MAY 2022 Studio Newsletter

Greetings Studio Family!

Happy May! The weather is warming up and we are outside every minute we can! Seedlings have been planted and now we are just waiting on the sunshine! Thankful for my big yard these days so the kiddos can run around.

More to come in May…

• “Scale Karate” Level challenge

• Mother’s Day songs

• Piano Party/Performance practice

• composing/improv/chording/lead sheets - always!

• intervals / aural skill practice

• GIANT step on keyboard!

April Review:

• Easter composing

• Easter/Spring themed games and activities

• “Easter Egg” Practice challenge

• Easy chord progressions as Warm Ups

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

• OUTDOOR PIANO PARTY WHEN: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 WHERE: my backyard /garage (weather permitting) WHO: my students! WHAT: I will set up a keyboard in my back yard and give students the opportunity to play for each other and discuss their music.

• please rsvp to the elite if you haven't done so.

Studio Updates

1. SCALE KARATE! Levels of achievement and “belts” for beginners through to advanced. Congrats to Maeve, Liz, Brynn and Avery for earning belts this month!

1. Spring Term ends May 24/25 - let me know if you are interested in a JUNE Session. I will not be doing lesson during July and August this year. Schedules will be coming out this week.

1. Spots are open for Fall 2021 Session (Sept-Dec)! Please let me know if you are interested. I so excited to have so many returning students...and many of their siblings next year as well! Schedules will be coming out in the next few weeks.

1. Congratulations to Everett, and Sophie who finished books this month!

1. **Piano Party - see EVITE in your email! Thank you for just sending the piano student(s) in your home! Parents, you have the time off!

Pysanka/Easter Egg” Practice challenge 🐣

Great job to all participants!! Lots of beautifully coloured eggs and lots of prizes given!! Keep up the consistent practicing everyone!

👇Proper Piano Posture - Pt.3

Delving Deeper into PIANO POSTURE Solutions: Even a slight change can make a WORLD of difference!

1. Tension In The Shoulders

- Shoulders should be relaxed and down away from your ears. - shoulder blades should drop back with loose shoulder joints to allow for arm movement - breathe naturally :)

2. Tension In The Elbows

- Elbows should not be touching your students’ sides, but should also not be held out too far from the body. Seek out a natural, relaxed position where the elbows are held loosely away from the ribcage.

3. Head Positioning

- Your head should be in line with your spine! - Chin should not pull forward as you play. - Having a straight back with a balanced head will drastically reduce fatigue on the bench. Maintain this tall stance by engaging your core muscles as you sit.

4. Wrist And Hand Positioning - Pinky fingers should be in line with the sides of your hands, wrists, and forearms (avoid having your hands splay out to one side). - Watch for tension in the pinky finger that will cause it to straighten and point up.

Bits and Pieces:

THANK YOU for continuing to wear masks while in studio!

THANK YOU for continuing to do the daily health checklist before you come for your lesson and for staying home if you are sick!

Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or comments :) In addition, I'd love it if you would share my contact info with anyone you know that is interested in taking lessons. Thanks again for all of your support!!

- 😍 Andrea Elzinga 🎹

Music Joke of the Month:

What is Beethoven's favourite fruit?

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“Ba-na-na-naaaaa!"