Northpoint Afternoon Adventures Harp Class
The parents of one of my piano students asked if I would be interested in teaching a 5-week class at their elementary school, and I jumped at the chance! I spent those five weeks with nine students, grades 1 through 5, at Northpoint Elementary School in Granger, IN. During the first week, the room was full of […]
South Bend Piano Lessons | Achievement in Music Festival
On November 6th, 120 piano students from the South Bend area gathered at Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN, to participate in the Achievement in Music Festival (AIM). This non-competitive adjudication involves taking a written and aural music theory test, playing scales & other keyboard skills, sightreading, and a performance of two prepared pieces (one memorized). […]
Studio Recital – Harp Ensemble & Chamber Music
Over the summer, I have my students paired up to play duet music together. Sometimes it is with a sibling or family member, other times it is with another student at their level or with me. Playing with another musician helps students develop their listening skills and teamwork. It also proves that counting is important! […]
2010 Studio Recital
On Friday, March 19th, I held my annual formal studio recital. Students of all ages from beginners to advanced performed on the piano and harp. The program included: Merrily We Roll Along (Traditional) Down by the Station (Traditional) I’m a Little Teapot (Traditional) Grandfather’s Clock (Noona) Pirate’s Life (Leaf) Chanson de la petite gardeuse d’oies (Traditional) Wooly […]
Student Accomplishments
On November 7th, the local chapter of the Music Teachers National Association held the annual Achievement in Music piano festival. This is a non-competitive event, and tests students on performance, keyboard skills, ear training, theory, and sight reading. I had six students participate, and all received the top rating of “excellent” in performance, keyboard skills, […]
Student Accomplishments
Over the summer, I held a contest in my studio to see who could perform for the most people. Each week, students would receive Music Money for each signature in their booklet, and would be able to purchase items out of the studio store. iTunes gift cards were a hot item! September concluded the contest, […]
Student Achievements – Again!
Congratulations are in order for several students from my studio. Dana M., who has been selected to perform in her school’s talent showAnna B., who played the lead in her school’s production of “The Little Mermaid” this past weekendAnna B., who also auditioned for and was accepted into her school’s top chamber choirCatherine G., who […]
How Young is Too Young for Music Lessons?
I get this question a lot. Parents see a spark of musical creativity or aptitude in a child as young as two or three, and want to immediately sign them up for lessons. Some children are ready for the structured environment of one-on-one intensive instruction; others might do better in group music & movement classes […]
Student Achievements
January has been a busy month in my studio! After I spent most of my time in December performing, it was a wonderful change of pace for me to get to sit back and enjoy watching my students perform. On January 14th, I held my first ever studio recital. Thanks to all the hard work […]
The Best Students
I have them! My students constantly amaze me with their dedication and progress. I know how lucky I am that I look forward to each and every student. They ALL practice and come to their lessons prepared and ready to work. A teacher’s dream! Still not sure why I deserve this (just ask some of […]