November Practice results

                NOVEMBER PRACTICE RESULTS HAVE HIT THE PRESS:




Most Outstanding Student:                                               Ella Sutherby


Most Improved Student (tie):                                             Sophie Drover
                                                                                      Emily Meade


Most Practice Minutes:                                                 Rashmi Elangage



All students are doing great work; here, those who stood out for the month of November are recognized

Impressionism

Among my favourite selections as teaching pieces lie the works of Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Charles Griffes.

This blog post emerges after a great week of impressionistic music, and my attempts to briefly explain the inpressionist movement first in art, then in music. It is by no means scholarly, but meant to be a guide for my  teenage pianists who are exposed to the wonder of impressionism for the first time (or second time, third time..).

Impressionism began in painting, and only then spilled into the world of music. Impressionism in music stretches roughly from 1890-1910. (some say earlier, 1870).  To follow is a brief outline and description of impressionism in art, with some famous samples from both art and music.

Impressionism " is a 19th-century art movement that originated with a group of Paris-based artists.
Their independent exhibitions brought them to prominence during the 1870s and 1880s, in spite of harsh opposition from the conventional art community in France. 

The term impressionist was first used by French art critic Louis Leroy in 1874 based on Monet's painting Impression, Sunrise. (see this painting below). Leroy found the term fitting to describe the loose, undefined and "unfinished" style that Monet and several other artists applied to their paintings.

Characteristics of Impressionist painting  include relatively small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities (often accentuating the effects of the passage of time), common, ordinary subject matter, inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience, and unusual visual angles. The development of Impressionism in the visual arts was soon followed by similar styles in other art forms that became known as impressionist music and impressionist literature."

In order to convey the movement and changing nature of a passing moment, the Impressionists used quick, broken brush strokes that were left without any further smoothing. This method allows the viewer to clearly see the traces of the brush and gives impressionist paintings an unfinished appearance. The Impressionists worked quickly, sometimes in one sitting, in order to capture the fleeting moment and to give their work a spontaneous feel.





Monet‑Impression_Sunrise_1872




Monet  1953





Vincent Van Gogh  Starry Night  1889 (which he painted while in an asylum)



Monet Water Lilies 1916-1923




Pierre- Auguste Renoir, Young Woman at the Piano  1875

Impressionism in music is a style of composition initiated by French composer Claude Debussy at the end of the 19th century.Elements often termed impressionistic include static harmony, emphasis on instrumental timbres that create a shimmering interplay of “colours,” melodies that lack directed motion, surface ornamentation that obscures or substitutes for melody, and an avoidance of traditional musical form. Common is quartal harmony, that is harmony abundant in 4th's and 5th's, and skyscraper chords. 

                   Watch and listen to a Yale professor give a lecture on Impressionism:

                            http://oyc.yale.edu/music/musi-112/lecture-21


                                                                 And next, the music:

                             
                          Debussy Arabesque no 1 Francois-Joel Thiollier, piano

                                         Arabesque no 1, piano, Aldo Ciccolini

                                            The White Peacock, Charles Griffes, pianist,  Olga Samaroff

October Practice Results rowsellpiano

                                 October Practice Results



Student of the Month (tie):                              Rubyanne Whelan
                                                                        Sarah Drover


Most Improved Student (tie):                               Emily Meade
                                                                      Julia Ling Smith


Most Practice Minutes:                                   Rashmi Elangage

Gold Medal Winners

                               

Congratulations to students Joshua Veber and Sarah Veber,  recipients of the 2012 Gold Medal for Grade 6 Piano and Grade 10 Piano (respectively) in Atlantic Canada.
Joshua received a 94 for his grade 6 piano exam, while Sarah received a mark of 93 in piano, grade 10.
Both students will perform at the awards ceremony in Halifax November 25, 2012.

Gold Medals are awarded each academic year  by province or region, to candidates who have obtained the highest mark for practical examinations in each discipline, Grades 1 through ARCT. 

The Gold Medal Awards Ceremony in Halifax this November will celebrate excellence in music with the community of Gold Medal Teachers and Medalists  for this year.  

Chopin Ballade No 1; the many faces of........

                                   Anybody recognize this tune? (and the player?)

                                                  Martha Argerich's version

                                                     
                                                  Rubinstein and Chopin

                                and finally, Evgeny Kissin Ballade no 1, Chopin

ARE YOU READY TO PRACTICE?

                               It's back! The "I love to practice contest".

Simply write in the comments area your name, week dates, and total minutes practised for the week, to be added together at month's end. Each week runs from Monday to Sunday.

Most practice minutes will be posted at the end of each month as well as most improved student and most outstanding student for the month.

               If you need a practice chart, there is a link to one on the blog, here:

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5387511034133900042#editor/target=post;postID=6151882358845587755


                       Click on comments and enter your practice minutes like this:

Cathy practice:                     week  Oct 1-7                           150 minutes

                                              Have fun practicing!

music, music, music................

Lady Gaga Fugue

Listen below to this appealing fugue based on a Lady Gaga tune

Click below to purchase Lady Gaga Fugue sheet music for different combinations from piano duet to Young Concert Band.

Any takers from my studio?


http://www.halleonard.com/search/search.do?subsiteid=1&keywords=lady+gaga+fugue

Purchase Music scores

http://www.printitplayit.com/?Click=167.

Want a quick download of that piano piece? Alberti Publishing is the answer. Click the link above to have instant access to your choice. Great selection, reasonable prices!

Rather buy your own score?

Click on Sheet Music Plus: here,  you can order your fall music. Prices are great, and selection huge. Just click, shop and go!

Piano lessons Ottawa

                    piano lessons Canada?

                                  I'd love to have you stop by !

                                                http://rowsellpiano.ca/                

                      http://rowsellstudio.blogspot.ca/p/piano-studio-page.html                        

                  Let me guide your child to be the pianist you dream he can be.

                                  Studies show that music makes you smarter.
                                Give your child the best, for a successful future.

                             So much fun, your child will forget it's educational!

                
          Contact me today for details and availability  rowsellpiano@bellaliant.net

                                                       rowsellpiano, M.Mus


                                                  Happy Students!

Piano Pedagogy Course

Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program

One of the most interesting examinations of late is that offered by the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano pedagogy.

This three tiered scheme offers examinations in elementary, intermediate, and advanced pedagogy, and with respective practical co-requisites, leads to an ARCT Diploma.

The pedagogy exam happens in two parts: a viva voce examination and a written examination.

The elementary pedagogy certificate requires completion of an RCMusic grade nine practical examination in piano, and includes pedagogy from the rank beginner level up to and including grade two.

The intermediate pedagogy certificate requires completion of a grade 10 practical piano examination, and includes pedagogical concepts and repertoire from grade three to grade six inclusive.

The advanced pedagogy certificate is taken in combination with a Teacher's ARCT, and includes repertoire and concepts from grade seven through to grade 10. The Teacher's ARCT diploma is awarded only to students age 18 or older.

Each level must be taken successively.

In preparing for the exam, you will consult and study from reputable piano pedagogy text books to learn concepts and teaching methods relevant to your pedagogy level, and will study repertoire from the appropriate level to apply pedagogical concepts to.



The viva voce is an interactive portion of the exam, whereby you have the opportunity to answer relevant questions posed by the examiner regarding technique, interpretation, and methodology.

Through the performance of repertoire at the appropriate level, you can demonstrate your understanding of concepts, interpretation and technique within, and then discuss pedagogical aspects of, and ways to assist your students' learning experience.

The written exam focuses on aspects of pedagogy not geared towards an oral setting, with the chance to support answers through repertoire examples and illustrations.

Much more detailed information can be found at:

http://examinations.rcmusic.ca/plan-your-examination/academic-information/piano-pedagogy-certificate


Personally speaking, the Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Pedagogy examination is an enjoyable and rewarding examination, one that should enhance the career path of any aspiring teacher.

I am happy to answer questions regarding this course and exam for anyone with interest.

I am happy to offer this course through Skype for those too far away to commute weekly.

rowsellstudio@bellaliant.net for details.

Alexander Technique and me

http://alexandertechnique.com/

 As a young masters student, I had the good fortune to take part in a weekend workshop of Alexander Technique. The teacher was an elderly lady situated in New York (her name escapes me) who saturated us in Alexander Technique for 3 jam packed days.

We spent the first day learning how to sit. One by one, the teacher would round the room to assist everyone in aligning the spine, and placing the head in it's correct position resting on top of the spine. (I assume).

She had the magic touch. It was amazing that she could barely lay her fingers, hand, in a certain spot on the head, neck, and so forth, and immediately one's body felt lighter, easier, and in a different place.

I marvelled at how this could be.

By day 2, we got to walk across the room (none of us particularly well, apparently), and finally the moment we waited for arrived on day 3. We got to sit at the piano.

I left the weekend a new me, and craving more.

As time wore on, I slipped into my old ways, as I was unable to put my body in that special place the Alexander Technique instructor had so effortlessly. My attempts to do so resulted in more tension than previous. I had to resign myself to the fact that Alexander Technique for me would have to be an ongoing thing, if I were to incorporate it into my life.

A recent read, many many years later,urged one to "think up". As I read these words, I did think up, and my body felt suddenly better, different.

Finally my workshop experience makes sense;  think up. This is my more comfortable place. The instructor, I think, was lengthening the spine. (No doubt there is much more detail involved than this, but for now, this works for me).

I am a supporter of this technique to enhance ease at the keyboard, and I do recommend that those able to learn more about Alexander Technique take the opportunity to do so.

Ridding the body of tension, restrictions, tightness, opens the pianist up to a marked difference in the quality of sound production.

Music Apps for ipad

                                         My new apps for ipad :

I would like to share with you the most recent apps I have discovered suitable for piano/music lessons and students, which I've just begun using on my new ipad.

JustPractice: this free app is the ideal place to record practice minutes and weekly practice totals. There is a calendar, a place to notate the pieces you are working on, a practice log, a weekly log, a link to you tube for listening purposes, and so much more! I love this app, and recommend students download it on their iphone or ipad for regular use.

wessar ABRSM Reader: this free sight reading app is great, since the bar you have just finished playing disappears from sight to prompt you to read ahead. Sight reading examples are available at varying levels.

Note Squish: This app helps students learn note names on the staff. One must squish the mole that appears with the correct letter name to win points. For $ .99, a great buy!

Music Keys: this free app helps students identify the note names of the piano keys. When asked, press the correct key on the piano, and the key colors (turns blue, or orange or....) , and moves forward.

Music Notes: colorful training here to learn note values, such as whole note, half note, quarter note, and so on.

We learn from each other, therefore I would like to give credit to pianoanne (Nova Scotia) and Music Study Studio (Arizona) for their posts about popular music apps.

Colleagues in other parts of the country and the world are doing fantastic and creative things in the field of piano pedagogy, and are gracious to share their creations and talents through blogging.

Practice Results May 2012

               Practice Results for May 2012 have hit the press.................




Most Improved Student:              Meghan White

Student of the Month:                  Meghan White

Most Practice Minutes:                Lisa Bourne



Honourable Mention Most Improved Students:

Lisa Bourne
Ella Sutherby
Nell Shea
Felix Marino
Sam Newhook

Congratulations to each and every student for a fabulous year of music! I hear amazing playing in my studio on a weekly basis, and think every student has made great strides as a pianist in 2011/2012.

Sponsored Posts

A sponsored post is an article provided to me or written by me with information submitted, about a particular product or service.

A link to the vendors website, with contextual links at strategic points within the article will be placed, up to a maximum of three (3) links.

The article will be informative, not overly commercial, and will stay on my blog for the life of my blog.

Photos, (up to a maximum of three (3) ), are suggested to accompany your article.

Posts should be music related, as visitors will be most interested in music related products, services, and links.

I am happy to promote your music related service with a well written article. All articles will be fed through popular social media accounts for maximum exposure.

Contact me via email for pricing and details, or by leaving a comment on this post.

ladybug board game

The ladybug board game at the link below is so cute, I could not resist posting it on my blog.

Hats off to Susan Paradis, the creator of this and more, for her brilliant creative ideas which she generously shares with the world.

If you have a student learning the placement of notes on the keyboard and the names of the notes on the staff, you will enjoy this game.



http://susanparadis.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/ladybug-board-game/

High School Accreditation for Music Exams

             Did you know you can receive high school credit for your music exam?

Below outlines the accreditation available in Newfoundland and Labrador for private music high school students on their completion of performance and theory exams.

Royal Conservatory of Music:

http://examinations.rcmusic.ca/plan-your-examination/academic-information/high-school-accreditation

Conservatory Canada:

.http://www.conservatorycanada.ca/exam-information/transcripts-credits

April Studio Results

                             April Studio Results



Most Improved Student:                         Sarah Drover


Student of the Month:                             Andrea Wen


Most Practice Minutes:                           Lisa Bourne

Visual art and piano become one

Visual art and piano become one in music videos commissioned by Inon Barnatan

For a great performance of Scarbo, Ravel, visit the link below at musicaltoronto.

As well as hearing this fine performance, you can watch great visuals of the pianist close up, enabling you to see the fingers fly, wrist action, movement across the keys, and intimate facial expressions.

See for yourself.....................................click below:

http://musicaltoronto.org/2012/04/13/visual-art-and-piano-become-one-in-music-videos-commissioned-by-inon-barnatan/

Private Music Teacher's

                                   Private Music Teacher's Survey


Please go to:

http://surveyprivatemusicteachers.blogspot.ca/


to complete the survey for Private Music Teacher's in Newfoundland and Labrador only.


                   This survey is for you, so be sure to take part!!

March Practice Results rowsellpiano.ca

                           March Practice Results Are Out  rowsellpiano...............


                              Most Improved Student                 Ella Sutherby

                              Student of the Month:                   Miriam Stevenson

                              Most Practice Minutes:                 Lisa Bourne


                           

Just Think Up! rowsellpiano

                                                     Thought for the day:

                                                          THINK UP!!

                                           I should probably explain myself.

 To use the body in a comfortable way, just think up.

 "Don't think of putting this body part here or that body part there. Just think up".

 "Too often we think of posture as a fixed position, but really it should be thought of in terms of direction. And that direction is up".

                                                       How easy is that?

 http://adventuresinbackpain.tumblr.com/post/19360888333/alexanderdays5-7

 On that note, this past week was an "up" week in piano lessons. I found myself, now that festival mania has passed, with the luxury of more time to work on technique and ease with my students.

 This led to the concept of "up" while playing. Interestingly, F.M. Alexander and I are on the same wave length.

                                                    It's the "up" that sets us free.

                                                       Now, how cool is that?

Musical Mix- Up

This past week, many young students were at the same juncture in preparing for their piano lesson; the rebirth of spring is also a time for the birth of new music.

How does one learn a new piece of music?

Once you've read through the piece, learned it hands alone (if necessary) and then put things hands together, it's time for a plan.

Divide your piece into sections, and, then identify and mark in the music, the phrases.

Number the phrases in order of difficulty, number 1 being the most difficult.

Mix up the music so that you play the most difficult phrase first, and the easiest phrase last. Never start at the beginning!

Repeat your phrase as many times as how old you are.

By the way, do you know what a phrase is?

Who is Your Success Story??

Private teaching is a job like no other. It is rich with varied experiences, and fulfilling through the personalities you meet and the talent you shape along the way.

I often reflect on the most rewarding moments in my career, an exercise which unveils my outstanding success stories.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, my biggest success does not always come from the student who wins the Rose Bowl, or the student who wins the largest prize.

While I take enormous pride in the talent and accomplishments of these top winners, success also comes in unexpected and subtle ways, through unassuming accomplishments that may not make headlines.

                                 Here is this years' biggest success story.

Several years ago, a very young student  began lessons with me. She had already taken lessons, but was a rank beginner in my eyes, as she had not yet developed any beginning piano skills such as the ability to read music. She was precocious, and was not keen to concentrate and learn. Or practice! In fact, 1/3 to 1/2 of her lesson was wasted before settling down to actually play the piano.

By the end of the first year, slight progress was evident in her ability to learn music and play the piano, but she did not fall in love with it, and her parent and she decided she quit, and try a different instrument.

As the new teaching year approached, this parent and student changed their minds', enrolled again, and gave the piano one more try.

The student studied for 2 more years, and progressed with just enough practice to get by.

                                       Then, something happened.

Magically, this lukewarm student of minimal interest was on fire. Competition pieces were learned and memorized months before the date. She was hanging on to every word I said, and week after week impressed me with her progress.

I planted the seed, and patiently waited. It took 3 years to sprout, but, when it did, the result was an up and coming musician to watch out for.

                     Who do you deem to be your greatest success story?

Can Sunny Girl Come Out to Play??

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/printissue/currentissue/893530-427/give_them_a_big_hand.html.csp 

  
                  "Puppets are great motivators for children who are learning to read".


The article at the link above, which promotes the use of puppets to help teach children to read, is the inspiration for this blog post.

Young children are so much fun to work with, but are not always keen to listen and learn. They are easily distracted,  require constant change of material, constant stimulation, and, movement during the lesson. I, the piano teacher, can be boring, although I use my most creative language in a high energy way when teaching the young.

                                         Sometimes, that is not enough.

                    What can one do to capture the imagination of a 4 year old?

This is where Sunny Girl enters. My female puppet, dressed fashionably in jeans and hip red sneakers, elicits the name of a certain note, or the drawing of a quarter note, in a way no human can.

My wide eyed student is now fascinated to learn about the grand staff, the time signature, or read the week's new piece with eyes up, and, her best concentration.



                                  Can Sunny Girl come out to play today?





               It's coming!!! creepy, crawly, scaly things.......will YOU be ready????

Avoid error in learning..............

As students begin preparing new music for exams and other, it is important to read and learn in the early stages with precision. Aim to avoid misteaks (!) in notes, rhythm and fingering from the start, by playing at as slow a tempo as necessary to avoid error.

Divide your music into sections, then phrases, for easier practice segments. Then, start at different places each time you practice. Don't always begin at the beginning, and play through to the end. Mix those sections up, and hit the most difficult spots first.

On the topic of precision in early learning, once a note or fingering mistake occurs, it can become a regular habit, no matter how hard you work to correct it!

http://www.musicinpractice.com/2011/knowledge-plus-ten-thousand-times-is-skill/

The article above says it all! Avoid error in original learning, (my motto for fast learning), and, finish with a better product.


 Read the article above, and you'll understand why!

It's coming!! creepy, crawly, scaly things!!! Will YOU be ready???? Check back for details!!

A Celebration of Music: Kiwanis Music Festival concert review

On Monday evening, "A Celebration of Music", presented by the Kiwanis Music Festival Association of St John's, showcased a variety of acts ranging from voice, piano, and violin, to flute, trombone, and choral singing.

This "must see" concert opened with the vigour of Instrumental Rose Bowl winners St Bonaventure's College Jazz Band, directed by Vincenza Etchegary.

"Stormy Weather", arr by Jerry Nowak, featured Hillary Simms, voice, whose lyrical and when necessary raunchy approach led the jazz band in this convincing blues number. Next up was "Madrid", Erik Morales, which was a lively rhythmic, and dynamic performance, with a certain wow factor. A great range of sound, satisfying blend, and super intonation highlighted this selection.

Young vocal trio , "The Glitter Girls" (as veteran emcee Clayton Handrigan introduced them), comprised of Mary Antle, Ella Antle, and Lisa Bourne, stole the show. Their entertaining stage presence and well choreographed antics complemented their sunny disposition, and, delightful unison singing. "Put On a Happy Face" followed by "One Small Voice" were great choices for their outgoing performance nature.

Flute soloist Lauren Stringer was another of the evening's outstanding talent. Her playing boasted a full, round tone, always clear, lyrical, and well projected, made possible by seemingly great breath control. A wide dynamic range and a natural sense of pulse resulted in beautiful, stylistic playing.

The concert continued with charming 7 year old pianists Jiwan Wang and James Song, 11 year old Maura Maguire, followed by the dignified piano trio of 10 year old Katie Steeves, Sarah Drover and Ella Sutherby. Later, teenage pianist Chelsea Abbott provided energetic Bach, and, musical Mendelssohn.

Vocalist Emily McKim offered a warm, appealing performance, while Maeve Collins-Tobin sang with sensitivity and clarity. Both girls were accompanied by solo guitar, an enjoyable companion to the voice in the folk-song genre.

Junior Vocal Rose Bowl winner Siobhan Donovan displayed moving, heartfelt gentleness in her lovely cohesive performance of Faure's 'Mai".

Violinist Alex Cho dazzled with his fanciful opening and formidable technique and precision.

Stars of the Festival would not be complete without healthy choral singing. In this category, Lakecrest Primary and Elementary Choirs graced the stage under the capable direction of Angela Warren. Expressive singing, great diction, and a flair for the dramatic defined the young primary group. The lively " Donkey Riding" sung by the Elementary Choir, was an audience favorite, obvious by the many who left for intermission singing this tune! Equally fine was St Bonaventure's College Elementary Choir, director Brenda Gatherall, with descriptive, nicely in tune, rhythmic singing.

The overall performance of Holy Heart Chamber Choir was stunning, as the choir moved the audience with extreme emotion and feeling. Under the direction of Susan Quinn, the Choral Group Rose Bowl winners performed with maturity and magic. Their exquisite pianissimos, perfect blend of SATB, and highly polished singing was quietly moving in "Esto les Digo", and spiritually uplifting in "Hold On". The choir excelled here with it's huge dynamic range and stylistic interpretation.

Hillary Simms, trombone, Junior Instrumental Rose Bowl winner, gave a confident, articulate performance, showing good stamina and sustaining quality as a trombonist. This musical girl was decidedly the busiest for the duration of the concert, to play yet again to close the evening with St Bonaventure's College Trombone Quartet.

                                                  Sally Rowsell is a pianist and teacher in St John's

It's easy now to leave a comment with my new comment download. Feel free to share your thoughts!

It Takes Three........ Kiwanis Music Festival of St John's, "Celebration of Music"

                             It Takes Three To get into Trouble as a Trio!

        ...........................................a piano Trio that is ...........................

Katie Steeves, Ella Sutherby, and Sarah Drover form the newest Trio in Town, a Triple Treat that had the privilege of performing on "A Celebration of Music", Kiwanis Music Festival of St John's.

rowsellpiano congratulates The Threesome on their first place festival performance, and, on their Stars of the Festival  performance.
                                                       ..........................

TIP OF THE HAT to Sarah Dormody of rowsellpiano as fabulous pianist for The St Bonaventure's College Jazz Band, in concert on The Celebration of Music. Way to go, Sarah!

                                                      ..........................

Finally, rowsellpiano bows to piano student Lisa Bourne for her entertaining 1/3 of  Celebration of Music's vocal trio. Loads of pizzazz, Lisa!




there is a new comment system on my blog, which should make it easy for you to comment. please give it a try!

HATS OFF TO.............................

rowsellpiano congratulates student Sarah Veber, winner of the piano play off, and pianist for the Junior Rose Bowl.

Congratulations also to student Meghan White, runner up in the play off for the Junior Rose Bowl.

Both students did a fabulous job, the result of much talent and hard work.!!!

The Junior Rose Bowl takes place at The Salvation Army Citadel, Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., and features the top junior winner in each solo category of the festival.

See you there!!!

rowsellpiano's classical music picks

 rowsellpiano.ca classical music picks:


For those of you shopping for classical piano music recordings, dvd's, and classical piano music scores, the link below takes you to a Canadian Amazon site with my top picks for purchase, based on my student's needs.

Clicking on any link should take you to the Amazon page where you can search for your specific purchase requirement.

Give it a try; I'd love your feedback on what to feature, and, how to make this work better for you.


http://astore.amazon.ca/rowsellpian08-20




there is a new comment system on my blog, which should make it easy to leave a comment. please give it a try!

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOUR CHILD PRACTICE?

http://mindshift.kqed.org/2012/02/how-much-practice-is-too-much/

Interesting article for parents of gifted children, teachers, and students.

How much practice is enough? Should your child continue once the task is learned?

Click the link above for an interesting study that links the science of repetition to the art of music making.



It's coming!!! creepy, crawly, scaly things!! Will you be ready?? Check back for details!!




there is a new comment system on my blog, which should make it easy to leave a comment. please give it a try!

I LOVE TO PRACTICE CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEY, STUDENTS AGE 4-14, record your weekly practice minutes, post it on the blog, and you could be the monthly winner.

Keep a chart of how many minutes you practice every day, and then add for a weekly total. At month's end, the person with the highest practice score for the month is the winner!

It should now be easy to leave a comment, with my new comment system! Shout out your practice, and give it a try!

Write your full name, week dates, and the total number of practice minutes for the week. 

This promises to be fun! Contest begins Monday, October 10, 2011

FEBRUARY PRACTICE RESULTS rowsellpiano

                        FEBRUARY PRACTICE RESULTS




Student of the Month:             Sarah Veber

Most Improved Student:        Rubyanne Whalen

Most practice Minutes:           Joshua Veber

WOW!!!! A reason to reconsider that finger independence thing!!!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/science/a-gripping-tale-each-flick-of-a-finger-takes-the-work-of-five.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&partner=rss

The link above, courtesy of the New York Times,  outlines a great reason to reconsider using the fingers in isolation.

Sheet Music Downloads.........

http://www.sheetmusicarchive.net/index.cfm

This looks interesting! Sheet music downloads, unlimited downloads for 10 days, free.

Enjoy your new music download link, courtesy of rowsellpiano

Best Concert of the Festival!! Don't miss it!! (Kiwanis, St John's, NL)

Did you know that you are missing the BEST concert of the festival?

On Monday, February 27 at 11:10 a.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel, Adams Avenue, the top junior pianists of the festival, and in the city, will play a selection of 2 pieces.

This performance enables the adjudicator to determine the junior piano entrant for the Junior Rose Bowl.

rowsellpiano congratulates 2 competitors in this play off, Meghan White, and, Sarah Veber, both first place winners in their concert group classes.

In my opinion, some of the finest playing of the festival happens at this play off.

Well worth your Monday morning to go and enjoy the music!

KIWANIS MUSIC FESTIVAL ST JOHN'S PROGRAMME AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

http://www.kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/fest2012part1.pdf 1

http://kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/fest2012part2.pdf

click above for the 2012 festival program

http://kiwanismusicfestivalsj.org/main.html

click here for the main page of the festival

WHAT MAKES A GREAT PERFORMANCE?

     I love questions, as those of you who know me well realize, so, I will start with a question.

                                    What makes a great performance?

So many ingredients combine to result in the performance of a lifetime, which I think every performance should be.

Begin with careful  learning, avoiding error in the basics of notes, rhythm, and fingering. Treat every practice session of your work as if you are handling a rare and valuable object.

With a strong idea of  "this is my ideal performance"  in your head, (hint: do lots of listening, to many varied performances of), move gradually to animate every nuance, shape, and musical detail.

You are what you practice. Period. Whatever you do in the practice room is exactly what you will portray on stage. That is, give or take a certain spontaniety coupled with that extra spark we hope for, generated by a well prepared, confident performer and, the excitement of being on stage.

As a student, I was fascinated to gather ideas of  opposition. One school felt that the technique led to the music, the other felt that the music led to the technique.

I feel the connection is circular. All technical motions should give rise to compatible musical suggestions, and vice versa. Technique and musicianship are inseparable. Remember that the gesture you make physically should produce the desired musical result. If it doesn't, find another gesture that does.

Take time to step into the shoes of the composer, to know his stylistic considerations, to imagine his motivation to write the piece you are learning and, the meaning behind the piece, his composition.

Decide on the location of peaks and valleys within your chosen selection. Know at all times the path on which your performance is traveling, to outline climactic moments. Keep the large picture in mind to effect cohesion.

Aim for clear realization of shape, dynamic, tempi, tone, balance, voicing, touch, and, blend with mood, color, meaning, personal expression, and total involvement.

Exaggerate all details of dynamic, expression, and emotion, as appropriate for the stage.

Remember always that you are merely the vehicle with which the composer may express his music.

If you have paid diligent dues in working out every detail with the precision of a brain surgeon, and, are confident that you are prepared, then, you will give the performance of a lifetime.

A good night's sleep, good food for energy, and, a slow warm up (with a save it for the stage attitude) will allow you the freedom to lose yourself in the music. Pour yourself into your performance, and return to reality through the thunderous applause you will surely attract.

One more thought; "wabi- sabi". Wabi -sabi is a Zen esthetic that honors that nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished.

With wabi sabi you are free to not be perfect, thus unleashing your ability to let go and express.

Performing is really all about conviction. No matter what happens onstage, a convincing performance is the ultimate goal. Do your thing, and do it your way.

Best of luck to all !
Sally Rowsell  rowsellpiano

c. 2012, content or any part of not to be used or copied without the author's permission.

PERFORMERS, FIND YOUR CENTER

http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/08/the-centered-performer/

This article is a great guide to help advanced students prepare for performance. Find your center, to promote ease, and to benefit and enhance focus and concentration on stage.

Enjoy

Are YOU a left handed pianist?

http://euge.ca/2012/01/27/left-handed/

Left-Handed

BRAHMS PIANO SHEET MUSIC

Okay, students, here is a rare chance for a free music score.

You can download here for free the newly discovered piece written by Johannes Brahms 159 years ago.


http://www.pianostreet.com/blog/files/brahms_albumblatt_a_minor_1853_psu.pdf



You can also listen to fabulous concert pianist Andras Schiff play it here, and learn more about the pieces' discovery.

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/intune/2012/01/27/brand-new-brahms/

Enjoy!

JANUARY 2012 PRACTICE RESULTS

                            rowsellpiano Practice Results for January are out.................

Most Improved Student:                         Sophia Drover  

Student of The Month:                         Miriam Stevenson

Most Practice Minutes:                           Joshua Veber

ONLINE EAR TRAINING

By request, an internet search came up with the 3 links below, which promise to help students master ear training. Some offer free exercises, while other sites require payment and download of software.

I have not personally tried any of the sites, but all seem to offer practical ear training help.

http://www.good-ear.com/servlet/EarTrainer?chap=6

http://www.earmaster.com/eartraining/exercises.htm

http://eartrainingpro.com/music-teacher-features

http://eartrainingpro.com/

How ya' like me now?

                             How ya' like me now? Thank you Doggie Stylz!

CHILD TAX CREDIT

http://rcmusic.ca/connecting/rcm-blog/are-you-eligible-childrens-arts-tax-credit

This link will provide more information about your ability to deduct piano lessons from your taxes.

Theory SOS!

http://musictheorytutor.weebly.com/help-i-need-a-tutor.html

This link will take you to free online music theory tutors.

Enjoy!

SELF EVALUATION

Yet another great piece of advice from The Musician's Way.....click the link below to read the complete article.

http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/05/self-evaluation-the-key-to-artful-practice/

“The single most important goal for performing artists
is to see how they are doing.”

–Itzhak Perlman, violinist (The Musician’s Way, p. 202)

Suppose that you’re practicing a new piece. How do you know that one portion is learned securely enough for you to tackle another?

Later on, how do you determine that the music is concert-ready?

Then, following a performance, what enables you to pinpoint the aspects of your execution that need polishing?

The answer, of course, is accurate self-evaluation.

We musicians display our knack for self-assessment with every phrase that we play or sing. Our performances inescapably reveal whether we truly hear ourselves and perceive the impact of our delivery.

From " don't shoot the pianist"

http://euge.ca/2011/12/30/temptation/

Sight reading

For my MANY students in the throes of improving their reading skills, this link is for you!

http://franspianostudio.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/guest-post-avoiding-sightreading-derailments-at-the-piano/#comment-18

GETTING READY FOR PERFORMANCE

                                      Some tips to help you get festival ready:

-memorize now! Have your piece securely memorized at the very least 2 weeks before the big day.

-practice your performance-6 times-6 times-6 times-6 times-6 times-6 times

-tape yourself. At lessons, in practice, in performance.

-are there any weak areas that need consideration?

-dynamic check: is there enough contrast? are crescendos evident and gradual, (for example)?

-tempo check: are you steady? should there be rubato? is the tempo appropriate? can you manage your tempo comfortably?

-check all the markings in the score-have you included all?

-is your performance convincing? what are you trying to communicate with the music?

-how's the balance? are there voices that need individuality?

-have you identified all the high and low points within your piece?

-have you identified all the beginnings and endings within your piece? (phrases, sections....)

-do you understand the style and necessary inclusions?

-can you do more, say more?

-and finally, on the big day, have a ball, go for it, with your whole heart and soul. This is your moment!

Compliments, rowsellpiano