Memoirs from students

Hello!

We have survived our first major New England Snow Storm!  Nemo found us!  Nemo gave us 25 - 28.5 inches of beautiful, white, fluffy snow!  This storm is listed as the 5th biggest storm in the record books!  The New Englanders all say that this was a "Wicked Good Storm!"

While my family was watching yet another movie, I decided to re organize my student files.  I organized 7 years of forms, signed copies of studio guidelines, written assignments, letters, photos, art work, and cards from the 139 students I have worked with.  Yes, I have saved every single piece of artwork and letter from every student.  It was a very fun trip down memory lane.  I loved comparing the photos and notes from when students first started lessons to when I moved away.  It was astonishing to see the improvements in the hand writing and the goals change. Tom and my kids enjoyed looking at the cards, letters and photos too!
When my family asked how long I was going to keep these files, I responded, "FOREVAH!"  (this is my terrible attempt to spell out the New England accent that I absolutely love hearing!) 

Do you want to know what the most interesting discovery in my trip down memory lane was?
The fact that I do not have any letters, or written goals from my own two children.  I don't even have them on my roster!  OOPS!

Snow day in New England

It is a beautiful snowy day in New England!  We are anxiously awaiting a potentially historical storm. 

A few days of being stuck inside could be challenging for some families.  However, I have a recommendation that can ease the stress of a big storm.  I have a recommendation on what to do when everyone comes back inside from playing in the snow (or shoveling snow) and everyone needs to warm up.

Are you ready for my big recommendation?

Wait for it...

PRACTICE THE PIANO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you have a piano - you don't even need electricity!  You can use a candle or lantern to read your music!

I am already excited to hear all about how everyone practiced away and improved over the long snowy weekend!

Four Reasons Music Is Important!

From the blog "Along Came Music"...

Plato said music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education.”

Participating in musical activities provides unique opportunities for literacy preparation. Under the direction of a teacher, playing an instrument or singing music teaches students about sequential learning which is essential in reading comprehension. It is also learning to hear in new ways and exercising their listening skills. Recent research has found that music is valuable in all areas of a child’s development since it uses both sides of the brain.
ACADEMICS:

• A University of California study found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Music lessons were given to second graders and they scored 27% higher on proportional math and fraction tests than children whom did not receive music lessons.
• Research has shown that musical instruction permanently trains the young mind for enhanced learning.
• Some people feel the aboves reason are the primary incentives for providing music lessons to their children.

PHYSICAL:

• Singing and learning rhythm develops coordination.
• Air and wind power needed to blow a flute, trumpet, saxohone, etc. promotes a healthy body.

EMOTIONAL:

• Music is an art form allowing us an artistic outlet for our emotions.
• Music is a vehicle of expression.

MUSIC IS FOR LIFE:

• Many sports can’t be played after a certain age but we can sing forever!
• We can play the piano or other instruments as long as our body lets us!

Music is  a gift we can give that lasts our entire life!

Superbowl Thoughts

Some people watch the Superbowl to cheer for their favorite team.  Some people watch the Superbowl to watch a thrilling NFL championship game. Some people watch the Superbowl for the commercials.  This year, I watched the Superbowl to watch the PIANOS?!?!!?

Did you catch this piano in this commercial? 

http://according2mandy.com/2013/02/mms-love-ballad-super-bowl-xlvii-commercial/

Did you see the stunning silver Yamaha piano that Alicia Keys played when she sang the National Anthem?  it was a gorgeous piano.  I have been looking for the model number and information on-line and have not been successful.  If any of you know - let me know!

My favorite seat in the house!

Finding "C" on the piano

Thank you to Rachel and her mom for sharing this with me! 

I think it is very helpful for our beginning piano students!

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR_cwELdtHk

Welcome to Vincent and Tamar!

Please join me in a huge round of applause and a warm welcome to Mister Vincent and Miss Tamar as they join our piano family this week!  We are excited that both of you will be joining us during an extra special fun week in the piano studio!