Piano New Year's Resolutions

Do you have any New Year's Resolutions?  Did you write them down?  Do any of them have anything to do with practicing the piano or accomplishing a new piece? 

How Do Electric Pianos Work?

Every wonder how an electric piano works?  Click here to find out more...

http://www.ehow.com/video_7309621_electric-piano-work_.html

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!  Enjoy the day!  For me, nothing helps me reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas more than the beautiful classic Christmas Carols. 

Best Wishes and Good Luck!

Best wishes and good luck to all of our Note-worthy Experiences Students who will be performing in our Annual Winter Holiday Recital!  I am super proud of each and every one of you!  Now is the time to shine!  Now is the time to show off what you have learned!  Now is the time to enjoy the spotlight!  Now is the time to celebrate!  This is the perfect way to end the year!  The studio will be closed following the recital until January! 

Miss Katherine and Miss Rachel

Congratulations to Miss Katherine and Miss Rachel for successfully auditioning and performing in "The Nutcracker" with your dance studios!  I am excited to see photos from your many performances!!

Miss Annabel

Best wishes to Miss Annabel!  Annabel is playing "Alouette" for her entire school today at the school meeting!  Hooray for Annabel!

Miss Gracie

Congratulations to Miss Gracie!  Gracie recently played "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" for her entire kindergarten class.  Gracie was very proud to tell me all about it!  Way to go Gracie!!

Miss Jaime

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Miss Jaime!  Miss Jaime completed her level 2B books last week.  Miss Jaime has been taking lessons with Note-worthy Experiences for many years.  Jaime now has lessons via Skype.  When Jaime is not playing the piano, she can be found playing her saxophone, violin or performing in a school play.  She also works on her school newspaper.  Jaime also enjoys spending time her family and pets.  Congratulations Jaime!

Happy Birthday to Beethoven!

Happy Birthday to Ludwig van Beethoven!  Ludwig was born on December 16, 1770 in Bonn, Germany and lived until March 26, 1827.  By the age of seven, Ludwig was playing the organ, piano and violin.  At age twelve, he started composing his own works. 

What is your favorite Beethoven work?

Nursing Home Recital

Congratulations to all of our students who played their songs at the local nursing home on Friday evening!
Avi, Charlie, Max, Jonathan, Joseph, Serena, Stacie, Gracie, Taylor, Ellie and Grant did a fantastic job!  The residents loved it!  Many residents and staff members sang along!
Thank you to those students and parents who joined me for frozen yogurt after the recital!  It was fun to celebrate with all of you!

1 WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is it!  This is the final week for students to polish up their performance skills!  Our recital is in one week!  This week is "Bring Your Favorite Stuffed Animal / Doll Week".  Our students' stuffed animals will serve as our audience as our students prepare for our big event!

Miss Helen

Please join me in a huge warm welcome to Miss Helen as she joins our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family!
Helen has been teaching herself how to play the piano in her free time!
I am excited to work with Helen at the piano very soon!

Miss Adelyn

Thank you to Miss Adelyn for creating an adorable paper penguin ornament for our Christmas Tree in our piano room!  I LOVE it!

Only 2 weeks left!

What are your favorite songs of the holiday season?  What pieces put you in the holiday spirit?  In TWO weeks our students will delight our audience with a variety of festive pieces.  Will a student perform your favorite piece???

How does a piano work?

How does the piano actually work?   Click here to learn more!

http://www.ehow.com/video_7309619_do-pianos-work_.html

3 weeks and counting!

We have just three weeks left until our biggest event of the year!  Our Note-worthy Experiences tradition has been to have our most advanced school aged students perform at the end of the recital.  Who will be the last three performers this year?

What is inside your piano?

Here is a link to help you learn about what is inside your piano...

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4898294_what-piano-made.html

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!  I truly am thankful for so much in my life.  I am thankful for the gift of music that I was given by my parents and grandparents 34 years ago.  I am thankful for the lessons music has taught me, for the people it has helped me meet and for the career that it has provided me.  Even though I am thankful for music, in the recent years, I do not play the piano on Thanksgiving  I typically spend the day with my family and enjoying being in the moment with them. 

Happy Chanukah

Happy Chanukah to all of our friends and families who will be celebrating today and the coming days!

Christmas Music

What is your favorite Christmas song?  What simply puts you in the holiday spirit?

Only 4 more weeks!

Only 4 more weeks until our Winter Holiday Recital!  Each year I have our youngest and newest students play at the beginning of the recital.  This year is no exception!  Stay tuned for photos and updates about our youngest Note-worthy Experiences Students!

Chanukah Music

Do you have a favorite Chanukah song?  Do you have a song that you love to sing or play when celebrating?

Does playing the piano help you stay smarter longer??

Here is a link to a fascinating article about how playing the piano now can help you stay smarter longer....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10427672/Music-lessons-in-childhood-could-boost-brain.html

Master Avi and Miss Tamar

Thank you very much to Master Avi and Miss Tamar for the generous donation of the super cute holiday stickers for our students to use!  Students have already been enjoying earning them during their lessons!

The Roland Digital Piano

These are the photos of the Roland Digital Piano that was delivered this morning!  Our studio was one of a very few studios selected in the Greater Boston Area to use this piano for three months!  I have been working away today to create new lesson plans that incorporate the many fabulous features of this instrument.

Thanksgiving Music

What is your favorite Thanksgiving Song?  What song makes you think about Thanksgiving when you hear it?

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

I am working on the details to be able to reveal a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT for ALL of our students who work from my studio! 

I have goose bumps just typing this post!

Stay tuned!

MAJOR ANNOUCEMENT!!!!!!!!!

Our studio has been selected to host a Roland HPi6F - SB Digital Piano for three months!  

This is a major honor and privilege for our students!  The local Steinway & Roland dealer will provide us with this instrument.  

http://www.roland.com/products/en/HPi-50/ is a video link to a piano that is similar to the one that we will be using.

http://www.roland.com/products/en/HPi-6F/ is a link to the piano that we will be using in our studio.

I cannot wait to start working on it for lessons!  We will be able to play interactive note reading and rhythm games, record our pieces, add sounds and features and save it all onto portable flash drives!  Students will be able to take their recorded works home with them!

I need to rearrange furniture because our studio will have three pianos in after tomorrow!

Miss Annie and Miss Katherine

Thank you to Miss Annie and Miss Katherine's mom for sharing with us some terrific Halloween and Thanksgiving music.  I am looking forward to sharing this music with our students!  I just love fall!  I love that our students have enjoyed playing the fall music this year! 

Miss Lucy and Miss Lexie

Please join me in a huge round of applause to Miss Lexie and Miss Lucy!  I am now able to fashionably wear my two Rainbow Loom Piano Keyboard bracelets wherever I go.  The amount of people who have noticed and complimented these bracelets is quite amazing.  Terrific job ladies!  Thank you!

5 more weeks until our Winter Holiday Recital!

The countdown is on!  Just 5 more weeks until our Winter Holiday Recital!  I have tried something new at every recital I have conducted!  This year is no exception... I moved our recital to a whole new state!  This will be our first Winter Holiday Recital in Massachusetts!  I am excited!

Can playing the piano help you hear later in life?

Can taking piano lessons really help you hear later in life?  This is an interesting article.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2488119/Playing-instrument-child-help-hearing-later-life.html?ITO=bookmark-chromeext&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=bookmark-chromeext

Welcome to Master Ryan

Please join me in a huge welcome to Master Ryan!  Ryan will be joining our Note-worthy Experiences Family this week!

Ms. Laura

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Laura!  Laura will be joining our Note-worthy Experiences Studio very soon!

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran's Day!  Thank you to all those who have served, currently serve and will serve our beautiful country!

Welcome to Heather

Please join me in a warm welcome to Ms. Heather!  Heather has joined our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family.

Miss Bridget

Please join me in a mega big round of applause for Miss Bridget! 

Miss Bridget earned her certificate for completing the Primer Level Piano Adventures Series this week.  Bridget has already started to work out of her Level 1 Series.  She was lucky enough to even get a chance to wear her adorable Halloween Costume to her lesson this week!  Bridget and I also just celebrated our 1 year anniversary together!  I am impressed with how far Bridget has come in only one year! 

When Bridget is not playing the piano, she enjoys swimming, gymnastics, and playing with her friends.

Congratulations Bridget!

Miss Sarah

Please join me in congratulating Miss Sarah for completing her Piano Adventures Level 3A Series.  Sarah has already started working from her Level 3B books.  Miss Sarah has worked very hard at the piano for several years.  She was able to come to her piano lesson as a cross country runner for Halloween this week. 

When Miss Sarah is not playing the piano, she enjoys cross country training and races.  She also enjoys diving and horse back riding!

Please join me in a round of applause for Sarah and her success!

I am very proud of you Sarah!

Miss Lydia

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Miss Lydia!  Miss Lydia completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Books this week!  Lydia has already started to work from her Level 1 "Red" Books!  Lydia has worked extremely hard to accomplish this goal and she is very proud! 

When Miss Lydia is not playing the piano, she enjoys figure skating, field hockey and soccer.  She also likes to play with her neighbor friend, make Rainbow Loom bracelets (you can see a few of her creations in the photo below) and play piano games on her IPad. 

CONGRATULATIONS LYDIA!  I am very proud of you!

Is Music the Key to Success?

This article was sent to me by one of my adult students.  I found it to be an very interesting article.  Is music the common thread? 

I often tell my students that if playing the piano was easy, then everyone would know how to play!  I tell my students that if performing and recording was easy then everyone would do it and no one would pay money to see and hear live and recorded performances.  Students usually give me a grin and go back to their work at the piano.  

Read on and tell me what you think.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/is-music-the-key-to-success.html?_r=0

Congratulations to Susan

Please join me in a huge round of applause for our student, Susan.  Susan was our studio winner for locating the most "Play Me I'm Yours" Street Pianos of Boston display.  Susan was the student who located the most pianos and sent me photos of her with them!  I think Susan and her daughter had a lot of fun with this contest!  Congratulations Susan for winning a free thirty minute piano lesson!

Looking for a piano

Are you looking for a used piano?  Do you know someone who is?  Check out this website.  You can type in your zip code, type of piano, etc.  There are MANY pianos for sale near me.  Now the question is where can I put all of these pianos that are so well priced?  :)  Just kidding - I only have room for the two that I have.
 
http://www.used-piano-sale.com/

More on Music Theory

Here is another link to an article about the importance of music theory.  I will step off of my soap box now, I must go into the piano room and prepare for teaching my piano students about theory!  ;)

http://bgmusicweb.com/t-music-theory.aspx

Music Theory

I am frequently asked if I teach students about music theory.  I am often asked why I teach music theory.  Here is an article that might help you understand why I do what I do in lessons.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Every-Musician-Should-Learn-Music-Theory&id=6789721

Piano & technology

Hello!
I am looking for YOUR ideas on fun apps, YouTube videos, etc. that can help students with note recognition, basic theory and general fun.  I have a few that I really like and I am using them more often in the piano studio.  Let me know which ones you prefer!

Improving Memory

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/music-lessons-improve-kids-brain-development-memory-study-1.600098

Let me know what you think of this above link about improving brain development and memory.

How to help children practice

Hello all!

I just read this article and found some ideas that I am going to try with my own children.  Let me know if you try any of these and let me know the results. 

http://www.teachpianotoday.com/2013/10/02/15-ways-to-fill-your-childs-piano-practice-tank/

Miss Gracie

Please join me in a big round of applause for Miss Gracie!  Miss Gracie completed her Primer Level 1 Piano Adventures Series last evening.  She has already started to work on her Level 1 "Red" books.  Her family is having a brand new piano delivered to her home today.  Miss Gracie loves being a kindergartener, drawing, soccer and gymnastics.  Gracie also enjoys spending time with her younger brothers.  Gracie has performed in two nursing home recitals.  She will be preparing for another nursing home recital and the Annual Winter Holiday Recital very soon!  CONGRATULATIONS GRACIE!

Miss Isabella

Note-worthy Experiences is thrilled to announce that Miss Isabella will be joining our piano family this week.  I cannot wait to get started at the piano with her!  Please join me in a warm welcome to Isabella.

Improving Reading Skills

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316075843.htm

Here is an interesting link to a study about improving reading skills.  What do you think??

Mister Vincent

Thank you to Mister Vincent for the beautiful piano drawing for my birthday!  I love it!  It is displayed on our piano bulletin board!

Miss Lexie

Thank you to Miss Lexie for crafty an adorable pink and green pot holder for me.  I truly love it!  It is currently adorning the piano bulletin board and soon will be a under a warm mug of hot cocoa!  (Hot cocoa season is just around the corner!)

Thank you Lexie!

Making children nicer?

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/making-music-makes-children-nicer-study-1.1444552

Could it be true?  Does making music really make children nicer?

Winter Holiday Recital

Fall is in the air!  Which means registrations and preparations for our Winter Holiday Recital are underway!  Watch for details!

75 Pianos For YOU to Play

Have you heard about the 75 pianos that are coming to the Boston Area and are going to be waiting for YOU to play them?  They are going to be available for you to find and play!

I am going to offer 1 free thirty minute lesson  to the one current student who finds the most pianos and sends me a photo of he or she with the pianos. 

Celebrity Series of Boston presents Play Me, I'm Yours Street Piano Festival, Sept 27 - Oct 14, 2013 www.celebrityseries.org & www.streetpianosboston.com.

Click here for more info: 75 pianos to be installed in public spots around Boston for anyone to play

Nursing Home Recital

Please join me in a huge round of applause to our wonderful students who performed at the local nursing home on Friday evening!  Taylor, Casey, Lexie, Lily, Gracie, Bridget, Lucy, Max, Rachel, Adelyn, Charlie, Grant and Ellie entertained the residents for an hour with their impressive piano playing talents. 

One resident told me after the recital that is the most fun they have all year!  Another resident told me that at their Friday Ice Cream Social earlier that day, our students were the hot topic of conversation because they could not wait for our students to arrive.  One of our students was called an angel by a resident!  Another resident told me that she cannot hear very well, so she enjoys seeing all of the kids all dressed up, especially the girls in their dresses.  A different resident told me that he noticed that some of the students really improved in their abilities since their last recital.  The activity director asked me to set the dates of our next two recitals for the residents before I left.   I enjoyed watching the students play the piano, and discover that they could overcome their fears of performing in front of an audience of over 60 people! 

After the recital, several students and their families gathered at a local frozen yogurt cafe to celebrate.

Yom Kippur

Our Note-worthy Experiences Family wishes the very best to all of you who are celebrating Yom Kippur today.

Miss Sarah

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Miss Sarah!  Miss Sarah completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Series Books today!  Miss Sarah started working from her Red Level 1 Books today.  Miss Sarah has performed at the local nursing home.  When Sarah is not playing the piano, she enjoys her ballet class, and soccer.  Sarah also enjoys making bracelets and play dates.  CONGRATULATIONS SARAH!  I am very proud of you!

Miss Rachel

Thank you to Miss Rachel for bringing an apple to me for our 1st September lesson!  I loved the fact that Rachel picked the apple earlier that day with her family at a local apple orchard.  I enjoyed the apple for a snack with a little caramel and thought I truly tasted fall!  Thanks Rachel!  I LOVE fall!

Hybrid Piano

Are you in the market for a new instrument?  Are you curious about new technology?  Are you interested in digital pianos but afraid to leave the traditional acoustic piano world?  Are you interested in a maintenance free piano?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, check out the link below to view this clip about a hybrid piano.

Thanks to our student, Spyros, for sharing!

http://nyti.ms/19k8xkT

Miss Tamar

Please join me in a giant round of applause for Miss Tamar!  Miss Tamar completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Books earlier this week!  She is already working out of her Level 1 "Red" Books.  Miss Tamar has also enjoyed working on classical music. 

Miss Tamar works very hard at the piano.  She was inspired to learn to play the piano by her great grandmother who was a fantastic pianist.  Tamar has already inspired her younger brother to begin piano lessons.

When Tamar is not playing the piano she enjoys gymnastics, soccer, swim team and playing with her American Girl Dolls. 

Happy early birthday and congratulation Tamar!  I am super proud of you.

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

Happy Rosh Hashanah!  Have a terrific year!

Miss Celeste & Miss Annabel

Thank you to Miss Annabel and Miss Celeste for the generous donation of cute Snoopy Stickers for the Piano Studio!  I am certain our students will enjoy being rewarded with them after their lessons!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day to all of you!  I hope you have a chance to relax and enjoy the last bits of summer!

Beach Week

This past week was my first ever "Beach Week" at Piano Lessons.  I decided to decorate the piano practice room, the grand piano room and the foyer with beach related items.  I also encouraged all of the students, siblings, parents and care givers to come to lessons dressed in clean and dry beach attire.  We were celebrating the "Unofficial End of Summer Vacation" and we started our new revised fall schedule.  I have posted a few photos on the Note-worthy Experiences Facebook page for fans to see.  I hope you enjoy them!

Miss Bella

I am thrilled to announce that Miss Bella will be joining our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family next week!  I am super excited and cannot wait to get started with fun at the piano bench with her!

Miss Lucy

Please join me in a GIANT round of applause for Miss Lucy!  Lucy completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Books yesterday and has already started to work out of the Level 1 Red Books.  Lucy had an injury to her hand this week that resulted in 4 stitches (in the photo below you can see her pretty purple bandage).  She asked her mom to reschedule her lesson because she did not want to miss.  Amazingly, Lucy played all of her homework songs for me and earned her certificate.  She also did not want to miss out on the craziness of beach week!  Lucy was the only student to earn a certificate during beach week.  Miss Lucy has performed at one nursing home recital and is preparing to do so again soon!  CONGRATULATIONS LUCY!

Thank you!

Thank you to all of you for support and encouragement! 

It has been an amazing year in MA! 

Last year at this time, I was ordering window treatments and picking out paint colors.  I was only teaching piano lessons to a small group of students I had in PA via Skype. 

I promised my family that I would not work on growing my piano studio until after Halloween.  I felt that it was important that all of us felt settled before I added my to my plate.  I did have one student request to begin just before Halloween.  I believe that if a student is excited and ready that as a teacher, I should go with excitement and see where it leads.  So I started lessons with that student and I continued with 5 students via Skype in PA.

Now, I am looking at my schedule for next month, we will have a total of 47 students taking lessons with me on a regular basis!  I will be teaching 1 high schooler, 5 middle schoolers, 5 adults, 5 senior citizens, 6 preschoolers, and 25 grader schoolers! WOW!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! 

Thank you for telling others about Note-worthy Experiences!

Thank you for your ideas and input!

Thank you for believing in me!

I am truly blessed!

It is an honor and privilege to be able to work with these students each week!

Back to School

It is Back to School Season again!  I find it hard to believe that it is finally here!  I think the extra long school year thanks to the inclement weather days made it a little more challenging for me.  It was an adjustment for our family to have more breaks during the school year but to get out later in the year.  (One of many adjustments for this Midwestern Girl who became a New Englander!)

Nevertheless, the excitement of a new school year and a new fresh start is here!  Best wishes to all of our students as they enter new classrooms and / or schools, meet new friends, try new extracurricular activities and try to manage the new routines and schedules!  Best wishes to all of our students who are going back to school!  I am certain that this will be your best year ever!

The Anatomy of a Piano

 Thank you to Laura & Beth at Steinert's for a fantastic morning!  Thank you for opening your showroom early for us and teaching us all about how a pianos evolved into the pianos we know today.  Thank you for teaching us how they are made and how they are tuned!  It was very fun!  Thank you for letting us ask all of our questions!  I think the students enjoyed playing the pianos and digital pianos.  I know all of our students and parents learned a few new things today.  Thank you to our students for being a wonderful class.  Thank you to our parents for getting everyone there and participating in the fun and learning!

Master Luke

Please join me in a big and friendly welcome to Master Luke!  Luke will be joining our piano family next week!  I am super excited to work with Luke at the piano. 

Miss Alex

Miss Alex will be joining our Note-worthy Experiences Family very soon!  I can hardly wait!  Please join me in welcoming her!

Master Avi

Master Avi will be joining our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family very soon!  Please join me in a huge warm welcome for him!

Piano for all generations

I love my teaching (but you already knew that). 

I love teaching preschoolers, elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, high schoolers, adults and senior citizens. 

I love creating individual lesson plans for each and every student.  I love that each student learns in a different way and teaches me valuable lessons. 

Today is going to prove to be an interesting day...  I am sitting here on my self proclaimed lunch break after finishing a first piano lesson with an 85 year old man.  I am preparing to have a lesson with a 3 year old girl.  I guess what this really means is that piano a leisure activity that is suitable for all ages!  I guess this also means that people are never to young or old to learn!

Miss Taylor' Personal Recital

Miss Taylor gave her first personal recital last evening.  Her recital was a celebration of her completion of her Primer Level Books.  She performed songs from her Primer Level Books AND her Level 1 Books.

Miss Taylor created a two page program of the songs she performed.  Prior to the start of the recital, Taylor's mother asked me if we should announce the name of each song and how the recital should proceed.  Taylor excitedly informed all of us that she already had it all planned and she announced the name of each song before she played it for us.  She also gave us a ten minute intermission so that we could eat and chat.  Taylor's parents captured all of the event on video and still photos.  Taylor did a fantastic job playing all 18 different songs.  Her parents prepared many delicious appetizers and drinks.  After the recital's grand finale, everyone enjoyed ice cream bon bons!

In attendance were Taylor's current nanny, her very first nanny, parents, little brother, 10 week old puppy, myself and her grandmother, who joined via Skype.  She received roses from both of her nannies.  You can see some of the gorgeous roses in the first photo below.

Taylor recently had her ears pierced and she was able to take out her starter earrings to wear special earrings for the recital.  The special earrings coordinated perfectly with her special recital outfit and necklace.  She even had her hair braided in a fancy up do that I can't even begin to figure out how to do!

Miss Taylor seemed to have a terrific time at the recital.  She did a wonderful job preparing for the event.

Taylor works extremely hard at the piano but makes it look so very easy!  Taylor enjoys working ahead of her weekly assignments and challenging herself.

Miss Annabel

Please join me in a warm welcome to Miss Annabel!  Annabel will be joining our piano family later this month!  I am very excited to get started!

Miss Rachel's Personal Recital

Today was a very big day!  I attended my first personal recital that one of my students, Miss Rachel, conducted in her home.  Also in attendance were Rachel's parents, sister, friends and her friends' mothers.  It was a beautiful sunny afternoon!

Upon their arrival, everyone signed in.  The easel was decorated with Rachel's certificate, photos and a welcome sign.  The room was decorated in black and white decorations as well as musical notes.  Rachel's biography was prominently placed on the table.  (I even learned new things about Rachel from this biography!)  All guests were given a lovely printed program (which is my souvenir).  Rachel's father gave a lovely introduction and welcome speech.  Rachel performed seven of her favorite songs from her Primer Level Books and her closing piece was from a Level 1 Book.  She did a fantastic job playing!  Rachel's mother captured all of this on video.  Following the performance, Rachel served her guests fresh fruit and cupcakes that were decorated with chocolate musical symbols.

Rachel smiles during her entire lesson every week.  I have honestly never seen her without her beautiful smile.  I think it was an even bigger and prouder smile today!

After the recital, Rachel told me she is looking forward to her second personal recital.  We talked about some other fun ideas for the next celebration!

Miss Rachel put together a fantastic event!  I am thrilled that I was able to be a part of it! 

I am honored that each week students and their families come into MY home to learn about the piano with me.  I consider all of my students and their families a part of my extended family.  Today was a unique experience in that I was privileged enough to enter into the home of a piano family and join in a very special celebration.

Miss Celeste

Congratulations to Miss Celeste on a recent successful performance of OKLAHOMA!  We are very proud of you!

Miss Grace

Please join us in a huge warm welcome to Miss Grace!  Grace will be joining our piano family next week!  I am looking forward to working with her at the piano.

Miss Annie

Please join me in a gigantic round of applause for Miss Annie!  Miss Annie completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Series this afternoon!  Annie has already started to work out of her Level 1 "Red" Books! 

When Annie is not playing the piano, she enjoys playing with her two younger sisters and her puppy!  She also loves to travel with her family.  She also plays soccer and is a Brownie with the Girl Scouts.  Annie enjoys making crafts from recycled items such as cups and boxes.  Annie loves to build things.  Someday she hopes to become a farmer.

Miss Annie has performed at the local nursing home and her school.

Congratulations Annie!

Master Joseph and Miss Serena

Please join me in a giant warm welcome to Master Joseph and Miss Serena who will join our piano family today!  I am super excited to work with both of you!

Master Casey

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Master Casey!  Casey graduated from his Primer Level Piano Adventures Series yesterday.  He has already started working in his Level 1 Piano Adventures Books! 

When Casey is not playing the piano, he enjoys playing with his little sister, and playing sports!  Casey loves sports!  He is an avid Minnesota Vikings Fan!  He seems to like all of the sports teams except the sports teams that I like!?!  Regardless of his sports teams allegiances, I am still very proud of him!  Congratulations Casey!

Miss Elizabeth

Please join me in welcoming Miss Elizabeth to our piano family!  I am looking forward to working with Miss Elizabeth at the piano very soon! 

Miss Rachel

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Miss Rachel!  Miss Rachel completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Series today.  She has already started working out of her Red Level 1 Books.  She even worked ahead of the assignments I gave her!   Rachel has already performed at the local nursing home two times!

Rachel works very hard at the piano, but keeps smiling at all times!

When Rachel is not playing the piano she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and playing Wii games.  Rachel took a ballet class this past year but will be taking a hip hop dance class this fall.  She also just finished her season of playing softball.

Congratulations Miss Rachel!  I am very proud of you!

Miss Lydia

Congratulations to Miss Lydia for becoming a District Champion in figure skating!  We are very proud of you!

Master Max

Please join me in congratulating Master Max who recently graduated from Preschool!  Max is looking forward to starting kindergarten in the fall.  HOORAY for Max!

Master Ryan

Please join me in a huge round of applause for  Master Ryan!  Ryan recently completed his Level 1 Primer Level (Purple) Books.  Ryan worked very hard at the piano and taught himself a lot too!  Ryan also enjoys Cub Scouts and soccer when he is not at the piano.  Ryan also enjoys spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Master Ryan! 

PS - Thank you for the delicious chocolate covered strawberries!  I truly enjoyed them!

Miss Adelyn

Congratulations to Miss Adelyn!  She recently played two songs on the piano for her entire preschool class and teacher!  Miss Adelyn told me her favorite part was when she played!  (I thought that was impressive, because my favorite part of any performance is when I lift my fingers off the keys and realize that I am done!) 

Master Jonathan

Please join me in a huge warm welcome to Master Jonathan!  Jonathan will be joining our piano family very soon!  I can't wait to work with you at the piano!

Miss Arianna and Master Ryan

It is with bitter-sweetness that I write this post about our friends Miss Arianna and Master Ryan!  Arianna will be moving to Arizona and Ryan will be moving to Texas soon!  We will miss seeing you in the piano studio!  We are excited for both of you and your families!  Please keep in touch!  I will be anxiously awaiting stories about your new adventures with your new schools and friends!  I completely understand how exciting and scary moving can be!   Best wishes to Ryan and Arianna!

Last day of school

The last day of school is FINALLY here!  Some of our students have been on summer vacation for quite awhile.  However, today is the day that all of our students are out of school and can enjoy their summer break!  Have fun!  Stay safe!  I am looking forward to seeing our students at their lessons this summer and hearing all about the fun they are having!

Our graduates

Congratulations to our students who are graduating this year!  There is a lot of excitement in the piano studio these days for all of our students, but especially our 2013 graduates!

Adelyn, Bridget and Gracie are graduating from preschool!

Katelyn, Katherine, Lexie and Sarah are graduating from kindergarten!

Grant and Jaime graduating from elementary school!

We are looking forward to watching where you will go in this great big world!  Best wishes to all of you!

Master Drew

Congratulations to our piano student, Drew, who successfully tried out for a traveling competitive league baseball team!  Drew will be playing baseball 5 days a week!  Drew will also continue his piano lessons and practice!  Congratulations Drew!  We are proud of you!

Nursing Home Recital

Please join me in a standing ovation for our students who did an amazing job playing the piano for the residents of a local nursing home!

Our fantastic performers were:
Charlie
Rachel
Sebastian
Gracie
Adelyn
Bridget
Charlotte
Lucy
Stacie
Ellie
Celeste
Grant

A lot of the students and their parents joined us at a local frozen yogurt shop afterwards to celebrate! 

It was a fantastic evening of fun!  It was wonderful to share our talents with the residents who were extremely grateful that we came to visit and perform.

Thank you to our performers!  Thank you to all of the parents who made the evening happen!

Master Alex

Please join me in welcoming Master Alex to our piano family next week.  I am looking forward to working with Alex at the piano!

Miss Lucy

Please join me in a huge warm welcome to Miss Lucy!  Miss Lucy will be joining our piano family this week!  Lucy has been teaching herself to play the piano from her sister's books.  I am thrilled and excited to work with her at the piano bench!

Piano Performance Pizza Party / Class

We had our 1st ever Piano Performance Pizza Party!

We ate Popcorn, Pretzels, Pepperoni Pizza, and "Plain" Pizza aka double cheese Pizza!

When we were "Parched" we had Pink lemonade!

We had Plenty of food before we went to class...

We laughed, we learned, we made new friends, we got to know friends better!  We all practiced introducing ourselves and had to tell everyone something interesting about ourselves that no one else in the room already knew!  That was fun!

We had a lively discussion about stage fright, and how to overcome it!

We practiced performing in front of each other on the grand piano and practiced being a good audience.  We talked about how Practice makes Perfect!

Then the students begged me to play.  So I played a Pop song while the students had a dance party - talk about distractions!  WHEW!  Then I played a piece of classical music (Pachelbel Canon in D) while the students shouted out the different emotions they thought the piece represented.  Then the students crowded around the grand piano to watch all of the moving parts.  Again that was quite distracting.  So we concluded about how we worked through the distractions and fears!  It was a Positive and Perfect Piano Performance Pizza Party! All of the students earned pretty certificates and had a folder of goodies to take home!

Thank you to all of our students who participated!  Thank you to all of the parents who chauffeured the students tonight!

Good night!  This piano teacher is pleasantly tired!

Miss Celeste Continued

Congratulations to Miss Celeste!  Celeste recently performed in a local performance of High School Musical 2.  Celeste had a terrific time, however, she informed me that hanging out backstage was the most fun!  Hooray for Celeste!

Miss Celeste

Please join me in congratulating Miss Celeste!  Celeste successfully auditioned for a role in a local production of a Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical! 

My homework was to locate my collection of Rodgers & Hammerstein music.  I completed my homework and I am looking forward to sharing it with Celeste!

Miss Taylor

Drum roll please...

I am thrilled to announce that Miss Taylor completed her Primer Level Piano Adventures Books!  Miss Taylor has already started to work out of her Level 1 Books!  Miss Taylor works very hard at the piano and usually works ahead the assignments given to her!

Taylor's grandfather was visiting from Ohio and got to watch Taylor receive her certificate!

When Miss Taylor is not playing the piano she can be found on the soccer fields, riding her bike, playing outside or using her iPod touch.  Taylor has been studying the violin this year too!  Taylor would like to take a hip hop dance class someday.

CONGRATULATIONS TAYLOR!  I am VERY proud of you!

Miss McKenna

Please join me in a standing ovation for Miss McKenna!

Miss McKenna made a public debut by playing the piano at an Irish Pub on Friday evening in front of her family and patrons of the Pub.  Miss McKenna played a Taylor Swift song that she has been working on for several weeks.  I was fortunate enough to have a video clip texted to me!  It was FANTASTIC!

CONGRATULATIONS MISS MCKENNA!  We are proud of you!

Miss Lydia

Congratulations to Miss Lydia!

Miss Lydia presented a piece of artwork that she created in front of her entire school!  She was on stage all by herself with her artwork and a microphone!  The artwork was a quilt, I am hoping to see photos of this masterpiece very soon!

Please join me in a gigantic round of applause for Lydia!
I love watching our students excel in music, and the arts.  Lydia is a fantastic figure skater as well.  I just know that I will be writing more posts about Lydia - stay tuned!

Miss McKenna

Please join me in a enormous round of applause for Miss McKenna!  McKenna completed her Level 2B Piano Adventures Books and has already started working away in her Level 3A Books. 

Although, she does not know it, McKenna has been an inspiration for ME!  She often finds pop music, websites and music apps and shares them with me.  She keeps this old dog semi hip and semi current!

When McKenna is not playing the piano, she enjoys spending time with her family and puppy.  She also  enjoys playing soccer.  McKenna can often be found studying hair techniques, nail designs and origami through YouTube videos.  McKenna is a very creative person who has a smile that can light up any room.  Next week, she is being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society!

We are all very proud of you Miss McKenna! 

Hugs and high fives to you from MA!

Piano & Cake Baking!?!?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this post and this idea!  I think we will start "baking piano cakes" very soon in our studio!

https://www.pianopronto.com/blog/piano-teaching-tips-bake-that-cake-a-little-longer/

Senior Center

I am thrilled to announce that starting this week I will be starting something new!  I will be going to a nearby senior center and teaching private lessons to several different senior citizens each week.  I can hardly wait!  I am grateful to the scheduling coordinator at this senior center for making this happen in the midst of a very busy senior center!

Miss Kara

Please join me in a big warm welcome to Miss Kara!  Miss Kara will be joining our piano family next week!  I am looking forward to it already!

Miss Gracie

Please join me in welcoming Miss Gracie to our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family later this week!  I am looking forward to working with Gracie already!

Miss Taylor

Congratulations to Miss Taylor for participating in her school district's Strings Fest!  Miss Taylor performed on her violin.  We are hoping to see photos soon!

Master Trevor and Miss Jaime

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Trevor & Jamie!  Trevor just performed on his trombone and Jaime performed on her saxophone at their school band concert this week.  I am so excited that they were able to be on the same stage, at the same time,  performing in the same band!  I know that their parents and I are hoping this is the first of many performances of them playing together in perfect harmony!

Miss Rachel

Congratulations to Miss Rachel for donating 11 inches of her own hair to Locks of Love!  Her new hair do is adorable!  Some people have even said she has a "Mrs. Bordner" hair style!

Master Max

Please join me with a heart felt welcome for Master Max.  Max will be joining our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family later this month!  I am already excited about working with Max at the piano!

Miss Sara

Please join me in a big and warm welcome for Miss Sara!  Miss Sara will be joining our piano family next week!  I am looking forward to working with her at the piano!

Master Trevor

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Master Trevor!  Trevor successfully completed his Level 1 Piano Adventures Series aka "The Red Books"!  Trevor has already started to work on his Level 2 books!  Trevor has been taking lessons via Skype with me since last summer.  When Trevor is not practicing the piano, he enjoys traveling with his family, playing with his dog and karate.  CONGRATULATIONS Trevor!

Miss Annie

Best wishes to Miss Annie as she prepares to perform at the piano at her upcoming school Community Days!  We are VERY proud of you!

Nursing Home Recital

Please join me in a HUGE round of applause for Ellie, Charlie, Bridget, Katelyn, Sarah, Katherine, Annie, Rachel, Sebastian, Stacie, Tamar, Arianna and Grant!  All 13 of these wonderful students did a terrific job performing their favorite two songs at a local nursing home this evening.  The residents loved listening to all 26 songs.  The residents truly enjoyed watching our students play their best in their spring dress clothes.  One of the residents played the piano for our students.  Thank you to the nursing home staff and residents for being a fantastic audience.  Thank you to all of our piano parents who drove their students to the nursing home so our event could happen.

NEPTA

I have been accepted as a member of the New England Piano Teachers Association.

"NEPTA is a professional non-profit organization dedicated to the highest standards of music education, offering members and their students opportunities for growth, stimulation, and a community of friendship and support."

For more information,visit: http://www.nepta.info/

Miss Ellie

Please join me in congratulating Miss Ellie for completing her Primer Level Piano Adventures Books.  She has already started to work from her Level 1 Red books (in the photo above).  Ellie is looking forward to performing two pieces from her purple books at the local nursing home later this week.  When Miss Ellie is not playing the piano, she enjoys playing with her American Girl dolls and dancing.  Ellie is also preparing to perform in a ballet dance, as well as a hip hop dance at her studio's recital.  Hooray for Ellie!

Master Ryan

Please join us in a warm welcome to Master Ryan who will be joining our piano family next week!

Thank you Miss Taylor

Thank you to Miss Taylor for the delicious warm chocolate and white chocolate chip cookies!  You made my day extra special!

4/15/13

Our family is praying for those effected by the events at the Boston Marathon yesterday.  Thank you to all of the first responders and volunteers.

Piano Practice Tips

Hello all!

I am often asked about how parents (even if they do not know how to play the piano) can help their students with their piano practice at home and when traveling.  Here are a few (ok, a lot of) suggestions:
      - Ask your student when he or she plans to practice & complete the assignments.  Help him or her plan out a schedule.  (Rather than stating "You must go practice now".)  Sometimes the autonomy can help the student feel in control.
      - ALL parents can be piano coaches at home!  Sometimes all a coach has to do is be present.  If the child knows the information and what to do - the learning and growth will take place.
      - Encourage your student to set a routine that includes practice time before or after something else he or she does regularly.  For example, after his or her afternoon snack.
       - PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!  But be sure it is genuine!  I like the way you practiced today without me asking you to.  I like how you fixed your own mistake.  I like how the end of your piece was convincing.  Learning to play an instrument is like learning a new language.  It takes practice.  Sometimes it is hard. 
       - Tell your student that it is ok if they make mistakes, but they should try to correct them.
       - Tell your student a story about something that you accomplished but was once very challenging for you.  Often times, children do not realize that adults  were not born knowing everything they already know.
      - Communicate to me when practice is not going well at home.  Communicate to me when practice is going well at home.
      - Encourage your student to put on mini recitals for you, friends, family members, neighbors, pets or even stuffed animals!
      - Play games with flashcards (answers are on the back).  I have some sets available to purchase.
      - Encourage students to write their own music on staff paper which I can provide, (they can create lyrics and pictures to go with them).
      - Practice saying the musical alphabet backwards (make it a contest to see who in your family can do it the fastest).
      - Encourage your student to play their songs along with a metronome (typically already on a keyboard) or (use a free app on a smart phone or tablet)
      - Encourage your student to play their songs up a few octaves or down a few octaves for fun
      - Encourage your student to play their pieces with the pedal (or a different pedal).
      - Encourage your student to sing a long to the song / make up words / make up new words.
      - Encourage children to draw pictures of how the songs make them feel.
      - Listen to as much music as possible. 
                - Listen to a variety of types of music.  Ask your student to pick out the various instruments.  Encourage them to clap along, tap their feet, snap, etc.  Ask them to find a repeated section.  Ask them to find different dynamics (loud and soft).  Ask them to find the short notes and long notes, etc.  As students become more advanced pianists, we will convert the previously stated words into more technical jargon.
      - Encourage your student to play the piano on a table or on their lap.  Visualizing the music even if they are not striking keys can help students remember and memorize their music.  Students can count out the rhythms without having a keyboard in front of them.
      - Encourage your student to sightread.  Give them music at their level or a level below and have them read it.  Sight reading increases students' confidence in their music reading skills.  There are countless free sheet music websites available.
      - Encourage your student to play fun music of his or her choice.  Again, try many of the music websites or the Faber fun books in the catalog on the coffee table in the grand piano room.
      - Encourage your student to go back to previous songs and "brush them up" by working on the counting, rhythms and or dynamics.  Students who perform a previous piece that has improved will be rewarded.
      - Encourage your student to memorize one of their previously favorite songs.
      - Encourage your student to explore the many music apps and games that are available for tablets, smart phones, etc.  Then, encourage your student to transfer what they have learned to their actual piano / keyboard.

Different students are motivate by different things.  Help your child figure out what motivates him or her.  For example, my son is motivated to practice and work by performances.  He practices on his own the most when we have a nursing home recital, or winter recital on the schedule.  My daughter is very motivated by songs she likes and moving forward to get to the next level in her lesson books.  I am motivated by new music.  Just ask my family - when I get new music I can't wait to get back to the piano to work on it again and again.  (In August, I bought myself the Annie songbook because Annie was my favorite movie/ musical as a child!  I even had an Annie hairdo!  I played the songs from Annie every single day for about 3 weeks straight.  I have only played from that book about twice since.)  I bought a Burgmuller book on Friday and guess what - my family is already annoyed with my renewed interested in Burgmuller (which was prompted by another student)!

Enjoy your child's musical journey along with him or her!

Thank you for giving me the honor and privilege to work with your child at the piano!

Miss Charlotte

Please join me in a warm welcome to Miss Charlotte, who will join our piano family this week!

Spring Break

Happy 1st full day of Spring Break to all of our Massachusetts families!

A resource for primer level students

 This is a blog article I believe is helpful for primer level piano students.

Please go to https://susanparadis.wordpress.com  then check out More Sunny Solos - the Sequel.

Miss Liz

I am thrilled to be welcoming Miss Liz to our piano family soon!  Please welcome her too!

Miss Lexie and Miss Lily

Please join me in a warm welcome to Miss Lexi and Miss Lily who will be joining our piano family soon!  I am excited to work with both of you at the piano!

Miss Celeste

I am excited to welcome Miss Celeste to our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family this week!  Celeste is new to Massachusetts just like me!  If you see her and her family, please welcome them!

A STAFF Infection?!?

March

Well, the end of March is here!

They say that "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb". We certainly had lion like weather and today we have lamb like weather!  Our first New England Winter was pretty - but I am glad it is over!

One of my favorite parts of March is the March Madness Basketball - but thanks to a disappointing game last night, it is not quite as exciting for us Buckeye Fans.  Oh well!

Today is Johann Sebastian Bach's birthday!  Bach was the main composer of the Baroque Period and one the most famous composers ever. 

Happy Easter to all who celebrate Easter today!  Happy Passover to all who celebrate Passover!

Enjoy your April!  Have a little fun on April Fool's Day!  Remember, "April Showers Bring May Flowers!"

Miss Taylor

Please join me in a warm welcome to Miss Taylor who will be joining our piano family this coming week!  If you see Taylor, take the time to say hello!

Miss Arianna

I am pleased to welcome Miss Arianna to our Note-worthy Experiences piano family today!  Please join me in welcoming her.

Master Drew

We are excited to welcome Master Drew to our piano family this evening!  If you see him at lessons, please welcome him too!

Passover and Easter

My family and I would like to wish all of you who celebrate Passover and Easter a blessed week!  Enjoy your time with your family and friends.  Hopefully, Mother Nature will send us spring weather for us to enjoy!

Another Snow Day!

I hope everyone is enjoying yet another snow day and a day off of school!  The studio will remain open for lessons. 

Master Grant

Please join me in a huge round of applause for Grant!  Grant completed his Level 2A Piano Adventures (Blue) Books this morning BEFORE school!  Grant has already started working on his Level 2B Books!

Grant will be performing two of his blue book favorite pieces by memory from these books at an upcoming meeting at his school in front of all 500 kids!  Grant was a bit nervous for his audition to be able to perform at the school meeting, but was proud of himself when it was over!

When Grant is not playing the piano, he enjoys taking care of his crested gecko, playing video games and reading.  Grant just completed a successful basketball season and is preparing to play baseball this spring.  He is looking forward to joining a new swim team this summer and working on his tennis game!  Grant is an avid Ohio State & Pittsburgh Steelers Fan!  He has recently become a Boston Red Sox and Celtics Fan.

Congratulations Grant!

Happy HolidayS!?!

Happy HolidayS to your family from ours! 

Right now you are probably thinking that "Happy Holidays" is something people usually say in December, right?  Well, I am recycling the phrase for this week!  Maybe it is because I am not Irish and it is my attempt at "going green"!  Lol! 

Actually, it is because this is a big week for the Bostonians...

Today is Saint Patrick's Day as most of you know, and later this week we will celebrate the first day of spring.  However, there is another holiday that you may not have known about.  Today is Evacuation Day!  Since Evacuation Day falls on a Sunday this year, it is observed tomorrow!  Boston Public Schools are closed tomorrow.  (Since we live in Metro West Boston our kids will be going to school).

According to Wikipedia, "The 11-month siege of Boston ended when the Continental Army, under the command of George Washington, fortified Dorchester Heights in early March 1776 with cannons captured at Ticonderoga. British General William Howe, whose garrison and navy were threatened by these positions, was forced to decide between attack and retreat. To prevent what could have been a repeat of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Howe decided to retreat, withdrawing from Boston to Nova Scotia on March 17, 1776.
The British evacuation was Washington's first victory of the war. It was also a huge morale boost for the Thirteen Colonies, as the city where the rebellion began was the first to be liberated."

When this holiday was signed into law in 1941 for all of Suffolk County it was signed in black and green ink!

So Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Happy Evacuation Day, and Happy Spring! 

By the way, do you think that any of this had to do with the fact that many Bostonians in 1941 were Irish and they enjoy a good celebration?  ;)

Miss Adelyn

Please join me in welcoming Miss Adelyn to our Note-worthy Experiences Family next week! 

Welcome Casey!

Please join me in welcoming Master Casey to our Note-worthy Experiences Family today!

Your Teacher is a Student!??!

I had a wonderful time being a student today!  I am looking forward to the rest of the piano teacher workshop this week. I am really excited to incorporate some new ideas into our studio here!  :)

3 pounds of candy

Good morning!  

For some reason, I cannot attach the photo!

So use your imagination and pretend you see an empty 3 pound bag of candy.  (Wonka Mix of Nerds, SweetTarts, Laffy Taffy, etc.).

Now imagine a studio of happy students working hard at the piano!  That is all I see!  Yep, just happy smiling students - and candy on my shopping list!  ;)

CANCELLED - Nursing Home Recital

Our nursing home recital for tonight has been cancelled. I hope to be able to reschedule it very soon! Thank you to our students who worked very hard to prepare.

Master Sebastian

Please join me in a huge and warm welcome to Master Sebastian who will become a part of our piano family this afternoon!

Bring Your Favorite Stuffed Animal

This week is "Bring your favorite stuffed animal to piano lessons week".  We will use our favorite stuffed animals to help us prepare for our Nursing Home Recital!

Piano Trivia

Here is a little piano trivia to get your morning started...

What instrument family is the piano part of?

Percussion. The piano is usually considered a part of the percussion family because it uses a hammer to hit the strings which makes the noise you hear. Brass instruments include the trumpet and trombone. The woodwinds include the clarinet, saxophone, and flute. String instruments include the violin and guitar.

Piano Adventures

This post is especially for the families of students who study the piano with me and use the Piano Adventures Series by Randy and Nancy Faber.  Do you want to know more about the lesson books that your child is using?  Do you want to want to learn about the authors?  Would you like to see what other books your student could be using to supplement their current curriculum? Do you want to find games and other activities that your child could do to supplement his or her lesson?

If you answered "yes", to any of the above questions or want to learn more, check out this link.

http://pianoadventures.com/

Have a terrific day!

The history of the piano

The first piano was built as early as 1694 and was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori of Padua, Italy. The three pianos built by Cristofori that survive today date from the 1720s. The piano replaced the harpsichord as the most popular keyboard instrument of the Romantic era. The piano was first referred to as a pianoforte which means soft (piano) loud (forte) instrument. It was named the pianoforte because, unlike the harpsichord, it allowed the player to control the degree of loudness and softness of a note by the way he/she would strike a key.

Miss Lydia

I am looking forward to welcoming Miss Lydia to our Note-worthy Experiences Piano Family next week! 

Music is Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  Enjoy the day with those that you love!  Be creative and play your Valentine a song!

My new favorite post...

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!

Happy Birthday to Mozart!

Happy 257th Birthday to Mozart!

This week will be a week full of special activities for our piano students to celebrate the life and work of Mozart!

I don't want to spoil all of the fun for our students.  However, here are a few photos as a sneak peak!

The Sudbury Patch

Thank you to The Sudbury Patch for featuring us as the number 3 item in the "5 Things to Start Your Day" on 12/31/12!  Be sure to check out www.sudbury.patch.com for everything you need to know about our town!

Free Sheet Music on Pinterest!

I know that this may not be a surprise to most of you and many of you are probably already using this resource. 

However, I JUST made the biggest and most exciting discovery of my day... 

FREE PRINTABLE SHEET MUSIC ON PINTEREST!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I was once a Pinterest skeptic.  I have been on for awhile - but only used it every once in awhile.  Today is the day that this has changed for me!  Today is the day that I discovered another terrific and free resource for my students.  Today is the day that I just might run out of ink and paper for my printer in the piano studio! 

Happy pinning and printing!

Welcome to Master Charlie!

Please join me in a huge, warm welcome to our newest pianist, Charlie!  I can hardly wait to get started on working away at the piano with you!

SMILEMass

SMILEMass (Small Miracles In Life Exist) is turning 3!  They are throwing themselves a birthday party and everyone is welcome to attend!  Tom & I are going along with some friends!  Please join us and bid on our favorite auction item... 5 thirty minute piano lessons in our studio!

For more information about SMILEMass and their current beach project, visit www.smilemass.org

Also check out the "In the News" video on the website!

Miss Katherine & Miss Annie

Please join me in welcoming Miss Annie and Miss Katherine to our piano family!   I am looking forward to working with both of you at the piano!

A modern day piano studio

I don't know about you - but this does not look like a piano studio that I took lessons in as a kid...

Santa delivered this microphone to my house this year!  I am going to use this for Skype lessons.  I also hope to use it to record our students' recital work to create CDs.  Stay tuned!

We just purchased these speakers for recording the CDs and Skype lessons.

We use the I pad during lessons for the fun metronome apps, piano apps / games, YouTube videos, and  finding digital sheet music.