Many have asked, so I think it is only fair to extend the deadline for the bonus assignments. Please return the completed sheets with your name on it.
The due date is now when you come to class the week of Sept. 14-17.
Author: TempoDriveMusic
Musically devoted
Music Class: Talk it up!
It’s September. Some schools have already been back at it for a week, and the rest will be up and running by the next. As the air turns crisp we start into frantic back to school shopping sprees (Clothes? Check. Coloured pencils? Check. A box of tissues… what?! As if I need to buy those supplies, grumble, grumble… Okay, check.) We also begin to go to bed earlier, get up earlier and begin to plan carpools, after school care, and a variety of extra curricular.
Could I add one more thing to the back-to-school shuffle? Let’s talk to our kids about music class. For some, it’s a first, and it goes along with the first time at school ever. My daughter, almost 21 months old, will be going to Montessori Daycare next week. This is the first time away from Mama, Dada and the occasional care of Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. So I am doing my best to “sell” the concept to her. At first she looked shocked, but now she participates a little more each time it comes up. She needs consistency, and to trust what her parents say is going to happen, WILL happen.
It is no different for older children. Obviously, your conversation length and content will depend on the child’s age. For younger newcomers, explain where you are going, who will be there (your new teacher, Mrs. Frizell, Mommy or Daddy, new friends and their Mommies and Daddies, etc…) and what you will do- we’ll have fun learning about music, singing, dancing and eventually playing piano. If you had negative experiences taking music as a child, do limit talk about the bad experiences, but instead try to show what you liked about it.
Returning students usually know the drill and can be excited or loathing to come back. Check your feelings on the subject: are you dreading practice sessions? (“But WHY do I have to? It’s not Fair!” etc…) Are you wondering what new things we may be learning this year? (“Mrs. Frizell said that Moonbeams 3 would have Canadian folksongs. Do you know any from school? Which ones? I used to sing Land of the Silver Birch in Brownies.”
It’s always nice to know what’s around the corner, and the same is true for our children. Let’s make sure we keep them engaged, interested, and in the loop.
Musically,
Mrs. Frizell
Practical exam results are in!
Congratulations to Anika R. (76%), Devon P. (84%) and McKenna M. (80%).
Clearly all of your hard work and preparation has paid off! I’m very proud, and I know your families are too.
Your practice Space
Okay folks, now you have your first assignment– a bonus one, yes, I know- but even if the page isn’t fully checked off come the first week of September, you really ought to get back to the bench (or book) and start practicing. Athletes don’t run the big race without warmups and test runs.
I will use this blog PLENTY to describe practice tips, but just as important as that is the space you’ll be working in. So what should your practice space include?
- Pencil – write on the score, write in your notebook/diary, write down questions for your teacher etc….
- Notebook– This can be used in a variety of ways. A lesson agenda details what you will do in between each lesson (one week). What will you do TODAY? How will you know when that’s ready? What do I need to do to be ready for next class? You can also write down questions for me. Another section could be for breakthroughs and can ready as diary entries: “Today I NAILED the staccatos in Sur Le Pont” or “I can read/play the RH of Bow Wow Wow without starting and stopping.”
- Homework Sheet- These are your practice instructions. But don’t stop there. Put them into your own words, or scribble your own notes onto this sheet. Always keep track of your daily practice on the keyboard/days of the week (or chart for Moonbeams 3).
- Coloured Highlighters– For information at a glance. Orange for dynamics, blue for phrasing, yellow for note reading accuracy- it’s up to you!
- Photocopies- Best to colour and write all over a copy– not your original score. This is not copyright infringement, it’s a study tool. You aren’t distributing these copies or performing them in public.
- Playing Cards/Dice- name 2-Ace (or the suits) for scales, practice elements (adding dynamics, fixing the phrases, speeding up tempo etc..), bar numbers- just about anything! This can really shake up a BORING practice routine.
- Recording/Listening equipment- Record yourself or listen to a performance of the song you are working on. Review your previous recordings and track your improvements or find your weak spots. I can record you in studio, just ask.
- Family Members- Well, not always. Although sometimes it’s good to perform for a test audience.
Like what you see in this post? I am very much “into” this book, Practiceopedia, right now. There are so many ideas for music study, I’ll never get to them all. Oh, and you’re welcome to borrow, but chances are, you’ll end up wanting your own copy đŸ™‚
Practise like the Pros
I’ve stumbled upon a few radio interviews (check them out here) with great performers, some Canadian gems. I find it weird (okay, kinda appalling) that some were bribed with candy to practice as a child. I may have a pizza party now and then, but sorry, I won’t be handing out sugary junk every time I hear a C scale. Many have horrible memories of it, or some no memories other than the daily habit of it- waking up at 6:30 to get some time in before school (Louis Lorite). Practicing is not an option- a commitment has been made. But how can we make the most of it? Quality over quantity rules supreme.
The interview with the Kiwanis Festival participants (children ages 10 to 12 in this case) is very interesting. These are children who may be the next Angela Cheng, or Jamie Parker. One boy LOVES scales for the patterning (well, duh, he also loves math!) And another can feel happy about the changes and improvements made through practice. This is not an easy achievement for young children. We can assist by asking those open ended questions, “How did the left hand feel today? Is it better than three days ago?”
Isn’t it a relief that these guys can admit to procrastination, distraction and avoidance of their practice? 
Yes, we’re all human! Lara St. John has figured out a huge key to success: get to your instrument before 2pm! For some kids, it may even be 11am, or 9am. You’ll know your kid best. And yes guys, I understand evading it every once in awhile. But overall, we know that the pros conquered that, and put the time in just like everything else. Heck, Angela Cheng LOVES to practice and does so for 6 hours a day. How? In 1.5 to 2 hour intervals. So why would you put all your practice until after supper, after homework, after school. How looooong would that take. Yuck! Break it up guys!
Finally, the fact that these accomplished musicians today ENJOY practising, or feel no guilt about taking a month off only to return refreshed, points out (to me, anyway) that all of the early work and dedication must have paid off. We’re not all going to take this 
pathway to performance, in fact, many will not. But to get the difficulties of practice out of the way early and arrive at a place of enjoyment? Now, therein lies one of my fundamental goals for my students.
Music Games
Hello! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
I have recently come across a “had to share” website of music games called Tonic Tutor. Click on “Play a Game” to get started. If I get enough feedback, I may subscribe to it so more students can enjoy. It allows me to set up specific games for each week. I figure the level of these games are well suited to Sunbeams 3 and Moonbeams 3.
For the younger MYC students, try various games from this site, or the games on Classics For Kids. For rhythm clap back, try Teoria.com and click on “exercises.” There’s also a feature for Moobeams 3 to try interval ear tests.
Are there any other games out there that parents would like to share?
-Mairéad
Achievement Announcement
The Moonbeams 3 are well on their way to having played/written their exams. Just one more candidate to go!
Results are finally in for the Royal Conservatory of Music Preliminary Rudiments theory exam. Owen Willis received 93% and therefore First Class Honours with Distinction.
Congratulations Owen! I am so proud and you stand as an excellent example to future theory candidates in my classes. Bravo!
-Mrs. Frizell
Recital Wraps
… And I am simply blown away by the performance of ALL students! Wow. You are all so calm and cool headed playing for everyone. If any of you were nervous, you sure didn’t show it!
When I plan these events, I can easily get overwhelmed. So much goes into it- but when it all ends, I feel that it was so WORTH the effort. But really, Pride may be the best word to describe how I feel. You have all worked so hard to get here, and I am so thankful to supportive parents and families. I could not do my job without such wonderful support.
I hope that you can all reflect on how far you have come. Maybe from last September where you may have began your fist year of music. Or maybe from 2 or 3 years back at the old Hathaway Street studio.Whatever the case, think back to that starting point, and see how you have grown, changed and been molded into the young musician you are today. I wonder if you too, parents, have been changed by your experiences in music class? I hope for the better!
To my students: I knew that you would amaze the audience and I know that your skills and abilities earned over this teaching year are the kind that can be shared and will last a lifetime.
Thank you for validating my teaching efforts through a lovely performance đŸ™‚
2011 Rectial Information
Hello Parents,
Many have asked for information, so here it is:
DATE:
Sunday, June 5th
TIME:
There are two time slots, 1:30 and 3:00 pm.
PLACE:
Prince of Wales Manor. Check this map for details.
HOW LONG IS IT?
I expect each session to go about 45 minutes to an hour for playing time, then we get to relax with some treats. You are free to come and go through the performance if needed (washroom breaks, baby care etc…) as long as you are respectful to the performers.
CAN I BRING ANYTHING?
-Please sign up in studio if you would like to bring food, as long as it is nut-free.
-Don’t forget your child’s book(s) even if they have their song memorized!
Thank you,
-Mairéad (Mrs. Frizell)
The Multiple Uses of Painter’s Tape
I have been painting my kitchen and living room over the past few days, and was reminded of a practice tip I heard from a music parent. They use painter’s tape to stick the printed off homework sheet to the wall, right above their children’s piano. Then they always have what needs to be done in view, and they can mark off their practices each day. It’s no surprise that these sisters often enjoy turning in 7-day practices!
The other Music use for painter’s tape? Umm…. I got nothin’.
Post your creative uses below! Or more constructively, what practice tips can you share?
-Mairéad (Mrs. Frizell)
Tempo Drive Music Studio 