Movie Music Magic—Coming Very Soon!
As of December 1, 2009, we have 82 days until our recital! I know that sounds like a lot of time –but it really is only 10 weeks. Students should finish learning their songs by the end of December and should then begin perfecting their songs with dynamics, accents, and expression. Remember, playing a song is like painting a picture. Are you painting a stick figure or a detailed portrait? Let’s make beautiful music on February 20!
Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukah
I hope this holiday season is full of all that is good and beautiful for each of you and your families! Remember, the studio is closed Dec. 21—Jan 2. Enjoy the break—but keep practicing! And be ready to work hard when you return.
Lesson Payments—Sibling Discount
As you are aware, there will be a slight increase in the cost of lessons as of January 1, 2010. I was also going to discontinue the sibling discount at that time, but after additional consideration, I have decided to continue offering the sibling discount.
So, under the new pricing, a 30-minute lesson is $60 per month. If you have a sibling that also takes lessons, your cost will be $50/month per student.
I hope this helps. Remember, group lessons are available and only cost $40/month per student. If you are interested in group lessons, please let me know.
Also, please be courteous and let me know if you will not be attending your lesson. I can be reached by email, phone or text at smurdock7@cox.net or 623 907 6327. I have set aside your lesson time for your lesson, and thus if you don’t show, I am still waiting there for you, unable to go anywhere or make other plans for that time period. I know this time of year is very busy. Let’s try to keep each other informed of any conflicts in scheduling we might have.
I will continue to discount the monthly rate when there is a scheduled holiday, but I will not give a discount for unscheduled missed lessons. Please contact me at if you have any questions.
Introducing Student of the Month
I am very excited to announce, that starting in January, I will be selecting one student each month as the “Student of the Month”. The Student of the Month will be a student who shows excellence in character, attitude, dedication, and responsibility. The Student of the Month will be recognized in our monthly newsletter and will receive a special prize (it’s a surprise!).
Keep working hard and you may be our first Student of the Month!
Practice Time...
The age-old question, “How long should I practice each day?” is one that can be difficult to answer. Practice time varies with age, skill level, and the number of pieces currently being worked on.
For instance, a 4-year old piano student studying pre-reading piano material, would benefit very well from 15 minutes of practice each day. But a 10-year old piano student studying in the Level 2 books, would see very little progress by only 15 minutes of practice a day.
Here’s a fairly simple formula for calculating practice time:
(Age + Level) X 4 = practice time
Round the answer to the nearest 5 minute increment and you have your practice time.
So, if I am a 5-year old student in level one books, here’s how I figure my practice time:
(5 + 1) X 4 =
6 X 4 = 24, rounded to the nearest 5 is
25 minutes per day!!
Another example? Ok. A 14-year old student in Level 4 books. Practice time?
(14 + 4) X 4 = 72, rounded is
70 minutes a day!!
One more example…
9 years old, level 2
(9 + 2) X 4 =
11 X 4 = 44, rounded equals 45 minutes a day!!
What if I haven’t reached level one yet? Then, figure 0 for the level, like this:
6 years old, primer level
(6 + 0) X 4 =
6 X 4 = 24, rounded = 25 minutes a day.
Using this simple formula will continue to provide you, the student, the minimum daily practice time needed to make steady progress in your piano studies.
Also, remember that practice time can be broken up throughout the day. There’s no need to do it all in one sitting.
Voice Students
A special note for voice students. It has become apparent to me, that voice students really need a few basic supplies in order for us to have successful lessons. These basic supplies include:
1. A recording device of some sort (i.e. mp3 player, tape recorder).
2. A notebook to record weekly assignments and vocal exercises in.
3. Water—it’s very important to keep hydrated when singing.
4. Music. Students should bring in music—either sheet music or the accompaniment track for the songs they want to learn.
If you have questions about any of these items, please contact me.
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