Author: TempoDriveMusic

Noodling is a laid back term used to describe a loose sort of musical practice, almost “messing around” with the sound and patterns in music. At least, that’s what I mean by it. 

Most of what our children do is structured and piano is not much different for the most part. But I want to tell you that is doesn’t always have to be that way. There is a lot of value in noodling around on an instrument.

 Let me explain. We learn patterns, steps versus jumps, solfege, dynamics, pitch, tempo and harmony (chords or bridges). All of these can be fun to play by themselves, AND to experiment with. Sometimes you just need to “get away” from the task at hand before you can make sense of it. Like taking a walk to problem solve. 

I’m sure you’ve heard a song before, and you can’t get it out of your head. (That’s called an “ear worm,” by the way). Playing it out, or trying to discover how it sounds, is actually an excellent way to train the ear. 

And noodling serves a creative purpose. When you get around the keyboard without the constraint of note reading, you take risks, and you learn quickly that either a) “I like that sound” or b) “That didn’t sound so good.” It’s a time where it is OK to make mistakes. A safe space to fail and pick yourself up again. 

So do enjoy noodling around from time to time. You never know! It may be just what you need to gain a different understanding of what you’re currently working on. 

Hellooooo parents! 

Some of you have convinced me to do what I consider the unthinkable, but I’ve made a concession. I think I understand now. Here it is, your Grand Staff reference page!

Here’s what I’ve realized: 

• Sometimes a visual is helpful
• Some of you have never read music before, or you did but it was really limited 
• You just want this for yourself so that you can be confident helping your child
• You want a quick reference 

I hope it helps you, and I hope you understand that there are many ways to help your child with note reading and playing.  Here are a few of those ways:

• Remember the critter stories: who sleeps on Mrs. Treble Clef’s lap? Who has muddy boots? Who is shy and standing in the door? These characters and the way your child was told these stories are incredibly memorable to a child. Even if we think they’re simply cute, they actually mean a little more to the child. I find that they get excited to find out what new character will be doing what each week. Some even like to give them nick names 🙂
• Read in patterns. Line, space, line space all in a row are steps. Line to the next line, or space to the next space is a jump. 
• Read by saying finger numbers aloud. 
• Read by saying letters aloud. 
• It’s ok to put SOME markers on the page (a letter here or a finger number there) but writing them all in disrupts the fluency in music reading that we are trying to reach. 
• Be patient. Wait for your child to figure out that vertically up means move to the right on the keyboard, and vertically down means move to the left on the keyboard. Letting your child figure it out means that they can OWN their accomplishment. 
• Point ABOVE the notes with a pencil or other small pointer. Then your child can compare from the last note where the next note has moved. 

Happy note reading! 

Hello students and parents!

Compositions are due to class the week of Feb. 24th. Students who started in January will not be composing at this time, but probably will in late Spring.

Head on over to the composing tab (under downloads), enter the same password you use for homework, and browse some useful links and files.

Have fun! Be creative! Don’t stress over it 🙂

Mairéad

MYC is looking for parents to take a short survey with the goal of improving their website. Please take a moment to email me and I will send you the information to participate. kemptville.piano@gmail.com

Thank you!

Mairéad

New classes are being added on for January 2016. On Tuesdays, I will be bringing MYC classes to the Manotick School of Music: Sunshine 1 (ages 3 & 4) at 2:45.

In Kemptville: Thursday evenings will see the addition of a Sunbeams 1 class (ages 5 & 6), and Saturdays at 10:30 (ages 3 & 4) will be Sunshine 1.

Sunrise (ages 2 & 3) will continue in it’s 9:30 Saturday time slot, but a Block 1 will be introduced at that time.

See the schedule to find out more!

Do you know anyone interested in taking music lessons?

Referral Bonus If you: a) Are a current student of mine, and b) know a child between the ages of 3-6 who want to start piano, refer them to me to receive $20 off your last month’s tuition. Referral must take one full course for the bonus to be applied. Sorry, only available at Kemptville studio.

That’s all for now, music peeps!

Mairéad

When: 2:00-4:00pm
Where: 16 Westerra Way, Kemptville

• Meet the teacher
• See the studio, equipment, and materials
• Participate in a Try-it class

See you there! If any questions, please call or text Mairéad – 613-413-0098