Summer Workshop Fun!

Students had a blast this summer learning about rhythm and instruments around the world, jammin' with lead sheets, learning practice tips and tricks and more!  

Here's a sneak peak of what we did in June!

ROOTS OF RHYTHM-

Students had so much fun learning about different countries, their rhythms and instruments.  We made Bongos from Cuba, the Buhai from Romania, the Kakko from Japan and the Sajat cymbals and spoons from Egypt.  Lots of hands on learning and creating!

JUST FAKIN' IT-

Students first learned and reviewed chord basics and applied those important tools in learning how to read lead sheets otherwise known as "fake" sheets.  Later students learned different LH accompaniment patterns that they could experiment and create with.  We were so busy playing and jammin' together that I completely spaced taking pictures for this class!  You'll just have to imagine all the creating that went on in this class.  

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT...OR DOES IT?

One of my favorite summer workshops that I like to try to hold about every 3 years is a workshop on practicing. I find that even if a student took this workshop before, there is a quite a difference on what they will get out of it when they were 8 years old and when they 11 years old. We started out with an informative Q and A session to get them thinking about practice, why it's important, etc... Afterwards we discussed the common practice flaws and learned the solution they can apply to their practicing with each flaw. We followed up with more tips and tricks, a couple hands on activities such as creating a practice board game and putting together practice flashcards, another tool to help at home.

KEYBOARD KIDS

Every summer I hold a class for those students that are interested in taking piano lessons.  They learn the basics which gives them a little jump start into lessons.  

Piano Team Farewell Party

I had come to the hard decision that I wouldn't continue with Piano Team next year due to added responsibilities I had taken on for the next couple years.  Piano Team started three years ago, students would meet once a week in addition to their regular lesson studies and would learn ensembles to perform for different events.  It was a good experience for both the students and I.  Piano Team will be missed.  

Magic of Music PARTY!

We couldn't have a Magic of Music party without a magician now could we?  Jolly Roger came to entertain us with fun musical trivia and magic tricks.  It was a MAGICAL time for ALL!

My friend Vanessa
made the wizard hat cupcakes.