Moyer Music Studio

Now that students are settling into school and sports routines, it is a good idea to establish practice times each day. Choose a time that can be kept consistently and stick to it in order to get your assignments complete each week. There are two ways to set times:

1.   You can choose to do a 30/45/60 minute block of time and do all practicing at one time each day

2.  You can break up practice time into smaller time segments and work on different skills/pieces at each practice. This works great if you need to grab 15 minutes before or after school, 15 minutes while waiting for supper, 15 minutes right before bed…….. For younger students this works especially well as it can be difficult to focus for a long period of time. Even with this system of practicing it is a good idea to determine these smaller practice times and not leave it up to chance.

One more practicing tip for today - if you are working on a longer piece, do not feel as if you have to play the entire piece every day. Choose which section(s) need the most work and focus on those one at a time. Sometimes you can learn a piece faster by practicing it in sections, rather than just playing the entire piece (and not fixing the mistakes).

Private Piano Lessons

Scheduling for fall semester will begin July 27th. Students are given first priority on their current lesson time. I have made room for many more students this year, so spread the word to your friends that I have openings and encourage them to sign up early in order to get the best choice of times available.  My calendar will be posted on the studio website by Monday the 27th, so that you can see which times are available throughout the week.

Introduction to the Keyboard Class

This fall I will begin teaching an introductory piano class for young beginners, ages 5-8. This is a great way to introduce young children to musical concepts through various listening games, musical instruments and of course, the keyboard. Class will be on Saturdays from 9-10am.

Musikgarten Classes for Early Childhood

I am excited to be starting some Musikgarten classes this fall. I attended a workshop this summer to get certification for Family Music and will now be a licensed Musikgarten teacher. This is a wonderful music program for young children! Classes are open to ages from birth through age 8.  Again, I would appreciate any help in spreading the word about this new venture. My web site has more information about the different classes available this year.

I look forward to seeing everyone again this fall! Enjoy the rest of the summer……….

Don’t forget to sign up now for summer lessons - lessons start the week of June 1st. You can pick and choose the weeks that work for you - from 3 lessons to 9 or 11 in the summer.
Also, if you know families with young children, please spread the word that I have Early Childhood Music Classes available this summer as well. A great chance for young children (infants - age eight) to discover music through playing, listening and moving!
Have a great summer!
Mrs. Moyer

Congratulations to all students on a great recital today! Everyone did an exceptional job - I heard many comments from guests as to how musical and expressive the performances were. I am proud of each and every one of you.

The “bow” contest winners are  Micah P and Hannah S - you can pick up your DQ certificates at your lesson this week!

Don’t forget we have one more week of lessons this week before our break. See you then!

With our spring recital coming up this Sunday,  I wanted to give you some good practicing tips for the week.

Tip #1     Practice SLOWLY throughout the week, especially with the “trouble” spots. Use your metronome to keep you from speeding up.

Tip #2     Practice your pieces in the same order and with or without your music, just like you plan on doing it at recital. Plan ahead if you have pages to turn - it might help to make a copy of the extra page so that turning pages doesn’t distract you. Also, don’t forget to think through the first few measures of each piece BEFORE you start playing.

Tip #3     Practice your pieces with the shoes you will wear for recital. Girls, especially - this can affect your playing if the shoes feel different than normal.

Tip #4     Don’t always just play the pieces straight through. Work on the “trouble” spots the most. Remember that it usually takes 10 times playing a section/measure correctly to fix a mistake.

Tip #5     Have fun at the recital - listening to the other performers, and enjoying being on stage to play. Don’t forget to acknowledge your audience with a terrific bow when you finish playing!

I’m looking forward to a great recital on Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Moyer

As you can see, our new website at wendyspiano.com is slowly taking shape!