100 bpm are two possible goals…but they can start at a slower tempo and work their way up!)
Thank you for supporting me and this small studio! I love you all to the moon and back. Thank you for letting me participate in your musical journey!
- Andrea Elzinga
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