This is the inaugural newsletter for Musical Keys, and I’m proud to say – the launch of this website! I have been building up my private piano studio over the last few years and the time has come to formalise this under the name of Musical Keys.
I am expanding my services to include small group lessons for keyboard and theory tuition. Please keep this in mind when referring any friends and family members, or as an addition to the individual lessons your child is already enrolled in.
I am expanding my services to include small group lessons for keyboard and theory tuition. Please keep this in mind when referring any friends and family members, or as an addition to the individual lessons your child is already enrolled in.
| CONCERT NEWS: The mid-year concert will be happening again at the end of Term 2. If you would like to participate please register your interest by the end of May. Concerts are a great opportunity to share pieces, have a ‘practice performance’ before an exam, or simply to enjoy hearing some new music! Concert date: Sunday June 19, 3.30pm Venue: Kew East Uniting Church, 142 Normanby Rd Kew East Participation fee: $10 | AMEB CORNER: I am pleased to report the following students successfully passed their exams this term with great results! Congratulations to all involved for their hard work and preparation. Ithara – Grade 3 Leisure (B+) Jack – Grade 3 Traditional (A) Alexandra – Grade 5 Traditional (A) Exam Session 4 (8 Aug– 3 Sept): book by 28 May Exam Session 5 (3 Oct – 13 Nov): book by 16 July *If you are aware of a clash in the period e.g. camp, scheduled school exam, excursion, please let Rachael know prior to booking so a Dates to Avoid form can be filled out. |
30 PIECE CHALLENGE
You’ve all heard of reading challenges, but did you know about music challenges? 30 pieces in one year is the goal I’m setting my students…! Some of you may be thinking “how is that possible?”. You will be pleased to know that each time you/your child goes back to earlier grade books to have some fun time at the end of a practice session, or you try to work out a favourite pop or movie tune – that counts as valuable learning!
When preparing for exams and performances, it can be easy to get stuck on playing only those few pieces. Focusing on these for a whole term without playing any other material actually slows progress in learning (and likely decreases enjoyment!) because students are not learning any new pieces, reading notes, and experiencing other styles. For these reasons, many teachers are incorporating this challenge into their lessons.
Forms will be available shortly to record your progress for 2016. Please speak to Rachael in your lessons if you are not sure how to go about working towards this goal.
Here is a comprehensive article by Elissa Milne about how to approach this challenge:https://elissamilne.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/the-hal-leonard-australia-40-piece-challenge-2013-suggestions-for-getting-started/
You’ve all heard of reading challenges, but did you know about music challenges? 30 pieces in one year is the goal I’m setting my students…! Some of you may be thinking “how is that possible?”. You will be pleased to know that each time you/your child goes back to earlier grade books to have some fun time at the end of a practice session, or you try to work out a favourite pop or movie tune – that counts as valuable learning!
When preparing for exams and performances, it can be easy to get stuck on playing only those few pieces. Focusing on these for a whole term without playing any other material actually slows progress in learning (and likely decreases enjoyment!) because students are not learning any new pieces, reading notes, and experiencing other styles. For these reasons, many teachers are incorporating this challenge into their lessons.
Forms will be available shortly to record your progress for 2016. Please speak to Rachael in your lessons if you are not sure how to go about working towards this goal.
Here is a comprehensive article by Elissa Milne about how to approach this challenge:https://elissamilne.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/the-hal-leonard-australia-40-piece-challenge-2013-suggestions-for-getting-started/
| RACHAEL’S NOTES HAPPY PIANO DAY!! Yes, I’m serious! There actually is such a day…held on the 88th day of the year (can you guess why?), this new international holiday was founded by young German composer Nils Frahm in 2015. Piano Day aims to promote piano-playing across all musical genres, transcending culture, age, and ability. In Melbourne an event was held at Bennett's Lane Jazz Club with 4 pianists playing original solo piano music. Entry was by donation to supportEntertainment Assist, an organisation supporting the mental health of Australian entertainment industry workers. | CURRENT LISTENING: Melbourne pianist Luke Howard’s new solo piano EP “Forgotten Postcards” is out on 1631 Recordings. A collection of ambient piano music, the perfect antidote to a stressed day! One of my all-time favourite albums is Luke Howard's inaugural solo release "Sun, Cloud" that was long-listed for the 2013 Australian Music Prize. Drawing upon a minimalist approach, the music conjures "rich, cinematic soundscapes". His newly released album "Two Places" continues his exploration of piano, strings and electronic music. |
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