FALL 2007 MUSIC NOTES

WELCOME BACK!!

I hope everyone had a great summer.  I was pleased that some of you kept up your piano skills by attending a few classes in the summer...just as some things were sliding...we caught them.  The physical therapist at my gym told me that the muscle will only hold something in its memory for about three days. After that you have to remind it again.  This is why regular practicing and lessons that motivate this practice are important.

I will be holding piano lessons throughout the summer next year, so I encourage each of you to attend at least two classes during the summer.  You will save both time and money in the fall by doing so.

I will continue to provide you with yellow practice sheets and blue technique sheets.  Please bring a 3-ring binder to class.

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS

Learning to play the piano is an on-going endeavour that requires dedication and discipline on the part of the student.  Piano study is a partnership between student, parents and teacher.  The lesson is a very small part of the week.  It is the responsibility of the student and the parents to see that the remainder of the week is productive.

1.  I expect regular practice from each student-a minimum of 5 days per week.                                                    2.  The amount of time spent in a practice session is dependent on the goals for that week.  The emphasis needs to be on mind spent, not only time spent.  However, here is my suggestion for the minimum time requirement for daily practice:

Beginners-2 15 minute sessions, or a solid 30 minutes                                                                                   Grades 1&2-40 min.                                                                                                                                                    Grades 3&4-50 minutes                                                                                                                                    Grades 5&6-1 hour                                                                                                                                           Grades 7&8-1 hour and 15 minutes

3.  Students who regularly demonstrate a lack of regular practice will have to have their practice log on their practice sheet signed by a parent each week.

4.  I will write specific practice instructions on the student's yellow Practice sheet and Technique on their blue technique sheet.  The student is expected to read and follow these instructions

5.  Please provide a well-tuned and cared-for piano or a 5 octave keyboard with a pedal and weighted keys placed in a location conducive to concentration (not necessarily isolated).  Help your child by working with them to establish a regular time for daily practice.

REWARD SYSTEM

Students who wish to join the reward system will earn points in the form of notes based on their weekly achievement.

1.  If the practice log is filled out and ALL books are brought to the lesson, the student can receive a sixteenth note.

2.To receive another sixteenth note, students must complete the weekly assignment including any theory homework.

3.  To receive an eighth note students must complete MORE than the required weekly assignment.

4.  To earn a prize, you need a total of 12 sixteenth notes.

5. Students who fail to complete all of the assigned work will receive an eighth rest.  Students who receive 3 eighth ress in one term will be put on probation for one month.

LESSON TERMINATION

Sadly, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:

1. Consistent lack of practicing.

2. Persistent absences.

3. Uncooperative attitude.

However there will be a one-month long probation period if any of the above persists.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

1.  PIANO GROUP CLASSES are held once a month.  Students have the opportunity to perform for one another, learn about stage presence and how to cope with their nerves.  These classes give the students a short-term goal, and motivate them to practice.  Please check the Group Lesson Schedule and come prepared to these classes.

2.CONCERTS: Colour Outside The Lines Music Studio holds three concerts each year.  The first concert is the Halloween concert and party and is very informal (for students only and parents who wish to help).  The second recital is after Christmas in January and the third is our Spring recital.  These recitals are excellent opportunities for students to perform.

3.  EXAMINATIONS with the Royal Conservatory of Music are very well-rounded tests of musical skills.  The levels range from Introductory to Grade 10.  It is not necessary for all levels to be examined, however, students must learn the material in between the examinations taken.  Advanced students who have a keen interest in performing should aim toward achieving an ARCT in Piano Performance.  For those students who are interested in teaching piano, I strongly recommend completing both the ARCT Performer & ARCT Teacher.  For your information, ARCT stands for "The Associateship of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto"

BOOK EXCHANGE

If YOU HAVE ANY BOOKS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SELL, I WILL HAVE A BASKET BY THE PIANO, SIMPLE STICK AN ENVELOPE TO THE INSIDE OF THE BOOK WITH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK ON THE ENVELOPE (USUALLY HALF PRICE).  THEN BUYERS CAN LEAVE THE MONEY IN THE ENVELOPE.

 If you have any questions or concerns, I will be happy to discuss them with you.

Louise