12-09-2009
December Notes
Greetings to Alll!
Today’s snow jolted many of us to the reality that winter is nearly upon us. I hope your holiday plans, whatever they are, are going well.
A few updates:
Lessons will end for 2009 on December 17th. No lessons will be given between the December 18 and January 4th, when they resume.
By now you will all have noticed that invoices are once again being sent via email. If you haven’t received your November invoice, please notify me at your next lesson. Now is a good time to verify email addresses, so please be prepared to do that at the next lesson. Thanks!
As a general rule, school snow days are also piano snow days. When there is enough snow to call school off, I usually have a giant berm of cement-like snow blockading my driveway. If snow days are called because of ice, the driveway is hazardous. Often childcare is an issue for working parents who have to make other arrangements for the day, and piano is a complication to that. If a snow day is called and you want to come to lessons regardless of the conditions, then go for it–just let me know your intentions, please.
Beginning January 4 we will be concentrating on two things, the MTNA Achievement Goals, and preparing for our February recital. I look forward to that very much.
The student of the month for December is Jordan Fox. Great work, Jordan!
Have a wonderful Holiday season~
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11-16-2009
A little lighthouse story.
On Columbus Day weekend, my husband and I took a four mile round trip hike along this very soft, sandy beach to reach this lighthouse at the tip of Cape Cod–Race Point Lighthouse. The walk was long and hard and sometimes I wondered if we’d ever reach the light, which one doesn’t see until the last few hundred yards of the walk. We passed fishermen on the way, and these people thought we were crazy. One offered me a ride–a shortcut to the light. I declined. Randy was ahead of me at the time, by about a quarter of a mile. Randy kept walking the long, straight beach to the lighthouse, and I had an idea. If the fisherman offered to give me a ride to the light, there must be a shorter way to our goal. Randy had already passed the trail that led off to the light ,but when I got to it, I took it, and beat him to the lighthouse. We both had a great payoff–we are lighthouse people, and this one means a lot to us. It’s located near the site of the original landing of the Mayflower.
Perseverance is all it takes–
I hope everyone enjoyed the time off when I was sick. Lessons are on again, full time. We’ll be starting holiday music very soon, so please do an inventory now of what music you have, and bring it to your next lesson.
The MTNA Achievement Award sheets are being handed out at lessons this week. I hope everyone enjoys the program again this year. Let me know as soon as possible if you want to participate. Try it–you’ll like it.
The Student of the Month is on vacation this month. What????
There will be lessons on Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, since we missed two Wednesdays earlier in the month. No lessons will be held on Thanksgiving or the day after. I hope everyone enjoys the holiday.
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10-21-2009
October’s News and Views
It’s nearly the end of October, and everyone is settling into a good routine of practice for the fall. I’m pleased with the progress everyone is showing. I especially appreciate the parents who take the time to be involved in their child’s musical life. This skill they are learning is one that will follow them throughout their lives, and what one gets out of lessons is directly related to what one puts in–so don’t be discouraged, all that practice will pay off in the future if not in the present.
One student who not only listens at lessons but also applies what she hears is Jordan Thompson. For this, Jordan is the Student of the Month for October. Jordan has “crossed over” from elementary student into a fine budding musician. She’s mastering one of the most difficult technical elements that all students face as they progress–learning to have independence of right and left hands. By developing this skill, she has learned to make her melodies sing–Great job, Jordan! Keep up the good work. Piano playing is fun, isn’t it? For being the Student of the Month, Jordan receives a book of the works of Beethoven.
The MTNA Music Achievement Program will begin November 10th this year. Look for goal sheets and informational materials at lessons during the first week in November.
After conferring with several parents I have decided to have recital in February this year instead of November or December. Several new students joined our ranks this year, and they are not going to be ready for a November recital. I might do another “virtual” recital in December of this year, and record the students during the second week of December. All pieces will be memorized. Christmas materials will be assigned the first week in November, along with the ubiquitous Over the River and Through the Woods.
Memorization is a skill that comes easily to children, and to adults if it is done often and methodically. Each student should always be working on at least one piece of memory work each week. These will be tracked as we begin the Music Achievement Program next month.
The schedule will be normal through November, with Thanksgiving exceptions. I do not plan to take Election Day or Veteran’s Day off. There will be no lessons Nov. 25-29. Lessons will resume on Monday the 30th. Please note that Nov. 25 is Wednesday, and I will not be teaching that day. If you will not be attending lessons on either Election Day or Veteran’s Day, please contact me beforehand. Thanks!
Thank you all for being mindful of the health of others and staying home when you are ill. So far, so good–knock on wood.
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09-01-2009
A New School Year
The fall schedule begins September 2. The schedule link on the right of this page is mostly up-to-date. I am waiting on a few stragglers to get settled, but those who are listed here are set. Hopefully we won’t have to make very many changes once school begins and other activities encroach on us.
Piano Calendar: Each student is receiving a practice record calendar at the beginning of each month. Please record the approximate number of minutes practiced each day, and parents, please initial these before each lesson. Yes, I know if the student has practice or not without the calendar, but keeping a record helps each student realize how much (or how little) they practice, and when the practicing gets done. Please settle on a schedule of practice on at least 5 days a week.
Music Achievement Program: The Music Teachers National Association Music Achievement Program will be a part of this studio again this year. We will begin the process in late October and culminate in May. The requirements this year will be different than last year, with more memorization and performance required, and some theory requirements will be added. Look for more information in the coming weeks.
Recital: This year, I would like to do recital in November instead of December, so we’ll be working toward that early in the year.
Attendance: Thank you for your consistent attendance, and also for giving me prior notice when you need to be absent. Students learn more easily when they have consistent practice and lessons.
Binders: Please make sure you bring a 3 ring binder to your lesson.
Technique: All students should expect the first five minutes or more of each lesson on technical exercises. One requirement to earn the MTNA achievement award will be to meet standards on playing scales and other technical work.
Schedule reminder: There are no lessons on September 7th, Labor Day. As a matter of policy, I do not teach on holidays. I usually send out a reminder email to affected students, but not always, so if you have a question, please email or call me.
Welcome new students Olivia O’Hara, Bryant Van Orden, and Elizabeth Allegro.
Precautions against illness: Because playing the piano requires students to touch the same surface many have touched before, I will be continuing to use precautions against illness. Most of you, I’m sure, are unaware that I use disinfectant on the keys. I will be asking each student to use Purel hand disinfectant (provided) before each lesson this fall. If you have objections to this, please let me know and I will excuse your student. If your child is sick, please keep him or her home so that we all might stay as healthy as possible this year. Remember, I do not charge for lessons missed for illness, even with very short notice.
Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.
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08-04-2009
The End of Summer.
Greetings!
I hope you are all enjoying the last weeks of summer vacation. Many students took the summer off–and gave me a little break, too. I am finished with my summer travel (I hope) and look forward to a productive piano month in which I catch up on my own skills.
Some students have used part, if not all of the summer, to leap forward in their music studies. Congratulations to Jordan Fox, who is one of those students. She has shown remarkable promise and diligence in her practice and is the Student of the Month for August.
I would like to welcome incoming fall students Elizabeth Allegro, Elizabeth O’Hara, and Bryant Van Orden. Welcome to our music family!
The fall schedule is now posted on this site under the link schedule, except for a few new students whom I have not yet spoken to. Thank you for your help in setting the schedule early. It helps immensely with the planning.
The fall schedule will begin Sept. 2nd, the first day of school.
The next recital will tenatively be held in November. We have a lot of work to do before then. I look forward to a wonderful piano year.
Back this fall: The Piano Calendar. We will be keeping track of time practiced again this year. I will require parent signatures each week. Yes, I know when you have been practicing without seeing a calendar, but I would like you to keep track for yourself. Also, I would like everyone to please bring a 3 ring binder for their calendars and extra sheets.
If you have any questions, please ask them here (comment below) or call me anytime.
Have a great end of summer.
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07-22-2009
Looking Toward Fall
I am in the early process of setting the fall schedule. This year I am going to attempt to lure a few students into early morning lessons. This worked very well for many students in Idaho–in fact, I taught 3 lessons each morning before school each day. Because there are greater travel distances here, I don’t expect to have a run on the open slots, but please consider if this will work well for your family. Many students are happy to have their lessons before school, to free up time for other activities like homework after school. If you live within striking distance of my studio, please consider this option. I will offer lessons beginning at 6 a.m. for you early risers, and then continuing on each half hour.
The published schedule will be changing soon, so if you know what time you want for the fall, please let me know ASAP. So far, the 4 p.m. Tuesday slot has been filled. All others are open for discussion.
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07-05-2009
Summer at the Piano
It’s summertime once again–how did that sneak up on us? With school ending so late in June, the 4th of July arrived very quickly this year. I hope you are all having a great beginning of vacation.
I generally follow the same schedule year-round, so plan to come to your lessons at the regular time. If you want to come earlier in the day, please call me ASAP and I’ll try to accommodate you if at all possible. A few of you may have casually mentioned a change, so if you have made that certain in your mind, please call me and let me know what you’d like. Thank you.
VACATIONS: I will be out of the studio from July 13-16th. There will be no lessons during those days. Please let me know when you schedule your time off this summer, too.
Student of the Month: It seems that I missed the Student of the Month last month. Woops! Congratulations to Cheyenne Broomfield. Cheyenne earned this by showing improvement in many areas. He also played his Beethoven piece flawlessly at the May recital. Way to go Cheyenne! It’s getting more difficult to single out students for this award, because everyone is showing great effort.
Check out student Melvine Gomilla’s book! He self-publish a book using www.bookemon.com Just search for Gomilla and you can browse through his book or buy a copy for yourself. What a fun idea for a summer activity.
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05-15-2009
Recitalmania.
Congratulations on a wonderful recital, everyone!
Mackenzie went the extra mile to play with a cast on her wrist. I hope you get well soon, Mackenzie.
Thank you one and all for preparing well and performing well. Didn’t we have fun?
The following students earned MTNA pins for 2008-2009: Tiffanie Descadres, Corinne Tousley, Cheyenne Broomfield, Chaundre Broomfield (also named Student of the Year), Sarah Hendricks, Allie Hendricks, Melvine Gomilla, Nailah Cooper, Alberto Gilman, Veronica Gilman, Chris Hendricks, Mason Hendricks, Lauren Dros, Brianna Mathelier, Jordan Thompson, Kyle Thompson, and Mackenzie Thompson. Congratulations!
Schedule Note: There will be no lessons on Monday, May 25th, which is Memorial Day.
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05-04-2009
Lots of Recital News.
The Spring Recital will be held Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. Most of you are familiar with the venue–the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Mt. Airy Road in New Windsor. Directions from west of New Windsor: Take 94 to the intersection of 94 and Mt. Airy Road. There is a light. Turn left (north) and drive to the T. Take a left at the T, still onto Mt. Airy Road. Cross the reservoir, and the church is on your right about a quarter of a mile beyond the reservoir. I will hand out directions at lessons next week if you remind me that you need them. I will appreciate an on-time start, because there is much to do at this recital, including handing out MTNA awards. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
The Spring Recital for Adult Students was held on May 2nd. We had a wonderful soiree. We enjoyed music by J.S. Bach, W. A Mozart, Clementi, Beethoven, Diabelli, and Lennon/McCartney. Congratulations and thank you to all who played–you did a marvelous job. This was an informal evening of piano playing and socializing with other adult students–comparing battle wounds and successes. I hope to do this more often.
Congratulations to Chris, Mason, Sarah and Allie Hendricks on the addition to their family–a little sister named Claire.
Welcome new student Jordan Fox. I look forward to our time together. Jordan is a fourth-grade student at Little Britain.
The Student of the Month for April is Randy Raichart. It’s hard to be first at recital–especially when it’s your first time playing in public. Thanks for the support you’ve given me and my students through the years. Best Randy quote: “If God wanted me to play the piano, he should have given me 88 fingers.”
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04-27-2009
Adult Recital Time
Soon it will all be water under the bridge. Or over the waterfall. Whatever—The Adult Recital is this coming Saturday, May 2nd, at 7 p.m. at my home. There will be four students playing. Spouses are invited and encouraged to come and cheer on their husband or wife. No jeering, hissing, heckling, tittering, or snickering allowed, but expect lots of laughter and a good time. I’ll be serving light refreshments afterward.
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