Songbird Piano Lessons

Ready for the next "Listen!" challenge? It's been a while, so if you don't remember how this works,  review the rules and suggestions here. This week, another minuet -- this time, by Dominco Scarlatti!    This one will be interesting to use, because you can actually see the sheet music as the performer is playing. :)   Happy New Year!

   Finally, it was the big day -- the day that we've all been working hard towards. December 15, 2018, marked the second Christmas recital of Songbird Studios. And believe me, one teacher over here was very excited!    OK, so there were a few concerns running in the back of my head. But, as usual, I had a lot of confidence in my students -- confidence that was not misplaced. Because when each student gives me their best, whatever their best is, then I can rest easy. And we did have a very good recital. Each student performed well, kept their cool when mistakes were made, and hopefully enjoyed themselves in the process. :) About half the students playing wanted to play from memory. I have been trying to encourage memorizing music, but wasn't going to make anyone who didn't want to play from memory. Needless to say, I was really excited over those who chose to! (I was holding their books off to the side, in case of memory lapses. I needn't have worried.)  ...

Continuo Without stopping 🎶Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄 ( Watch for a post on our successful recital -- hopefully by the end of this week!)

Hello, everyone! Last week I wrote a post to the students about preparing for a recital. Today, parents, it's your turn!  I know you're all busy, but please do read through this so we can all look forward to a pleasant recital experience. :)         If you haven't already done it, please go over this post  with your child so they know what to expect. Believe me, they will be far less nervous about the recital if they know what's going on!      Make sure you and your family arrive on time (a few minutes before 2:00 P.M.), and please bring along a plate of snack food or dessert. (If anyone wants to volunteer to bring folding chairs, please let me know.)       Coats can go in the closet in our entryway. The recital will be in the studio, so please head downstairs upon arrival.      Help your child feel relaxed before the recital. Many children get very nervous before a recital, which doesn't help them ...

Buffa Comic or humorous

There's less than two weeks till our Christmas recital! Anyone else excited yet? Recitals are a good way to finish off the year. There's just a few basic guidelines that keep them fun for everyone, so I want to share those with you. :)    (Parents, if you are the ones reading this, please share these with your children so they know what to expect and can look forward to a great time!) Does it make you nervous to play in front of people? If so, that's OK -- most people feel this way! So, leading up to the recital, perform a lot for your family and friends. This will help you not to be so nervous. Don't forget to get them to sign your music or notebook in pencil!  Recitals are special, so now's a good chance to wear your best clothes! Dress nicely, and don't forget to put on your smiles. :)     When you and your family come in and sit down, find a spot close to the edge of the seats so you can get in and out easily. When it's your turn to play, come ...

Agitato Agitated or excited