Studio Activities

                A concerto is a large-scale concert work.  I'm talking 8 pages or more of music; preferably memorized.  It can be a lot of fun as there are two pianos playing and, depending, on the concerto, a possibility of a whole orchestra behind you, but it is also a lot of work.  You must be able to keep a beat and stay with whomever you are playing with.  You need to be able to listen and balance your music with the whole.  You are not always the star.  You and your family will get really sick of this song before you're through and it's not always something you can pick up and play everywhere because it does require more than one instrument to play it.  It can be a worthwhile experience and it's something not every piano student, not even of my own students, get the opportunity to do.

                There are other opportunities to use this concerto.  The state has a Concerto Competition/Evaluation.  Last year it was the 2nd weekend of March  It was $25.00 to enter the Competition and $15.00 for the Evaluation. I expect costs and dates to be similar this year, but currently don't have information for 2012.   You are required to memorize the Concerto to participate.  Last year, applications weren't due until February 1st, so the decision to compete can be made later in the year.      

                At each level students are evaluated in six different musical areas.  Technique and Sight Reading make up the first Cluster.  The Technique portion requires the students to memorize scales, chords/inversions, chord progressions and arpeggios and demonstrate these for a judge.  They also play a short technical study.  For Sight Reading, students are given a short piece when they arrive for the evaluation.  They can 'read' through the music, practice the music on their laps, answer questions about the music - everything, but actually play the music.  Students play it for the first time in front of a judge. 

                The second Cluster is Theory and Ear Training.  This area of testing is done in February during lesson time at my studio.  Students take a written test for the Theory and Ear Training.   I play examples for the Ear Training and usually we do that test in small segments over several weeks.

                The third Cluster is Performance and Creative Musicianship.  Students will memorize two pieces - higher levels will perform more, but only required to memorize two and perform for a judge.  The Creative Musicianship is a report on any topic having to do with anything musical you wish - composition, music history, a musical figure, dance, career, instruments, etc. 

                 Cost:  $20.00.  Due by September 5th

                Schedule: 

                Cluster 1 November 5th - Saturday.  Plan on anytime between 8 - 2.  If you need a specific time, let me know BEFORE October 15.  This is Technique and Sight Reading.

                Cluster 3 May 5th - Saturday. Plan on anytime between 8 - 2.  If you need a specific time, let me know BEFORE April 15.  This is Performance and Creative Musicianship.

                Frankly, I have reservations about our chapter ensemble concert this year for two reasons.  The first is the date.  It's the weekend after AIM Technique and Sight Reading Evaluations and last year it was very stressful for a great many of the students involved in both.  The other reason is the choice of theme.  We just finished a Patriotic themed recital and I don't know how many of you want to do another recital based on the same topic, although in ensemble form rather than solo.  Anyway, it will be held November 12th.  I am told to plan for afternoon recitals, probably between 2 and 6 pm.  If you are interested, I need to know by September 1st in order to plan ensembles and order music.

Signup Deadline: September 1st

Cost - none

                I am participating in a program designed by my professional organization, Music Teachers National Association, which is offered to all the students in my music studio.  The program is planned to help encourage students to continue their music study and to strive to achieve goals that will help them not only become better musicians but that will enhance their love for and appreciation of music.

                A goal list will be set up in collaboration with you, me and the student.  At the final recital in May the student will receive a certificate of competition with the completed goals listed.  If you are interested in participating, please let me know by October 1st and I will set up  a basic goal list and email you a copy.  Please feel free to look it over and add/subtract/suggest other goals.  That paper will be added to the student's 3 ring binder and we will refer to it often to make sure we're on track.  any other activities the student is involved in, such as AIM, ensemble recital, Concerto can be added to this goal list as well.

                Signup Deadline: October 1st

                Fee: $2.00

Dear Parents

                Studio Festival is one of my favorite events because if offers so much without causing much stress either on your or on the students.  Here's how it works.  I hire a judge to come to the studio and evaluate my student's performances.  Students come and play two pieces for the judge.  I select, with the student's help, those two pieces.  I don't have any required lists or memorization requirements.  I only choose judges I know will be positive in their remarks and in my instructions I ask that they make their critiques in a helpful and positive manner.  

                On the day of the event, students come to my home, play for the judge and are usually done in 20 minutes or less.   The following lesson they receive the evaluation sheet.  They also receive a participation certificate the day of the festival. 

                Sign up due by December 1, 2011

                Fee: $5.00