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Studio News – February 2023

So how are those new years resolutions turning out? The month of February always seems to be the doldrums month with deadlines looming and that constant feeling of being a bit behind. Just remember to take it one task at a time. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to complete your tasks. With that in mind, consider these steps to make your music lessons more focused and enjoyable: 

• Ready yourself prior to the lesson- our virtual sessions will be more effective and enjoyable when you are prepared. Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson so you can write down your lesson assignments. For loose sheet music, use a 3-ring binder to help keep your music upright and organized.
• Theory Homework –  Staying on top of your theory homework not only makes your teacher happy, but it actually helps you read notes quicker and understand the language of music.
• Set time aside for daily practice – have a daily practice routine. Ever wonder why some people play music so well? 99.9% of the time, it’s because they have a consistent focused daily practice.
• Student Portal – if you haven’t checked out the student portal, please do so. You’ll be amazed at what you have access to. I have sent links in previous emails, but please let me know if you need access again.

February Events & Deadlines:

• Feb 11: Spring Theory Test
• Feb 23: World of Music Test registration deadline. Must be a member of student affiliate.
• No Feb deadline, but Romantic Festival registration deadline is coming up on March 1st.

Heads up for March: 

• March 1: Romantic Festival registration deadline. Fee is $18

Continuing our list of good practice techniques, our practice tips tidbit this month is #6. Below is the list I’ve been sharing: 

1. scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key
2. assigned pieces
3. listen to recordings (either of your assigned pieces, or any piano/orchestral/choral piece)
4. sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level
5. work on memorizing your project piece
6. compose something on the piano
7. work on your theory homework
8. play something from your “top 5” list
9. transpose an easy piece
10. keep a music notebook handy

Practice Tips: #6 – compose something. Whether it’s a melody with lyrics or a piano tune you have in your head, spend 5 minutes playing around with an idea. Jot it down in your music notebook. This doesn’t have to be written like “formal” sheet music. You can jot down anything that will help you remember the tune. Months later you will be able to come back to it and explore the idea a little more.

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Studio News – January 2023

Happy New Year Everyone!! Reflecting on all that occurred in 2022, I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for sticking with me and welcoming me to teach your children. I am honored and blessed to be a tiny part of your lives.

January Events & Deadlines:

• Jan 1: Baroque Festival Registration Deadline
• Jan 6: Spring Theory Test Deadline
• Jan 10: Lessons resume
• Jan 25: Pre-recorded videos due for Baroque Festival
• Jan 28: Baroque Festival

Heads up for February: 

• Feb 11: Spring Theory Test
• Feb 23: World of Music Test registration deadline. Must be a member of student affiliate.
• No Feb deadline, but Romantic Festival registration deadline is coming up on March 1st.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS:

• Be Prepared – our virtual sessions will be more effective and enjoyable when you are prepared. Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson so you can write down your lesson assignments. For loose sheet music, use a 3-ring binder to help keep your music upright and organized.
• Theory Homework – It’s not just busy work. Staying on top of your theory homework not only makes your teacher happy, but it actually helps you read notes quicker and understand the language of music.
• Practice Schedule – have a daily practice routine. Ever wonder why some people play music so well? 99.9% of the time, it’s because they have a consistent focused daily practice.
• Student Portal – if you haven’t checked out the student portal, please do so. You’ll be amazed at what you have access to. I have sent links in previous emails, but please let me know if you need access again.

Continuing our list of good practice techniques, our practice tips tidbit this month is #5. Below is the list I’ve been sharing: 

1. scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key
2. assigned pieces
3. listen to recordings (either of your assigned pieces, or any piano/orchestral/choral piece)
4. sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level
5. work on memorizing your project piece
6. compose something on the piano
7. work on your theory homework
8. play something from your “top 5” list
9. transpose an easy piece

Practice Tips: #5 on the list: work on memorizing your project piece. Memorizing your project piece as you learn it helps you focus on making your piece more musical by allowing yourself to feel/interpret the music rather than looking at notes on a sheet. You’ll also be able to recall that piece later and play it just for fun.

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Studio News – December 2022

I am so excited! I will be back in Texas for the month of December! We’ll be in New Braunfels this month starting Dec 6th.

One thing I would like to put together this month is a holiday recital video. Since we won’t be able to meet in person for our annual Winter Recital, I would like everyone to send me a video of their pieces.

What a better way to put in practice many of the things you learned this year than recording yourself! When putting together your recording, please make sure your entire self can be seen in the video. If you are playing the piano, a side view would be best so we can see your hands at the piano. Deadline to submit will be the last day of school before the break – Dec 22nd.

Creating a good practice routine is critical in making progress. Here are some things you should to do in every practice session:

1. scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key
2. assigned pieces
3. listen to recordings (either of your assigned pieces, or any piano/orchestral/choral piece)
4. sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level
5. work on memorizing your project piece
6. compose something on the piano
7. work on your theory homework
8. play something from your “top 5” list
9. transpose an easy piece

December Events & Deadlines:

Dec 22 – Jan 9: Winter Holiday Break

Heads up for January: 

• Jan 1: Baroque Festival Registration Deadline
• Jan 2: Spring Theory Test Deadline
• Jan 25: Pre-recorded videos due for Baroque Festival
• Jan 28: Baroque Festival

Practice Tips: #4 on the list: Sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level. Get out an old lesson book or project piece and sightread your way through it. It should be easier to re-learn plus help reinforce your reading skills.

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Studio News – November 2022

Greetings from the East Coast! We are still in Wellington, Florida, but I have some exciting news…. I came back to Texas in October to meet with the Greek Consulate in Houston. After 8 years of back and forth with three different Consulate personnel, we finally got all the necessary documents and papers approved to be filed in Athens. Our lawyer in Athens will handle it the rest of the way, and hopefully everything will be finalized in the next 3-9 months. Patience, focus and persistence. 

Patience, focus and persistence works with conquering new musical pieces as well. A slow and methodical approach to practice will always yield good results. 

That is why a good practice routine is critical in making progress. Here are some things you should to do in every practice session:

1. scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key
2. assigned pieces
3. listen to recordings (either of your assigned pieces, or any piano/orchestral/choral piece)
4. sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level
5. work on memorizing your project piece
6. compose something on the piano
7. work on your theory homework
8. play something from your “top 5” list
9. transpose an easy piece

November Events & Deadlines:

Nov 21 – 25: Thanksgiving Holiday. No lessons

Heads up for December: 

Dec 22 – Jan 9: Winter Holiday Break

Practice Tips: #3 on the list: Listen to recordings. Very important especially while learning your project pieces. This helps give you a progress report so to speak. Are your rhythms correct? Tempo where it should be? Playing the right notes? Does it sound musical? These are all important questions that listening to a recording of your piece can answer. Make sure to follow along with your sheet music so you can take notes if necessary.

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Studio News – October 2022

Greetings from the East Coast! After two months in Hawaii, it was time to head back to the mainland. We will be spending the month of October back in Wellington, Florida.

A gentle reminder to always be prepared before starting class. Keep a pencil handy and a notebook to write down lesson assignments or notes. Project pieces should be kept in a 3-ring binder for easy access. This will make our lesson time more productive and smooth.

Remember, a good practice routine is critical to progress. Here are some things you should to do in every practice session:

1. scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key
2. assigned pieces
3. listen to recordings (either of your assigned pieces, or any piano/orchestral/choral piece)
4. sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level
5. work on memorizing your project piece
6. compose something on the piano
7. work on your theory homework
8. play something from your “top 5” list
9. transpose an easy piece

October Deadlines:

Sat, Oct 15: Registration deadline for Jazz/Pop Festival in Houston. Video submission is offered for this event and only one piece memorized. Highly recommend this adjudicated event, especially for first timers. Registration fee is $18. Please let me know if you would like to participate.

Heads up for November: 

Sat, Nov 12: Jazz/Pop Festival-Houston

Practice Tips: #2 on the list: Practice your assigned pieces. Always work on your problem measures first and foremost. Starting a piece from the beginning every time will not fix those problem areas. Work on problem measures first, with slow tempo, then practice the measure before and after to keep a good flow.

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Studio News – September 2022

School’s back in session! New teachers, new materials, new refreshed outlook on the school year. Musically, this is also the beginning of the festival season. First up is the Jazz/Pop Festival. I have decided to keep my membership with the Bay Area Music Teachers Association and Gulf Coast Music Association in Houston this year. With BAMTA & GCMA, you will be able to participate in the Theory Test, adjudicated festivals, Gold Cup, ensemble programs, original composition, video contests, and much more. For festivals, we will be able to submit videos for adjudication.

That being said, having a good practice routine is critical to progress. These are some things you should be doing in every practice session:

1. scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key
2. assigned pieces
3. listen to recordings (either of your assigned pieces, or any piano/orchestral/choral piece)
4. sightread a piece 1-2 levels below your current level
5. work on memorizing your project piece
6. compose something on the piano
7. work on your theory homework
8. play something from your “top 5” list
9. transpose an easy piece

We are still in Hawaii for the month of September, this time on the Southeast side of the big island. You can follow along on our blog: vagabonding.operalady.com.

September Deadlines:

Wed, Sep 21: Jazz/Pop Festival (Austin) registration deadline. Location is UT Butler School of Music. No video submissions. Two pieces memorized. Entry fee $40. Event date is Oct 8th 

Heads up for October: 

Sat, Oct 15: Registration deadline for Jazz/Pop Festival in Houston. Video submission is offered for this event and only one piece memorized. Highly recommend, especially for first timers. Registration fee is $18.

Practice Tips: #1 on the list: scales/cadences/arpeggios in every key. Practice whatever you know, whether it’s only 1 or 2 scales or more, go through them all before working on your pieces. One octave (or more), hands separate or together. Sequence should be scale, cadence, arpeggio – then move on to the next scale. Shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes. This helps with finger dexterity, co-ordination between the hands, rhythm, articulation, and most importantly, keyboard geography.

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Studio News – August 2022

A new school year is just around the corner! Are you prepared? These next few weeks will determine whether you have all the necessary materials and organizational skills to pull you through another successful school year. Same thing goes for music. We will be working on new project pieces for upcoming Jazz/Pop Festivals (should you choose to participate), and then classical pieces will follow. That’s the necessary materials, now the organizational part….Theory homework and musicianship skills are the basis for organizing your musical school year. These skills also applies to your daily practice. Let’s spend these next few weeks making sure we have all the tools to embark on another successful musical year!

August Deadlines: None

Heads up for September: Wed, Sep 21: Jazz/Pop Festival (Austin) registration deadline. Entry fee $40. Event date is Oct 8th

Practice Tips: Let’s talk about music theory homework and why it’s so important. Note names for instance – if you know the note names of the lines/spaces in the treble and bass clef, you will always be able to put your hands in the right position to begin practicing your piece. Music theory rocks!

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Studio News – July 2022

Hope your summer is going well with lots of music in your life! We are continuing with lessons, working around vacations and travel, keeping those skills fresh. Please make a point to keep daily practice in your summer activities. Don’t forget to work the exercises in your theory book as well.

This month David and I are in Seattle. We have a nice Airbnb with fast internet speed – yipee! If you would like to follow our adventures, we’ve started a travel blog: vagabonding.operalady.com  

July Deadlines and Events:  None!

Practice Tips: Do you get distracted when practicing? Try practicing at a similar time every day. Maybe that time is first thing in the morning when your mind is fresh, or perhaps mid-day as a way of breaking up your day, or at night before bed as a way of soothing your mind before sleep. Whichever way, identifying the best time to practice and sticking with that time frame daily helps eliminate mind wandering.

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Studio News – June 2022

In the words of Alice Cooper – School’s out for summer! That doesn’t mean practice is over for the summer, but it does mean that you can practice for pleasure. What does that mean? What songs are on your top 5 list? Play them. What were your favorite lesson book songs? Play them. What were your favorite Beyer, Czerny, or Hanon technique exercises? Play them! Play whatever you want, but just play. This will keep your brain and fingers engaged and might even improve your musical skills!

In other news, David and I are spending the month of June in Geneva, NY which is on the northern side of Seneca Lake – one of the finger lakes. It is quite beautiful here but more importantly, there is WiFi! My roll-up piano works like a dream and the internet is stable enough for virtual teaching. Win!

June and July Deadlines and Events:  None!

Heads up for July:

Use this month to catch up on your theory. Start in on your theory workbooks so you will be prepared to take the Whitlock Theory Test in the Fall. 

Practice Tips: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier.  This quote made me think of daily practice. Small daily efforts will bring forth success, one measure at a time.

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Studio News – May 2022

We are winding down the school year. What a crazy ride! Let’s reflect – we started the year with covid restrictions starting to ease. Many of you ditched the internet and returned to face-to-face lessons. In December, we had our first in-person recital in two years. What a treat! The new year brought forth change in the McFalls household with the planning of moving overseas. We sold the house are are now back to virtual lessons. Full circle, LOL! Many of you will be moving on to other teachers at the end of this month. You guys better keep in touch! My contact info will remain the same so please send me pictures or drop a little note on how you’re doing. I will miss you all! 

May Deadlines and Events: 

• Tue, May 10: In-Person Piano Guild Auditions
• Fri, May 27: Last Day of School!
• Mon, May 30: Memorial Day – No Lessons

Heads up for June:

There is nothing going on in June. Can you believe it? Use this month to catch up on your theory. Start in on your theory workbooks so you will be prepared to take the Whitlock Theory Test in the Fall. Let’s also use this month to reflect and play your favorite pieces from this past school year. Are any on your top five list?

Practice Tips: Let’s talk about voice! Follow the three “P”s and your music teacher will be thrilled. “Pronunciation” – over articulate your words, “Pitch” – always pay attention to your pitch so you don’t sing off key, “Project” – sing to the back of the room. Practicing your vocal exercises daily will help you achieve these three “P”s.

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Studio News –  April 2022:

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks. We’ve officially closed the house, sold the car, flew to Florida, buried my beloved aunt-the original operalady, and now we are staying at her house while we work on closing out her estate before moving on to the next phase. However, on a good note, I have previously taught virtual lessons from her house, and since we will be here for awhile, lessons will resume as normal. I’m sure she is smiling from heaven knowing her house is being filled with music once more.

Something kind of fun and interesting….. our real estate agent presented me with a gift at closing – a roll up piano keyboard! It’s called a Surnuo Portable Roll up 88 keys keyboard with bluetooth & LCD display. I believe I may be able to hook it up to my computer and use the programs I used with my digital piano so I’m pretty excited. I’ll be able to use this while travelling and still provide quality lessons. 

April Events:

• Fri, Apr 1 – last day for Student Affiliate enrollment ($25)
• Wed, Apr 6 – Registration deadline Romantic/Contemporary Festival
• Wed, Apr 13 – Registration deadlines for scholarship contests
• Fri, Apr 15 – School Holiday

Heads up for May: 

• Tue, May 10: In-Person Piano Guild Auditions
• Fri, May 27: Last Day of School!
• Mon, May 20: Memorial Day – No Lessons

Practice Tips: Playing musically. Once you learn the notes of a piece, there are only 3 things that can change the quality of the piece: dynamics, tempo, and articulation. Those three things can totally change your artistry from mediocre to extraordinary. Therefore, once you have the notes down in your piece, go back and focus on dynamics, tempo and articulation.

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Studio News – March 2022:

It looks like the time is drawing near. Our house is now under contract with the anticipated closing of March 28th. For those students staying on, I will try to keep the same schedule to limit interruptions, but for those moving on, please let me know if you need assistance finding a new teacher.
I will be actively selling my grand piano in the next few weeks if you know of anyone who is interested. It is a Yamaha G-3 6’1″ full grand piano, built in Japan around 1984-1986. Meticulously maintained. I have photos and serial number for anyone interested.

It has truly been an honor and pleasure working with you all.

March Events:

• Sun, Mar 6: World of Music Test
• Wed, Mar 9: Steinway Piano Gallery Concerto Contest
• Mar 14 – 18: Spring Break! No Lessons

The Registration Deadline for Romantic/Contemporary Festival has moved to Wed, April 6 and is changed to a video submission. Registration fee is $40. Two pieces memorized (from each time period) plus scale & cadence.

Heads Up for April:

• Fri, Apr 1 – last day for Student Affiliate enrollment ($25)
• Wed, Apr 6 – Registration deadline Romantic/Contemporary Festival
• Wed, Apr 13 – Registration deadlines for scholarship contests
• Fri, Apr 15 – School Holiday

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Studio News – February 2022:

So how are the New Years resolutions working out? Hopefully everyone is starting on a good trajectory with daily practice. Things are moving along albeit slowly in the studio. We are running between 2 and 3 weeks behind our original estimates of listing the house. We hope to have everything in place by the first or second week of February. That being said, lessons will continue as normal through this month. I will be selling my grand piano so if anyone is interested or you know of anyone, please let me know. It is a Yamaha G3 6.1′ full size Grand Piano – sale price is $10k.

*** New Development: Painters will be painting my ceiling downstairs Mon-Thur Feb 7 – 10. Lessons will continue, but will be held in the “mancave”. Instead of going through the front door, please enter in the side door. I’ll have my daughter’s full size digital keyboard set up on those days while my grand is in sleep mode. 

February Events:

• Wed, Feb 2: Registration deadline Performance Contest (local round). Event date is Feb 11-12 at Steinway Piano Gallery. Registration fee is $60 
• Wed, Feb 16: Registration & submittal deadline (by 12 noon) for Baroque/Classical Festival. Registration fee is $40. This has changed to a virtual event. Two pieces memorized (from each time period) plus scale & cadence.
• Feb 5 – 19: Theory Test window for take home theory exam.
• Thu, Feb 17: Registration Deadline for World of Music exam. Must be a member of student affiliate.
• Mon, Feb 21: School Holiday – No lessons

Heads Up for March 2022:

• Sun, Mar 6: World of Music Test
• Wed, Mar 9: Steinway Piano Gallery Concerto Contest
• Mar 14 – 18: Spring Break! No Lessons
• Wed, Mar 23: Registration Deadline for Romantic/Contemporary Festival. Registration fee is $4-. Two pieces memorized (from each time period) plus scale & cadence.

Practice Tip: Listening. Listen to the piece you’re working on. Listen to how you play the piece. Listen to a recording you’ve made of the piece. Listen.

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Studio News – January 2022:

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a good holiday break and is well rested for the new year! You’ll see a lot of cosmetic changes in my studio but lessons will continue as normal. We will be working off the grand piano from here on out – that’s not a bad thing 🙂

I know you’ve heard this before, but with the new year comes new and improved routines to make your life easier. Follow these tips to make better music in your life, no matter who your teacher is:

New Year’s Resolutions:

• Be Prepared – Whether in person or virtual, our sessions will be more effective and enjoyable when you are prepared. Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson so you can write down your lesson assignments. For loose sheet music, use a 3-ring binder to help keep your music upright and organized.
• Theory Homework – It’s not just busy work. Staying on top of your theory homework not only makes your teacher happy, but it actually helps you read notes quicker and understand the language of music. Recognizing phrasing, reading notes, understanding key signatures and meters. All good stuff.
• Practice Schedule – have a daily practice routine. Ever wonder why some people play music so well? 99.9% of the time, it’s because that person has consistent focused daily practice.

January Events:

• Wed, Jan 5: Lessons resume
• Fri, Jan 7: NO LESSONS – My step-daughter is getting married that weekend!
• Wed, Jan 15: Spring Theory Test Registration Deadline – Must be a member of student affiliate. Registration fee $20. Spring theory test window is from Feb 5-19, 2022
• Mon, Jan 17: School Holiday – No Lessons that day

Heads Up for February 2022:

• Wed, Feb 2: Registration deadline Performance Contest (local round). Event date is Feb 11-12 at Steinway Piano Gallery. Registration fee is $60 
• Wed, Feb 2: Registration deadline Baroque/Classical Festival. Registration fee is $40. Event date is Feb 19 at UT Butler School of Music. Two pieces memorized (from each time period) plus scale & cadence.
• Feb 5 – 19: Theory Test window for take home theory exam.
• Thu, Feb 17: Registration Deadline for World of Music exam. Must be a member of student affiliate.
• Mon, Feb 21: School Holiday – No lessons

Practice Tip: Can’t harp enough about daily practice, whether it’s working on an assignment, or a few minutes doing scales/vocal exercises, or playing/singing a song from your top 5 list just for fun. Each one of these items keeps your skills fresh and your brain active.

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Studio News – December 2021:

• Saturday, Dec 11 – Studio Recital 
• No lessons Dec 20 – Jan 4: Winter Holiday Break
• Student Portal on my website – Did you know that you can go to the student portal to print out sheet music or listen to those project pieces assigned to you? Click on the repertoire link to see your project pieces. Happy to help anyone needing to navigate through the site.
  
• Virtual Lesson Preparedness: Please have paper and pencil at the ready so you can write down your lesson assignments and make notations to your music.
• Hidden Hands: This little contraption really helps beginner piano students focus on their music and not on their hands. Something I designed and several teachers in the area use in their studios.  I am selling them for home use. View Here

Studio Recital: Sat, Dec 11th: Winter/Christmas Recital – My house. Three sessions to choose from – 1:00pm, 3:00pm, or 5:00pm

Format for this recital will be “Christmas Party”.  This is an informal recital, but with a purpose. I’m sure you all have attended holiday parties in the past where there were many friends as well as people you haven’t met. There was plenty of food and hopefully a nice atmosphere. In the background is usually some nice Christmas or Holiday music of some sort. Well, this format is how I conduct our December recitals. There are many friends and acquaintances at the party, plenty of food and a nice relaxed atmosphere. However, instead of commercial music playing in the background, my students provide the music. Since the atmosphere is light and informal, I do not require them to memorize their music (although preferred). You might think that this recital is easy for the students, however, there is a learning experience that comes along with this. There might not be as much pressure for the students performance wise, but they need to learn to perform with distractions (i.e.: people talking, other students lurking around the piano, etc.). Ultimately, this recital is a lesson in concentration. Attendance is not mandatory. There are no charges for participating in this event, but I ask that you bring a side dish to share (sweets, veggies, fruits, drinks). Please let me know if you are able to attend, what you can bring, and how many members in your family will be with you.

Heads Up for January 2022:

• Mon, Jan 17: School Holiday – No Lessons that day
• Wed, Jan 26: Spring Theory Test Registration Deadline – Must be a member of student affiliate. Registration fee $20. Spring theory test window is from Feb 5-19, 2022

Practice Tip: When learning a new piece, take a step back and listen to an audio recording while following with your sheet music. This will help you visualize the rhythms and melody. Do this through all stages of learning the piece.

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Studio News – November 2021:

First Festival of the school year are complete. Jazz/Pop Festival in both Austin and Clear Lake (Houston) are done. Many thanks to those students that participated virtually. Up next is our Winter Recital, slated for Saturday, December 11th. Getting back to old times – there will be three sessions to choose from; 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm. More details to come. As in last month, many thanks to the students who arrive and diligently wash their hands before touching any surfaces. So far so good! Quick reminder that if any student is not feeling well or has the sniffles, virtual lessons are easily done instead.

• No lessons Monday Nov 22 – Friday Nov 26: Happy Thanksgiving!
• Student Portal on my website – Did you know that you can go to the student portal to print out sheet music or listen to those project pieces assigned to you? Click on the repertoire link to see your project pieces. Happy to help anyone needing to navigate through the site.
  
• Virtual Lesson Preparedness: Please have paper and pencil at the ready so you can write down your lesson assignments and make notations to your music.
• Hidden Hands: This little contraption really helps beginner piano students focus on their music and not on their hands. Something I designed and several teachers in the area use in their studios.  I am selling them for home use. View Here

November Deadlines & Events:

• Fall Theory Test window (2 weeks): Oct 23 to Nov 5
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov 22 – 26

Heads up for December

• Thu, Dec 2: Registration Deadline – Hymn Festival (virtual event $40 registration fee)
• Sat, Dec 4: Registration Deadline – TMTA Original Composition, Video and Publication contests
• Sat, Dec 11: Studio Recital
• Mon, Dec 20-Tue, Jan 4: Winter Break. No Lessons

Practice Tip: When learning a new piece, take a step back and listen to an audio recording while following with your sheet music. This will help you visualize the rhythms and melody. Do this through all stages of learning the piece.

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Studio News – October 2021:

The new school year is here, with new school environments, curriculums and of course, new music to learn! Have you established a daily routine? It’s been pretty active here in the studio. Many thanks to the students who arrive and diligently wash their hands before touching any surfaces. So far so good! Quick reminder that if any student is not feeling well or has the sniffles, virtual lessons are easily done instead. 

• No lessons Monday Oct 11 through Monday Oct 18: Having knee replacement done on the right knee. I expect to be out a week, but taking off Monday, Oct 18 just in case. They are doing something called cryoablasion on the knee to control pain instead of narcotic pain meds. Game changer!
• Student Portal on my website – Did you know that you can go to the student portal to print out sheet music or listen to those project pieces assigned to you? Click on the repertoire link  to see your project pieces. Under repertoire details you can click on the sheet music link to print or recording link to view. Pretty fancy!
  
• Virtual Lesson Preparedness: Please have paper and pencil at the ready so you can write down your lesson assignments and make notations to your music.
• 2021-2022 Studio Calendar of Events – Schedule can be found here
• Hidden Hands: This little contraption really helps beginner piano students focus on their music and not on their hands. Something I designed and several teachers in the area use in their studios.  I am selling them for home use. View Here

October Deadlines & Events:

• Oct 1 (Friday): Registration Deadline for Student Affiliate at the lowest price. You must be a member of Student Affiliate in order to participate in the Fall or Spring Whitlock Theory Test, TMTA Performance, Original Composition, Publication and Video Contests, and World of Music Test.
• Oct 13 (Wednesday): Registration Deadline for the Fall Theory Test
• Oct 20 (Wednesday): Registration Deadline for the Solo Contest
• Fall Theory Test window (2 weeks): Oct 23 to Nov 5

 Heads up for November

• Fall Theory Test window (2 weeks): Oct 23 to Nov 5
• Sat, Nov 6: Jazz/Pop Festival (Clear Lake)
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov 22 – 26

 Practice Tip: Theory makes the world go round. I guarantee if you do the work in your theory workbook, you will be a better sight-reader of music and learn pieces on your own far easier. Just a couple pages a week. Make your life easy – do your theory homework!

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Studio News – September 2021:

Welcome back to school! Time to get those creative juices flowing, update your work habits and gear up for the new school year. We will be working on some fun jazz/pop/rock pieces in addition to refreshing our scales/chords, finger techniques and theory. Let’s make it a fulfilling and productive school year. 

• Student Portal on my website – An invaluable source of information for both the parent and student. You can listen to recordings of your project pieces, view your assignments, log your practice time, view your adjudicated festival critiques, view calendar of events and see your billing (parents/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up your password to the portal, let me know and I will send you login instructions.
• Virtual Lesson Preparedness: Please have paper and pencil (no pens!) at the ready so you can write down your lesson assignments and make notations to your music.
• 2021-2022 Studio Calendar of Events – Tentative schedule can be found here
• Hidden Hands: I don’t really talk much about this, but I use it a lot in my studio, and it really helps beginner piano students focus on their music and not on their hands. Ask your kiddo and they will tell you about the cover of doom (said jokingly of course). I am selling them for home use. View Here
• No lessons Thursday, Sep 2 through Monday, Sep 6. Taking a long weekend to visit my Aunt (the original Operalady). She is 95 and going through a rough patch. Please pray for her.

September Deadlines & Events:

• Sep 22 (Wednesday): Registration Deadline & Submittal for Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival. This will be an adjudicated video event. Two pieces memorized in the jazz, pop or rock style.

Heads up for October

• Oct 1 (Friday): Registration Deadline for Student Affiliate at the lowest price. You must be a member of Student Affiliate in order to participate in the Fall or Spring Whitlock Theory Test, TMTA Performance, Original Composition, Publication and Video Contests, and World of Music Test.
• Oct 11 (Monday): School Holiday – No lessons
• Oct 13 (Wednesday): Registration Deadline for the Fall Theory Test
• Oct 20 (Wednesday): Registration Deadline for the Solo Contest

One final heads up – I will be scheduling my right knee replacement either the end of Sep or early Oct. Judging downtime based on my left knee, I will most likely need two weeks off. Last time I did strictly virtual that second week which worked out great. In person students – let me know if this is an option you want to explore of if you prefer to wait.

Practice Tip: Make your practice time the same every day to make it a habit. Consistency breads success.

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Studio News – January 2021:

HAPPY 2021 EVERYONE!!

• Lessons Resume on Wednesday, January 6th
• New Year’s Resolutions:
  • Be Prepared – Whether in person or virtual, our sessions will be more effective and enjoyable when you are prepared. Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson so you can write down your lesson assignments. For loose sheet music, use a 3-ring binder to help keep your music upright and organized.
  • Theory Homework – It’s not just busy work. Staying on top of your theory homework not only makes your teacher happy, but it actually helps you read notes quicker and understand the language of music. Recognizing phrasing, reading notes, understanding key signatures and meters. All good stuff.
  • Practice Schedule – have a daily practice routine. Ever wonder some people play music so well? 99.9% of the time, it’s because that person has consistent focused daily practice.
  • Student Portal: If you haven’t checked out the student portal, please do so. You’ll be amazed at what you have access to. I have sent the link in previous emails. Please let me know if you need access again.

January Deadlines & Events: 

• Wed, Jan 13 – Registration DEADLINE for the Spring Theory Test. $20 per student. Must be enrolled as a student affiliate member – $22 if enrolled by Jan 15.

Heads Up – February:

• Wednesday, Feb 17 . Registration DEADLINE for World of Music. Student Affiliate enrollment required.
• Wednesday, Feb 24, 12 Noon Deadline: Baroque Classical Festival. Registration fee is $30 @ GetAccepted.com. Evaluation begins February 27.

Practice Tip: Can’t harp enough about daily practice, whether it’s working on an assignment, or a few minutes doing scales/vocal exercises, or playing/singing a song from your top 5 list just for fun. Each one of these items keeps your skills fresh and your brain active.

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Studio News – December 2020:

• Winter Studio Recital – Time to get down to business. As much as I would like to return to our traditional winter recital, current conditions dictate video submissions instead. This will be the same format as our previous Spring recital.  Please dress appropriate as you would for an in person recital and send me your videos no later than Friday, Dec 18. I will put them together and send you the link to enjoy and share with your families.
• Be Prepared – Whether in person or virtual, our sessions will be more effective and enjoyable when you are prepared. Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson so you can write down your lesson assignments. For loose sheet music, use a 3-ring binder to help keep your music upright and organized.
• Lesson Openings – I have the following times open: Tuesday’s from 4:30-5:00pm, and 7:00-8:00pm, and Wednesday 3:30-4pm. Feel free to share my information with anyone interested in piano or voice lessons.
• Student Portal: Ever wonder what your child is supposed to be working on each week? You can access all student assignment notes, assigned repertoire music and recordings, invoicing/payments and calendar directly through the student portal on my website. I have sent the link in previous emails. Please let me know if you need access again.

December Deadlines & Events: 

• Studio Recital will be a video recital just like the spring one. Deadline to submit is Friday, Dec 18
• Christmas Holiday break Monday, Dec 21st through Tuesday, Jan 5th. No lessons.

Heads Up – January

• Registration DEADLINE for the Spring Whitlock Theory test is Wednesday, Jan 13. Registration fee is $20. Must be a student affiliate member of TMTA (additional registration fee of $22)

Practice Tip: Can’t harp enough about daily playing/singing, whether it’s working on an assignment, or a few minutes doing scales/vocal exercises, or playing/singing a song from your top 5 list just for fun. Each one of these items keeps your skills fresh and your brain active.

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Studio News – Nov 1, 2020:

• Student Portal: Ever wonder what your child is supposed to be working on each week? You can access all student assignment notes, assigned repertoire music and recordings, invoicing/payments and calendar directly through the student portal on my website. I have sent the link in previous emails. Please let me know if you need access again.
• Be Prepared – Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson so you can write down your lesson assignments. For loose sheet music, use a 3-ring binder to help keep your music organized and at your fingertips.
• Lesson Openings – I have the following times open: Tuesday’s from 3:30-4:30, and Friday’s from 4:30-5:30. Feel free to share my information with anyone interested in piano or voice lessons.

November Deadlines: 

• Fall theory testing period – first week of November
• Wed, Nov 4: Registration Deadline and video submission for Solo Contest ($35 per student)
• Thanksgiving Break – week of Nov 23rd. No lessons that week

Heads Up – December

• Studio Recital will be a video recital just like the spring one. Deadline to submit TBA
• Christmas Holiday break Monday, Dec 21st through Tuesday, Jan 5th. No lessons.

Practice Tip: Scales & Finger exercises? What are they good for? The answers are many – the most important answer for beginners is that they help you get familiar with the keys and builds finger strength and coordination. For intermediate students, scales and exercises help you learn songs of your choice faster as well as build technique.

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Studio News – October 2020:

• Student Affiliate: Registration DEADLINE is  this Wednesday, Sep 30th. The Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) offers a wide range of activities for music students. The Performance Contests are a venue for musicians who desire to compete at the highest level, while the Ensemble programs are for students of any level. The Theory and World of Music programs offer curriculum for grades 1-12 and enable students to have strong grasp of theoretical and historical concepts while studying music. Other activities include publication and creative video contests, and several convention activities ranging from chamber music clinics and contests, digital keyboard orchestra, and ensemble performance. Cost to be a Student Affiliate starts at $18 if registered by Sep 30. After that date, fees increase.
• Student Portal: You can access all student assignment notes, assigned repertoire music and recordings, invoicing/payments and calendar directly through the student portal on my website. Let me know if you don’t have the link.
• Be Prepared – Always have a pencil and paper handy during the lesson. For printed out sheet music, inserting them into a 3-ring binder will help keep your music organized and at your fingertips.

October Deadlines: 

• Fri, Oct 2 – Registration Deadline & video submission for Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival ($30.00 per student)
• Sat, Oct 3 – Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival by video submission only.
• Mon, Oct 12 – No lessons in observance of Columbus Day
• Sat, Oct 17 – Honors Recital (video only) for Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival – Austin
• Wed, Oct 30 –  Registration Deadline to enter Jazz/Pop Festival (Houston) $15 per student

Heads Up – November

• Fall theory testing period – first week of November
• Fri, Nov 6: Registration Deadline and video submission for Solo Contest ($35 per student)
• Thanksgiving Break – week of Nov 23rd. No lessons that week

Practice Tip: Have a problem counting rhythm? Sing the rhythm instead.

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Sep 17, 2020:

Quick updates……

I’m back in town and ready to go. Lessons resuming as usual. My daughter had a beautiful baby girl, Anastasia Eirene. 8lbs, 21 inches. It was a home birth and the labor and delivery went smooth like clockwork. Unfortunately, about 30 minutes after delivery, my daughter started experiencing a myriad of problems, although all her vitals were normal. Turns out she developed HELLP syndrome shortly after birth (very rare), which required a hospital stay. It was kind of scary, but all is well now.

Okay, one daughter down, one to go. Princess #2 left for Knoxville on the same day I left for Houston. She is getting settled, but we still have some things to take to her, as well as give her some parental support for moving across the country. We are planning on taking an extended weekend next week. Therefore, no lessons on Friday – Monday Sep 25-28. Please contact me if you would like to reschedule your lesson to a different day. I apologize for taking off too many friday’s and monday’s, but hopefully things will settle back into a normal routine in October.

Some of you are planning on participating in the Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival on Oct 3. Video submissioins are due by Oct 2. That date is coming VERY soon and I’ve been concerned about some not being as prepared. I have a solution for those that need more time. The Jazz/Pop Festival in Clear Lake (Houston area for which I’m still a member) is also a video submission event that will be held on Saturday, Nov 14th. For this festival, only one piece needs to be performed and memorized. The cost is only $15 per student to register. Please let me know if you would like to enter this event.

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Studio Updates:

• Still waiting for granddaughter to appear. She must be on Greek time. In addition, my other daughter has just taken a job in Knoxville, TN which means David and I get to help her move. All to take place at the same time no doubt. If I have to cancel lessons, I will credit the amount you paid to next month. Will keep you posted.
• Student Affiliate: The Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) offers a wide range of activities for music students. The Performance Contests are a venue for musicians who desire to compete at the highest level, while the Ensemble programs are for students of any level. The Theory and World of Music programs offer curriculum for grades 1-12 and enable students to have strong grasp of theoretical and historical concepts while studying music. Other activities include publication and creative video contests, and several convention activities ranging from chamber music clinics and contests, digital keyboard orchestra, and ensemble performance. Cost to be a Student Affiliate starts at $18 if registered by Sep 30. After that date, fees increase.
• ZOOM Audio – while we are still conducting lessons online, here are a couple adjustments to do on your end to enhance the audio experience:
  • Go to settings (gear icon) and click on “audio”
  • click on the “advance” button at the bottom of the screen
  • check “show in-meeting to “Enable Original Sound” from microphone
  • Supress Persistent Background Noise – DISABLE
  • Suppress intermittent Background Noise – DISABLE
• Lesson Notes – Please make sure to have a notebook handy at the piano so you can write in your assignments. I used to write these up when we were doing in person lessons but now, students must take responsibility for this. FYI – I have everyone’s lesson notes available through the student portal for easy access. What is not acceptable is to tell me you didn’t know you were supposed to work on something.

September News: 

• Mon, Sep 7 – No lessons in observance of Labor Day.
• All lessons will be done online through Zoom or FaceTime until further notice
• Wed, Sep 30 – Registration deadline to enroll in Student Affiliate at the lowest price ($18.00)
• Wed, Sep 30 – Registration deadline for Fall Theory Test ($20)

Heads Up for October:

• Fri, Oct 2 – Registration Deadline to enter Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival ($30.00 per student)
• Sat, Oct 3 – Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival by video submission only.
• Mon, Oct 12 – No lessons in observance of Columbus Day
• Sat, Oct 17 – Honors Recital (video only) for Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival

Practice Tip: Always have a pencil (not pen), highlighter or sticky notes available at the piano for making notes on your music.

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August News: 

• Fall Schedule begins August 1st. If you have not already done so, please contact me to secure your spot on the calendar.
• All lessons will be done online through Zoom or FaceTime until further notice
• Sproutbeat – I have discontinued our sproutbeat subscription. For those who participated, you should not see a charge on your invoice this month. While I still believe this is a great product, I will wait to renew when they make some upgrades to their gaming system. So for the time being, it’s full steam ahead with the Primo Publishing Theory book series, which I love and fully support.

Upcoming Events:

• I may be disappearing for a week sometime in August for the arrival of my first grandchild. Will keep you posted.
• Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd and will be video submission only. This is an adjudicated event requiring 2 pieces memorized in jazz, pop or rock style. No scale/cadence required. Pianists and vocalists are eligible. Vocalists must provide an accompanist.  Cost to enter is $20 per student.
• Solo Contest will take place on November 7th again by video submission. Entrants  choose and perform one solo piece as designated by grade level. Music must be memorized. The judges will be instructed to make their decisions based upon the degree of polish and understanding the student brings to the piece rather than on difficulty of the selected piece.  First, second, third place and honorable mention may be given at each grade level. Cost to enter is $35 per student.

Practice Tip:  Setting Goals – have a planned goal every time you start your practice. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish at this session. Make these goals realistic and achievable, such as articulating a 4 measure phrase, or work on fingering in a specific passage. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish by setting these tiny goals at every practice session.

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July 23, 2020

As we head into August, please let me know your plans for fall as I am formulating my fall schedule. Austin ISD is set to return on August 18 ^th . I plan on continuing online lessons until it is safe to return to face to face.

Please contact me to secure your time for the fall.

Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 3 ^rd and will be done by videosubmission only. For those who have never entered a festival, this might be a good time to dip your toes in the water and try it out. Two pieces memorized in jazz, pop or rock style. No scale and cadence required. Pianists and vocalists are eligible. Vocalists must provide an accompanist. This is an adjudicated event

My eldest daughter Andrea is 35 weeks pregnant with my first grandchild, so sometime in August I may be disappearing for a week. Unfortunately, little miss Anastasia won’t be giving me a lot of notice so keep a look out for email/texts from me.

Looking forward to hearing from you all soon.

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July News:

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Wanted to share some updates of my summer plans……

I left for Greece on June 17th. On that very same day, Greece closed their borders to US citizens. We were informed of this while we were getting ready to board our flight from Newark to Zurich. Spent a couple days stuck in Newark, but got back to Austin safely. I’ve been lying low these last couple weeks waiting for the July 1st update, hoping to salvage some sort of summer retreat. Unfortunately, the July 1st update states US citizens are barred from travel.

So, I’m spinning back up my studio. Please let me know if you wish to have lessons this month. On the docket are back to basics goals and preparations for upcoming festivals.

Return to in person lessons………

With the fresh spike of covid cases and current situation, I will continue online teaching. Will re-assess in the fall once Austin ISD and other area schools make their final decisions. I’ve got to say it’s not looking too good. Keeping instruments clean in between lessons, maintaining 6 feet, masks – all pose challenges. Voice students in studio is practically impossible. While David and I are extremely careful, I’m still wrapping my brain around how to ensure safety for everyone when/if face to face lessons resume. So, it’s Zoom until further notice. Voice students – I am looking at a new software platform that is designed specifically for singers which may make things easier than zoom – stay tuned!

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PIANO GUILD VIDEOS

2020 VIDEO RECITAL IS READY!  Click here to view

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June News:

Online classes will continue through the summer. In all likelihood, when school resumes normal operations in the fall,  I will open my studio for face to face lessons.

Sproutbeat Online Theory: If anyone is interested in trying out online theory/games, I am offering a one month free trial. Sproutbeat is a great tool to help teach musical concepts using technology for today’s generation. Fun theory worksheets and games. Designed to supplement the Theory workbook and prepare for the Whitlock Theory test in addition to contributing to overall music education.

Festival/Recital Updates:

• Spring recital is up on the student portal and can also be accessed through my website via password.
• Piano Guild – has moved to video only. Students entered in piano guild – please submit your videos by June 15th
• No Lessons June 10-12 (Wednesday through Friday)

Practice Tip:  Musicality, what does this mean? It is how you interpret a piece to tell a story. Think of the notes as words on a page that come alive as you play. Let the dynamics and phrasing bring out the story.

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May News:

Online classes are continuing to do quite well. A reminder that my Zoom ID is 737-493-5242 and the password is “operalady”. Parents, thank you for helping set up zoom lessons on your end and for ensuring the student has all their materials on hand.

Sproutbeat Online Theory: If anyone is interested in trying out online theory/games, I am offering a one month free trial. Sproutbeat is a great tool to help teach musical concepts using technology for today’s generation. Fun theory worksheets and games. Designed to supplement the Theory workbook and prepare for the Whitlock Theory test in addition to contributing to overall music education.

Festival/Recital Updates:

• Piano Guild – still on track for May 9th for those that signed up early. Video recorded, online live, and reschedule options are available.
• Spring Studio Recital slated for May 16th at Steinway Piano Gallery is cancelled in favor of video recorded. Students, please send in a video of your recital piece. I will compile them and send a link for everyone to view.
• No Lessons Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.

Practice Tip: Repitition. When working on problem measures, whether for voice or piano, repitition is the key. Play/sing the problem measure 5 times in a row correctly. If you mess up on #3 repitition, start over. Once you reach 5 times in a row with no mistakes, back up a few measures to practice the entire phrase using the same technique.  

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April News:

Well, we survived our first week of 100% online lessons – woo hoo! You all did a fabulous job. I’m hoping to improve my skills more each week. Special thanks to Ruan who showed me how I can change my background. I’ve been using zoom for almost 2 years and never knew this existed! There’s also a white board and I can share computer sound in addition to screens. Digging it!

Parents, here are some things you can do to improve things on your end:

1. place the camera device on the side of the piano so I can see both the hands and the keys on the piano.
2. please keep a pencil and paper handy to take notes.
3. have all your music ready at your fingertips
4. VOICE students – use the student portal to play the accompaniments on your end to avoid lag time.
5. Try to keep background noises to a minimum. The microphone picks up everything!
   

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March News: 

• Wednesday, Mar 4th – Registration deadline-World of MusicTest. Will be held at UT Butler School of Music on Sunday, March 29th. Registration fee is $20. You must be a member of TMTA Student Affiliate in order to participate. World of Music is a written test and is designed to teach music history.
• Wednesday, Mar 11th – Registration deadline-Romantic/Contemporary Festival. Will be held at UT Butler School of Music on Saturday, April 4th. Registration fee is $20. Two pieces memorized with scale and cadence.
• SPRING BREAK! No lessons Mar 16-20th
• Lesson Openings – Friday’s at 4:00pm. Let me know if you want to switch, or if you know anyone wanting voice or piano lessons.
• End Result – being able to learn a piece of music on your own and perform it. Sproutbeat online theory gives you the why & how that compliments private instruction. Sproutbeat is an essential component and companion to weekly theory assignments. Seriously, this is way more fun and educational than workbooks.
• Student/Parent Portal –  An invaluable information source on your child’s progress. To listen to recordings of your project pieces, assignment notes, attendance, log your practice time, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up the portal, let me know and I will send you the login instructions.
• Need to check my schedule for a quick change? Access to the student portal allows you to see the latest openings. The google calendar on my website only updates once every 24 hours. Accessing the student portal is easy to set up.

• Practice Tip:It is better to practice daily (frequently) for shorter periods of time rather than practicing in one or two sittings for a longer period ot time. You will have better retention and muscle memory.
  

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February News:

• Wednesday, Feb 5th – Registration deadline-Baroque/Classical Festival. Festival will be held at UT Butler School of Music on Saturday, Feb 29th. Two pieces (one baroque era, one classical era) memorized, with scale and cadence. Registration fee is $20
• Lesson Opening – 4:00pm on friday’s is open. It is a 30 minute time slot. Let me know if you want to switch, or if you know anyone wanting voice or piano lessons.
• End Result – being able to learn a piece of music on your own and perform it. Sproutbeat online theory gives you the why & how that compliments private instruction. Sproutbeat is an essential component and companion to weekly theory assignments. Seriously, this is way more fun and educational than workbooks.
• Student/Parent Portal – For assignment notes, attendance, log your practice ime, track/listen to your repertoire assignments, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up the portal, let me know and I will send you the login instructions.

Practice Tip: As we head deep into festival season, parents, ask your children to perform their pieces in front of you (like they would for a recital). This will give them practice on presentation and navigating the jitters.

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January News: Happy New Year!

• Tuesday, Jan 7th – Lessons resume
• Wednesday, Jan 8th – Registration deadline-Sprint Theory Test. $20 per student. Theory test will be held at UT Butler School of Music on Saturday, Feb 8th from 12 to 6pm.
• New Years Resolution – starting this month we will be focusing on general musicianship skills: ear training, transposition, scales, chords/cadence, harmonization, and creative composition. Assessment exam in May. Exciting!
• Sproutbeat Online Theory.  Music is not just about playing or singing notes, but knowing why and anticipating where the melody is going. Sproutbeat makes learning theory easy and fun. An essential component and companion to weekly theory assignments. Ask me for details.
• Student/Parent Portal – For assignment notes, attendance, log your practice ime, track/listen to your repertoire assignments, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up the portal, let me know and I will send you the login instructions.

Practice Tip: Whether voice or piano, it is extremely important for each student to establish a daily practice routine. The length of time is not as important as the focus time. Daily practice establishes a habitual routine where you will see marked improvement of skills over time.

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December 01, 2019:

• Sunday, Dec 14 – Studio Recital – My house. Three sessions to choose from – 1:00pm, 2:30pm, or 4:00pm
• No lessons Dec 20 – Jan 6: Christmas Holiday Break
• Sproutbeat Online Theory.  This is a great tool to help teach musical concepts using technology for today’s generation. Fun theory worksheets and games. Designed to supplement the Theory workbook and prepare for the Whitlock Theory test. If you’re interested in participating in this subscription service, please contact me for details.
• Student/Parent Portal – For assignment notes, attendance, log your practice ime, track/listen to your repertoire assignments, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up the portal, let me know and I will send you the login instructions.

Practice Tip: Focused practice. Practice those problem measures first, working through specific issues whether it be fingering, rhythm, pitch or speed – make those measures right before moving on.

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Sat, Dec 14th: Winter/Christmas Recital – My house. Three sessions to choose from – 1:00pm, 2:30pm, or 4:00pm

Format for this recital will be “Christmas Party”.  This is an informal recital, but with a purpose. I’m sure you all have attended Christmas parties in the past where there were many friends as well as people you haven’t met. There was plenty of food and hopefully a nice atmosphere. In the background is usually some nice Christmas or Holiday music of some sort. Well, this format is how I conduct our December recitals. There are many friends and acquaintances at the party, plenty of food and a nice relaxed atmosphere. However, instead of piped in Christmas music, my students provide the music. Since the atmosphere is light and informal, I do not require them to memorize their music (although preferred). You might think that this recital is easy for the students, however, there is a learning experience that comes along with this. There might not be as much pressure for the students performance wise, but they need to learn to perform with distractions (i.e.: people talking, other students lurking around the piano, etc.). Ultimately, this recital is a lesson in concentration. Attendance is not mandatory. There are no charges for participating in this event, but I ask that you bring a side dish to share (sweets, veggies, fruits, drinks). Please let me know if you are able to attend, what you can bring, and how many members in your family will be with you.

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November 1, 2019:

• Sunday, Nov 3– Fall Theory Test.
• Sat, Nov 9 – Jazz/Pop Festival – Clear Lake
• No lessons Nov 25-29 – Thanksgiving Week
• Sign up for Sproutbeat Online Theory. Designed to supplement the Theory workbook, this application offers a fun and motivating way to learn general music education and prepare for the Whitlock Theory test. If you’re interested in participating in this subscription service, please contact me for details.
• Student/Parent Portal –For assignment notes, attendance, log your practice ime, track/listen to your repertoire assignments, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up the portal, let me know and I will send you the login instructions.

Heads Up! Studio Recital will be held on Saturday, Dec 14. Three sessions offered (choose 1). Details to follow soon.

Practice Tip: Use a metronome! There are several online metronomes and apps to choose from. If you can play or sing a piece with no mistakes using a metronome, you can play or sing that piece at any tempo.

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October 1, 2019:

• Wed, Oct 2nd. Registration Deadline – Fall Theory Test. The Fall Theory test will be held at UT Butler School of Music on Sunday, Nov 3 ^rd . Cost to enter is $20 and you must be a member of Student Affiliate to enter. Student Affiliate fee is now $22 until Jan 15, 2020.
• Sat, Oct 5 ^th – Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival at UT Butler School of Music.
• No lessons Friday-Monday, Oct 11-14. I will be out of town
• Sproutbeat Online Theory games/worksheets are going strong. Designed to supplement the Theory workbook, this application offers a fun and motivating way to learn general music education and prepare for the Whitlock Theory test. If you’re interested in participating in this subscription service, please contact me for details.
• Student/Parent Portal – For assignment notes, attendance, log your practice ime, track/listen to your repertoire assignments, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you haven’t already set up the portal, let      me know and I will send you the login instructions.

Practice Tip: Piano students – always start your practice session with a scale and finger exercise. This will warm up your fingers and get your mind focused. Voice students – always start your practice time with vocal exercises to warm up/stretch your vocal cords and practice breath control. This also gets your mind focused.

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September 1, 2019:

• No lessons Monday, Sep 2nd in observance of Labor Day
• Wed, Sep 11th. Registration Deadline – Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival. Cost to enter is $20. Festival will be held at UT Butler School of Music on Saturday, Oct 5. Two songs memorized. Please let me know if you would like to participate so I can register you before the deadline.
• No lessons Thursday-Friday, Sep 12-13th – Clear Lake Greek Festival. If you’re in the Clear Lake area of Houston, come out and be a Greek for a day!
• Sproutbeat Online Theory games/worksheets are going strong. Designed to supplement the Theory workbook, this application offers a fun and motivating way to learn general music education and prepare for the Whitlock Theory test. If you’re interested in participating in this subscription service, please contact me for details.
• Student/Parent Portal – Login from the homepage of my website: https://www.operalady.com.For assignment notes, attendance, log your practice time, track/listen to your repertoire assignments, calendar and billing (parent/adult portal only). If you’re interested in seeing your childs progress, this is the place to start.
• 2019 – 2020 Studio Calendar of Events. If you did not receive the calendar or have misplaced it, you can find it here: https://operalady.com/calendar/

Practice Tip: Make your practice time the same every day to make it a habit. Consistency breeds success.

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August 1, 2019:

• No lessons August 1 – August 6^th. The hubby is whisking me away for a driving vacation.
• Fall schedule will begin the week of August 12^th
• NEW for the studio – Sproutbeat worksheets/games. Designed to supplement general music theory and the TMTA National Whitlock Theory Test. Compatible with iPad, PC or android devices. Each student will have their own account where worksheets/games are assigned and completed. A nominal fee will be included on your monthly statement for this service.
• Also NEW – Student/Parent Portal. For viewing the calendar of upcoming events, attendance, log your practice time, track your repertoire, and billing (parent/adult portal only). Login from the homepage of my website: http://www.operalady.com

Practice Tip: Begin your practice with scales (piano) and vocal exercises (voice). This allows the “instrument” to limber up before diving into your technique and project pieces.

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July 22, 2019:

Something new for the studio – Supplemental online theory games and worksheets! 

Designed to be an unlimited pages digital workbook of games/worksheets that can be accessed through a PC or iPad. These worksheets are colorful, fun, and created specifically for music theory (and the TMTA National Whitlock Theory Tests). Worksheets can be drawn on with virtual pens and markers, and the games are vast and interesting. Topics cover a wide range: 5 finger patters, chords, accidentals, note reading, musical symbols, line/space notes, key and time signatures, note values, etc.

Starting this week, I will have an iPad available in the studio for students to try out some of the games/worksheets to give them an idea of how it works. This software has a monthly fee of $3 per month (no contracts), which I would include in your monthly statement. An account is set up with the student name, in which I can assign supplemental material in companion with what they are learning, and also keep track of grading. At the most recent TMTA conference, I spoke with other teachers who are using this software, and they noticed a marked improvement in note reading and overall general musical knowledge.

Let me know if this interests you and I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions. I’m very excited to offer this product as it is quite impressive.

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July 1, 2019

• No Lessons on Thursday, July 4th. Happy Independence Day! Lessons will resume on Friday, July 5th
• Invoices and communications will be a little different starting this month as I am working with new business software specifically designed for music professionals. You can now sign in to the parent/student portal on my website to view scheduling, student assignment notes, invoicing, assigned repertoire, recordings and much more. More details to follow.

Practice Tip: Is you practice time goal oriented? Whether it’s vocal or piano, make your practice a matter of “mind” spent, not “time” spent.

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June 1, 2019: 

• Lesson times will remain the same through the summer – please let me know if need to change to a different time.
• No Lessons Thu, June 20 – Mon, June 24. Texas Music Teachers Conference in Houston.

Practice Tip: Slow Practice. Learning your pieces at a slow tempo helps you gain accuracy, hone your technical skills and train your hands to hit the correct keys with the correct fingering. Some claim they “can’t play their music slow” because they make more mistakes – this is a sure sign that they do not know the music. If you can’t play it correctly at a slow tempo, you will not play it well enough up to tempo. Once the piece or section of music is learned at a slow tempo, you will be able to maintain the same level of accuracy by gradually taking it up to speed.

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May 1, 2019:

• No Lessons Thursday – Friday May 9^th and 10^th. I’ll be in Houston that weekend for the Clear Lake Greek Festival.
• No Lessons Thursday – Monday May 23^rd and 27^th. Co-chairing Austin’s 1st Greek Festival, Memorial Day on Monday.
• Heads up for Summer schedule: As the end of the school year draws near, it is time to start preparing for summer lessons. Lessons are conducted year round, including summers to ensure that your child continues to grow and stay active. Much can be lost over the summer requiring material to be repeated. This can sometimes be frustrating to the student. I do work around vacations so please factor that in your summer plans. Lesson times will remain the same through the summer – please let me know if need to change to a different time for summer.

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April 1, 2019:

• Sat, April 27 – Spring Recital from 12noon to 2:00pm. Steinway Piano Gallery. 12980 N. Highway 183, Austin 78750.
• Please let me know if I can share your email address to Steinway Piano Gallery as that allows me to book the recital room at a greatly reduced rate. Your email address will not be sold or shared outside of Steinway.
• No Lessons on Friday, April 26th

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March 1, 2019:

• It’s time to start thinking Spring Recital. Students should be working on memorizing their pieces. Spring Recital is Saturday, April 27^th at Steinway Piano Gallery from 12 -2pm.
• Please let me know if I can share your email address to Steinway Piano Gallery as that allows me to book the recital room at a greatly reduced rate. Your email address will not be sold or shared outside of Steinway.
• Romantic/Contemporary Registration Deadline is Wed, Mar 6. Let me know if you’re interested. Festival will be held on Saturday, April 6^th at UT Butler School of Music. Registration fee is $20 per student. Two pieces memorized, with scale and cadence.
• Spring Breaks: Mar 11-15(no lessons Clear Lake), Mar 18-22  (no lessons Austin)

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February 3, 2019:

• Sat, Feb 9^th – Spring Theory Test. UT Butler School of Music. 12 noon – 6pm.
• Mon, Feb 18^th – AISD No School – No lessons
• Sat, Feb 23^rd – Baroque/Classical Festival (Austin). UT Butler School of Music. 9am – 5pm.

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I recommend this great repertoire book:

Essential Keyboard Repertoire, Volume 1. This is a great beginner repertoire book covering the Baroque to the Modern Period. Comes with a CD.

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January 1, 2019:  Happy New Year!

•  Mon, Jan 7th – Classes resume
• Wed, Jan 9th – Registration Deadline for the Spring Theory Test to be held on Sat, Feb 9. LOCATION: UT Butler School of Music. TIME: 12 pm to 6 pm. FEES (non-refundable): $20 per student for theory registration (SA enrollment fees are separate)
• Mon, Jan 21st- CCISD/AISD no school – no lessons
• Wed, Jan 23rd – Registration Deadline for the Baroque/Classical Festival to be held on Sat, Feb 23. LOCATION: UT Butler School of Music. Registration fee $20 per student.
• I will be out of town Jan 21 – 25. I will be available for Skype lessons only at your usual time. Your statements will reflect the option to have a skype lesson instead of a face to face.

December 3, 2018:

Sat, Dec 15th: Winter/Christmas Recital – My house. Three sessions to choose from – 1:30pm, 3:00pm, or 4:30pm

Format for this recital will be “Christmas Party”. It is an informal recital, but with a purpose. I’m sure you all have attended Christmas parties in the past where there were many friends as well as people you haven’t met. There was always plenty of food and hopefully a nice atmosphere. In the background is usually some nice Christmas music of some sort. Well, this format is how I conduct our December recitals. There are many friends and acquaintances at the party, plenty of food and a nice relaxed atmosphere. However, instead of piped in Christmas music, my students provide the music. Since the atmosphere is light and informal, I do not require them to memorize their music. You might think that this recital is easy for the students, however, there is a learning experience that comes along with this. There might not be as much pressure for the students performance wise, but they need to learn to perform with distractions (i.e.: people talking, other students lurking around the piano, etc.). Ultimately, this recital is a lesson in concentration. Attendance is not mandatory. There are no charges for participating in this event, but I ask that you bring a side dish to share (sweets, veggies, fruits, drinks). Please let me know if you are able to attend, and how many members in your family will be with you.

Sat, Dec 22 through Fri, Jan 4: Christmas Break – No Lessons

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November, 2018

• Sun, Nov 4: Fall Theory Test (Austin) – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
• Tue, Nov 6: CCISD – no school
• Sat, Nov 10: Jazz/Pop Festival (Clear Lake)
• Nov 19-23: Thanksgiving break – No Lessons

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October 8, 2018

Congratulations to Veena, Owen, and Sid – all achieved superior ratings at the Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival at UT Butler School of Music this past Saturday. Good Job!!

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October 1, 2018

• Wed, Oct 3: Fall Theory Test Registration Deadline – Registration fee is $20 per student
• Mon, Oct 8: No School, no lessons(AISD)
• Mon, Oct 15: No School (CCISD)
• Mon, Oct 29: Registration Deadline for Jazz/Pop Festival-Clear Lake – Registration fee is $15 per student

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September 1, 2018

• Monday Sep 3^rd is Labor Day. No School – no lessons.
• IMPORTANT!! Registration Deadline for Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival-Austin is Sep 5^th. Please let me know if you plan on entering this festival. Two pieces memorized with scale/cadence. Private judging. UT Butler School of Music. Registration fee – $20 per student.

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August 9, 2018
THE 30 PIECE CHALLENGE!

I’m excited to introduce a new incentive program called the 30 Piece Challenge. This idea, inspired by the brilliant pedagogue Elissa Milne, has been very successful in helping students advance more quickly in their skills. It’s been one of the best ways to help students learn more repertoire, become acquainted with different styles, become better sight readers, and better musicians.
I am challenging each of my piano students to learn 30 new pieces this school year, beginning the week of August 20th, and ending May 31st.

Why in the world would I want to attempt this?

• Students will gain a wide and practical knowledge and experience in a variety of music forms. Instead of learning 1 jazz piece, they may learn 5. Instead of 1 Baroque piece, they might learn 4, etc.
• Students will become more astute sight readers. The best way to improve sight reading is to not only sight read more but read a variety of styles and formats of music frequently. The more repertoire that is “under their fingers” and “in their ears,” the more they can predict patterns and harmonies, thus read music faster and more accurately. Students also playing music from different composers and publishers will see a wide variety of notation styles which will keep them from getting “locked in” to a specific method.
• Students will play more musically in part because these pieces will be learned well. The better students are at sight reading, the faster they pick up the details of music. The more time they spend developing the fine art of communicating what they see on paper, the more their own musicality comes through.
• Students will be happier. The more music they can play, the more confident and proficient they will feel, leading to a generally happier student.

The Details:

• Each student will receive a 30 piece challenge chart in each of their binder.
• The piece will be added to their list when it is first introduced. This helps motivation and excitement in starting something new.
• If the student chooses to stop learning the piece or not learn it in a musical way, it will be taken off the list.
• Pieces must be at least 16 measures (8 for beginning students) and at a variety of levels: challenging, at their level, and easier (below level). These pieces should be a balanced list of differing styles.
• Students may choose to begin pieces on their own as long as they are learning them with correct notes, rhythm, musicality, etc.
• Each piece will be marked complete when it is performed with nice tone, touch, and balance that is appropriate to the style of the piece, and with correct dynamics and technique. Minor interpretation comments may be needed, but overall, a complete performance.

The Rewards:

• For 10 pieces completed, each student will receive a ribbon of completion.
• For 20 pieces completed, each student will receive a silver medal.
• For 30 pieces completed, each student will receive a gold medal and a $10 gift card to iTunes or Target.

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July 29, 2018
1st day of school is just around the corner – August 20th! Please take a moment to look over your calendars and let me know if our lesson time still works with your schedule.
New updates to my website are in progress. Check out the Sheet Music & Tips directly below this post!
Referrals are the lifeblood of my business. Please feel free to give out my contact info. For every referral that signs up, your account will be credited one free lesson.

July 5, 2018
Summer is moving fast and August will be here before you know it! Lessons continue through the summer. Welcome new students Sydney, Kyla, Drew, Ruan, and Easton! If you know of anybody wanting piano or voice lessons, please feel free to give them my email address, phone number, or website. For every referral that signs up, your account will be credited one free lesson.

June 4, 2018
Schools out for summer! Lessons are conducted year round, including summers to ensure that your child continues to grow and stay active. Much can be lost over the summer requiring material to be repeated. This can sometimes be frustrating to the student. I work around vacations so please factor that in your summer plans. No Lessons Tue–Fri, June 12-15: My daughter’s big fat Greek wedding. No Lessons Thu-Fri, June 21-22: Texas Music Teachers Convention.

May 1, 2018
I have the following lesson openings: Monday: 4:30-5pm, Wednesday: 5:30-6pm, Thursday: 6:15-7pm. If you know of anybody wanting piano or voice lessons, please feel free to give them my email address, phone number, or website. For every referral that signs up, I will happily credit your account one free lesson. Saturday, May 5th: Piano Guild Auditions (updated), No lessons Thursday May 10 – Tuesday May 29th.

April 1, 2018
Saturday, April 7th-Romantic/Contemporary festival at UT Butler School of Music (Austin). Saturday, April 14th-Sonatina Festival at University Baptist Church (Clear Lake). Spring Recital-Saturday, April 28th from 4 to 6pm – Steinway Piano Gallery. Please let me know if you’re planning on attending. I have the following lesson openings: Monday: 4:30-5, and 6-6:30pm, Wednesday: 5-5:30pm, Thursday: 6:15-7pm. If you know of anybody wanting piano or voice lessons, please feel free to give them my email address, phone number, or website. For every referral that signs up, I will happily credit your account one free lesson.

March 1, 2018
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 28th for our Spring Recital. This is a change from last month. Spring recital is booked at Steinway Piano Gallery from 4 to 6pm. Some last minute cancellations are occurring this month: No Lesson Friday, Mar 2nd as I will be travelling to Houston for the Gold Cup Festival. Wed, Mar 7: Romantic/Contemporary Festival (Austin) registration deadline. Location – UT Butler School of Music. Two pieces memorized with scale and cadence. Private judging only. Event cost is $16. No Lessons Thu-Fri March 8-16. I will be out of town, and it’s SPRING BREAK! Fri, Mar 23: Sonatina Festival (Clear Lake) registration deadline. Location – University Baptist Church on Middlebrook Dr. One piece memorized in Sonatina style. Recital or Private judging. Event cost is $18.

February 1, 2018
Busy February! We are deep into festival season with the Baroque/Classical starting things off on Sat, Feb 24 at UT Butler School of Music. Students, please keep the momentum going by establishing a good daily practice routine. Piano Guild Auditions will be here in May before you know it…. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 21st. Spring recital is booked at Steinway Piano Gallery from 4 to 6pm.

January 2, 2018
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday break. Lessons will commence for Austin students on Wednesday, Jan 3. Clear Lake students will return on Tuesday, Jan 9. Lot’s of registration deadlines occur this month starting on Friday, Jan 12: Gold Cup registrations due (Clear Lake) – registration fee is $18. No school/no lessons on Monday, Jan 15. Wednesday, Jan 24 is registration deadline for Baroque/Classical Festival (Austin) – registration fee is $16. Those students preparing for Piano Guild in May….start your engines! We will be working on a practice system to keep your skills and repertoire sharp with less stress. For my younger voice students – new Disney songs are on the agenda. Let’s ROCK this new year with momentum and inspiration!