We have just completed the first month of lessons for the Mini Mozarts students. We have been learning about high notes, low notes, dynamics, quarter notes, quarter rests, two-black-keys, three-black-keys and playing on fingertips. We covered a lot this month. Take a look!

Each year, I encourage the more advanced students to try to learn up to 10 pieces by memory.  ​I was delighted to hear Branwen play several of her pieces by memory at her lesson this week. 

This year, we are using Piano Maestro lots, lots, lots for Level 1 and 2 students. Some parents have been asking if they need to connect the iPad to the piano with cables like I do in the classes. You do not need to do this. Just put the iPad on the music stand and play away. The iPad will pick up what is being played. See Asher playing “Yellow Bird” below, wearing her Santa hat for some bizarre reason, but with no cables :)

It seems that Summer Piano just began, so I can hardly believe that 5 weeks have passed already! Last weekend marked the end of the Praise Piano Camp and Blast Off Piano Camp #3.

Nearly all of the students were beginners, and it was wonderful to hear their progress after just 5 lessons. Great job, girls. Look forward to seeing you all in the Fall.

Last week, 9 students had a “piano lesson test drive” at the Blast Off Piano Camp. They learned some easy music, some difficult music, played music theory games, used iPad piano apps and had lots of fun too.

​After just 5 days of piano classes, the week ended in a short recital as the students performed the pieces they learned for their family and friends.

Great job guys and gals! Looking forward to seeing you all again in the Fall.

Last month, one of our star students headlined a fund raising concert to raise money for a missions trip. He put together his program, practiced hard and enlisted the help of his friends and sister. I was very proud to be a part of this event and was delighted to see how he used both his cello and piano skills for the benefit of the people of Belize.

Way to go, Awie! You rock!

This week, 7 students saw just how much progress practice makes. In just 4 days, they covered as much music as they usually cover in one month! They practiced their pieces, worked on rhythms, theory, note recognition and played music card games.

We broke up practice time with coloring sheets and watching the movie “Music of the Heart” - the true story of how underprivileged children ended up performing at Carnegie Hall due to their commitment to practice and the dedication of their teacher.

​Some of the students also brought their stringed instruments to practice for their recital this weekend.

Each year in May, the Anne Arundel Music Teachers Association hosts a Solo Festival. Students from across the county perform for audiences and judges. The written feedback from the judges is so helpful for students - it highlights what they did well, and also the areas they need to work on.

Last week, 2 Etudes students, Michelle and Leigh-Asher, took part in the annual Solo Festival at Anne Arundel Community College, and both received glowing remarks for their excellent performances. I am super excited to see how they do at their Royal Conservatory exams later this month!