rule of thumb

I think about how much information the children absorb every week and I am amazed! Take time this week to praise your child's efforts and encourage their determination to continue.

As a general rule of thumb if you cannot come to class please phone me to let me know. Then you need to contact me about homework or someone else in your class for the assignment. Thanks for your consideration.

I saw snow today, so I'm thinking it's time to plan for Christmas! My Christmas recital is at my home studio and is a more private affair for the immediate family. The year end recital is for all family members at a different venue. This year the recital will be on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. If this is not going to work for you I need to know ASAP! If the majority can't come I will reschedule.
Sunbeams I - Excellent progress. Play each song 3 times to create good practice habits and try to not be too grouchy or grumpy...like the groundhog!
Sunbeams II - Lots of songs to try playing. As for the C major scale. Review the left hand this week in bits. Day 1 just the LH, Day 2 add I chord, Day 3 add the IV chord etcc....Remember 3 times is the rule of thumb.
Moonbeams I - When looking at the staff notice patterns. Do not rely on writing the note names below. You can do it! I'm very proud of this determined group.

Will we be together when it's "SNOWY"?
Mrs. V

Busy Beaver Weekend

I have been away from my desk since Thursday! Yes it has been a busy beaver weekend. October is birthday month for us. Parents as you practise at home remember that Good body Position is essential for balance, strength, accuracy and expression with playing any musical instrument. Keep tall backs at the keyboard and relaxed shoulders.
Sunbeams I - review where the critters live on the tin sheet and clap lots of busy beavers!
Sunbeams II - Lots of new notes coming up. We will do plenty of review so don't worry if they don't get all the notes immediately!
Moonbeams I - C major scale is new so go slow and steady. It is essential to start the scales off with correct fingering now, rather than having to correct later.

Enjoy the last few days of brown because I feel the snow in my bones...

Mrs. V

Having fun

Group lessons like MYC are such a lot of fun! The kids and the parents seem to enjoy themselves and in this hectic world sometimes the one on one with parent and child is all they get per week. Thank you for choosing MYC with me. Your decision will have lasting results. My oldest daughter who is now in private lessons often looks back at her fun MYC years. She wishes she could go back! Like every endeavor it matures and takes on new forms. In music it becomes private piano. The discipline of practicing sometimes becomes a chore when life gets busy. That is why a good foundation of hard work with rewards is necessary. The next few weeks I will be rewarding 5 days of practicing with a sticker. This will mean that parents you will need to create the time. Young children have to be taught to go practice. Your attitude toward practicing will be reflected through your child. Children are the greatest imitators!! Have fun while practicing.

Sunbeams I - Practice patterns at the keyboard. Enjoy decorating Edyth the Elegant Elk!
Sunbeams II - C major scale is completed with all the chords! both hands! I'm proud how well they're playing!
Moonbeams I - Remember to review each song 3 times each day. Repition is how musicians progress! Good work!

Mrs. V

In the Groove

Today is Wes' - my dh's- birthday. Of cource we headed to Botanica to get our free lunch! Thanksgiving is also around the corner. Many of you will likely have family over or be visiting family. I hope you can celebrate this holiday and encourage your child to play a song that they love for someone. This builds confidence and teaches them to share their talents!

Some happy practice tips:
1. use warm-up songs to get them in the groove of practicing.
2. Take a new piece slowly and in chunks.
3. Laugh at your mistakes!
4. You try it!
5. Practice at a good time. ie. after snacks are done, when they have your attention.

Thanks for all your hard work. I give the ingredients - you get to bake the cake!

Happy thanksgiving,
Mrs. V

SBI - practice time is about 5 min. Try to vary your practicing with singing, keyboard, rhythm, and tin sheets.
SBII - Practice time is about 10-15 min. Remember to use techniques like the igloo push - not the strangle hold! Please don't worry about W - 8. I did not have time to explain this warmup so we'll look at it next week. Practice the Clowns piece in chunks.
MBI - Review the jump up high patterns and play them for fun. Use the right hand and the left hand on the piano. Good work!