Part III: 5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Music Lessons: Making Practice Easier & Have Fun!

Welcome to part III of my first, three part series called the “Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Music Lessons”. If you are just joining us don't miss out on Part I & Part II. Enjoy!

4. MAKING PRACTICE EASIER

As with anything, having a level of mastery in your musical instrument takes time and practice. One of the main concerns from students and their families is that practicing can become repetitive and unexciting. A struggle between parents and students to practice can also be a problem if care is not taken to give their music study structure and comfortable focus. Here are some ways to make practicing more successful and rewarding:

• TIME: Set the same approximate time every day to practice so it becomes part of your household's daily routine. This is essential especially for young children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the student to practice. Also, feel free to break up the practice period into two, 10 to 15-minute segments (morning and evening for example) so the student doesn't feel overwhelmed by the task.

• REPETITION: Try this method when setting practice schedules for beginners: For some students 20-30 minutes focused on music studio can seem like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, try using repetition. For example, "Practice this song 4 times every day, and your scale warm-up 2 times a day." The focus for the student then changes from the amount of time they are practicing, to the total repetitions they have finished for that day.

• REWARDS: This works very well for all ages of music students. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. Some students choose to earn stickers and stars. Adults students can choose to reward themselves with a special treat after a successful week of practicing. Also, annual reward programs where students earn ribbons, certificates, medals and trophies can be a great incentive and gives them something to work towards and look forward to. Don't forget to praise your child though. Praise tends to be the most coveted award-there is just no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done!

When looking for a music instructor do ask them about their practice-building programs. Learning voice or piano takes the dedication of more than just the student. It takes a commitment from the parents of the student and for adults, encouragement from the important people in their life.

5. MOST IMPORTANTLY - HAVE FUN!

So, what's more fun than playing music! Being able to share in music making should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at their own pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey!

It takes patience whenever we work at learning a new skill and there will be ups and downs along the way. The most important thing is to be willing to persevere and work through the tough times. Enjoy the musical experience!


What ever you decide, music study should be something that you want you or your child to enjoy for a lifetime.  So, let it begin with your group or private lessons here at the Elliott Music Studio!

Video of the Week: Jill Sobule Sings on Global Warming

If you haven't seen a TED Talk before it's a must.  It's 5 to 20 minutes of your time filled with fantastic and sometimes stunning information shared with you by some of the most talented people of our time.  This week's "Video of the Week" is an unusually happy song about the New York City and global warming, from Jill Sobule.  Enjoy!

"Jill Sobule can claim her place among the stellar New York singer-songwriters of the last decade. Topical, funny and more than a little poignant ... grown-up music for an adolescent age."  

--The New York Times

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Tuesday July 27, 2010

For Today, Tuesday July 27, 2010

Outside my window...hopefully the truck that is to come this afternoon and all our friends to help get all our stuff moved from our apartment.

I am thinking...happy thoughts!

I am thankful for...many helping friends on such short notice

From the kitchen...tons of leftovers so we can clean out the fridge and pizza from our local Hy-Vee

I am wearing...whatever I could find that was decent and comfortable.

I am creating...many taped and packed boxes.
 
I am going...slowly crazy thinking about all there is to do and not enough time to do it.

I am reading...Classified ads for rentals.  Craigslist is awesome!

I am hoping...to find a nice, three bedroom, two bath house to rent in the Raytown/Kansas City area for $700.00 or less a month by the first of August.

I am hearing...Music from The Sixty One.

Around the house...It's all in shambles as we get it packed up and shipped out.  I did find a storage place though.
 
One of my favorite things...My helpful and patient children.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Finish moving all of our stuff into storage; Find another place to rent as quickly as possible; Try not to stress out too much; crash at a friends house for a couple days.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others at "The Simple Woman's Daybook" in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the 'everyday moments'.  I will be posting a weekly update (usually on Monday's) using this unique and simple format. 

Quote of the Week "Pay the thunder..."

Pay the thunder no mind.
Listen to the birds.

        -Eubie Blake

Part II: 5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Music Lessons: Lessons in a Professional Environment & A Well Rounded Program

Welcome to part II of my first, three part series called the “Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Music Lessons”. If you are just joining us don't miss out on Part I. Enjoy!


2. Take Lessons in a Professional Environment

When making the decision to enroll in music study it is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher and a quality instrument, but also finding a teaching environment that helps you focus and take your study seriously. In a quality, professional studio environment a student should not be distracted by TV, phone calls and siblings if possible. With only a 1/2 hour to an hour of lesson time per week to learn new material, a professional music studio environment can produce better results when the primary focus of that time is on learning and experiencing music. In a serious music studio, teaching music lessons is not just a hobby or side-line for the teacher, but a responsibility which is taken very seriously, by both teacher AND student.

3. Look for a Well Rounded Program

Understanding how music is put together is essential for anyone wishing to excel with piano or vocal study. Learning how to read music is like learning a second language. To communicate effectively in any language, one learns not only how to speak, but also how to read and write. That is why it is so important to choose a well rounded program of study with your music instructor.

There are some excellent materials out there available for music study that have been developed by experts in the field of music education. These sets of curriculum are made for a variety of specific situations and students. For example in piano, there are books geared toward the very young beginner all the way to books that have been designed specifically for adults who could use a refresher course. I am glad we have so many choices because now music instructors can tailor curriculum to the student and start them out with a level of study that they are comfortable with.

The Elliott Music Studio offers private music instruction for both voice and piano as well as small group classes.  You can start from the beginning or build on what you have already learned. Lesson plans are constructed to fit your learning style and to help you meet your musical goals. Here are some of the current offerings at the Elliott Music Studio.

Voice Lessons:
Each lesson is customized for the student based on their personal goals and will include vocal warm-ups, sight-reading exercises, ear training and breathing techniques.  Repertoire is chosen based your preference and teacher suggestion.  Performance opportunities such as recitals will be made available to all interested students.

Piano Lessons:

• Music for Little Mozarts:  We are proud to bring to the Kansas City area, Music for Little Mozarts, a piano method designed especially for 4, 5 & 6 year old's. This program helps foster an early love for music that lasts a lifetime. See our Music for Little Mozarts page for more information.

• Piano Adventures:   Join us on a grand musical adventure as we learn to play the piano.  Piano Adventures is for students 6 years and up and includes sight reading, music theory, fingering technique and performance music.  

• Alfred All-in-One Adult Piano Course: This course combines sight reading, music theory and technique all in one book for the ease of the beginning adult piano student.  It also has an eclectic music selection for your enjoyment.  

• Piano 101: This course is designed especially for high school students and adults who want to study the piano for fun and personal enjoyment.  This comprehensive approach includes varied repertoire, theory, technique, sight-reading, harmonization from lead sheets, ear training and ensemble opportunities. 

What ever you decide music study should be something that you want you or your child to enjoy for a lifetime.  So, let it begin with your group or private lessons here at the Elliott Music Studio!


Next we will finish up the series with Part III: “Making Practice Easier and Don't Forget to Have Fun”.  See you then!

Video of the Week: Family and Mommy Rhapsody

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Aren't these stick figure families cute? I love how they even include the family pet.  Our cat, Sugar, who we call our "Kitty Daughter" has a place, too.     I put one on my facebook page and now one here thanks to WiddleTinks.com.

I have been reflecting on motherhood and family lately and ran across this parody song,  "Mommy Rhapsody" from Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Sometimes I wake up in the morning and wondering if this is the real life or am I dreaming.  I have been living in autopilot mode most of the time lately trying to get things together for my family and my business while not getting enough sleep.  I don't remember the last time I slept through the night without interruption.  I know it's been at least two years maybe more.  But I have two gorgeous children ages 3 and 1 years old to show for all my hard work.  I realize too that I am made for this work.  I am good at what I do and I enjoy having a family and raising my children.  Some days I want to pull my hair out but who doesn't right?  So, take some time for yourself, have a laugh and Enjoy this week's "Video of the Week"!      


Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Welcome to The Simple Woman's Daybook

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others at "The Simple Woman's Daybook" in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the 'everyday moments'.  I will be posting a weekly update (usually on Monday's) using this unique and simple format.  Enjoy! 


For Today, Tuesday July 22, 2010

Outside my window...is an amazing, torrential rain storm that took me by surprise today. The many shades of blue in the cloud covered sky were so beautiful.

I am thinking...of all the things I still have left to do today and it's already after 10 pm.

I am thankful for...the tremendous support I have received recently from my friends and family. They are the best!

From the kitchen...nothing amazing tonight. I microwaved leftovers and cooked some mini eggrolls in the oven. The home cooking will have to wait a couple days.

I am wearing...my comfy t-shirt and jeans. A staple around here.

I am creating...PayPal invoices for next month's tuition at the Elliott Music Studio.

I am going...to bed soon hopefully.

I am reading...the internet from my trusty feed reader.

I am hoping...for some relief from all the stress I have been dealing with lately. I could use a vacation.

I am hearing...the rumblings of the sky and my noisy air conditioner.

Around the house...we are recovering from our third night of Vacation Bible School at One Spirit UMC in Kansas City. Two more fun nights to go.

One of my favorite things...Dr. Pepper. I have probably been drinking too much of it lately but I have needed the caffeine to get through the day. On a hot day like the ones we have been having a nice cold glass of Dr. Pepper with ice really hits the spot.

A few plans for the rest of the week: More VBS – Wednesday & Thursday; Catching up on household stuff; A much needed trip to the grocery store; slaying dragons and putting out fires

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...This photo reminds me of the clouds we had this evening.  The blues were so vivid. 

Quote of the Week "One cannot say with words..."

“One cannot say with words what music says without them.”

– Steven Feld

Music and Passion with Benjamin Zander and Chopin's Prelude

There are so many things about this TED talk that I love.  Benjamin Zander is amazingly passionate about two things: classical music, and helping us all realize our inner love for it.  He believes that classical music can open us you to new possibilities, new experiences, and new connections.

I, too have been playing the Prelude by Chopin that he shares with the audience and then plays for them.  My practice of this piece has been quite methodical at best and this presentation couldn't have come at a better time because I had added the sheet music back to my seemingly endless pile that I will get to someday because I was a tad bit roadblocked.  I could play it technically but I wasn't really sure or maybe not confident enough to bring the music to life.  I think I might need to try Benjamin Zander's "One Buttock Technique" for expressiveness.  I'll keep you posted.  Enjoy! 

5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Music Lessons: Part I - Starting the Right Program at the Right Time

Welcome to my first series called the “Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Music Lessons”. Enjoy!

1. Starting the Right Program at the Right Time

So when do I start? How do I decide when my child or grandchild is ready for music study? Is it too late for me to learn? Here are my answers to these pressing questions.

Piano: The ideal time to start piano lessons is when a child is 4 years old. I also ask if they can count to 10 and recite the alphabet with ease. In 4 years old's we see an increased attention span and ability to retain new concepts which is key to having a successful music experience.

Voice: You can start as early at 8 years old but I believe the ideal time to start voice lessons is when a student is 10 Years old. Since so much of singing is about the physical body and learning breathing technique, it's important to not start too early. The lungs and vocal chords need to be sufficiently developed.

Early Childhood Music: Parent and child style music and movement classes should be specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of young children, infants and toddlers. It's important that the music class be fun, creative, imaginative and educational. These programs focus on fundamental music skills and concepts. They learn to focus and expand their attention through exposure to many different kinds of music, rhymes and rhythms. This will be done through singing, instrumental play and rhythmic movements with a variety of mu­sical styles.

Adult Voice or Piano: It's never too late to start your journey with music. You can start from the beginning or build on what you have already learned in the past. Some of my favorite students are adults because of their specific goals and willingness to learn. Building a skill does takes time so give yourself 9 to 12 months to see significant results. No prior music experience is necessary to begin study. It's never to late to start learning!


Now you have the information you need to start music study at the perfect time. Next you need to decide what kind of program to sign-up for. Typically you have two choices: Group Lessons or Private Lessons. Here are my thoughts on each.

Group Lessons or Classes:  Group lessons are great for everyone but they are especially suited for early childhood music and those that need the motivation of a group to learn. For piano and voice instruction the age range is 4 years old to adult. I limit my hour long piano or voice classes to 2 – 3 people because of the size of my studio and what I feel that I can handle as a teacher. My early childhood classes are kept at 30 minutes to suit the attention span and the patience of the younger child.

Private Lessons:  The most traditional and effective way to study a musical instrument is through private lessons. Private lessons give you the opportunity to enjoy one-on-one instruction with the flexibility of individualized scheduling. It is important for lessons plans to be constructed to fit your learning style and to help you meet your musical goals.

Music Study should be something that you want you or your child to enjoy for a lifetime.  So, let it begin with your group or private lessons here at the Elliott Music Studio!


Next we will look at Part II: "Taking Lessons in a Professional Environment & Looking for a Well Rounded Program".  See you then!

Video of the Week: Canaro en Paris

I love to play my electric piano in the vibraphone sound. It brings me back to the time when I actually played the vibes in symphonic band during my high school days. I found this week's video while I was looking up videos of the vibraphone to share with a student so they could see what the instrument actually looked like. This piano and vibraphone duet is a fantastic marriage of these two instruments. The piece "Canaro en Paris" is played by Scarpino Caldarella and Schwarcz Ghersawho who form the "Duo De Taquito". For more information about this piece and the Argentinian Tango check out this website.

Enjoy!

Quote of the Week "Music produces a kind..."

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”  

– Confucius, c. 500 B.C.

Video of the Week: Music from the Blog-o-sphere

I have been reading around the blog-o-sphere this past week and came across the neatest family blog From Dating to Diapers written by Rhonda Kemp in Tennessee.  Her son Peyton and his friend William won first place in their middle school's spring talent show.  They played the coolest medley of popular songs including:  "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Just the Way You Are", "Apologize", "Come Sail Away", "Saturday in the Park", "Entertainer", "Lady Madonna", "Don't Stop Believin'", and "Faithfully".  This is quite an accomplishment and I could tell that Rhonda was truly proud of her son's hard work.  Something to aspire to that's for sure.  Enjoy!    

Quote of the Week "Music is enough for a..."

“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is never enough for music.”

~ Sergei Rachmaninoff