In early spring of 2011, I finally decided to take the plunge and go for my Master of Arts in Education degree. I had been looking at a program for a few years, dreaming about it, but I finally decided that the time was right. In any case, it wasn't going to get any better. So, starting in fall of 2011, I was once again a student.
I quickly remembered why I was so happy when I graduated with my Bachelor's. While I love learning, I hate being a student. I love reading, but hate reading assigned texts. They're long, often boring, and even if the subject fascinates me, they seldom fail to put me to sleep. And then there's all the assignments; reflections on the readings, comparing readings to my teaching, reflections on my teaching, devising new lesson plans (often for a subject, age group, or environment I'm not teaching in), and on and on and on. Almost all of my assignments were valuable and taught me a lot, but they were still hard to get through. Needless to say, when I graduated in spring of 2013, I was very relieved. For the first time in two years, I didn't have to plan my weekends around readings and assignments. I could stay up late reading novels for fun, or even go to bed early if I wanted. So, why on earth did I put myself through this?
1 A lot of what I learned reaffirmed the way I was already teaching. My gut instincts told me something I was doing was good, but now I have research to back it up. For example, the way I treat rewards. If you have attended very many lessons with me, you'll realize I don't give out physical rewards often, and I'm careful with praise. Rather than because I'm mean or stingy, it's because research has shown that external motivation (like prizes) can undermine internal motivation (the drive every child is born with to learn). Praise, too, can have unintended consequences and also undermine internal motivation, as well as make it more difficult for someone to learn.
2 Many of the assignments, requiring me as they did to work with students in a standard classroom experience, reaffirmed my belief that I am in the right line of work. I LOVE teaching. When I have to take time off teaching (like recently, with the birth of my son), I'm very excited to get back to teaching. But being self-employed can be very difficult, so I periodically entertain the thought of working in a school setting. Even just volunteering for a few hours, once a week, in a school setting made me realize how very much I do NOT want to work in a school. Those few hours were exhausting, draining, and very frustrating. I wanted to get to know each student, and be able to work with them individually because it was obvious they all had different needs, but that was impossible. Even when I could work with a student individually on something, it was something that student had no desire or interest in, which was why they were struggling. Teaching private music lessons has spoiled me. All of my students want to take lessons, and they want to play their instrument. I never have to work with an unwilling student. Yes, I am in the right career path for me.
3 Being back in school really made me appreciate NOT being in school. It always seems, that when I'm not in school I look back on that time period with rose colored glasses, and miss it. But as soon as I'm back, I remember why I was so eager to get out. Hopefully, this time I'll be able to remember.
I really did learn a LOT with my master's. If you're interested in more specifics, please do check out my portfolio. I have a page showcasing some of my favorite assignments, a page for each of the classes I took, and then a few essays I wrote about my experiences as a whole.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Changes!
The last time I posted was over two years ago. As can be expected, I've had a lot of changes in that time. For starters, I was in the middle of working on my master's in education. I graduated in May 2013, and you can see what I accomplished here. A few months earlier, in February of 2013, I moved my studio from the studio in Puyallup to my home in Buckley. And then I got pregnant, and I just gave birth in December to my baby boy, Logan. While working on my master's, I stopped accepting new students, as it was a LOT of work, both being in school, then being pregnant. I took about two months off of teaching entirely when Logan was born, and am now back teaching!
Recently, at my local music teacher's group, we had a very inspiring program about the MTNA certification process; so inspiring, we all decided to start working on it together. At first, my thought was that I would wait until Logan was older and I was teaching more, but then it occurred to me that this is the perfect time to work on it! I don't have many students, and since I'm breastfeeding my son, I have a lot of time on the couch that would be perfect for typing up the projects. So, I've started working on my certification, and you can see my progress here.
My goal for this blog is to post once a week. In coming weeks, you can look for posts on how these recent changes have effected my teaching.
Is there something you want to know about? Make a comment or send me an email!
Recently, at my local music teacher's group, we had a very inspiring program about the MTNA certification process; so inspiring, we all decided to start working on it together. At first, my thought was that I would wait until Logan was older and I was teaching more, but then it occurred to me that this is the perfect time to work on it! I don't have many students, and since I'm breastfeeding my son, I have a lot of time on the couch that would be perfect for typing up the projects. So, I've started working on my certification, and you can see my progress here.
My goal for this blog is to post once a week. In coming weeks, you can look for posts on how these recent changes have effected my teaching.
Is there something you want to know about? Make a comment or send me an email!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Musician's Wish List
Do you know what to get for that aspiring musician on your list? No? Well, here are some ideas:
Metronome: these annoying little gadgets should be every musician's best friend. Proper use will instill a sense of timing that will greatly help your musician's rhythm. Plus, their teacher will love you!
Tuner: another very useful little gadget, that you will also grow to love. Unless you like hearing "Jingle Bells" in a minor key, you'll want your musician to have one so every note can be pitch-perfect. As an added bonus, you can get clip-on tuners, or even metronome-tuners, that contain both functions.
Stand: another essential for every musician that uses music (yes, that's all of my students). Of course, if your musician plays entirely by ear, and has no desire or need to use music, then this is less helpful. They come in folding varieties that are easy to transport, nice sturdy black stands, even extra tall stands for the giants among my students!
Assorted music: if you know what kind of music your musician enjoys, and their approximate level, you can pick up some extra sheet music for them to enjoy.
Subscription to Strings: This is a great magazine with something for every string player! I'm a subscriber, so if you want to check it out first, I've got several copies at the studio. There is so much in every issue for such a low price; I'm still reading issues back at least 6 months!
Tickets to the Symphony: Every musician needs inspiration and motivation, and nothing is quite so inspiring and motivating as watching a really good symphony perform live. I have a whole list of local symphonies up on the website.
CD's of really good musicians: Not quite as good as watching live, but these you can listen to over and over again! Joshua Bell and Itzhak Perlman are my two favorite violinists. Or, get them a CD of some alternative music - jazz, fiddle, even rock can be great fun.
A new instrument. Yep, there's always room to upgrade. Investing in a really nice instrument that your musician can really shine on will really help them go far with their music. Plus, they might even want to practice!
An electric instrument. Do you and your musician have conflicting ideas of when a good time to practice is? Maybe they only like to play after 10pm, but you need to sleep because you have to get up at 5am? (this was the case when I was a teenager!) Well, an electric instrument can help calm the waters and make everyone happy. Just have your musician plug it into some headphones, and they'll be able to hear themselves play, and you'll be able to sleep.
A box of pencils. Great stocking-stuffers. Musicians can't get enough of them. That, and a good eraser.
A book about music. Music history, composers, history of stringed instruments, music dictionaries, famous musicians, music in film - there's tons of options. There's even book/CD combos out there that can allow your favorite musician to pop in the CD, and read about the composer they're listening to.
Specific upgrades to their current instrument. Whether it's a new case, a new/better bridge, a better chinrest, more effective shoulder rest, new strings, new/better pegs, or a new bow, upgrades can be made to their current instrument that can really make a world of difference in their playing.
Get their current instrument maintained. Yes, that's right, instruments require regular maintenance, and it really does make a big difference. A simple-seeming adjustment to their bridge or soundpost can make all the colors really blossom.
Nice headphones to help your musician listen to themselves or their favorite CD. This way, you won't have to get tired of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, or even the Vivaldi a minor.
Nice rosin. Rosin? Yes. A small cake that can really do wonders. While the cheap little $5 cakes work, mostly, some really nice rosin can really improve your musician's playing.
Instrument Stand. If your musician has a safe place they can display their instrument (out of the reach of pets and small children), these can really get a musician practicing! Ever hear the saying, "The hardest part about practicing is getting the instrument out of the case"? Well, it's true. If the instrument is hanging up, visible, your musician will practice a lot more.
Okay, I hope that gives you some ideas. If you're still stuck, there are any number of "Music Gifts" at both your local music stores and your favorite online music store.
Happy Playing!
Metronome: these annoying little gadgets should be every musician's best friend. Proper use will instill a sense of timing that will greatly help your musician's rhythm. Plus, their teacher will love you!
Tuner: another very useful little gadget, that you will also grow to love. Unless you like hearing "Jingle Bells" in a minor key, you'll want your musician to have one so every note can be pitch-perfect. As an added bonus, you can get clip-on tuners, or even metronome-tuners, that contain both functions.
Stand: another essential for every musician that uses music (yes, that's all of my students). Of course, if your musician plays entirely by ear, and has no desire or need to use music, then this is less helpful. They come in folding varieties that are easy to transport, nice sturdy black stands, even extra tall stands for the giants among my students!
Assorted music: if you know what kind of music your musician enjoys, and their approximate level, you can pick up some extra sheet music for them to enjoy.
Subscription to Strings: This is a great magazine with something for every string player! I'm a subscriber, so if you want to check it out first, I've got several copies at the studio. There is so much in every issue for such a low price; I'm still reading issues back at least 6 months!
Tickets to the Symphony: Every musician needs inspiration and motivation, and nothing is quite so inspiring and motivating as watching a really good symphony perform live. I have a whole list of local symphonies up on the website.
CD's of really good musicians: Not quite as good as watching live, but these you can listen to over and over again! Joshua Bell and Itzhak Perlman are my two favorite violinists. Or, get them a CD of some alternative music - jazz, fiddle, even rock can be great fun.
A new instrument. Yep, there's always room to upgrade. Investing in a really nice instrument that your musician can really shine on will really help them go far with their music. Plus, they might even want to practice!
An electric instrument. Do you and your musician have conflicting ideas of when a good time to practice is? Maybe they only like to play after 10pm, but you need to sleep because you have to get up at 5am? (this was the case when I was a teenager!) Well, an electric instrument can help calm the waters and make everyone happy. Just have your musician plug it into some headphones, and they'll be able to hear themselves play, and you'll be able to sleep.
A box of pencils. Great stocking-stuffers. Musicians can't get enough of them. That, and a good eraser.
A book about music. Music history, composers, history of stringed instruments, music dictionaries, famous musicians, music in film - there's tons of options. There's even book/CD combos out there that can allow your favorite musician to pop in the CD, and read about the composer they're listening to.
Specific upgrades to their current instrument. Whether it's a new case, a new/better bridge, a better chinrest, more effective shoulder rest, new strings, new/better pegs, or a new bow, upgrades can be made to their current instrument that can really make a world of difference in their playing.
Get their current instrument maintained. Yes, that's right, instruments require regular maintenance, and it really does make a big difference. A simple-seeming adjustment to their bridge or soundpost can make all the colors really blossom.
Nice headphones to help your musician listen to themselves or their favorite CD. This way, you won't have to get tired of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, or even the Vivaldi a minor.
Nice rosin. Rosin? Yes. A small cake that can really do wonders. While the cheap little $5 cakes work, mostly, some really nice rosin can really improve your musician's playing.
Instrument Stand. If your musician has a safe place they can display their instrument (out of the reach of pets and small children), these can really get a musician practicing! Ever hear the saying, "The hardest part about practicing is getting the instrument out of the case"? Well, it's true. If the instrument is hanging up, visible, your musician will practice a lot more.
Okay, I hope that gives you some ideas. If you're still stuck, there are any number of "Music Gifts" at both your local music stores and your favorite online music store.
Happy Playing!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Gearing up for Fall!!
What?!? That time already?!! Yep, it sure is! I've already started planning and scheduling, purchasing new music, new prizes, and new posters for the studio. It's so exciting!
Here's What's New This Year:
South Hill Chamber Orchestra
Our studio youth orchestra is returning for what is sure to be a fabulous year! As always, we start out the year with learning some fun holiday tunes, so be sure to jump in on all the fun! We'll be starting September 1st, and rehearse every Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm, right here in the studio. I can't wait to see everyone at rehearsal!
South Hill Fiddlers
This is our new fiddle group. Not only will we be able to learn some fun and exciting fiddle tunes, but we'll also learn a lot of new skills. After learning the melody, some of us will be able to improvise counter-melodies or harmonies, and someone will improvise a bass line. Improvisation is a fundamental skill that is missing from many classical curricula, so this is your chance to get your fill. I'm looking forward to taking this group up to Seattle to perform on street corners! We start September 1st, rehearsing every Thursday from 6:45-7:15.
Adults-Only Chamber Group
We had our trial run during the summer, and overall it was a success! This is your stress-free chance to play music with other adults, no matter your level. This is the perfect opportunity for those musicians that aren't yet ready for an ordinary community orchestra, but want to play with others. We start September 1st, rehearsing every Thursday from 7:30-8:15.
Early Childhood Music Class:
This fun class is returning for another great year. Not sure if your young student is ready for private lessons? This is the class for you! We listen to music, color, sing, dance, play little pianos and drums, and have an overall great time with music. This is also great for younger siblings of current students. Geared towards students ages 3-6. While we usually meet the second Saturday of the month, our next class is Saturday, September 17th, from 10:30-11am.
Group Classes:
This year, we're dividing up into 2 groups. The younger students, ages 7-11, will be from 11am-noon, and the older students, ages 12 and up, will be from noon-1pm. What we do depends largely on who shows up, but we often play games, work on some different techniques, theory, and instrument care. Our next class is Saturday, September 17th.
Music Achievement Program:
This is a great way for students to take advantage of as many opportunities as they can. Students get credit for every extra activity they participate in, such as group classes, group playing opportunities, recitals, concerts (to watch), and many more. Students that complete the program will be recognized at our studio recital at the end of the year.
Holiday Performances:
Yep, I'm already starting to think about these! So far, we have 2 scheduled (Dec 3rd and 10th), but we should be adding one more. To prepare for these performances, students will begin learning music from "Christmas Kaleidoscope". We always have a lot of fun performing as a group at retirement homes, and it's community service, too!
This is just a bit of what we have coming up this year; to find out more, log in to the website, check us out on Facebook, or even just send me a message!
Happy Playing!
Here's What's New This Year:
South Hill Chamber Orchestra
Our studio youth orchestra is returning for what is sure to be a fabulous year! As always, we start out the year with learning some fun holiday tunes, so be sure to jump in on all the fun! We'll be starting September 1st, and rehearse every Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm, right here in the studio. I can't wait to see everyone at rehearsal!
South Hill Fiddlers
This is our new fiddle group. Not only will we be able to learn some fun and exciting fiddle tunes, but we'll also learn a lot of new skills. After learning the melody, some of us will be able to improvise counter-melodies or harmonies, and someone will improvise a bass line. Improvisation is a fundamental skill that is missing from many classical curricula, so this is your chance to get your fill. I'm looking forward to taking this group up to Seattle to perform on street corners! We start September 1st, rehearsing every Thursday from 6:45-7:15.
Adults-Only Chamber Group
We had our trial run during the summer, and overall it was a success! This is your stress-free chance to play music with other adults, no matter your level. This is the perfect opportunity for those musicians that aren't yet ready for an ordinary community orchestra, but want to play with others. We start September 1st, rehearsing every Thursday from 7:30-8:15.
Early Childhood Music Class:
This fun class is returning for another great year. Not sure if your young student is ready for private lessons? This is the class for you! We listen to music, color, sing, dance, play little pianos and drums, and have an overall great time with music. This is also great for younger siblings of current students. Geared towards students ages 3-6. While we usually meet the second Saturday of the month, our next class is Saturday, September 17th, from 10:30-11am.
Group Classes:
This year, we're dividing up into 2 groups. The younger students, ages 7-11, will be from 11am-noon, and the older students, ages 12 and up, will be from noon-1pm. What we do depends largely on who shows up, but we often play games, work on some different techniques, theory, and instrument care. Our next class is Saturday, September 17th.
Music Achievement Program:
This is a great way for students to take advantage of as many opportunities as they can. Students get credit for every extra activity they participate in, such as group classes, group playing opportunities, recitals, concerts (to watch), and many more. Students that complete the program will be recognized at our studio recital at the end of the year.
Holiday Performances:
Yep, I'm already starting to think about these! So far, we have 2 scheduled (Dec 3rd and 10th), but we should be adding one more. To prepare for these performances, students will begin learning music from "Christmas Kaleidoscope". We always have a lot of fun performing as a group at retirement homes, and it's community service, too!
This is just a bit of what we have coming up this year; to find out more, log in to the website, check us out on Facebook, or even just send me a message!
Happy Playing!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Student Accomplishments
As the school year comes to a close, and as I sit, recovering in the aftermath of our annual spring recital, I realize that my students have accomplished SO MUCH this year! Not only have they been awesome in their musical studies, passing books, participating in orchestras, winning competitions, but they have also done very well in other areas of their lives. Here’s to you, all my students, and all that you have accomplished in the last year!
Congratulations are in order to:
Kennedy Carrell, for doing so well in school, all by herself.
Taylor Davis, for mastering a few extra (outside of his lessons!) pieces of music
To Dawson Dalfrey, for receiving honor roll two times this year for all A’s and B’s!
To Kelsey Giosso, for learning the violin for her senior project!
To Sophia Judish, for reading the most out of all the second graders in her school (and 3rd and 4th)!
To Makenzie Forte, for making Chamber Orchestra at Ferruchi JH!
To Hannah Pena, for placing first in her division with Curtis HS at a competition in Gresham!
To Jennalise Tripplett, for receiving a $500 college scholarship with her violin!
Wow, my students are amazing! In addition, the following students passed books this year:
Twinkle:
Kelsey Giosso
Daley Schinnell
Kennedy Woodson
Hunter Evans
Steven Holland
Arianna Pernela
Allie Bilson
Gianna Palermo
Dawson Dalfrey
Suzuki Book 1:
Kelsey Giosso
David Douglass
Aaron Emerson
Samantha Oliver
Suzuki Book 2:
David Douglass
Aaron Emerson
Suzuki Book 3:
Kennedy Carrell
Master Theory Book 1:
Lyndse Miller
David Douglass
Kennedy Carrell
Sophia Judish
Aaron Emerson
Master Theory Book 2:
Hannah Pena
Samantha Oliver
The following students participated in these extra activities:
Music Olympics:
Jeremy Douglass
David Douglass (99% on your theory exam – way to go!)
Kennedy Carrell (95% on your theory exam – awesome!)
Aaron Emerson
Steven Holland
Daley Schinnell
South Hill Chamber Orchestra:
Lyndse Miller (fall quarter)
Hannah Pena
David Douglass
Aidan Ramsey
Sophia Judish
Aaron Emerson
Adults-Only Chamber Orchestra:
Karen Becker
Kim Roscoe
Robert Case
Dan Dunham
Sarah Harvey
Did I mention my students are amazing? Most of you are also involved in sports, other instruments, you’re all working hard in school (or work), many play in their school orchestras, and you’re just all-around involved, hard working people. Congrats to an awesome year!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Alternative Instruments
Violin is a great instrument. Versatile, adaptable, with a beautiful sound, you can play practically anything on it. But sometimes, it seems like everyone plays the violin. What are some alternatives you can add to your resume to help make you stand out from the crowd?
Viola
Yes, the viola is its own instrument in its own right. But it's very similar to the violin, and is grossly under-represented. If you do a search for players of a particular instrument, compositions for an instrument, look at surveys that different companies have done (Strings comes to mind), or look for products available for the instrument (like strings), you'll see this. There's the most for violin. Then cello. There's actually quite a lot on cello, and it seems to be quite the popular instrument lately. Viola comes in last.
If you can play viola as well as violin, you will be a much more sought-after player; opportunities abound for the musician that can play both instruments. So, in my opinion, it's worth acquiring a viola to broaden your experience and expertise.
Electric Violin
Ever wanted to play in a rock band? Or how about play fiddle with a country band? You'd probably be playing on an electric violin. Even with a microphone, most acoustic violins can't match the volume of the rest of the band. But an electric violin . . .
With an electric violin comes a whole new world. Pickups, preamps, amplifiers, PA systems . . . the list goes on and on. I have just begun my search through this world, but I've realized it's bigger than I've ever thought possible. Do your research, talk to others that play electric instruments, and be prepared to play around and have some fun! Just like with acoustic instruments, everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The good news is, you only have to learn the electronics, because playing the instrument is the same as your acoustic violin.
The Five-String
Violin? Viola? Can't decide which you'd rather play, but you're convinced you only want one instrument? Then the 5-string may be for you! It is the same size as the violin, and has the violin E, A, D, and G, but also has the viola C string. Of course, there are a variety of other options as well - 6 or 7 string instruments, 5 string violas . . .
Five String violins are becoming a lot more popular recently, particularly in the electric world. In fact, it may be easier to find an electric 5-string than an acoustic! I recently bought an acoustic 5-string, but I have plans to add the hardware to make it an electric/acoustic instrument. It'll be my "go anywhere, do anything" sort of instrument that I can take camping, fiddle playing on a street corner in Seattle, play at a wedding (don't want it to rain on my nice violin!), and then hook it up to an amp and rock out with a band. Of course, I could do all this with a 4 string acoustic/electric violin, but that extra C string gives me just that little bit of extra versatility.
Fiddles
Yes, a fiddle is the same as a violin, but often the two are set up a little differently. A fiddler likes their strings a bit lower, so they can play faster notes. However, it makes playing in the higher registers impossible, as a fiddle's strings will touch the fingerboard and cause a buzz if you play too high.
But I'm more interested in the fiddle style of playing. You can play fiddle music on your classically setup violin just fine, and then turn around and play Vivaldi. Have you ever tried fiddle music? Since it's based on an aural tradition (songs passed down generation by generation through learning the piece by ear, rather than written down), fiddle music gives you more wiggle room. You can alter bowings, fingerings, even notes or rhythms. There are a lot of fiddle pieces written out today, but if you look up "Whiskey Before Breakfast" you're liable to find half a dozen different ways of playing it. And this is just fine. Learn a fiddle tune, then change it and make it your own!
Alternative Styles
Yep, there's more you can play on your violin than just classical music. Rock, jazz, country (fiddle), pop, and many others all have a place for the violin. And the violin is getting to be more popular in these alternative styles, too. All you need is an appreciation for the style, and a willingness to experiment. There's lots of classically-trained violinists that have gone on to make careers for themselves in the alternative styles. In addition, alternative style music programs are popping up on college campuses all across America.
Why not try something different? Expand your horizons, and have some fun! Happy Playing!
Viola
Yes, the viola is its own instrument in its own right. But it's very similar to the violin, and is grossly under-represented. If you do a search for players of a particular instrument, compositions for an instrument, look at surveys that different companies have done (Strings comes to mind), or look for products available for the instrument (like strings), you'll see this. There's the most for violin. Then cello. There's actually quite a lot on cello, and it seems to be quite the popular instrument lately. Viola comes in last.
If you can play viola as well as violin, you will be a much more sought-after player; opportunities abound for the musician that can play both instruments. So, in my opinion, it's worth acquiring a viola to broaden your experience and expertise.
Electric Violin
Ever wanted to play in a rock band? Or how about play fiddle with a country band? You'd probably be playing on an electric violin. Even with a microphone, most acoustic violins can't match the volume of the rest of the band. But an electric violin . . .
With an electric violin comes a whole new world. Pickups, preamps, amplifiers, PA systems . . . the list goes on and on. I have just begun my search through this world, but I've realized it's bigger than I've ever thought possible. Do your research, talk to others that play electric instruments, and be prepared to play around and have some fun! Just like with acoustic instruments, everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The good news is, you only have to learn the electronics, because playing the instrument is the same as your acoustic violin.
The Five-String
Violin? Viola? Can't decide which you'd rather play, but you're convinced you only want one instrument? Then the 5-string may be for you! It is the same size as the violin, and has the violin E, A, D, and G, but also has the viola C string. Of course, there are a variety of other options as well - 6 or 7 string instruments, 5 string violas . . .
Five String violins are becoming a lot more popular recently, particularly in the electric world. In fact, it may be easier to find an electric 5-string than an acoustic! I recently bought an acoustic 5-string, but I have plans to add the hardware to make it an electric/acoustic instrument. It'll be my "go anywhere, do anything" sort of instrument that I can take camping, fiddle playing on a street corner in Seattle, play at a wedding (don't want it to rain on my nice violin!), and then hook it up to an amp and rock out with a band. Of course, I could do all this with a 4 string acoustic/electric violin, but that extra C string gives me just that little bit of extra versatility.
Fiddles
Yes, a fiddle is the same as a violin, but often the two are set up a little differently. A fiddler likes their strings a bit lower, so they can play faster notes. However, it makes playing in the higher registers impossible, as a fiddle's strings will touch the fingerboard and cause a buzz if you play too high.
But I'm more interested in the fiddle style of playing. You can play fiddle music on your classically setup violin just fine, and then turn around and play Vivaldi. Have you ever tried fiddle music? Since it's based on an aural tradition (songs passed down generation by generation through learning the piece by ear, rather than written down), fiddle music gives you more wiggle room. You can alter bowings, fingerings, even notes or rhythms. There are a lot of fiddle pieces written out today, but if you look up "Whiskey Before Breakfast" you're liable to find half a dozen different ways of playing it. And this is just fine. Learn a fiddle tune, then change it and make it your own!
Alternative Styles
Yep, there's more you can play on your violin than just classical music. Rock, jazz, country (fiddle), pop, and many others all have a place for the violin. And the violin is getting to be more popular in these alternative styles, too. All you need is an appreciation for the style, and a willingness to experiment. There's lots of classically-trained violinists that have gone on to make careers for themselves in the alternative styles. In addition, alternative style music programs are popping up on college campuses all across America.
Why not try something different? Expand your horizons, and have some fun! Happy Playing!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
New Developements
As the year progresses, I'm starting to catch up with technology. Here are some new features of your lessons:
You can now login to the website with your username and password to view your calendar with all your upcoming events, students can log practice times, parents can view and pay their bill. Yes, you can pay for your lessons online now, through Paypal.
I just got a webcam! We can now record your lessons for you to watch at home. While I'm having some issues getting videos up on Youtube, if you bring a USB flashdrive and sign a permission slip, you can bring your lesson video home with you. This webcam also allows me to record additional songs for my students - very handy!
If you cannot make your lesson, we now have the option of having our lessons via Skype! While it's not ideal, it beats missing a lesson!
As a new member of the Mount Rainier Chapter of the Washington State Music Teacher's Association (affiliated with Music Teacher's National Association), I have all sorts of opportunities I can make available to my students!
More recitals: as a studio, we have one studio-wide recital every year. The chapter holds 4 more recitals that my students can participate in.
Music Olympics: This is the chapter's first year hosting this exciting event, and I'm on the planning committee! We'll have a morning of fun, games, and get a chance to evaluate our progress. I'm really excited about this event!
Adjudications: Beginning next year, my students will have the opportunity to participate in adjudications and get some feedback from a master teacher. This year, we're holding a master class to get used to the idea of adjudications.
Practice-A-Thon: This will be an exciting week-long practicing competition. Prizes will be awarded to biggest practicers, most money earned, as well as random drawings.
Senior Scholarships: My high school seniors now have the opportunity of applying for a college scholarship through the chapter.
I'm very excited for all the new opportunities we have as this year progresses. Happy Playing!
You can now login to the website with your username and password to view your calendar with all your upcoming events, students can log practice times, parents can view and pay their bill. Yes, you can pay for your lessons online now, through Paypal.
I just got a webcam! We can now record your lessons for you to watch at home. While I'm having some issues getting videos up on Youtube, if you bring a USB flashdrive and sign a permission slip, you can bring your lesson video home with you. This webcam also allows me to record additional songs for my students - very handy!
If you cannot make your lesson, we now have the option of having our lessons via Skype! While it's not ideal, it beats missing a lesson!
As a new member of the Mount Rainier Chapter of the Washington State Music Teacher's Association (affiliated with Music Teacher's National Association), I have all sorts of opportunities I can make available to my students!
More recitals: as a studio, we have one studio-wide recital every year. The chapter holds 4 more recitals that my students can participate in.
Music Olympics: This is the chapter's first year hosting this exciting event, and I'm on the planning committee! We'll have a morning of fun, games, and get a chance to evaluate our progress. I'm really excited about this event!
Adjudications: Beginning next year, my students will have the opportunity to participate in adjudications and get some feedback from a master teacher. This year, we're holding a master class to get used to the idea of adjudications.
Practice-A-Thon: This will be an exciting week-long practicing competition. Prizes will be awarded to biggest practicers, most money earned, as well as random drawings.
Senior Scholarships: My high school seniors now have the opportunity of applying for a college scholarship through the chapter.
I'm very excited for all the new opportunities we have as this year progresses. Happy Playing!
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