FEBRUARY Studio News
Thursday, February 1, 2018 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
February tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. The envelope for tuition is hanging on the cabinet when you enter the studio. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
February schedule
There are no lesson alterations this month.
Consult your registration form or log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates and times.
Group Class
Group classes meet this month on Friday, February 23. Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your individual group class assignment.
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've noticed that most of you have not looked at the articles I post. I HIGHLY recommend you take 5-6 min / month to read over the articles I post. Remember the Suzuki Triangle? Allow me to educate and encourage you by reading these articles, they will be food for your soul and will help you intentionally direct your child's musical path. If having a printed copy would help, please let me know.)
This month I added the article: Help! My Child Won't Practice by Glenda Gail Walsh Even if you have a good "practice-er" in your home, you can benefit from the ideas listed in this article. Skim the topics she lists. Choose a few to read about. You might just find that gold nugget that will turn around your practice time at home!
You Tube videos / 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 performer is Joshua Bell (see notes below).
Vivaldi, Four Seasons "Summer", Presto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laGT9IB2bFo
Brahms, Hungarian Dance No. 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cr39My8GgA
My Funny Valentine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATi04Q67c4A
One of his more unique ideas - play in a subway lobby and see how long it takes for someone to recognize him (this is one of many times he has done this. fascinating): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnOPu0_YWhw
---and just a little more about that experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=licnMt8Zaek
Another fun "out of the box" idea /video - "Here Comes the Sun," The Beatles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQPBBsawGTk
There as so many recordings of him - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.
Please share these with the kids.
Joshua Bell (1967)
This young virtuoso is very popular, including stints on popular television shows and pageants. But beyond the flash is a very delicate sound that draws fans from the world over, even those who are not typically into violinists. His popularity proves that good playing of the violin will get attention from anyone who appreciates a lovely sound.
His website: http://joshuabell.com/
Upcoming local concert dates
*Feb 17 (8p): Durham Choral Society presents Stabat Mater by Dvorak at the Duke Chapel http://choral-society.org/concerts/current-season/
*March 4 (4p): Duke Chapel Choir presents Elijah by Mendelssohn at the Duke Chapel https://chapel.duke.edu/music
*April 8 (3p): NC Master Chorale presents a 'mixed' mass (several movements from various great composer's works of this genre) http://ncmasterchorale.org/event/motus-missae/
*indicates performance Dr. Baker is playing.
Websites for local concerts:
NC Symphony Calendar of events: https://www.ncsymphony.org/concerts-events/single-ticket-calendar/
Duke Performances 2017-18. Use this link to view upcoming performances at Duke University http://dukeperformances.duke.
NC Museum of Art Chamber Music Concerts. Use this link to view upcoming performance at the NC Museum of Art. http://ncartmuseum.org/p
NCSU Center Stage Performances. Use this link to view upcoming performances http://www.ncsu.e
CAMPS and MUSIC PROGRAMS:
Pinecone youth music camps: https://pinecone.org/co
Triangle youth orchestra: http://philharmonic
**If you know of any other events in the area. Send them to me via email and I can mail out to everyone! Thanks.
JANUARY Studio News
Monday, January 8, 2018 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
January tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. The envelope for tuition is hanging on the cabinet when you enter the studio. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
January schedule
No lessons Friday, December 22 - Friday, January 5.
Consult your registration form or log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates and times.
Group Class
Group classes meet this month on Friday, January 12. This is a change from the original schedule. Mark you calendars accordingly. Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your individual group class assignment.
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've noticed that most of you have not looked at the articles I post. I HIGHLY recommend you take 5-6 min / month to read over the articles I post. Remember the Suzuki Triangle? Allow me to educate and encourage you by reading these articles, they will be food for your soul and will help you intentionally direct your child's musical path. If having a printed copy would help, please let me know.)
This month I am posting a link to an online article: The Ins and Outs of Progress by Lamar Blum: Click here to read article How we view our child's progress can mean all the difference in their success as a musician. As we begin a new calendar year, take some time to see notice the wonderful things you and your child are accomplishing.
You Tube videos / 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 performer is Viktoria Mullova (see notes below).
Sibelius, Violin Concerto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78f2yuaS_Jg
Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto (excerpt from the Tchaikovsky competition in 1982 - great close up of her bow and left hand): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi_8bVJcbHw
J.S.Bach, Sonata No. 1 in G minor, Adagio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXE_9wV8iq4
Abreu's Tico Tico (from one of her non-classical albums): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re5x0C9j_eQ
Please share these with the kids.
Viktoria Mullova began her career by winning two major music contests: the Sibelius competition in Helsinki in 1980 and the Tchaikovsky gold medal in 1982. She is renowned for her recordings of Bach, which have received exceptional reviews internationally, and more recently she has experimented with other, more contemporary styles.
She defected from the Soviet Union in 1983, and brought with her a powerful and authoritative technique. In her later years she has become softer and more personable with her playing, including an exploration of jazz and world music styles. Her wide career range has made her a favorite among famous violinists.
Upcoming local concert dates
*Jan 26 (7:30p), 28 (2p): NCOpera presents Rigoletto by Verdi http://www.ncopera.org/performances/1718-two
*Feb 17 (8p): Durham Choral Society presents Stabat Mater by Dvorak at the Duke Chapel http://choral-society.org/concerts/current-season/
*March 4 (4p): Duke Chapel Choir presents Elijah by Mendelssohn at the Duke Chapel https://chapel.duke.edu/music
*April 8 (3p): NC Master Chorale presents a 'mixed' mass (several movements from various great composer's works of this genre) http://ncmasterchorale.org/event/motus-missae/
*indicates performance Dr. Baker is playing.
Websites for local concerts:
NC Symphony Calendar of events: https://www.ncsymphony.org/concerts-events/single-ticket-calendar/
Duke Performances 2017-18. Use this link to view upcoming performances at Duke University http://dukeperformances.duke.
NC Museum of Art Chamber Music Concerts. Use this link to view upcoming performance at the NC Museum of Art. http://ncartmuseum.org/p
NCSU Center Stage Performances. Use this link to view upcoming performances http://www.ncsu.e
CAMPS and MUSIC PROGRAMS:
Pinecone youth music camps: https://pinecone.org/co
Triangle youth orchestra: http://philharmonic
**If you know of any other events in the area. Send them to me via email and I can mail out to everyone! Thanks.
DECEMBER Studio News
Thursday, November 30, 2017 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
December tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. The envelope for tuition is hanging on the cabinet when you enter the studio. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
December schedule
No lessons Friday, December 22 - Friday, January 5.
Consult your registration form or log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates and times.
Group Class
Group classes meet this month on Friday, December 8. This will also be our Dress Rehearsal for our December recital. Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your individual group class assignment.
December Recital
Our fall recital is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10:30a at Saint Francis UMC. Please note the TIME CHANGE from our usual afternoon performances. Plan to arrive at 10:15 to unpack and tune.
Family and friends are invited to attend and support all of the performers!
All studio participants are expected to participate in our 2 recitals each year.
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 - our "stage" is at eye level for our audience, so please plan accordingly) or dress pants and nice top, dress shoes preferred.
ARRIVAL:
Plan to arrive by 10:15 AM to unpack and tune
In addition to your child's chosen solo piece, the following pieces will be performed as a group:
Gavotte by Martini (vol. 3)
Chorus from Judas Maccabeaus (vol. 2)
Etude by Suzuki (vol 1)
O Come Little Children
Joy to the World
Twinkle VAR A, B and Theme
December Outreach
Friday, Dec. 22 at 4:00p at Phoenix Assisted Care in Cary. All Book 1 and 2 students are invited to perform in this community concert. Please Sign up on the MyMusicStaff Event Calendar to let me know you are planning to attend. (You need to log in, go to the calendar and find the event to Sign up for this event. thank you!)
- Plan to arrive at 4:00 to unpack and tune.
- When you enter the front door, continue straight ahead to the dining room.
- We will begin playing around 4:15 or 4:20. The residents will be coming in for dinner at 4:45 while we are playing.
- Christmas Carols to prepare can be heard via this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWj3lwWRP0lAa3hwgjXrDQcyPrponbMrA
Let me know if you have any questions. I will be following up with this info in lessons over the next few weeks.
2018 Group Classes
Due to an unpredicted calendar change I need to change the date of our January group class from January 19 to January 12. I have changed it in the MMS portal and updated the calendar pdf in the Downloads section. Please make this change on your family calendar as well. Thank you!
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!
This month I am posting a link to an online article: Are you Creating a Positive Practice Environment? by Christine Goodner: Click here to read article Need some perspective on the practice time at home? This is the article to read!!
You Tube videos / 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 performer is Pinchas Zukerman (see notes below).
Mozart, Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major (he is conductor and soloist in this performance): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXr2DFU8wGU
Wieniawski, Polonaise in D Major: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Q0g_Er0Tk&list=RDZXr2DFU8wGU&index=3
Mozart, Sinfonia Concertante (Violin/Viola duo Zukerman is playing viola): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szMu8si_YYQ
Handel-Halverson Passacaglia (Violin/Viola duet - now they are older (and wiser!)): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSykOS-g_Fc
Please share these with the kids.
This brooding, serious violinist often strives for the profound and finds it, if his many fans are to be believed. Born in Israel, he studied in New York but now calls Canada home. After a four decade career, Zukerman continues to tour widely around the world. His passion for music and brilliant playing technique has made him one of the most respected contemporary musicians and has inspired the young people who he has tutored through his music programmes. Today he has established himself as a conductor and refuses to play historically-informed pieces, preferring instead a new and natural take. As well as violin, Zukerman also plays viola.
Upcoming local concert dates
*Dec 1 (7:30p), 2 (2p), & 3 (3p): Duke Chapel choir and orchestra present Messiah by Handel
*indicates performance Dr. Baker is playing.
Websites for local concerts:
NC Symphony Calendar of events: https://www.ncsymphony.org/concerts-events/single-ticket-calendar/
Duke Performances 2017-18. Use this link to view upcoming performances at Duke University http://dukeperformances.duke.
NC Museum of Art Chamber Music Concerts. Use this link to view upcoming performance at the NC Museum of Art. http://ncartmuseum.org/p
NCSU Center Stage Performances. Use this link to view upcoming performances http://www.ncsu.e
CAMPS and MUSIC PROGRAMS:
Pinecone youth music camps: https://pinecone.org/co
Triangle youth orchestra: http://philharmonic
**If you know of any other events in the area. Send them to me via email and I can mail out to everyone! Thanks.
NOVEMBER Studio News
Monday, November 6, 2017 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
November tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. The envelope for tuition is hanging on the cabinet when you enter the studio. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
November schedule
No lessons Wednesday, November 22 - Friday November 24.
Consult your registration form or log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates and times.
Group Class
Group classes meet this month on Friday, November 10. Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your individual group class assignment.
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!
This month I encourage each of you to read the article titled: 6 Words You Should Say Today by Rachel Macy Stafford. Need a little pick-me-up as parent to any / all of your kids? This is the article to read!!
December Recital
Our fall recital is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10:30a at Saint Francis UMC. Please note the TIME CHANGE from our usual afternoon performances. Plan to arrive at 10:15 to unpack and tune.
Family and friends are invited to attend and support all of the performers!
All studio participants are expected to participate in our 2 recitals each year. We will begin choosing pieces to perform starting this week.
December Outreach
Friday, Dec. 22 at 4:00p at Phoenix Assisted Care in Cary. All Book 1 and 2 students are invited to perform in this community concert. Sign up on the MyMusicStaff Event Calendar to let me know you are planning to attend.
You Tube videos / 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 performer is Gidon Kremer (see notes below).
Dvorak, Elegy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7fDr5DVOOE
Mozart, Concerto No. 5 in A Major (Book 9 piece! :-) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-tKQ-PqvOM
Video excerpt with a variety of performance when he was younger and just starting his career (including the first mvt of the Tchaikovsky Vln concerto): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utY6lvTabe0
Astor Piazzolla, Oblivion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg__yDK-0rk
Please share these with the kids.
Born in Latvia, Gidon Kremer burst onto the scene by winning every major competition, joining the ranks of famous violinists with his unusual style. His creativity leads to serious improvisation, and that makes him a favorite among modern composers. Since 1997 he has directed groups of young players to find their own sound.
Upcoming local concert dates
*Nov 18 (5:30 pm): CARY CLASSICAL CONCERTS, St. Francis UMC: An evening of Dvorak. http://www.saintfrancisumc.org/cary-classical-concerts
*Dec 1 (7:30p), 2 (2p), & 3 (3p): Duke Chapel choir and orchestra present Messiah by Handel
*indicates performance Dr. Baker is playing.
Websites for local concerts:
NC Symphony Calendar of events: https://www.ncsymphony.org/concerts-events/single-ticket-calendar/
Duke Performances 2017-18. Use this link to view upcoming performances at Duke University http://dukeperformances.duke.
NC Museum of Art Chamber Music Concerts. Use this link to view upcoming performance at the NC Museum of Art. http://ncartmuseum.org/p
NCSU Center Stage Performances. Use this link to view upcoming performances http://www.ncsu.e
CAMPS and MUSIC PROGRAMS:
Pinecone youth music camps: https://pinecone.org/co
Triangle youth orchestra: http://philharmonic
**If you know of any other events in the area. Send them to me via email and I can mail out to everyone! Thanks.
OCTOBER Studio News
Sunday, October 1, 2017 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
October tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. The envelope for tuition is hanging on the cabinet when you enter the studio. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
October schedule
No lessons on Tuesday, October 31.
Consult your registration form or log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your specific lesson dates and times.
Group Class
Group classes meet this month on Friday, October 13. Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your individual group class assignment.
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!
This month I encourage each of you to read the article titled: Compound Interest, Every Day Practice and Review. Since I have been highlighting practice in the lessons -- the value of it, the purpose for it, and how we are progressing as a studio, it would be good for you as a parent to read some encouraging words and suggestions around the topic too!
November workshop
Saturday, November 4: Chapel Hill Workshop with Dr. Terry Durbin. Join us for the day (9a-6p) for group, fiddle, improv, movement and MMG classes, parent talks and more! Everyone is highly encouraged to attend this one-day event. It is such a motivational boost for every student that attends. Let me know if you have any questions, or talk with a family who has attended.
Masterclasses are available on Friday and Sunday. A masterclass is like a lesson, only shorter (~20min) and with a "master" teacher who is not your child's "every-week" teacher. The advantage of taking a masterclass is for getting a "second" opinion or other vantage point from which to view your child's musical path. Usually a masterclass teacher will be found saying the something very similar to what the home teacher or parent has been saying, but since it is in a new environment, or simply said a different way, it hits home and makes a difference! I am a huge advocate of masterclass lessons and would love to have this experience with any of you!
The online registration is live! Here is the email from the organizing team:
Dear Suzuki Friends,
Registration is open for this year's Chapel Hill Durham Suzuki workshop. This workshop will serve Suzuki students at the pre-twinkle level through book 10+. We hope you can attend!
Click here for more information.
Click here to register now!
Click here to read the bios of this year's amazing clinicians.
Sincerely,
Amy and the Workshop Team
You Tube videos / 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 performer is Itzhak Perlman (see notes below).
13-year old Itzhak Perlman plays Mendelssohn Violin Concerto (excerpt): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eLoWm9swbM&list=RD4eLoWm9swbM&t=30
Introduction and Rondo Capriccio by Saint-Saens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnsPnyiLdrw&list=RD4eLoWm9swbM&index=21
Humoresque by Dvorak with YoYo Ma (a Book 3 piece! :-) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBDmAxSFt6A&index=7&list=RD4eLoWm9swbM
Themes from "Schindler's List": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYokqDoXQjU
Performs at the White House - Fritz Kreisler "Tempo di Menuetto in the style of Pugnani": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYpMlOV0wrI
Please share these with the kids.
Perlman was another early starter, giving his first concert at ten and playing to a live US television audience when he was thirteen. His refined approach to playing and his enthusiasm have both been prominent features in his career. He has also emerged as a conductor and important teacher, with a position at the Juilliard School in New York where he studied himself.
His playful sound brings to mind Louis Armstrong, a musician that makes you smile even as he reveals flawless technique. With a sweet, warm tone, he hit the big-time with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show at the tender age of 13. Today he continues to play occasionally but is more devoted to teaching young violinists.
Upcoming local concert dates
*Nov 18 (5:30 pm): CARY CLASSICAL CONCERTS, St. Francis UMC: An evening of Dvorak. http://www.saintfrancisumc.org/cary-classical-concerts
*Dec 1 (7:30p), 2 (2p), & 3 (3p): Duke Chapel choir and orchestra present Messiah by Handel
*indicates performance Dr. Baker is playing.
Websites for local concerts:
NC Symphony Calendar of events: https://www.ncsymphony.org/concerts-events/single-ticket-calendar/
Duke Performances 2017-18. Use this link to view upcoming performances at Duke University http://dukeperformances.duke.
NC Museum of Art Chamber Music Concerts. Use this link to view upcoming performance at the NC Museum of Art. http://ncartmuseum.org/p
NCSU Center Stage Performances. Use this link to view upcoming performances http://www.ncsu.e
CAMPS and MUSIC PROGRAMS:
Pinecone youth music camps: https://pinecone.org/co
Triangle youth orchestra: http://philharmonic
**If you know of any other events in the area. Send them to me via email and I can mail out to everyone! Thanks.
