I hope you all had an enjoyable term break! Ten students have busily been preparing to sit their exams this Friday, and there will be an end term concert on December 4 (see details below). Mental preparation for performance is an important component, which I have been discussing with students. You can read an article about the benefits of incorporating imagery into practice here.
I am still taking enrolments for the beginner group keyboard class on Saturdays at 3pm (Kew)- if you have any friends who would like to get started asap this year, please let them know about this opportunity. I will also be scheduling 2017 lessons by the end of this term, so please look out for information about re-enrolment during November. Term 4 will end on Tuesday Dec 20, in time for the Christmas break.
If you are considering giving a Christmas gift this year, while I am very appreciative of the generous gesture, I would like to nominate the following charities as preferred recipients of any small donations in lieu of gifts:
I am still taking enrolments for the beginner group keyboard class on Saturdays at 3pm (Kew)- if you have any friends who would like to get started asap this year, please let them know about this opportunity. I will also be scheduling 2017 lessons by the end of this term, so please look out for information about re-enrolment during November. Term 4 will end on Tuesday Dec 20, in time for the Christmas break.
If you are considering giving a Christmas gift this year, while I am very appreciative of the generous gesture, I would like to nominate the following charities as preferred recipients of any small donations in lieu of gifts:
- As many of you know, I am very passionate about the welfare of rabbits and guinea pigs. Judi and Bryce of Rabbit Runaway Orphanage volunteer their home space, time and personal finances to rescue, re-home, and provide medical care for rabbits who otherwise would not survive.
- Lifestart Foundation founded by Karen Leonard (owner of the music studio I teach out of at Essendon) is a charity funding philanthropic projects in Hoi An, Vietnam, to assist disadvantaged communities to become self-sufficient. Projects include secondary schooling scholarships to enable children to stay in school, housing, and a free Disability Community Centre - donate here.
- Homehug Orphanage in Yasothon, Thailand (which I visited in 2012 to assist with their developing music program) needs ongoing support not only for activities, but to provide the daily medications needed to enable the children to manage living with HIV - donate here.
| CONCERT NEWS: The end-year concert will be held on Sunday December 4 at 4pm at the Kew East Uniting Church. If you would like to play 1-2 favourite pieces of your choice, please RSVP with the $10 participation fee by Mon 31 Oct. Let's celebrate a fun year of learning! | AMEB CORNER: I am pleased to report the following students successfully passed their exams with great results! Congratulations to all involved. Anna – Grade 2 Leisure (A) Shwen – Grade 3 Leisure (A) Josephine - Grade 4 Traditional (A) Alexander - Grade 4 Leisure (A) Vivian - Grade 4 Leisure (A) Nicholas - Grade 3 Leisure (A) and Theory of Music Grade 2 (95%) Darius - Grade 3 Leisure (A) Harriet - Grade 3 Leisure (B+) Atara - Grade 2 Leisure (B+) Ethan - Grade 2 Leisure (A) Jack - Grade 2 Leisure (A) |
30 PIECE CHALLENGE
In the 30 piece challenge news, Ashleigh is the first student of Musical Keys to hit 20 pieces as at the end of term 3 – congratulations Ashleigh! I hope to see many other students reach this goal as the end of term approaches. If you need to add to your list, remember there are many ways to quickly learn short pieces including Christmas pieces, earlier grade books, easy duets, or favourite pop or movie tunes.
OLD BOOKS
If you would like to move on old piano books that you are no longer using, other families may be interested to purchase them second-hand for a discounted price. I am happy to advertise books in the newsletter or put you in touch with a student requiring that book directly.
In the 30 piece challenge news, Ashleigh is the first student of Musical Keys to hit 20 pieces as at the end of term 3 – congratulations Ashleigh! I hope to see many other students reach this goal as the end of term approaches. If you need to add to your list, remember there are many ways to quickly learn short pieces including Christmas pieces, earlier grade books, easy duets, or favourite pop or movie tunes.
OLD BOOKS
If you would like to move on old piano books that you are no longer using, other families may be interested to purchase them second-hand for a discounted price. I am happy to advertise books in the newsletter or put you in touch with a student requiring that book directly.
| RACHAEL’S NOTES As your child is progressing it may be time to consider what instrument they are developing their skills on.. while a keyboard is a great start for their first 2 years, and a digital piano (with weighted keys) is a great tool to advance their technique as they move into AMEB level 1-2 exams, if your child has goals to continue learning piano at the grade 3+ levels, it may be time to consider upgrading to an acoustic piano. The feel of the keys is considerably different and allows a greater range of tone and expression, as well as sounding full and rich! | Of course there are other considerations when purchasing a piano, such as placement on an internal wall away from drafts and heating ducts, the acoustics of the room (if you have wooden floors you may need to consider adding furnishings such as rugs to absorb the sound), and the need for tuning (every 1-2 years for maintenance). There are some reputable second hand dealers who sell on high quality instruments that are in great condition - and sometimes an older Japanese built piano will be a better investment than a brand new piano constructed elsewhere. Please speak to Rachael if you would like any further information. |
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