APRIL Studio News

  Thursday, April 1, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  April tuition                                 

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  April Schedule                                

No Lessons are scheduled from Thurs, April 1 to Mon, April 5 due to Spring Break and the Easter holiday.

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                       

Group Classes will meet on Friday, April 23rd.  Location: Saint Francis UMC, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd.  Weather permitting we will be under the portico again.  This month we focus on staging and rehearsing for the April solo recitals the next day.  

Here is our schedule:

*talk with me about condensing the time you are on campus by moving to a group with or closer to your sibling(s).  It is also fine to stay with your group.

 

   April Solo Recitals                                  

Our spring recitals are scheduled for Saturday, April 24 at 4:00 & 5:15p.m. at Saint Francis UMC (weather permitting, outside under the portico).  Due to the gathering restrictions still in place, we will hold two recitals back to back to allow us to meet in person.  Families will sit together (spaced apart from other families) in the parking lot where we had group classes in March. To help with seeing and hearing your child, performers and their family will be under the portico when they play.  

To help plan our audience numbers equitably, please fill out this Google form link (also included in the April news email).  Family and friends are invited to watch and support our performers via Zoom!  

All studio participants are expected to participate in our 2 recitals each year.  Recital pieces have been chosen or will be chosen in your next lesson. 

RECITAL ATTIRE:

Men/Boys - nice pants and shirt, dress shoes preferred (dark tennis shoes are fine)

Ladies/Girls - dresses (with a below the knee hemline) or dress pants and nice top, dress shoes preferred.

ARRIVAL:

4:00 Recital participants, plan to arrive by 3:45 PM to unpack and tune

5:15 Recital participants, plan to arrive by 5:00 PM to unpack and tune

Find your child(ren)'s name on the recital lists below and plan accordingly.

4:00 Recital	5:15 Recital
Ella Armstrong	Timothy Baker
Elizabeth Baucom	Carter Bettini
Eva Dyess	Katie Cantrell
Divya Kancharla	Rachel Cantrell
Hannah Katragadda	Claire Catalano
Christian Kelley	Ruthie Catalano
Cataleya Kelley	Zoey Cromartie
Lillian Moore	Campbell Fox
Wesley Payne	Charlotte Fox
Maitri Potukuchi	Luke Fox
Noah Wallace	Logan Isett
Selah Wallace	Glover Wilson
Annabelle Zipparo	Connor Raeman
Gabrielle Zipparo	Ameris Rood

   Parent Education                                     

 I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I want to highlight two articles:  

Help! My Child Won't Practice by Glenda Gail Walsh - an informative list of 22 walls that we often find ourselves standing in front of.  Take a moment to glance through the list and see if any of them speak to your needs.  Then read on to glean a nugget or two of wisdom or insight.

Play With Others and Fast Track Your Progress by Melanie Smith-Doderai - Read about 5 essential skills gained when a student participates in ensemble with other musicians.  This could be orchestra, chamber group or group class.  In addition to our studio group classes, there are several string orchestras in the Triangle area that your student can join.  Talk with me if you are interested in exploring these opportunities.  

One more idea...a few of the students in our studio have started meeting up on Zoom to practice together or to just play for each other.  Is this an idea you would like to explore for your child?  Talk with me and let's see what grows out of this seed that has been planted.

Toggle over to the Online Resources Tab>Parent Education folder to find this article.  View it online, Download it or Print it!

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what stands out to you.  

A reminder:  This summer - 2021 -  is unique in that many institutes are already planning to be virtual!  You can reduce the cost and time commitment and check out what it is like to work with other teachers and students from around the country!  Several students in our studio and taken advantage of these opportunities in the past.  Each one has come away with a major boost in motivation and confidence!   Sign up now (see below), take advantage of Early Bird prices (usually in March/April)!!

 

    Summer Suzuki Institutes                        

Its that time of year again!  Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment.  Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats.  This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel.  Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer.  The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants.  I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer.  Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

A few others where colleagues of mine are on faculty or direct the institute, and I thought would be educational for you to read about:

https://www.ogontzsuzukiinstitute.com/

https://www.ithaca.edu/suzuki-institutes

https://www.atlantasuzuki.org/

AND, it looks like the North Caroline Institute (Greenville) is planning to be in person this year (they will make a final decision on April 15) - if you want to check out a camp close to home!

    MUSICAL MARCH MADNESS                   

I have enjoyed hearing about the pieces on your brackets that are "winning."  Stay focused on this awesome review activity!  Take as much time as you need to complete it.  What a wonderful way to encourage practicing and performing.  Remember to share with your child that this is an opportunity to be intentional about SERVING OTHERS with their musical talents.  

A few ideas for making this more of a challenge or simply enhancing the presentation: Instead of just playing these pieces "one more time," can you add something to make them more musical? more advanced? more entertaining?  How about playing with piano accompaniment video or tracks from the recording files?  Are they playing with dynamics?  the correct style of bow?

Need ideas?  ASK ME!  I love sharing ways to enhance the musical ideas in a piece.  Let's make this project FUN and beneficial!

    Suzuki Book Recordings                         

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                                       

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's highlighted violinist is Bronislav Huberman (see notes below).  

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist.

Enjoy!

Bronislav Huberman (1882)

Huberman is probably best known for his founding of the Palestine Orchestra which helped save Jews from the Holocaust. But prior to this, he had established a reputation of one of the best violinists of his time. He performed throughout Europe from a young age, even performing Brahms’ violin concerto in front of the composer and receiving an impressed response. Brahms was so moved by the boy's performance that he gave him a photograph signed from "your grateful listener." His technical playing might not be as good as that of others, but his personal twist on the music makes him a long-standing favorite.  
  

Here are a few recordings of him performing, please share these with your student:

Chopin - Nocturne, Op. 9 No, 2: https://youtu.be/ByhwHJ5nRv0

Sarasate - Romanza Andaluza: https://youtu.be/_cM_bjE7BYs

Schubert - Ave Maria: https://youtu.be/YgNq0WOd9B4

Zarzycki - Mazurka op.26: https://youtu.be/GRAr-s7eTJk

Max Bruch - Kol Nidrei, Op. 47: https://youtu.be/pIrwaWojB78

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                         

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 
• Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.

You can access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

MARCH Studio News

  Monday, March 1, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  March tuition                                 

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  March Schedule                                

No Lessons are scheduled from Tues, Mar 30 to Mon, April 5 due to Spring Break and the Easter holiday.

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                       

Group Classes will meet on Friday, March 26th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

   Parent Education                                     

 I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I want to highlight three articles ALL about the value of attending a Summer Institute:  25 reasons to attend a summer institute, Summer Suzuki Institutes: Planning for a positive experience, and Summer Suzuki Institutes.  

This summer - 2021 -  is unique in that many institutes are already planning to be virtual!  You can reduce the cost and time commitment and check out what it is like to work with other teachers and students from around the country!  Several students in our studio and taken advantage of these opportunities in the past.  Each one has come away with a major boost in motivation and confidence!   Sign up now (see below), take advantage of Early Bird prices (usually in March)!!

Toggle over to the Online Resources Tab>Parent Education folder to find this article.  View it online, Download it or Print it!

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what stands out to you.    

 

    Summer Suzuki Institutes                        

Its that time of year again!  Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment.  Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats.  This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel.  Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer.  The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants.  I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer.    Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

A few others where colleagues of mine are on faculty or direct the institute, and I thought would be educational for you to read about:

https://www.ogontzsuzukiinstitute.com/

https://www.ithaca.edu/suzuki-institutes

https://www.atlantasuzuki.org/

AND, it looks like the North Caroline Institute (Greenville) is in person this year - if you want to check out a camp close to home!

    MUSICAL MARCH MADNESS                   

It's MARCH again!  Can you believe it?  When we started this month last year, everything was starting to "shut down," and I remember feeling that one unexpected blessing came in the form of our MARCH MADNESS challenge.  How awesome was it that just as we all need to isolate ourselves, we were motivated to reach out to friends and family and play music for them?   

This year we have the opportunity to be intentional about SERVING OTHERS with our musical talents.  Each student has 15 "games" to play and therefore the possibility of 15 different lives to touch.  Make a list!  Who do you know would appreciate a little sunshine in their day?  Anyone from church?  Relatives that live far away?  I am excited to hear who you choose to bless in the next few weeks.

On the personal side, this REVIEW project is also a benefit to your child. ;-)  As the home coach, I want to encourage you to find ways to "up the challenge" for your child.  Instead of just playing these pieces "one more time," can you add something to make them more musical? more advanced? more entertaining?  How about playing with piano accompaniment video or tracks from the recording files?  Are they playing with dynamics?  the correct style of bow?

Need ideas?  ASK ME!  I love sharing ways to enhance the musical ideas in a piece.  Let's make this project FUN and beneficial!

    Suzuki Book Recordings                         

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                                       

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's highlighted violinist is Fritz Kreisler (see notes below).  Kreisler is the violinist that Dr. Suzuki named his "Kreisler Highway" for -- that perfect spot to draw the bow across the string.  Dr. Suzuki studied Kreisler's sound production intently and deemed this highway and important teaching point.  You too can listen to Kreisler and hear his beautiful tone!

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

Enjoy!

Fritz Kreisler (1875)

Kreisler was a prodigy who was accepted by the Paris conservatory at the age of seven and won its most prestigious prize at the age of twelve. He was one of the first violinists to achieve international fame through the gramophone, and also his many tours. He was considered one of the last violinists of the romantic era. Here he performs Beethoven’s violin sonata no 1.

One of the first true masters of the pre-recording age to make his mark in the sound studio. Kreisler lived from 1875 to 1962, and was known for a very polite, charming tone quality, not bombastic or forceful, but technically perfect, as if he were asking the audience’s permission to show off now and then. He is typically contrasted with #5, whose technical abilities were just as perfect, but whose tone was much more aggressive, even in slow passages.

Kreisler was one of the few classical musicians to die wealthy back then, having been struck by cars twice, once in 1941, which fractured his skull and put him in a week-long coma, and again a few months before his death, a traffic accident which left him blind and deaf. He was known to be supremely polite and gentlemanly to everyone he met, and this has been noted as an abiding quality of his playing. He wrote what is, today, the most popular cadenza for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D.

Here are a few recordings of him performing a few different pieces:

Caprice Viennois: 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd53kbz7QOM&list=PLzSb4cgS0A3NE6qLT5ixtfuPCpN9odvni&index=3 
 Tango: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4oGB6ZSsdo&index=3&list=PLzSb4cgS0A3MSqEiT4l21i-8F2n850A-L
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUhHgwpXILU&index=2&list=PLzSb4cgS0A3MSqEiT4l21i-8F2n850A-L
Beethoven, Sonata No.8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1HKZJe5jwE

Tambourin Chinois.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHwqIL44MRA

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                         

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 
• Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

FEBRUARY Studio News

  Monday, February 1, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  February tuition                                 

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  February Schedule                                

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Feb 15 to Fri, Feb 19.

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                       

Group Classes will meet on Friday, February 26th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

   Parent Education                                     

 I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I want to highlight an article already in the folder:  6 Words You Should Say Today by Rachel Macy Stafford,  Ideas for building confidence in our kids.  Toggle over to the Online Resources Tab>Parent Education folder to find this article.  View it online, Download it or Print it!

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what stands out to you.    

 

    Summer Suzuki Institutes                        

Its that time of year again!  Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment.  Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats.  This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel.  Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer.  The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants.  I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer.    Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

    Studio Challenges                                   

Congratulations to the students who completed the 12 Days of Christmas practice challenge:  Glover Wilson, Timothy Baker, Luke Fox, Elizabeth Baucom, Cataleya Kelley and Divya Kancharla.  Way to go!!

2020 was a record year for practicing!  You all did a great job!!  Being stuck at home so much definitely helped - and now that these habits are established, let's keep them going!  Check out this pic of the last 3 months of practicing (and I will admit that I didn't get it all recorded - for some of you, there were many days not added to this chart.)  I think that is the fullest any of our charts have been!  I am so proud of you all and the progress you are making.  Keep up the good work!

Next up, our 2021 studio challenge is...drumroll please... LISTENING!  All of this practicing is excellent and irreplaceable in the realm of acquiring a skill.  Nevertheless, in the music world, hearing a model of what you are trying to achieve is a MAJOR HELP.  I will begin asking about your weekly listening along with # of practice days starting this week!  Get out those recordings, put on those tapping feet and let's make this a habit in 2021!

    Suzuki Book Recordings                         

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                                       

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's highlighted violinist is Pablo de Sarasate (see notes below).  Moving forward chronologically, this is one of the first recorded violinists in history.  The recording is definitely different in quality than what we have to listen to today.  Even so, how amazing it is it to be able to listen to a recording that is almost 120 years old?!

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

Enjoy!

Pablo de Sarasate (1844)

Beginning to play at the age of five and giving his first public concert at eight, de Sarasate won broad recognition as a virtuoso. He won the Paris conservatory’s highest honor at aged 17 and was largely responsible for popularizing Spanish music among some of the leading composers of the late 19th century. Considering that he was born in 1844, it is remarkable that we do have audio recordings of his work. Here he is in a _{recording from 1904.}

George Bernard Shaw once said of Sarasate that “he left criticism gasping for miles behind him.” He lived from 1844 to 1908, and we should consider ourselves supremely lucky to have some of his wax cylinder recordings, from around 1904, including his own piece, Zigeunerweisen (recording link above). The recording capabilities back then were terrible for anything other than percussive sounds, like a piano or drums, unless the sound was directed straight into the megaphone. A violin can do neither very well, and it is difficult to hear all the passages of the piece, but they are there, and he doesn’t miss a single note.

His technique is actually a little more crystal clear than Heifetz’s, without so much as one fuzzy or scraped note, but with all the emotion and speed up to par and brilliant. Any violin virtuoso is inevitably compared with the next entry, and almost always somewhat unfavorably, but Sarasate was one of the rare exceptions whom people can actually hear perform.

A repeat of the link above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC64hVc8ZI0 (you may have to cut and paste this link)

Some of his other compositions: 

Malaguena, Op. 21 No. 1 performed by Rachel Barton Pines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNSeceitjBQ

Habanera, Op. 21 No. 2 performed by Yehudi Menuhin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAf1__vmyak

Carmen Fantasy, performed by Chole Chua, age 12,  https://youtu.be/pNGoAUz0nhE

And a fun video of Chloe and TwoSet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slrHpGlxHQA

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                         

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 
• Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

JANUARY Studio News

  Saturday, January 2, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  January tuition                                 

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  January Schedule                                

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Jan 4 to Fri, Jan 8.  Happy New Year!

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, January 29th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

   12 Days of Christmas                        

A friendly reminder to keep practicing!!!  This is a longer break than we have had in the past.  So, please use this studio challenge to motivate those hours of practicing.  I will have sweet treats for all participants: those who complete all 24 days and those who complete some.  If you need to start up today, then do it!!  See if you can stick with it until your next lesson.   😊👍

  Online Community Play-In                  

Use this link to register to participate in a monthly Virtual Book 1 or 2 Play In!  https://www.cyosc.org/violin-play-in.html   Once you register to participate, they will send you information regarding the day and time. 

How wonderful is this to be able to play with other Suzuki students from all over the country!!  From what I understand the accompaniment track is an orchestra (a unique opportunity) and there will be a "conductor" leading the class.  If you are able to participate, please let me know how it goes!

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                        

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera.
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  Airplane mode?  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

   Parent Education                            

           I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I want to encourage you to look over the articles I have already added and see what title speaks to you!  It might just be the help you need as we start a new year. ;-)  ALSO, take a few moments to read over these 10 words of encouragement (an no there is not a typo, that one is THAT important. ;-)

I don't know who to give credit for this list, but I feel they are reminders we ALL need to have as we start a new year.  ❤ 

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what stands out to you.    

 

    Suzuki Book Recordings                                  

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                             

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's highlighted violinist is Ole Bull (see notes below).   I figured January was a good time to start back at the beginning. Although he is not performing, it is good to learn about violinists who were also composers - their legacy lives on!

There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.

Enjoy!

A Short documentary from Viking Cruises:https://youtu.be/Wt99_n6NfTM 

CANTABILE DOLOROS E RONDO GIOCOSO by Ole Bull: https://youtu.be/PcyUqTiNjJo

Concerto in A major, Op. 4 by Ole Bull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm180QWAYVo

Concerto in E minor, by Ole Bull: https://youtu.be/jgfsMCYlHBo

Aurora by Ole Bull: https://youtu.be/nxfYeLdujms

Collection of several pieces: https://youtu.be/sg1lEA268O0

Please share these with the kids.

Ole Bull (1810)

He is not an American Indian, as his name seems to suggest in English. He was Norwegian, and lived from 1810 to 1880, during which time he toured Europe concertizing with the likes of Franz Liszt, Clara (and Robert) Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn and others.

Back then, the public didn’t have TV to distract them until 7:00 in the evening, so they showed up at noon, with their lunch and supper, and the recitalists had to wow them for up to 6 hours. No one person can be expected to do this, of course, so various great performers would collaborate when passing by each other’s home towns.

Robert Schumann considered Bull to have an uncommon clarity and precision in his technique, to the point that, no matter how fast the music got, Bull never missed a note, and you could hear them all just fine. Clara loved him more than any other violinist she heard in person. Not an easy virtuoso to outmatch.

DECEMBER Studio News

  Tuesday, December 1, 2020 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  December tuition                               

is due at your first lesson of the month.  Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount. 

Ways to pay:

1. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
2. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

What to do:

Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month. 

1. Check is in the mail, 

2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or 

3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route.  I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)

  December Schedule                              

No Lessons are scheduled from Mon, Dec 21 to Fri, Jan 8.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates, times and location.  Also included in your account: the link to access the Zoom webpage, previous lesson notes, the monthly studio news, and much more! 

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, December 11th.  Location: Zoom.   

Here is our schedule:

  Online Community Play-In                  

Use this link to register to participate in a monthly Virtual Book 1 or 2 Play In!  https://www.cyosc.org/violin-play-in.html   Once you register to participate, they will send you information regarding the day and time. 

How wonderful is this to be able to play with other Suzuki students from all over the country!!  From what I understand the accompaniment track is an orchestra (a unique opportunity) and there will be a "conductor" leading the class.  If you are able to participate, please let me know how it goes!

   ZOOM Virtual Lessons                        

Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937

Password: cbviolin

Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online.  A few reminders:

• Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time.  (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
• Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms.  Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended?  I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera.
• Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able.  The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing.  Airplane mode?  I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.  
• Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
• Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper. 

You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website.  Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.

   Parent Education                            

           I have loaded several articles to the Library & Downloads page in your MMS portal with articles and handouts for parents.  Find a title that interests you and read it!  I highly encourage you to take a moment this month to choose one and read it.  There is so much value in motivation for the Suzuki parent.  Let these articles give you that blessing!!    

This month I have added a new file for you to access.  As we look towards a new year, maybe one of these 5 ideas will speak to you and enhance your music journey with your child.  "5 Little Ideas" is the name of the file.  I don't know who to give credit for this list of ideas, but I sure did enjoy reading them and wanted to share! 

If you have time, send me your reaction, thoughts. etc.  I would love to know what speaks to you.    

 

    Suzuki Book Recordings                                  

New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released!   Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/ 

   
   Special Listening                             

Just a reminder that wonderful videos and audio recordings of professional performers can be seen/heard on YouTube.  Use this as the Special Listening assignment for each week.  This month's famous performers a various artists I have found online - all performing holiday tunes!     

Enjoy!

The Christmas Song: https://youtu.be/QQF0NSLhnzc  :  https://simplythreemusic.com/

Carol of the Bells (for 4 violins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNbdBAUbre4

Joy to the World:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPw-w29hX0

Silent Night : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzdov-md55c

Winter Wonderland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmdIaJ0KWtA

Frosty the Snowman (string quartet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQLrv_nur3E

Please share these with the kids.