Piano Group Lesson...Lively Bunch!

Our recent piano group lesson on November 19th was a success!  Students mingled and talked more...getting better acquainted.

I actually had to get them quiet one time to explain game rules...an obvious sign they were socializing more :)

We began by eating pizza....our favorite part of the lesson :)

Students played their Christmas recital piano pieces...benefiting from playing in a group setting.

The evening finished with a game of Musical Twister & Outburst!  We ran short on game time.....so...I'll make up for that in the next group lesson this coming semester.

Students....feel free to make suggestions for the upcoming group lesson this spring. Just remember...you have to create a google account to leave a comment. It's easy to sign up! Join this site to become a follower so you can share comments. (see column on right labeled "Followers" to sign up)

Until then...enjoy the following video excerpt from our recent group lesson.

Group Lesson: August 27, 2012

We enjoyed another time of games and food together.  This is only the second time this particular group of students has had a lesson together. (They sure were quiet!)

Looking forward to our next group lesson on November 19th!  I promise more fast-paced games to get everyone more alive :) Brush up on your note reading and note values!

Congratulations to the door prize winners as follows:

Haydin Benfield: Deluxe size Hershey Bar
Alina Bejenari:    $5 giftcard to Walmart
Shelley Roberts:  Coupon for a free one large; one topping pizza from Papa Murphy's Pizza

I will email the parents & students the fall contest information by the end of this week.  See you soon!

*Please note upcoming events on the right column of this page.

Now...to share some of our group lesson moments....
(You may have to turn up your volume)

2012 Winner of Summer Contest!

Several student's scores ran very close this summer.  The winner won by 1 point!
I would like to congratulate Noah Richardson for winning the 2012 summer contest.

Thanks to all students who worked very diligently this past summer.

Noah wins a $10 bill to be awarded at the group lesson on August 27th.

Hint:  Review your note flashcards and note values to help you be a
valuable player on your team next Monday on August 27th.

There will be games for all levels of students.  Come prepared to have fun!

We will have a drawing for a couple of door prizes too :)

Special note to parents:  Due to our lack of parking space...feel free to
just drop off your kids.  We will be done by 6:30pm. 

See you soon!

Summer Concert at the Lutheran Home

Several of my summer students went with me
this past Friday to share some music with the
folks at the Lutheran Home here in Hickory.

We had a great time! Several students told
me they really enjoyed playing for the residents.
A lot of our songs were familiar melodies to the
older generation.  I could see many of the folk
singing along or mouthing the words to songs
with smiles on their faces.

Thanks to all who attended!  Below, are pictures
of our visit.

Brethren We Have Met to Worship

Daniel and I recently played this piano duet for offertory at our church.
Piano duets allow each pianist to experience accompaniment style and
to develop an ear for a steady rhythm. Normally, the melody should
be dominant. If the camera had been placed between the pianos....
the melody would have been more noticeable.

Take a Peek at What's Coming Soon in the Spring Recital!

Studio Happenings: Piano Duo with Caleb Myers

Caleb was gracious enough to record this spontaneous duet with me today at his lesson.

Folk Dance 

Gearing Up for Spring Recital!

Just thought I'd share an excerpt from one of the many exciting pieces for the upcoming spring recital.

Sing While You Practice Piano?

Yes!  Singing along CAN help you play a song in a more flowing style...IF you know the piece.  Once you learn the correct rhythm, try humming or singing along just like the little fellow in the following clip: