tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27092364415651308052024-03-19T23:30:38.417-07:00Mrs Lau's Piano BlogFionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-72796226948639073642018-02-22T11:53:00.004-08:002018-02-22T11:53:46.493-08:00Weather warning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EQqHpbw13C7-M6NnRfg3zZlShSm4IQLZ-q_ktlQEN9Q6HiVqmts2MRiYKK2JJE8NQl_R48ssNxo3vBVy5kEO5qCxju4oRy6CWuk5R0NNY-uJ0dNPK9_1wPNBllo0TUBz1jYYsjmcaqJ6/s1600/IMG_7574.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EQqHpbw13C7-M6NnRfg3zZlShSm4IQLZ-q_ktlQEN9Q6HiVqmts2MRiYKK2JJE8NQl_R48ssNxo3vBVy5kEO5qCxju4oRy6CWuk5R0NNY-uJ0dNPK9_1wPNBllo0TUBz1jYYsjmcaqJ6/s320/IMG_7574.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
Remember that if it snows next week we can still have a lesson via FaceTime, Skype or Google chat. Also, if it gets really cold, I make the really good hot chocolate.😊Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-28956787707571065822018-01-28T10:36:00.003-08:002018-01-28T10:36:51.007-08:00Reminders for Tuesday Jan 30th and Mon 5th Feb A couple of reminders:<div>
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No lessons on Tuesday 30th January. Please don't come as I won't be there!</div>
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On Monday 5th Feb one of my advanced students, Bethany, will be observing all the lessons as part of her music course at Colchester Institute. It's me that's being observed not the pupils so don't worry about how well or not so well you think you are doing in your lesson as it is my teaching that's being scrutinised!</div>
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Fiona Lau.</div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-51347331260118561892018-01-10T14:20:00.001-08:002018-01-10T14:30:47.649-08:00Aural training.Are you taking a grade exam this term? Worried about the aural tests?<br />
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We will of course be covering the aural test requirements in your piano lessons but extra training exercises are always useful and could make the difference between a pass and a merit,or a merit and a distinction.<br />
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e- musicmaestro is run by two ABRSM examiners and amongst other things, they offer online aural test training and help for all exam board grade exams. I can heartily recommend them. Read more about them here: https://www.e-musicmaestro.com/<br />
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Fiona Lau.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqsuj9vv-vW-_nCYrEmhYfYTRm_UhV1yag-IKhaj5F8zNR_n6Xs0rXHHET7MesSYo5jw3uUyGVOJHU_mhUx4Q_gzSEM2Ny5WKqBnErDaYHnlOvxImHU4wMzNW10p5zzxdM-naMBZLvyax/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqsuj9vv-vW-_nCYrEmhYfYTRm_UhV1yag-IKhaj5F8zNR_n6Xs0rXHHET7MesSYo5jw3uUyGVOJHU_mhUx4Q_gzSEM2Ny5WKqBnErDaYHnlOvxImHU4wMzNW10p5zzxdM-naMBZLvyax/s320/IMG_0475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-57269517711291511972018-01-07T12:25:00.003-08:002018-01-07T12:25:46.054-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf70FAxoYyhI4ACpG8t-lbXpemBw6mSsx-8Ct7jSm6Flfq7ybZyCWDlHstVO638RbQbPdKJ6kDSM3pU13gn1VC4QzLMFom6xOTG91LWQILWNh7F6mn6uCT3IJ4B5Vb_P2030n5KOK1jN1j/s1600/IMG_7307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf70FAxoYyhI4ACpG8t-lbXpemBw6mSsx-8Ct7jSm6Flfq7ybZyCWDlHstVO638RbQbPdKJ6kDSM3pU13gn1VC4QzLMFom6xOTG91LWQILWNh7F6mn6uCT3IJ4B5Vb_P2030n5KOK1jN1j/s320/IMG_7307.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm looking forward to hearing you all play again this week!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-5338309587038113052017-12-27T10:24:00.000-08:002017-12-27T10:24:19.394-08:00Term starting date.I hope that you have all had a great Christmas and I wish you a very happy new year.<br />
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Piano lessons begin again on week beginning Monday 8th January 2018,<br />
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Fiona Lau.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-57108589124379183572017-12-21T08:02:00.001-08:002017-12-21T08:02:21.202-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-UUWOgLP9vjrHkwe9y3knttzlDAs5sIKtEbMwPqMPNU2h-uqhEUWaOLpMOoGNZDDX0Sw4spEA-NC1nLNuXO3pW2ZTC12n5kCp-oaW9NIvq7qcoL6wyboapdAod303c1y1_n6huns8o_x/s1600/IMG_7151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-UUWOgLP9vjrHkwe9y3knttzlDAs5sIKtEbMwPqMPNU2h-uqhEUWaOLpMOoGNZDDX0Sw4spEA-NC1nLNuXO3pW2ZTC12n5kCp-oaW9NIvq7qcoL6wyboapdAod303c1y1_n6huns8o_x/s320/IMG_7151.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Thank you for all the delightful cards and presents.Merry Christmas to you all!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-1248142943587649212017-12-12T08:03:00.002-08:002017-12-12T08:03:37.576-08:00Exam congratulations!Congratulations to Tricia Seow who has gained a well- deserved distinction for her recent piano grade 7 exam.<br />
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Many of you heard Tricia play one of her exam pieces, Chopin's Nocturne in C# minor, at our recent Christmas Concert.<br />
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Well done Tricia!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-33624952669633232472017-12-11T04:21:00.002-08:002017-12-11T04:21:52.478-08:00Snow days <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was the scene at our house yesterday and it's snowing again now. Lessons are still on and for all those who make it there will be hot Ribena, biscuits and chocolate cake. If you can't make it we can always have a FaceTime or Skype lesson.<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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Fiona.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-18330310160614598142017-12-07T09:33:00.002-08:002017-12-07T09:33:12.906-08:00Concert report.To all the performers:<br />
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Well played!<br />
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I heard many appreciative and positive comments about every one of your performances and felt very proud to be your teacher. It was great to hear our youngest performer Grace as well as Samuel H and Tricia who are advanced pupils, and everyone else too.<br />
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We had everything from Chopin to Carols, from Jazz to Romantic music, and lovely solos and beautiful duets. I was also impressed with the quality of your bowing, it was the best ever!<br />
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Many thanks to the family and friends who made up such an appreciative audience.<br />
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If you took any photos and would be happy to share them on this blog do email them to me. It's always good to have a record of these evenings.<br />
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Fiona Lau.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-77469202653030364792017-12-07T08:25:00.000-08:002017-12-07T09:16:12.683-08:00Lessons in December Just a reminder about lessons in December.<br />
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The last lessons will be the week beginning on Monday 18th December, except for Grace, Amelia, Oliver and Tricia.<br />
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Your last lesson will include Christmas songs, games, fun, chocolates and sweets!<br />
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See you then!<br />
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Fiona Lau.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-92146416770031235172017-12-02T10:21:00.003-08:002017-12-02T10:21:36.647-08:00Reminder!A reminder that there are NO LESSONS on this Tuesday and Wednesday because of the Christmas Concert and my choir's concert for Mencap in the cathedral.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-69681269834491302502017-11-27T04:51:00.001-08:002017-11-27T10:17:43.584-08:00Last lessons before the Christmas Concert!It's the Christmas Concert next week on Tuesday 5th December! This week we will have many last lessons and will practise performing your pieces rather than just playing them.<br />
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So far these are the performers:<br />
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Beth and Ashleigh- 2 duets<br />
Beth- Valse Lent<br />
Samuel I- New Orleans Blues<br />
Daniel- Save the Whale<br />
Zoe- waltz in A<br />
Zoe and Anna- duet<br />
Amelia- Harmonies des Anges<br />
Oliver- Cloudy Day<br />
Tricia- Nocturne<br />
Grace- All the Stars are Shining<br />
Samuel H- Intermezzo<br />
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There will also be brass, voice and piano pupils from my colleagues Simon and Joanne.<br />
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Come along and bring your family. There s plenty of room at The Salvation Army Hall and an audience is always welcome!<br />
<br />Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-9009704836563203492017-11-13T02:18:00.001-08:002017-11-13T02:18:39.217-08:00Christmas concert letter.Hi everyone,<br />
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This is the letter that is going out in this week's lessons:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:37.5pt;
height:48pt' filled="t">
<v:fill color2="black"/>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Fiona\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.gif"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img height="64" src="file:///C:/Users/Fiona/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.gif" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" width="50" /><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">H</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Aparajita","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ooray it’s time for another
concert! </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Aparajita","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Piano Pupil Christmas Concert at</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
Salvation Army Hall, Baddow Road, Chelmsford, Tuesday 5<sup>th</sup> Dec 7.30-9pm<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I would love to hear……………………
play..............................................piece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">RSVP on the tear off slip below/ tel / email</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fiona Lau</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> (01245 262269/07776195307,
</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:fionavalerielau@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif";"><span style="color: blue;">fionavalerielau@hotmail.com</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">further information at:
http://mrslaupiano.blogspot.co.uk/<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">……………………………………………………………………………….........................<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I/ my child……………………………<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will/will not</b> be able to play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bell MT","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Signed………………………</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">……………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-55024472437752180492017-10-28T05:13:00.002-07:002017-10-28T05:13:47.337-07:00Pupil Concert this term!Our pupil concert will be this term on Tuesday 5th Dec at The Salvation Army Hall, Baddow Road, Chelmsford. It will be joint with Joanne and Simon Schultz, colleagues of mine who teach singing, piano and brass. It will be an opportunity for a little more variety than usual as well as hearing piano music of all styles and type.<br />
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So start to think what you would like to play; a solo, a duet, an exam piece, a Christmas carol. The choice is yours and we will discuss it and prepare in our upcoming lessons. A concert is a chance to play a piece you might be preparing for an exam, to play a piece you love, and to experience applause! Friends and family are all invited, there is plenty of room, and the Salvation Army will provide refreshments for us. It has always been a lovely evening of music and friendship and one I look forward to again.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-11577265904458050062017-10-05T10:54:00.001-07:002017-10-05T10:54:08.107-07:00No piano lessons next Monday and Tuesday!REMINDER!<br />
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There will be no piano lessons on Monday 9th October and Tuesday 10th October! Of course I will expect you to be twice as good the week after...Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-5908088207734478672017-09-29T07:23:00.001-07:002017-09-29T07:26:03.162-07:00First week back, stars and stickers and practising.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiBMtfN4276qH2SVnAtQlEiIApNIJAs52os8sYFL5btAklq8DVjAFPhYjlyQuQPoqxqIaA2cMCqGbjd2qe27sShxritXivjqWxe17NNVEOj1t9UcFTGx2-D2z04N9-ELrC05tYPeK84uG/s1600/blog+photos+cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiBMtfN4276qH2SVnAtQlEiIApNIJAs52os8sYFL5btAklq8DVjAFPhYjlyQuQPoqxqIaA2cMCqGbjd2qe27sShxritXivjqWxe17NNVEOj1t9UcFTGx2-D2z04N9-ELrC05tYPeK84uG/s1600/blog+photos+cakes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And so we have enjoyed the first week back cakes and the stars, stickers and 40 piece challenge chart are all out and being used, but what about practice? How much and what should we practise?<br />
<br />
For beginners- Prep Test level the most important thing is to practise every day- 10 minutes is fine. This will build habits and strengthen the fingers. I only see your children once a week so parents, this is down to you! You can make charts, download them or reward regular practice. Try to establish a regular time each day to practice: as soon as they come in from school, after dinner, early in the morning- whatever works for you all.<br />
<br />
For Grade 1-3 level pianists daily practice is vital but the amount and length of pieces means 20-30 mins at least is necessary.<br />
<br />
For Grade 4-5 pianists, things are getting serious now and very enjoyable too so you will want to be doing at least 30 mins daily, maybe even 2 x 20 mins?<br />
<br />
For advanced pianists of Grade 6 + 45- 60 mins per day is rewarding and enjoyable.<br />
<br />
There will be times when whatever your level you will want to increase your daily practice/ playing. This might be before a concert or recital, leading up to an exam- grade or school exam, or if you have an audition.<br />
<br />
Have enormous fun playing and I look forward to using up all those stickers in my folder and having a chart full of ticks!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-29330274358087840712017-09-13T06:42:00.003-07:002017-09-13T06:42:36.126-07:00Lesson information.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">September
2017<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Welcome
to a new year of piano lessons. I am looking forward to hearing everyone play
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Lessons
are £36 per hour. This fee has not been raised for several years and is at the
cheaper end of the scale for someone with my qualifications, experience and
success rate. It breaks down as £27 per 45 mins and £18 per 30 mins. This is
payable in advance before or at the first lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pupils
who are beginner to g5 level generally have 30 min lessons and pupils at g6 +
level can have 45 or 60 min lessons. Adults have 1 hour lessons on alternate
weeks and pay as they come. I will send an email each month with dates of the
lessons and the total to be paid. I appreciate that life gets busy so if you
cannot attend a lesson, please tell me at this point and I will try my best to
re-arrange it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There
is usually space to park on my road and, if you can arrive only 5 minutes
before your lesson that would be great and keep interruptions to other pupils
at a minimum. Notes for the lesson will be written in the piano notebook which
you can supply or I can provide one of my generic exercise books, to be
decorated with stickers etc! And please remember your music!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
also put information on my blog <a href="http://www.mrslaupiano.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.mrslaupiano.blogspot.com</span></a>
so check that but feel free to email me with any queries too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In
the unlikely event of you wanting to stop having lessons- it happens to
everyone at some point for whatever reason- please give me 1 month’s notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Phew,
I think I’ve mentioned everything,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Fiona Lau<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-40698555626038795462017-09-07T06:10:00.001-07:002017-09-07T06:10:30.774-07:00Congratulations!Congratulations to the following pupils for their exam achievements last term:<br />
<br />
<strong>Alice Ward</strong> for gaining the equivalent of an A in her Music International Baccalaureate exam. Alice is going on to Roehampton to study Primary Education. We wish her lots of luck. Any school will be lucky to have Alice on their staff with her exceptional violin and piano skills.<br />
<br />
<strong>Jennifer Marshall </strong>for gaining an A* at music GCSE. Jennifer is going on to study for A level music and to take her grade 8 piano.<br />
<br />
<strong>Samuel Harradine </strong>for gaining an A at music GCSE. Sam played his Dvorak Slavonic Dance duet at a ferocious speed for the practical part of this exam, and I'm sure delighted the examiners with his performance of <em>Shui Cao Wu. </em>Sam is working towards his grade 8.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hannah Spry </strong>for gaining a distinction mark of 138 at grade 3. Hannah has online lessons with me so has done exceptionally well to achieve this stunning mark.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to all the parents who do so much to support and encourage pupils in these achievements; I appreciate you all.<br />
<br />
Congratulations everyone!<br />
<br />
Fiona Lau.<br />
<br />
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-84192073784142899542017-09-07T05:44:00.002-07:002017-09-07T05:44:47.496-07:0040 piece challenge!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">40
Piece Challenge!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
year l have decided to take the idea of my esteemed Australian colleague, the
teacher and composer, Elissa Milne, and issue all my pupils with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">40
piece challenge! </i></b>This is to take place over the academic year from
September 2017 to July 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
challenge is to learn, and play to me over the year, 40 pieces. For this you
will get a gold medal. 35 pieces will earn a silver medal and 30 pieces will
achieve a bronze medal. The pieces can be chosen by me or you but have to be
approved by me and then passed by me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They
can be in a variety of styles and the level of difficulty music can vary. This
is an approximate guide of the levels likely to be acceptable:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beginner pupils can include any pieces from
pre-reading to Prep Test level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prep Test pupils can include any pieces from
beginner stave pieces to grade 1level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grade 1 pupils can include any pieces from Prep
Test to Grade 2 level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grade 2 pupils can include any pieces from Prep
Test to Grade 3 level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grade 3 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 1
to Grade 4 level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grade 4 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 2
to Grade 5 level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grade 5 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 3
to Grade 6 level<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grade 6, 7 and 8 pupils can include any pieces from
Grade 4 upwards!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
if you are working towards your grade 4, you might enjoy playing some Pam
Wedgwood pieces, some pieces from your earlier tutor books, some Christmas
carols, as well as your grade 4 pieces. You might even like to have a stab at
some pieces that have been set for Grade 5!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
pieces can be solos, duets, Christmas songs, hymns, competition pieces and exam
pieces. We will keep a list in your practice diary and l will be happy to lend
you some of my music books. Have a good look at home as well and see what music
you can find or ask your family what they have. You can also find music on the
Internet or swop music with your friends. Be creative! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This
is a great way to discover new styles, composers and pieces and to improve your
sight reading. You can also get a medal, will get a mention at the summer
concert and be listed on this blog and on my website! Have a think and we will
talk about it at your next lesson.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-28693117179106863822017-09-07T05:35:00.002-07:002017-09-07T10:49:49.091-07:00New Beginings in September 2017.Hello,<br />
<br />
Welcome back to piano lessons! I am really looking forward to seeing you all again after the Summer break and to hearing you play.<br />
<br />
At the end of last term I gave many of you books with pieces in that you could learn and play during the holidays. I expect to hear you all play at least one of them in our 1st lesson, so get practising!<br />
<br />
This year we will be doing the <strong><em>40 piece challenge</em></strong>. Some of you may remember it from before. There will be a giant chart in my piano room with everyone's name on it and we will keep track of how many pieces you have learnt this year. There will be certificates and medals for those who achieve significant amounts. Watch out for a blogpost detailing this. <strong>Your Summer holiday piece could be your 1st piece.</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<b>Chelmsford Competitive Festival of Music and Drama:</b> The closing date is looming so have a look at the syllabus and see which classes you would like to enter.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<b>Christmas concert: </b>Our Christmas concert is on Tuesday 5th December so put the date in your diaries now. It will be at The Salvation Army Hall again and will be joint with 2 colleagues of mine and their pupils.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
Lessons start on week beginning Monday 18th September. And there will be cake!<br />
<br />
Fiona Lau.Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-29572212745071761092017-07-09T12:19:00.000-07:002017-07-09T12:20:49.412-07:00It's the end of the piano teaching year!Just because it's the end of the piano lesson year doesn't mean that you should stop playing. Please don't! You might not practise so much but keep playing!<br />
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Here are a few ideas to keep you- and me- going over the summer:<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><img height="88" src="file:///C:/Users/Fiona/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" width="88" /><!--[endif]--></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Summer
Piano Ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "plantagenet cherokee" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Play
a concert; choose an easy piece, a well-known piece and a fun piece. Practise
and then invite family and friends then design and print a programme for it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "dejavu serif" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Find out about one of your favourite
composers. Write a potted biography of them</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Learn a piece
you haven’t played before- surprise me! There are lots of free pieces on </span></i><a href="http://www.susanparadis.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">www.susanparadis.com</span></span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> or in the Petrucci library.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "gulim" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Compose your own simple piece, base it
on one of your favourites, it can be long or short, you can write it down or
memorise it. Give it a name and play it at our next lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "plantagenet cherokee" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Find a piano playing friend or
family member and play some easy peasy duets with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "plantagenet cherokee" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Choose
a composer to focus on and explore some of his pieces: Bach, Chopin, Amy Beach,
Einaudi, Mozart, Yiruma etc.</span></i><span style="font-family: "plantagenet cherokee" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bell mt" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Take my
job from me:Teach your parents or your younger brothers and sisters an easy
tune from one of your first books.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Go to a concert- maybe a BBC Prom or
a Prom in the Park.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "dejavu serif" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Find some new piano apps, try them out and
come back and tell me all about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "batang" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Teach
yourself to play a favourite TV or film theme tune by ear, or learn Happy
Birthday!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Explore a new style of piano music: pop,
jazz, rock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "ravie"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Watch the Piano
Guys on YouTube with your parents.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "plantagenet cherokee" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Play the piano every time you are
wearing your pyjamas!</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "segoe script" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit
Handel House, Brook Street, London, it’s very child (and adult) friendly.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "segoe script" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "algerian"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy your summer!</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-21624229712181003442017-07-09T12:13:00.001-07:002017-07-09T12:13:32.545-07:00Retirement thanks.I retired from my two school teaching jobs at Moulsham High School and The Cathedral Primary School this term. After 21 years it was quite a wrench to leave! <br />
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Thank you very much for the lovely cards, letters, presents and flowers that I received. I will miss you all but hope that you will continue with your piano lessons with my replacements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0Vu38ctylFSlemIgfxH0uz9PP19kCs0S2qqppN4W9avXaoLPSRgZBWu07LER2Sk56nzOzJBCKXqT6hKJVhxdAwaDs3G1ewbwFiLe1NzgpLuUZ1p927RHHhGLlMy-IgAy7K5XSvonEYGe/s1600/D6061BE3-1D3F-4C13-9A2B-72FC7ADFA04D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0Vu38ctylFSlemIgfxH0uz9PP19kCs0S2qqppN4W9avXaoLPSRgZBWu07LER2Sk56nzOzJBCKXqT6hKJVhxdAwaDs3G1ewbwFiLe1NzgpLuUZ1p927RHHhGLlMy-IgAy7K5XSvonEYGe/s320/D6061BE3-1D3F-4C13-9A2B-72FC7ADFA04D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-18279200437707632352017-04-29T01:41:00.002-07:002017-04-29T01:41:47.766-07:00Certificate photos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQen4DiibJgrvWRPCRY61VukFlltQi-E3b4kRcRepY8uWaRLnQGgHNMTl4pwy2LZvYEM8yJpE1Y9xprecnOrl9ACDhLsGJj4ax7xQyUaKunaa1tn7cmQFR5ZxVL99ZNE5NqZKEkf73Ptb/s1600/IMG_0079.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQen4DiibJgrvWRPCRY61VukFlltQi-E3b4kRcRepY8uWaRLnQGgHNMTl4pwy2LZvYEM8yJpE1Y9xprecnOrl9ACDhLsGJj4ax7xQyUaKunaa1tn7cmQFR5ZxVL99ZNE5NqZKEkf73Ptb/s320/IMG_0079.PNG" width="240" /></a></div>
Amelia and Oliver are delighted with their ABRSM grade 1 and 2 results. Well done!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-36251927332747306862017-04-18T04:42:00.000-07:002017-04-18T04:42:04.097-07:00Retirement from Essex Music Services Piano Teaching.
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Dear Piano
Parents,</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Time stands
still for no one and as this year is my 60<sup>th</sup> birthday, I have
decided to retire from Essex Music Services and therefore from my teaching at
Moulsham High School and The Cathedral School. This is a sad occasion for me as
I have been teaching at MHS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for 21 years
( I even taught the current Head of Music) and at The Cathedral School for 20
years ( my association with CS spans 31 years...).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I have loved
teaching your children and watching them progress from beginners to confident
pianists over the years. I officially retire on Sat May 20<sup>th</sup> so my last
days of teaching will be on Tuesday 16<sup>th</sup> at MHS and Wednesday 17th
May at The Cathedral School.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I will
continue my free-lance work for ABRSM, Music Teacher magazine and my private
teaching- do contact me if you want to have lessons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile can I say a huge thank you for all
your support and friendliness; I will miss you all,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Very best
wishes,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Fiona Lau<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709236441565130805.post-78065938897816457252017-04-18T04:27:00.000-07:002017-04-18T04:27:10.398-07:00Summer term commencement dates.Piano lessons start again on the following dates:<br />
<br />
Private piano lessons start the week of Tuesday 18th April.<br />
<br />
Cathedral School piano lessons begin on Wednesday 19th April.<br />
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Moulsham High School piano lessons begin on Tuesday 25th April.<br />
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Get your fingers out, bring your music and get ready to play!Fionahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887965435015630916noreply@blogger.com0