Winter 2006  Message From Louise ... 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS     

Welcome back.  I hope everyone had a great holiday.  I am looking forward to 2006 with all of my wonderful students.

Check out the schedule on the web.  This term is 9 weeks.  Most students will have 9 private lessons and 3 group classes. --See Group & Private Lesson Schedule.

Please note that the first group lesson is in the form of a rehearsal on Thursday Jan. 19th at 7:30-8:30.  Our winter recital will be held on Friday Jan. 20 at 7:30.

I am going to prepare some students (you know who you are) to write the Preliminary Rudiments Examination with the Royal Conservatory of Music on Sat. May 13.  Most of the students I have in mind are already well on their way to being prepared for this exam.  I will contact each of their parent(s) to determine a time for theory class.  I am thinking of every second Saturday from 12:00-1:30.  these students will attend the first group class rehearsal, but not any other group classes as theory classes will replace these.

WHERE DO YOU FIT IN??....And how far will you go?

Music study falls into the following three major sections:

First:  All music elements, reading, performing techniques, and a foundation of study habits.

Second:  The playing of many, many pieces and types of music to gain an in-depth knowledge of the many ways music elements can be arranged - this deepens insight into how music communicates in the various styles of composition; and to develop technique to a more skilled level. (good sound is a result of good technique)

Third:  Now the study of the great masters is possible-a work of a lifetime.  This needs many hours of developing advanced techniques, and deep probing into the heart and soul of this level of communication.

PRACTICING

Emphasis should always be on practicing correctly, not on how long or on the number of times a piece is played.

A child knows so little at the beginning that little practice is needed.  Instead YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PRACTICE SEVERAL TIMES A DAY FOR SHORT PERIODS.

PARENTS’ ROLE

The learning situation is very important.  Parents can:

1. Set regular practice times
2. Help practice time be a HAPPY  time
3. Be interested-ask “What is your piece about?”
4. Praise creative compositions
5. Listen to music at home-attend concerts, recitals (Check out the Toronto Symphony Orchestra web site)
6. Attend lessons occasionally or all the time if you can

 Please Note!!!  Please bring to class

1. 3-ring binder with 3 dividers and lined paper
2. your music books to earn points!

The colour coded practice and technique sheets with musical goals clearly outlined, seem to be working.  Keep up the good work to earn those prizes!

Notefully Yours ....

Louise