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Developing
Minds Through Music
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2002
- 2003 Program Information
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Studio Year and Closures |
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The studio program is divided into two parts generally following the school year and summer. The fall semester will be September 1 through December 20, 2002, and the spring semester will be January 2 through May 30, 2003. I have scheduled 36 lessons for each student through the fall and spring semesters. The studio will be open weekdays and holidays except the following: |
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Thanksgiving and Friday, November 28-29, 2002 |
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Recitals |
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The studio has two formal recitals each year. This year's recital dates are: December 7, 2002 at 3:00 pm and May 3, 2003 at 7:00 pm. We will again have the recitals at Ovilla Road Church of the Nazarene. |
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Music Activity Classes |
| The music activity class is a time for all students to get together, get to know each other, play for each other, and learn something, too. A parent recently asked me to explain why I have such a strong commitment to the activity classes and why they are so important to attend. |
| I believe that a well-balanced study of music is more than teaching someone to play an instrument. A good music program will include music theory and music history. I realized a couple of years ago that if I did not add the study of music history to my curriculum, many of my students would never learn it anywhere else. |
| Why is music history important? Studying history helps us understand the music we play and why music can sound so differently from one piece to the next. We learn about composers and the most famous compositions ever written. This broadens your child's music experience. They can hear a famous tune and know what it is and who wrote it. They can go to the symphony and understand the style of music. In short, let's just say it gives them "culture." |
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Because I am committed to teaching music history for your child's benefit, I can either take your lesson time to do it or schedule a few extra classes. I have chosen the latter because we are already working on performance and theory in the lesson. My commitment to the class comes in the preparation I do for it. I work many hours studying, writing summaries or synopses, purchasing and reading biographies, buying and listening to CDs, etc. I do all of this free of charge to you because your child's education is that important to me. I only ask that you commit to bringing your child to the class. |
| This year we will focus on the Baroque period (17th to early 18th century) including great composers Bach and Handel. The classes will be on Friday night, begin at 6:30 pm and last a couple of hours. The students will each play and a program will follow. We'll have snacks and visit afterwards. Moms, dads, siblings and/or friends may come if they wish. Please notify the hostess if several members of your family or friends are coming. Dates for the class will be posted in the studio. |
| I want to express my thanks to the families who graciously hosted an activity class last year. We met in the homes of Laura and Jaclyn Sugg, Brittney and Melody Ginn, and Caleb and Hannah Oakes. You all were wonderful host and hostesses. |
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I would like to ask for volunteers to host a class this year. As last year, I will ask students to bring snacks so the hostess only provides space and a piano. Speaking of the piano, please don't hesitate to volunteer because of a concern that your piano isn't as good as mine or someone else's. It's good experience for the students to play on all types of pianos. Please consider volunteering your home. |
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Piano Explorer |
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I am again offering to order the "Piano Explorer" magazine. It is a bi-monthly magazine published by "Clavier" magazine for students. If 10 families subscribe, we can order the Explorer for $4 per year. If you are interested in this magazine, please let me know. I have some samples in the studio for your perusal. |
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Practice Routine |
| The word "practice" can be a foreboding word for you and your child. It can take on a life of its own and place fear and dread in the heart. Or, it can be a word synonymous with quality time. Interestingly, you as the parent, the motivator, the guiding force can make the difference. I want to share some encouraging words with you about how to get the most out of practice time. After all, you are making a monthly monetary investment in your child's musical education. Frankly, if your child does not practice daily, you are spending way too much money on piano lessons. |
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Remember that your child is in training. He or she is not experienced enough to make good judgments. Practically speaking, it is your responsibility to see that your child practices. It is not enough to say, "I told him to go practice, but he didn't do it." Make practice a part of his or her daily routine. |
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Let me state one obvious fact: if your child wants to play the piano well, he or she must practice daily. I know you know this but realize that your child probably does not. It is up to you to guide them. When it's time, go with them to the piano and begin your practice time. This is especially essential for young students or students who haven't studied very long. Just as they have to develop discipline to do their homework, they have to develop, with your help, the discipline for daily practice. |
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Remember this is education. I have a 1st grader and am reminded daily that his life and his future are dependent on decisions I make. A large part of who he will become and what he does in life is molded by my guidance. |
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Realize that if you view learning to play the piano as an alternate form of entertainment like television, you are buying an awfully expensive plaything. The study of music actually does affect the brain and how it works. It can boost learning power, aiding the development of logic, abstract thinking, memory and creativity. To state the obvious, this development comes from daily work. If you believe this, then you, too, must make a commitment to music education. Know this, my goal is not to compel students toward a music degree in college. My goal is to develop their potential so they can have a better life because they studied music. |
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So now that you agree studying music has value and practice is essential, make a commitment to get involved with practice. Here are some tips: |
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1. Set a specific practice time. Practice should be part of your daily routine. You probably already have a schedule of what and when your child does homework, eats, goes to bed, etc. Add to that schedule a specific daily practice time. This can make a tremendous difference. |
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2. Be a team. Don't send your child to the piano bench. Go with them. Do not let your child be isolated. Give your child your full attention and work together. Use your imagination, make your child's time at the piano fun. If you commit to study piano with your child, you will both have a most rewarding experience. Turn practice time into quality time. |
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3. Direct their practice. Don't assume they remember what to work on. You pull out the notebook and help them. |
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4. Praise their efforts. A good practice session is hard work-that work deserves reward. Develop your own reward system for hard work. Above all, tell them you love to hear them play. My parents are both deceased. Some of my dearest memories are when they would say, "Play for me. I love to listen to you play." Give your child wonderful memories of your love. |
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I want to make a footnote to parents with teenagers or independent children. I realize that your child may not want you to sit with them. However, I still say, "Do not let your child be isolated." They need your interest and verbal support. Stay tuned in to what they are doing and how their practice time is going. If they are having trouble or getting frustrated, go talk to them and help them solve the problem if you can. At the very least, give them encouragement. Children are not yet capable of diffusing their frustrations or concerns. Practicing is hard work. Literally, you-your presence, your words-can make all the difference in their practice time and in their lives. |
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Original Composition |
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One of my favorite times of the year is when students are working on their original compositions. I think it is so exciting to create something new, and each year I see students gain confidence in their creativity. This year we will begin our compositions earlier and I will target February 15 for their completion. We'll play them for each other in our February activity class. |
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Student Affiliate |
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Student affiliate is an organization of the National Music Teachers Association. Its purpose is to provide a wider musical experience for students. It gives students opportunities to perform in festivals or competitions, take theory or music history quizzes, enter publication or original composition contests, and play in ensembles. The annual membership fee is $6.00 per student if paid before Sept. 15 and $6.50 if paid after Sept. 15. I will be asking that most of you join Student Affiliate because the state theory exam requires membership. You may choose to join either before or after Sept. 15. |
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State Theory Examinations |
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As you know, last year we began using the Just the Facts theory books. We've been working like Trojans through the books to get the students up to their grade levels so that they were prepared to take the state theory exams. Thank you all for your hard work. The good news is that once you've worked up to grade level, we will have to study only one level per year. We'll all be singing "Glory, Hallelujah" when that happens. |
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The theory exam is offered two days this school year-one in the fall, November 2, and one in the winter, February 1. Please encourage your kids to keep up the hard work and let's ace a theory test this year. |
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I want to reiterate why I think learning the material and taking these tests are important. First, my main focus as a teacher is to provide the best possible music education. That means that when you bring your child to me, you are trusting that I know what I'm doing, that I have the education and experience to be an excellent teacher. By taking the theory exam each year, you know that your child is on the same level as other music students across Texas. Also, should your child decide to take music classes in college, he or she will not be at a disadvantage but among the top of their class. When I was in college, I saw many students overwhelmed with their first year theory class. They could play or sing well, but their teacher had not prepared them for theory classes. I am committed to your child's education. |
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DSMTA Events |
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Below is a list of all Dallas Southwest Music Teachers Association events, the requirements for each event and fees. You may enter as many as you like. Please let me know which events you are interested in ASAP so that I can be sure we have plenty of time to prepare. |
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TMTA Convention |
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The Texas Music Teacher's Association will be having their annual convention in Arlington. The convention is June 13-15, 2003, and the registration fee is $5.00 per person to attend any or all of the exhibits, recitals, discussions, or seminars. I want to encourage you to find some time that weekend to take your child and let them see the larger picture of music. It is exciting to be surrounded by people who love and perform music. |
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