Spring Term 2014

Happy New Year!

Lessons will recommence for private, Cathedral and MHS pupils next week, week beginning Jan 6th 2014. Please remember to bring your music!

Advance Notice!

I have just booked Chelmsford Salvation Army Hall for a piano pupil concert on Friday 28th March at 7.30pm. Keep playing!

Grade exam results

Congratulations to all my pupils who did so well in their ABRSM grade exams. Oliver received a very good Prep Test report, Daniel got a distinction at grade 1, Bethany a merit at grade 4, Abigail and Matthew merits  at grade 5, Abbie and Rebecca distinctions at grade 5 and Alice a merit at grade 7.

Many of these pupils did their exams at the same time as other graded music exams, school exams and concerts, so well done for keeping everything going to such a high standard.

Origami pianos!

These week we have all- adult pianists too- enjoyed making origami pianos. If you want to make some more at home, here is the link to the instructions:

http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-for-kids.html

Feel free to email me your creations!

Last Lessons of the term.

Last lessons of the term at MHS happened last week, unless you are Jennifer, and then l am coming in on Tuesday 10th especially to teach you! Cathedral School pupils have their last lessons next week.     ( 11th Dec), and private pupils know the dates of their final lessons before Christmas.

Good luck to all those taking their grade exams on Friday and well done to everyone for the magnificent start to the 30 Pieces Challenge.

Grade exam performance tips.

For those of you who have exams on Friday...

 

Mrs Lau’s Guide to Surviving Exams

Before the exam:

·         Make sure you have chosen pieces you enjoy from the correct syllabus.

·         Be sure that you know your pieces inside out and, if possible, from memory (even if you have the music), that you know 4 bars either side of page turns and that the starts and endings are particularly secure.

·         Practise your scales, arpeggios etc really thoroughly; they are the first element of your exam and a good chance to get it started well.

·         Try to play some sight reading every day.

·         Make sure that you are familiar with the aural tests. You can buy a CD of them or register on www.hofnote.co.uk for extra practice.

·         Play your pieces on different pianos and get used to adapting to them.

·         Practise performing- to yourself with no stops, to family and to friends.

·         Make sure that you know where the exam is to be held. Have a dummy run of the journey.

On the day:

• Have a countdown plan; think about what you are going to do, if you are going to practice, what you are going to wear, what you are going to eat etc.
• Arrive in plenty of time but not so early that you jitter!

At the exam:

• Keep your fingers warm(gloves in Autumn and Winter) and do some deep breathing.
• Smile at the examiner and talk clearly and confidently to him/her.
• Take your time adjusting the piano stool and your music.
• Focus and concentrate. Play each piece with character, style and confidence.

All done! That wasn’t so bad was it? Now go and treat yourself. Well done!

Competition results.

Congratulations to all those who took part in the recent Chelmsford Competitive Festival. Abbie, Alice, Roan, Rebecca, Penny, Jennifer, Rebecca, Elena, Zoe and Daniel all played very well and got placed in their respective classes.

Rebecca and Jennifer won the Arthur Sheard Memorial Trophies for piano duets in the 14 and under class, playing an arrangement of The Bare Necessities; Jennifer won the Kingsnorth Trophy in the under 12 piano solo set piece class, and the Cole Cup in the under 12 own choice piano solo class. Jennifer has also been asked to play at the prize- giving concert later in the month. Both girls have also been awarded the Gilbert Vase for the children showing the most promise.

Well done to everyone who took part, you are all good pianists and l enjoyed hearing you all play.

Well done!

Well done to all pupils who competed in the Chelmsford Competitive Festival at the weekend. A detailed list of results will follow soon.

Scarlatti Sonata K492 grade 8 Technical Checklist

Scarlatti Sonata in D K492 Checklist

·        Sort out, mark in and observe a workable fingering.

·        All quavers to be lightly detached.

·        Practise the ornaments so that they do not slow the tempo down.

·        Make sure that you can successfully and accurately ripple the LH guitar-like passages.

·        Keep fingers curved and towards the black keys, especially in the scale passages.

·        Check your shoulders and wrists for excessive tension.

·        Secure the start of the B section as this has new material.

·        Make sure the acciaccaturas are crushed and snap cleanly.

·        Mark in and observe the echo passages.

·        Make sure it is all one speed; practise it at a moderate metronome speed and then gradually increase it.

·        Secure starts and endings of A and B sections, memorise.

·        Memorise tricky passages and practise them eyes shut too.

Christmas Music etc!

After the half-term holiday we will be playing Christmas songs, carols and tunes (as well as your current repertoire). These will all count towards your 30 Pieces Challenge so bring in any Christmas music you have at home or(beginner to grade 2 pupils) download some from http://www.susanparadis.com
The following books are good:
For Piano Adventures: Primer pupils Piano Adventures Primer Level Christmas Book, and then for each level there is a Christmas Book. Don't go for a higher level as it's useful to learn these quickly! Each Hal Leonard Level also has a Christmas Piano Solos book in its Hal Leonard Student Piano Library series. There are also lots of other books  and some attractive jazzy grade 1-5 arrangements by Pam Wedgwood, Heather Hammond and Martha Mier  so do browse www.musicroom.com or go to Allegro or Daces shops in town. I look forward to hearing everything Christmassy!

Wednesday 23rd October Teaching Changes.

I am working away next Wednesday so the following changes apply:

At The Cathedral School only the Year 5s and Euan, Ellie and Oliver T will have lessons. We will be as normal after half-term.
Wednesday evening private pupils have switched to Thursday or Friday evening.

No lessons at MHS on Tues 1st Oct

MHS is closed on Tuesday because of strike action, and so l will not be teaching there on that day. Lessons will be made up at the end of term. Keep practising and playing!

Thirty Piece Challenge!

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 30 piece challenge! This is to take place over the academic year from September 2013 toJuly  2014.

The challenge is to learn, and play to me over the year,30 pieces. For this you will get a gold medal. 25 pieces will earn a silver medal and 20 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.

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:

Beginner pupils can include any pieces from pre-reading to Prep Test level

Prep Test pupils can include any pieces from beginner stave pieces to grade 1level

Grade 1 pupils can include any pieces from Prep Test to Grade 2 level

Grade 2 pupils can include any pieces from Prep Test to Grade 3 level

Grade 3 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 1 to Grade 4 level

Grade 4 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 2 to Grade 5 level

Grade 5 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 3 to Grade 6 level

Grade 6, 7 and 8 pupils can include any pieces from Grade 4 upwards!

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!

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! 

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.

What did you do in the summer holidays?

Several pupils did music related activities during our lovely summer months and so I thought I would share some of them here.
Jennifer and Rebecca went to the Handel House Museum, Brook St, London. This is the actual house Handel lived in and the house is recreated as it would have been then, complete with harpsichords, manuscripts and artefacts.They had fun trying on some typical costumes of Georgian England.

 

Many of you took school music exams and did well! Here's a photo of Sophia celebrating her fabulous GCSE results.

Some of you even managed to keep practising during the holidays! Here's Amelia and Oliver playing their piano.

Chelmsford Competitive Festival

This year the syllabus is not available online...However l have a PDF copy from the committee. If you would like a copy, email me. I will also be giving pupils photocopies in their lessons this week and next. Parents are responsible for entering their children for the relevant classes and the closing date is Sat 21st Sept and the piano classes are on Sat 16th Nov. The website has now been updated and has more information: http://www.chelmsfordcompetitivefestival.org/

New term's lesson start dates etc.

Hi everyone, I hope that you have enjoyed our lovely un-typical British summer and are refreshed and ready to begin piano lessons again. As I am out and about presenting for ABRSM, start times are slightly staggered and are as follows:

Moulsham High School pupils: start on Tues 17th Sept

Cathedral Primary School pupils: start on Wed 18th Sept (except Y5s who are away)

Private pupils: start on Mon 9th, Wed 11th,Thurs 12th, Tues 17th September.

Adult piano pupils: I will email you re individual times.

If you are due to take a grade exam this term remember to bring the fee. Also, if you have a burning desire to perform a piece (or two), check out the Chelmsford Competitive Festival of Music and Drama syllabus- available from Daces Music Shop. We will discuss exams, competitions and future directions in all lessons.

I have some exciting ideas and challenges for you this year so keep an eye on this blog. I am looking forward to seeing you all again and hearing you play- remember your music!

Diploma congratulations!

Congratulations to Liz Seward who has passed her Dip ABRSM in Piano Teaching. This diploma involved a piece of written work on an area of piano teaching, playing and explaining how to teach grade 6 pieces, a Quick Study at sight of grade 6 standard and a Viva Voce on just about every aspect of the written work and teaching! Liz did really well and is going from strength to strength as a teacher.

Congratulations also to Josephine Southon who has passed her DipLCM in piano performing. Josie managed this at the same time as taking her A levels and passing her grade 8 flute! She intends to go to university to study music.
Performing diplomas are professional qualifications and although they are a possible next step after grade 8, they are a significant step up and include a 15-20 mins programme of performing, a written programme, a viva vice and a quick study or sight reading. Teaching, conducting and accompanying diplomas are also available. Any diploma entails a serious commitment in time, practising and preparation. Josie has done seriously well!

End of year round-up and exam congratulations!

Congratulations to Daisy, Leo, Elinor and Ben who took their Prep Tests and ABRSM Grade exams. Daisy and Leo had lovely Prep test reports and got them presented in The Cathedral School Achievers' Assembly last week. Elinor achieved a high merit for her grade 4  and Ben got a distinction for his. Hooray all round. If you want to know more about ABRSM exams click on this link: http://gb.abrsm.org/en/our-exams/#

Well done to all of you who have played, progressed, performed and enjoyed your piano playing this year. Do look at the previous post on Holiday Piano Ideas and have a think about what you would like to achieve next year.

Many thanks for all the lovely comments, cards and presents you have given me but especially thanks for making my job such fun! Have a great summer.

Holiday Piano Ideas!

Holiday Piano Ideas! for when you are bored or just want to explore music and the piano a little bit more.

·        Play a concert; choose an easy piece, a well-known piece and a fun piece. You can invite family and friends and design and print a programme for it.

·        Find out about one of your favourite composers. Write a potted biography of them and include: their dates of birth and death, where they lived, 3 interesting facts (did they like a certain food, have red hair etc), what kind of music they wrote, what instruments they wrote for or why you like their music.

·        Try some of the ideas here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3DHQxvhiWDfVGFoWHNQVnFuWkE/edit

·        Look ahead and try the next pieces in your book, listen to them on Spotify or YouTube and Do It Yourself!

·        Try getting ahead with music theory- look on my Pinterest Boards for games to help with this: http://pinterest.com/fionalau/boards/

 

·        Find a piano playing friend and play some easy peasy duets with them

·        Teach your parents or your younger brothers and sisters an easy tune from your first books.

·        Go to a concert- there are some Proms for children and some free ones!

·        Try a new instrument- recorder is cheap and easy.

·        Compose a tune for piano based on one of your favourite pieces.

·        Find some new cool piano apps, try them out and come back and tell me all about them.

·        Teach yourself to play a favourite TV or film theme tune by ear, or crack Happy Birthday!

·        Video yourself playing a piece and upload it to YouTube or send it to me and I will put it on my blog!

·        Visit somewhere musical in the holidays- Handel House in London or a famous concert hall, write a newspaper style report or blog about it.(send it to me and I will put it on my blog)

·        Enjoy your Summer!

A huge thank you!

A huge thank you to everyone who performed last night on piano, harp, cornet, flute, clarinet, violin or voice. You all did very well and I enjoyed hearing you play. Thank you as well to parents, grandparents, siblings and friends who accompanied, encouraged practice and delivered everyone to lessons and rehearsals.
Our hosts, The Salvation Army, were very impressed and asked if they could invite the older members of their congregation next time, so let me know what you think about that. More people to applaud sounds good to me but have a think and tell me your thoughts.
Once again thank you for a lovely summer's evening of music.

Summer Piano and Instrumental Concert

Concert Details:

On: Friday 21st June
At: The Salvation Army Hall, Baddow Road, Chelmsford (parking available nearby in The Meadows car park)
Time: 7.30-9pm
Admission: £1 per non-playing adult, 50p per non-playing child

All welcome, including performers families, and past and present pupils.

If you haven't yet confirmed that you are playing, please ring or email me asap so that I can finalise the programme.
On the day: remember your music, wear what feels reasonably smart and comfortable and enjoy playing the lovely Kawai grand piano and the great acoustic. I look forward to hearing you play!

Grade Exam Preparation

Grade exams occur every term and while they aren't the be all and end all of playing the piano, they are a good way to measure progress, to explore new repertoire and to perform.

These guidelines are for parents and pupils:

1. Practise every day: I suggest a minimum of 30 mins for grades 1-3, 45 mins for grades for 4 and 5 and 60 mins for grade 6 +. Parents will need to remind and supervise. What to practise will be in the piano diary.
2. Don't forget your scales and arpeggios etc: Use the scales in a jar method, a tick box chart or the scales tricks list.
3. Make sight-reading a part of your daily practice: play from your official books, play from your earlier tutor books and play duets, songs, hymns, anything and everything!
4. Practise aural tests via either ABRSM's Aural App, e-musicmaestro's aural training or Hofnote.com.
5. Listen to your pieces, read ABRSM's exam tips and look at sample exams on their YouTube channel http://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-support/audio-and-video-resources/
6. Practise performing: play to your friends and family, record yourself, come and play at my concerts and get togethers, volunteer to play in assembly and in church.
7. Plan the day of your exam; how you will get there, what to wear (including the right shoes for pedals) and what you will eat when etc.

We will work out a countdown and have a mock-test so that you are as well prepared as possible. Higher grade exam pupils may also have the opportunity for a short practice session on the exam piano.
Results usually come within 2 weeks and then you can celebrate!

At the piano with Fiona Lau

I am delighted to appear on Fran Wilson's fascinating blog, The Cross-Eyed Pianist. Fran blogs about all things piano and interviewed me to find out what makes me tick:

http://crosseyedpianist.com/

It was very interesting for me to think about and answer Fran's questions and it made me wonder how my pupils and their parents got into music and how they would answer some of the questions. Feel free to share your thoughts with me.

Summer Not Just a Piano Concert!

I have booked The Salvation Army Hall Baddow Road Chelmsford on Friday 21st June at 7.30pm for our Summer Concert with a difference.

I am aware that several of my pupils play other instruments as well as the piano and so, on this occasion, I would like to invite them to play a piece on their other instrument. I will give priority to pupils playing other instruments or to those who have exams coming up. As usual there is no pressure to perform and you can just come and listen if you want. The evening gives those who want to perform a chance to share their pieces and enjoy playing in a relaxed supportive atmosphere.

Please have a think and get back to me about what you/your child would like to play. I am happy to accompany anyone who needs it. I will be chatting about it in lessons as well. Parents, family and friends are invited to be part of the audience.

I am really looking forward to hearing you all play and a lovely Summer evening's music!

Adult Piano Group- our meal out is booked for Fri 10th June, 8pm at Cafe Rouge and you can also perform at the above concert or save yourselves for our more intimate exclusive performance session at my house sometime in July!

Exam successes!

Well done to my pupils who took their ABRSM grade exams this term. The results came through today!

Very well done to Zoe and Daniel who took their Prep Test and had such a positive experience and received lovely reports and excellent comments from the examiner.

Imogen, Sophia and Jennifer took their grade 1, 4 and 6 exams respectively. It was Sophia's first music exam ever, Imogen was taking her grade 1 and Jennifer is still only 12 so for all three to achieve very good merits made me particularly happy. I was delighted to see that all pupils received high marks for their pieces and great comments about imaginative and musical playing- that's what it's all about. Many thanks for the support from their parents- it is vital and a key factor in pupils' enjoyment and achievement. Congratulations to all 5 of them!

Care of your piano

Care of your piano

A piano is a lovely instrument to own and may have cost you a significant amount of money. Here are some guidelines on how to look after it so that it gives you pleasure for many years.

1.     Placing your piano.

Try to keep your piano out of direct sunlight as it can damage the finish of your piano. Also keep it away from radiators and hot air ducts as this will dry out the air, affect the tuning of the piano and may crack the soundboard. Aim for a low even temperature.

2.     Cleaning your piano.

Most modern acoustic pianos have a high-gloss synthetic finish and so do not need polishing with furniture polish. I clean mine with a slightly damp cloth (a micro-fibre one works best). I do the same with the keys and then dry them off thoroughly- no water should drip down the sides. In fact keep all water (glasses, vases etc) well away from your piano.

3.     Tuning your piano.

Piano strings go out of tune and so your piano will need regular tuning by a qualified and experienced tuner. A good piano tuner will also be able to do any running repairs and so help to maintain its value. How often you get it tuned will depend on the age of the piano and how much it is played, your tuner will be able to advise you. A tuning will probably cost in the region of £50. My piano tuner is the excellent Daffyd James, contact on 02084698191. Daffyd always finds a time that is convenient for me, advises me on what needs doing to my piano, kept my old piano playable even when it was fairly dilapidated and does a superb job. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

ABRSM's Ten Top Tips for Graded Exams

 Ten top tips - graded music exams

1. Arrive in the waiting room at least 10 minutes before your exam is due to start. Last-minute panics do not help the playing or singing
2. Use the time before your exam to get your music and instrument ready – you can warm up silently by moving your fingers or blowing though your instrument
3. Feeling nervous before an exam is natural. Try smiling as you go into the exam room – it will help you relax
4. Make sure you are comfortable before you begin. If the stool or music stand is the wrong height, don’t be afraid to adjust it or ask for help
5. It’s fine to ask the examiner if you can warm up by playing a scale or a few bars of a piece
6. You can choose to do your exam in any order. Just let the examiner know
7. Try to keep going in the exam even if you make a mistake – it probably won’t be as disastrous as you think
8. Don't worry about pauses between your pieces – the examiner will be writing and will tell you when to start your next piece
9. Your examiner may stop you during a piece if he or she has heard enough to make a judgement
10. Remember – the examiner is on your side and is looking forward to hearing you perform!

Adult Pupils' Challenge

It occurred to me that we older pianists need little challenges in order to keep us focussed and to give us a reason to play and practise, and so this is my idea.

We should devise a 3 piece programme each, to include one fairly easy piece, one more demanding one and a duet. Also to include some relevant warm-ups for each piece and a verbal introduction for each piece- you can write it out as a writen programme if you want.

For example my choice might be: Chopin Prelude in C minor, Beethoven Rondo, Pathetique Sonata, Finger Bustin' Boogie duet by Wedgwood. Your programme will be different of course, have a think and aim for a summer completion.

We could have an afternoon tea/ playing session or just work on these in lessons, it's entirely up to you. Recording the programme is also a possibility!

Practising a pain?

If practising is a pain, take a look at my Piano Practising guide on the Guides and Reviews page.

Purchasing pianos.

One of my pupils came back from the holidays having improved so much that I had to ask him why? He replied that he had bought a new piano and couldn't stop playing it! Just what every piano teacher wants to hear.

I do hope that all pupils have a decent piano; it can be a digital (plug-in electric) or an acoustic(normal) one. However, playing on a keyboard, if you are learning to play the piano, is not very satisfactory as it feels different, good dynamics can't be obtained and very often there aren't enough octaves or even pedals. Progress will be slower.

If you want to buy a digital piano, Roland,Yamaha and Casio do some excellent models at varying prices. If you would like an acoustic piano, you cannot beat a Yamaha U3 but do look at others. Allegro in Chelmsford always has some secondhand pianos of all types and makes in and they are always happy to speak to customers about what would be best for them. Alternatively you may consider buying one elsewhere. Make sure all the keys and the pedals work, that it can be tuned and that it sounds good- your child will know! Extra info is available here from the piano tuners association: http://www.pianotuner.org.uk/pta221.htm

Winter weather!

As snow is forecast for next week it seems a good time to remind everyone of the joys of lessons via Skype. If you have Skype on your computer, we can have a lesson even if you can't get to my house or school. This is really useful if your child has an exam, audition or competition this term.

Skype can be downloaded at: http://beta.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/

I look forward to hearing everyone play, whether it's live or via Skype!

Lessons and exams...

Lessons resume again this week for everyone so do remember to bring your music! I do not expect you have to have done a huge amount of practice over the holidays- unless you have an exam this term (!)- but prepared to enjoy getting back into the swing of playing and practising.

Next week (week be 14th Jan) there will be no lessons on Monday or Tuesday, privately and at MHS, as I am away working for ABRSM. Back to normal after that though.

If you are taking an exam this term (I will have sent you an email), here is a link to the ABRSM exam fees page: http://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/fees/

I am looking forward to seeing you all again.