September 2004  Message From Louise ... 

 Welcome Back ....     

 
 

Welcome back.  I hope everyone had a relaxing, but musical summer.  I am looking forward to this year with all of my wonderful students.

Check out the schedule on the web.  This term is 13 weeks.  I will be taking a week off in November.  Also, please note that students who take Monday classes will have their last class of the term on Monday Dec. 20th to make up for Thanksgiving.  All other students will complete lessons the week of December16.

 Also, we will be having a concert in January rather than at Xmas this year.

 

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. a blank tape (last year’s will do)