March 2020 Studio Newsletter

Q: What do you call a snowman that plays the piano? A: Melton John! 🤣

The sun feels warm and SOOOO good! Spring is coming!! While it may be a ways away yet, my kids have been having a BLAST in the fresh snow/resulting afternoon puddles.

This past month in the studio:

Practice Kits!

Valentines day themed theory activities and music games. Aural Skills - 4ths and 5ths “Half Pipe Improv”

More to come in March….

St. Patrick’s themed IMPROV, THEORY games and COMPOSITION! Recording Session - last lesson before Spring Break (24th/25th) March Practice Challenge!

STUDIO SPOTLIGHTS

So many students learning how to CHORD! Special mention goes to….. Maeve: just starting to learn C Major triad positions……&……Carter: used his chord knowledge this month to have some jam sessions with his dad (on guitar) and sister (singing) at home!

PRACTICE KITS

Almost all of my students went home with a Practice Kit this month. Inside are many tools to help spice up those home practice sessions - games, flashcards, spot markers, gems, dice…oh my! Please encourage your child to use the kit at least once a week (or more :)). If you have time, sit with your child and play a game or two with them! Another great way to get involved with your child’s practice sessions is to use the “Parent Cheat Sheet” flashcards I emailed out a few months ago.

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for those of you that brought me plastic bags this month! If you missed my earlier message, the high school drama students I’m working with are going to be crocheting “Hope Mats” for some unhoused residents in our city. It takes 600-800 to make one mat so please keep them coming!

APP Highlight: “RHYTHM CAT”

"Rhythm Cat" is an entertaining game with a great soundtrack to play along to, but it also has the added benefit of teaching you how to read the most commonly used music rhythms, with levels that build up progressively. A fun way for beginners to get past the most challenging and often discouraging introduction to reading music. Developed in collaboration with professional musicians and educators.

COUGH! COUGH!

In an attempt to stop any spread of germs, I will be wiping the keys and bench off between students from now on. PLEASE STAY HOME IF THERE IS SICKNESS!! We can reschedule!! Thank you so much :)

Practicing Tip of the Month: Practice Rhythmically

Since we spend most of our time alone at our piano, it’s easy to have some give and take in the tempo, play rhythms inconsistently and go back to fix tiny mistakes. All of these bad habits can add up to big rhythm problems over time. If you find yourself struggling to play with even rhythms and a consistent tempo, consider one of these techniques:

1) Play with a metronome. If the metronome is a frustrating or intimidating thing for you, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people have to practice how to practice with a metronome. Back up a few steps to an older piece or an easy scale and do some metronome work to get used to how to use it.

2) Play with a drum track. Some people are more successful playing along with a rhythm track on a digital piano or on an app. These tracks feel a little more musical than a metronome. You can hear the emphasis on different beats and it might be easier to stick with it.

(adapted from: https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/10-piano-practice-tips/)

Thank you for your support this month!!

- Andrea Elzinga