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!
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
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!
Thursday, June 25, 2015
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.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Studio Star Award Announcement
I hope everyone is having a wonderful October!
This year, the Studio Star award goes to Evan, who has shown a lot of enthusiasm and dedication at the piano. He is mastering the art of note taking and taking responsibility for his progress. He has learned how to break things down into small steps and apply that to new challenges. He has worked hard over the past several months to master new techniques and to get himself ready for his Suzuki Book 2 graduation recital, which should be sometime this spring!
This year, the Studio Star award goes to Evan, who has shown a lot of enthusiasm and dedication at the piano. He is mastering the art of note taking and taking responsibility for his progress. He has learned how to break things down into small steps and apply that to new challenges. He has worked hard over the past several months to master new techniques and to get himself ready for his Suzuki Book 2 graduation recital, which should be sometime this spring!
To recognize this achievement, Evan is being awarded 5% off tuition for the remainder of the academic year as well as his choice for where he plays in the order of this year's studio recitals. Congratulations, Evan!!
All of my students are eligible for this award, which is given out yearly. Evan takes lessons in my home studio, so if you see him in the hall, be sure to give him a high five! Everyone can hear him play at the Winter Studio Recital this December.
All of my students are eligible for this award, which is given out yearly. Evan takes lessons in my home studio, so if you see him in the hall, be sure to give him a high five! Everyone can hear him play at the Winter Studio Recital this December.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Autumn Piano Events
Upcoming Events for Pianists
If you’re interested in participating in any of the below-mentioned events, see your teacher right away!
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Sonata-Sonatina Festival
Pianists prepare two contrasting movements from a Sonatina or one movement from a Sonata
December 7, 2014 at Sherwood!
Registration due by November 2. $25 per student
Gold medalist recital Sunday, December 14 at PianoForte Foundation
Music Development Program Winter Assessments
Pianists prepare a selection of repertoire and etudes along with scales and ear training exercises. Preparation to be closely supervised by student’s teacher.
Assessments occur November 29 - December 11
Registration due by October 14. It’s coming up soon!.
Summer Creativity and Autumn Goals
It is finally October! Everyone is solidly in the swing of things and it is time to start making some musical goals. Some ideas: Suzuki Book Graduations, Music Development Program Assessments, Chicago Festivals (Sonatina Festival perhaps?). Let's discuss this in lessons!
Here are a couple of videos of creativity in recent lessons:
Here are a couple of videos of creativity in recent lessons:
Katie and Mary, performing one of Bach's Minuet on two ukuleles, August, 2014.
Fish-Eye-Evan, playing a very solid Happy Farmer, August 2014.
Technology allows me to play both parts of a bit of Rachmaninoff for Two Pianos.
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