APRIL Studio News
Thursday, April 5, 2018 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
April 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.
April schedule
There are no lessons on Monday, April 23 & Tuesday, April 24 this month, due to my NC Opera Rehearsal Schedule.
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, April 20. Log in to your MyMusicStaff portal to see your individual group class assignment.
April Studio Recital
Our spring recital is scheduled for Saturday, April. 21 at 4:30a at Saint Francis UMC. Please note the TIME CHANGE back to our usual afternoon performance time.
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 4:15 PM to unpack and tune
In addition to your child's chosen solo piece, the following pieces will be performed as a group:
Puppet Show (reading piece)
Gavotte in G minor by J.S. Bach (vol. 3)
Long, Long Ago by T.H. Bayly (vol. 2)
Minuet 1 by J.S.Bach (vol 1)
Perpetual Motion
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
Twinkle VAR A, D and Theme
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: Summer Suzuki Institutes: Planning for a Positive Experience by Marie Custers. This article is a helpful overview of what an institute is, what to expect at an institute, and how to plan (musically and physically). I highly recommend attending a summer institute. To learn more about the locations near us (or not near us), visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/
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 Gil Shaham (see notes below).
Wieniawski, Scherzo Tarantelle (short excerpt from a masterclass with Isaac Stern when he was 10!!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfUms9O0-e0
Bach, Partita No. 3 in E major, Gavotte en Rondeau: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBl1CFZvY0o&index=2&list=RDjMrLnjp1O_g
Sarasate, Carmen Fantasy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIaOyur3Qcw
Mendelssohn, Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78q-jbzk-Vg
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.
Gil Shaham (1971)
One of the youngest of today’s virtuosos, Shaham made a name for himself in 1989 when he was called in to replace Perlman for a series of shows in London. Since then, he has kept busy with a healthy discography and international tour, and is currently recording violin concertos of the 1930s.
Upcoming local concert dates
*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/
* April 29 (2p) NC Opera presents Saint-Saëns,s SAMSON AND DELILAH, Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh. http://www.ncopera.org/performances/1718-three
*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.
MARCH Studio News
Monday, March 5, 2018 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
March 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.
March 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, March 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: A Quest for More Resonance by Ann Montzka-Smelser She presents insight into her time studying with Dr. Suzuki. I have mentioned this concept of developing tone in several lessons this past month, so thought it would be nice to read from another teachers viewpoint. Ann is a dear friend of mine. She has a wonderful heart and is passionate about teaching music.
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).
Brahms Violin Concerto (first 3 min are orchestra alone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0mITH06iFs
Bach, Partita No. 2 in D minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYHQmjAbwXw
Brahms, Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, mvt 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RjyE7xtEI8
Bach, Concerto for 2 Violin in D minor (this is a book 4 & 5 piece - enjoy!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ohsBg6onXY
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.
Leonidas Kavakos (1967)
This Greek violinist had won numerous competitions by the tender age of 21, but he didn’t become popular until recently, when his exacting technique became appreciated by more mainstream listeners. He has close attention to detail and can perform very demanding pieces.
Upcoming local concert dates
*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/
* April 29 (2p) NC Opera presents Saint-Saëns,s SAMSON AND DELILAH, Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh. http://www.ncopera.org/performances/1718-three
*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.
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.
