Moyer Music Studio

As we look ahead to recital time next month, I would like you to consider some of the following practice ideas for your piece(s).

#1 GO SLOW! Take your time to work slowly through the music, to get the correct notes and rhythm. Playing too fast when you first approach a piece often results in multiple mistakes that you have to go back and correct later. The best way to learn is to go slow and get it right the first time Remember, it takes time times playing a section correctly in order to correct a mistake!

#2 READ YOUR MUSIC AWAY FROM THE PIANO: Read through the music visually, making notes of sharps and flats, difficult rhythms, rests, tempos, dynamics, etc…… Tap any difficult rhythms ahead of playing them to get the timing correct. Highlight all dynamics in yellow.

#3 OUTLINE YOUR MUSIC: Label the various sections, noting where sections are repeated. Then, make a plan to practice your music by section. If you only play through the piece each time you practice you are not really practicing. And, if one section is repeated more than other sections it will get more practice and then improve faster than other sections, resulting in an uneven performance. Instead, choose which section to work on each day so that they are all practicd evenly.

#4 SET GOALS:Plan out when you want to have your music memorized, when you should have it hands together, when it should be nearly perfected with the music, etc……. Plan your work, and then make sure you work your plan!!

#5 HAVE FUN: Enjoy your recital piece and find the “spots” that you really like to play. Have fun learning a new piece of music.

More ideas to come next week…………

Now that the kids are getting into their routines for their school year, it is a good time to set up a practice routine for piano as well. I’ve found that it really helps if a set practice time(s)  is put on the daily schedule for a student. It might be the half hour before getting on the school bus in the morning, or a half hour before starting school work in the afternoon. Some kids might need to have it broken up into smaller sections - for instance: 10 minutes after breakfast, 10 minutes after school, and 10 minutes after dinner. Find what works for your child and then build it into their daily routine. They made still need reminders, but at least then they know what is expected.

Above all else, try to keep practice time a fun, learning experience and not one of “drudgery”! We want the kids to enjoy making music so that they stick with it a long time. You can make it fun by incorporating incentives/rewards for practice, telling them how much you enjoyed listening to them-giving positive feedback, and helping them out if needed. Be your kids’ cheerleader!

There are books and pamphlets in the studio for parents and students about practicing - and lots of tips on how to do it right. I will also be giving the kids specific goals to work on for each piece so that they know exactly what to be practicing. I will also try and give them tricks and games to use to make their practice “fun”.

Music will be a part of their lives even through old age so keep cheering them on. They might not be kicking a soccer ball, or shooting hoops when they are 80 - but I’ll bet that they will still be able to sing and play piano at that age. Music is timeless!

Summer is a great time for music lessons. For most kids there is no school and no homework, which leaves more time to practice and work on some fun music. Lessons and practice also provide some structure to the summer schedule and continue the learning process. Summer lessons are flexible and you can choose the weeks that fit your schedule. If you have a beginner, this is a perfect opportunity to try out an introductory group class to see if your child is ready for regular piano lessons. The group class goes beyond just playing at the keyboard - it incorporates musical games, theory and other instruments. A fun way to spark an interest in piano lessons!

As students start planning for the upcoming school year, the question is usually asked about taking up another instrument for band or orchestra. Here are some of my thoughts in regards to this subject:

Practice Time – How do students get enough time on each instrument?

Some band/orchestra teachers will let students count a part of their piano practice time toward instrument practice time – especially for beginning students. This helps ease the transition to extra practice time for two instruments.

Two options for practice times:

1 - Both instruments each day but for smaller time periods. For example, a student might practice piano for 20-30 minutes and the other instrument for 20-30 minutes each day.

2 - Alternate instrument practice days. For example. A student might practice piano on Mon/Wed/Fri for 40-60 minutes each day, and then practice the other instrument on Tues/Thurs/Sat for 40-60 minutes each day.

Much depends upon the personality of the student, and their ability to focus on practice for a period of time. Also remember that the quality of practice time is of greater benefit than the quantity of practice time! Adding a second instrument is as easy as watching one less TV show per day, or 30 minutes less of a video game.

Are there benefits to playing two different instruments?

Students may find that they learn different musical concepts on different instruments, and it can enhance the learning of each instrument. For example, a student learning how to bow on a violin or when to breathe with a wind instrument, might see better how phrases are shaped. This can then be applied to shaping lines on the piano. And a piano student can take their knowledge of the harmonies in music and better understand how single melodic notes on their other instrument plug in to the music as a whole.

Band and orchestra instruments provide more of an ensemble experience for students – students need to learn to keep tempo and pitch along with the group. This can help in maintaining a steady beat and improving listening skills.

Piano students have some experience in ensembles (such as in piano duets or accompaniment) but might learn more about being an independent musician.

Importance of private music lessons

I highly recommend that students have private music lessons on at least one of their instruments. Group lessons can be effective (especially for beginners), but the personalized attention in a private lesson is unequaled. With today’s busy lifestyles, there aren’t many opportunities for a student to have one-on-one time with an instructor. School, sports and extra-curricular activities are largely “group” oriented and can be competitive. In a private lesson setting, the student is able to reach their own goals and get immediate feedback from their instructor. The lesson can also be arranged to meet the individual’s needs (and not just the needs of a group).

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!