Autumn Events, 2015

Newest Pictures from FaithSlaker Music Studio

Suzuki Piano Department Recital, November, 2015

Even Skeleton Ghouls practice the piano!  Finn, October, 2015.

Tej and his new piano!  October, 2015

Masterclass at Sherwood, October, 2015.

Newest Videos from FaithSlaker Music Studio

Jimena, giving a preview of her Senior Recital, July, 2015.

Summer Contest Winners!

Thank you everyone for the REALLY fun summer contest entries.  You guys are creative, hilarious, and really impress me.  The decision was difficult, but this year's panel of judges chose the following performances to win this summer's contests:

For best performance of a song from the radio, Declan played "All of Me" by John Legend.  Congratulations, Declan!


Untitled from Christine on Vimeo.


For the best performance of a piano repertoire piece on another instrument, Mary played "Old French Song" from book 5 on the ukulele with cello accompaniment.  Congratulations, Mary!




There was a runner-up this year in this particular contest, and in second place, I give you Colin playing one of HIS performance pieces on the cowbell.  Can you guess what piece it is?  Congratulations, Colin!



Looking forward to working with all of you this year!

Summer Contest 2015

Happy Summer!  I hope everyone is getting to enjoy some of this beautiful weather we've been having while still being able to keep up at the piano!

This summer again, there are two contests.  The first contest is to play one of your pieces using a different instrument (spoons?  kazoo?  conduct an orchestra?) and perform it via video.  Have fun with this one.  Surprise me!  The second contest is to choose a piece from the radio and learn it at the piano in the style of one of your repertoire pieces.  As always, the judges are looking for beauty, fun, and inspiration and winners will be selected based on accomplishment within their playing level, musical expression and daring choice. 

Entries must be received by midnight on August 31st (via youtube, vimeo or mp4) and winners will be announced via blog/twitter/facebook during the first week of classes.  There will be one winner for each category and the winners will be awarded fun sheet music to work on in lessons as well as the privilege of having their performance shared and admired.  

Now, head on over to the piano, warm up with your performance pieces, and see what you can do!  I look forward to watching all the entries!

Spring Quarter Overview

Spring quarter went by so quickly!  

Some quick notes of congratulations:

Congratulations to Martina and Marleigh for completing the next level in the Music Development Program Assessments.  Congratulations to Declan on giving a beautiful Suzuki Book 2 graduation recital!  And congratulations to all PianoFest and Sherwood Scholarship Competition Participants on doing a beautiful job!

Here are a couple of videos and pictures to recap our spring term:

Mary and Declan, performing at the Cultural Center, June 2015

Ryan playing his own composition, June 2015.

Declan, giving his Suzuki Book 2 Graduation Recital, May, 2015

Mira and Anjali practicing reading and clapping rhythms, April 2015.