Songbird Piano Lessons

It's time for the second "Listen!" challenge! But first, I have to apologize to anyone who tried commenting on the first. *embarrased cough* If you couldn't leave a comment, you're not the only one. Being as tech-savvy as I am not, I did not realize that my Comments were set so you could only comment if you were signed in to your Google account. My deepest apologies. I did figure out how to fix that, so now you should be able to comment without a problem.    If you missed the first "Listen!" challenge,  you can review the rules and suggestions here!    And now for your video: a Menuett by Mozart! (If you're not familiar with what a Menuett/Minuet is, it's a graceful dance in 3/4 time.) Have fun!

Over a week ago, I did something that was brand-new for me . . .    I hosted a piano party!    What is a piano party? Well, according to the post-party definition, it's a lot of fun. :)    We started out in the late afternoon. Once everyone had showed up and settled themselves comfortably around our basement on couches and camp chairs, students took turns performing one piece each. There was no program. Instead I was deciding the order randomly by drawing everyone's name from a jar. Also, because the students had picked out their own pieces, I had no clue what they were playing until their name was called!    After that, my folks helped me out by grilling the burgers and hot dogs and setting up the table while I directed games. I had the challenge of finding games that were music-related, but that non-musical siblings could participate in as well. We started off with a scavenger hunt -- with a twist. Along with every clue was hidden a music symbol. Though I'm not su

I apologize for not putting this post out last week. Or maybe I should say for not writing this post or any post at all last week. It was just one of those weeks. Well, we were arriving at home from a weekend getaway last Monday (my normal blogging day), and then it just seemed like the rest of the week was spent catching up with other things. Oh, and preparing for our piano party! Come back next week for that post; I can't wait to share with you all the fun we had!    Anyways, on to the main subject. Traditionally, most parents have waited until their child could read to enroll them in piano lessons. Traditionally, most piano teachers only accepted children that could read. But that mentality is slowly changing. I am one of the teachers now accepting preschool students. And I'd like to talk with you about why I am doing that, and why preschool is the perfect age to start your child's musical adventure.    Reason #1: Because I have a  new method book for preschoolers

This week came around, and I realized that it was time to run a studio update post. So without further ado . . .    I'm really enjoying taking piano lessons again . My teacher is working strongly with me on the musical details of music, all the little things that make it music and not just tones of varying pitches. He keeps reminding me that I am partnered with the piano, that I am only responsible for pressing the keys and reacting to the sound the piano gives me. (If that didn't make much sense to you, don't worry. This really will make me a better teacher and musician, and that's what matters.) I am excited for fall, when I'll be able to start passing on the things I'm learning as well as the joy of music. Myself playing in my teacher's studio.     Speaking of fall, it's approaching much quicker than I'd like to think! Which means I've got to get hopping on advertising. Well, I've already kind of started. I've sent in my applic