Thursday, 29 January 2015
Parents Practice Guide-for beginner pianists and their parents.
Establishing a pleasant and successful piano,practice routine is not easy but this link gives some good tips:
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Steps to help beginner pianists memorise their pieces.
My Points Mean Prizes scheme gives you 2 Bonus Points when you can play a piece from memory. Memorising becomes easier if you can sing and clap the piece, if you can explain all the signs and terms on the music, if you know what key or keys it is in, and what is happening when. Also if you practise pieces in sections, hands separately and slowly.
When you have learnt a piece and want to memorise it, try these steps:
1. Play the piece or the section with the music in front of you.
2. Play the piece with the music open at the side of you so that you can refer to it if you need to.
3. Play the piece with the music at the side of you but shut. Only open it if you get really stuck.
4. By now you're probably getting really good at memorising your piece so try it eyes shut- yes, eyes shut!
5. The final way which you may want to try, is a technique that athletes use- visualisation. Sit quietly with your eyes shut. Can you visualise your fingers playing the piece, playing the correct keys with the right fingers all the way through the section or piece? If you can then you are well on the way to memorising your piece.
Sunday, 25 January 2015
For my adult returners.
This is from an article by Clarissa Payne included in Feb 2011 edition of Music Teacher magazine. There are some excellent points for teachers and students:
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Where is Middle C?
For my beginner pianists who are moving on to the white keys and using Middle C, this is a great animation and song to help them find it. It is the catchiest funniest tune ever!
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
36 ways to praise and encourage your piano student.
Piano parents-Here are some great suggestions for what to say to your children when they are practising. Print it off and try them out!
Friday, 2 January 2015
Starting dates for the Spring Term.
Private pupils:
Tuesday pupils start on Tues 6th Jan
Wednesday pupils start on Wed 14th Jan
Thursday pupils start on Thurs 15th Jan
Ward family have lessons on Wed 7th then Mon 19th
MHS pupils:
Lessons commence on Tuesday 6th Jan
No lesson on Tues 13th
Resume as normal on Tues 20th
Cathedral school pupils:
I haven't had confirmation from the school but l am planning to start teaching on Wed 14th Jan.
Adult pupils:
I have some of you booked in but please email me for lessons commencing Sat 10th Jan onwards.
I look forward to seeing and hearing you all!
Fiona.
Listening Forms.
You can gain points and prizes by listening and completing one of these forms (there are 2 forms, one for beginners to g3 level and the other for g4 + level pupils). Listen carefully and be prepared to tell me all about the music when you hand in your form:
Music
Listening 
Your
name...................
Your
name...................
beginners to g3.
Title:
Composer:
Instruments
you can hear:
This
piece is performed by:
Choir
Orchestra Soloist Band
Other.................................
The
tempo is:
Fast
Medium Slow Getting faster Getting slower
The
dynamic is:
Piano Mezzo forte Forte
Crescendo Diminuendo
The
style is:
Classical
Pop Jazz Rock and roll Opera
Other...........................
This
music made me feel:
Music
Listening Your name.............
Your name.............
Grade 4 + pupils
Title:
Composer:
Date of composition:
What instruments do you hear?
Who is performing the piece?
Describe the tempo of the piece:
Is it major or minor?
What is the tempo?
What is the dynamic?
How would you describe the style?
What words would you use to describe it?
How did it make you feel?
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