Logo

MAY studio news

  Saturday, May 6, 2023 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

   May tuition                              

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

Ways to pay:

  1. IN PERSON at your lesson
  2. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
  3. ONLINE PAYMENT:  Google Pay or Zelle (no fee) 


   May Schedule                             

NO Lessons are scheduled for Monday, May 8  through Friday, May 12 

NO Lessons are scheduled for Monday, May 22 through Wednesday, May 24

There are other adjustments to the studio schedule this month. Please consult your MMS account to know when your lessons are scheduled.

2022-2023 lesson end on Thursday, June 1

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!


   May Group Class                        

Group Classes will meet on Friday, May 19th.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518, Sanctuary.  Group classes this year will be offered as a hybrid experience.  All class will be streamed on ZOOM and will meet in person.  Group schedule:

4:30-5:00

Bk 1A

Zoey Cromartie, 

Eva Dyess, 

Ava Humes, 

Elaine Park, EllaJane Rouse, EvelynKate Rouse, Ruthie Catalano, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley, Selah Wallace

5:05-5:40

Bk 1B-3

Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, 

Luke Fox, 

Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Noah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo

5:45-6:30

Bk 4+ / Reading

Norah Askew, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom, Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne




   Summer Lesson Sign-ups               

Summer Lesson Sign up calendars were handed out in the lessons last week.  Fill it out and return it as soon as you are able.  If you do not have one, please ask for one at your next lesson or check your lesson notes email for a file to print.

The lesson sign ups are due by Friday, May 19.  I plan to email you your summer lesson schedule by May 29th. 


   Summer Lessons                              

The Summer Lesson schedule will run from June 19 to August 25.  Lesson sign ups are underway now.  The schedule is flexible to accommodate your summer schedule needs.  Consider signing up for two lessons on weeks before or after you might be traveling or at camp.  


    Studio Videos                                   

Reminder: link to our YouTube folders: https://pinelandsuzukistrings.mymusicstaff.com/Video-Links

For now, I have posted links to the Pre-Twinkle videos, Book 1 accompaniment, Daily Do (for Music Mind Games class), and Christmas Carols.

 

   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 in our Online Resource's folder>Parent Education

"Setting Habits for Success: How being a Suzuki student can transform your child's brain." by Bianco Prado a cellist and Suzuki cello teacher who currently resides in Idaho.  She references one of my favorite articles, "Compound Interest, everyday practice and review" and shares new insight regarding the power of habits.  Check it out!    

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


   Suzuki Summer Institutes                  

Registration for SUZUKI Summer Institutes is underway! Use this link to view all of the options around the country for summer study: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

What is an Institute?  It is a 5-day family camp.  Each day, students have a Masterclass lesson and 2-3 classes (group repertoire, group technique, chamber music, orchestra, fiddle, etc) depending on the level of the player and their ability to read music.  Want to know more, please ask me!   

I want to encourage everyone to look at the dates and see how you can fit one of these amazing camps into your schedule this summer.  Several students have attended the NC Institute, others have attended virtual camps - there are LOTS of these to consider. 

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this year, June 26-30.  It will be held in person and virtually.  I would love for you to consider joining me.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

I will also be teaching at the Univ of Louisville Suzuki Institute, June 11-16, in person only.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/university-louisville-suzuki-string-institute/

NC Suzuki Institute, July 9-14.  ECU, Greenville, NC, in person only.  Here is the registration link: https://epay-banner.ecu.edu/C20694_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=17&SINGLESTORE=true

It seems that many Institutes are continuing virtual classes.  I highly encourage in person learning, but you can reduce the cost and time commitment and still experience some of 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!  


      
   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 Maxim Vengerov  (see notes below).   

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

Please share these with the kids.

Enjoy!


Maxim Vengerov (1974 - )
 
Few violinists appear so effortless in performance than Russian Maxim Vengerov, another prodigy made good. Oh, and he’s the first musician to be made an International Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF.

 

Paganini, Caprice #24:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsJdLv38fy8

Wieniawski Variations, Op. 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9uj_Xe7I7s

Brahms, Hungarian Dance, No. 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vqt51VVidY

Monti, Csardas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n0qXSO7Z-Q  (AMAZING performance with Bass duo accompaniment/collaboration - just WOW!!)


    Local Performances                        

TBA

*denotes Dr. Baker is performing


    Local Summer Camps                     

Lamar Stringfield Music Camp: TWO Sessions, June 11-16 and June 18-23.  This camp is a great way to experience orchestral playing in a concentrated week format.  


Triangle Philharmonic Summer Camp: July 17-21; Peace Presbyterian in Cary.  I don't see registration info on their website yet: https://philharmonic-association.org/events/

APRIL Studio News

  Friday, March 31, 2023 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. IN PERSON at your lesson
  2. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
  3. ONLINE PAYMENT:  Google Pay or Zelle (no fee) 


   April Schedule                             

NO Lessons are scheduled for TUESDAY, April 4  through Monday - Friday April 7 (with the exceptions of the lessons moved from May to April 3-5.  Consult your MMS account to know if this affects your lessons.)

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!


   April Group Class, Recital Rehearsal    

Our Solo Recital Rehearsal is on Friday, April 21st.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518, Sanctuary.  No Zoom will be offered as we will focus on recital preparation with any remaining time given to group activities.

Plan to arrive 5-10 min prior to your group's start time to unpack and be ready to tune.

Schedule:  

4:30-5:00

Bk 1A

Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Ava Humes, Elaine Park, EllaJane Rouse, EvelynKate Rouse, Ruthie Catalano, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley, Selah Wallace

5:05-5:40

Bk 1B-3

Katie Cantrell, Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, Luke Fox, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Noah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo, Gabrielle Zipparo

5:45-6:30

Bk 4+ / Reading

Norah Askew, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom,  Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne


   April Solo Recital                        

Our Spring Solo Recital is Saturday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m., Saint Francis UMC, Sanctuary.  The recital will be recorded and a link shared for family and friends to watch and support all of the performers!

All studio participants are expected to participate in our 3 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 4:10 PM to unpack and tune


    Studio Videos                                   

Reminder: link to our YouTube folders: https://pinelandsuzukistrings.mymusicstaff.com/Video-Links

For now, I have posted links to the Pre-Twinkle videos, Book 1 accompaniment, Daily Do (for Music Mind Games class), and Christmas Carols.

 

   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 in our Online Resource's folder>Parent Education

"Raising Your Ability with a Piece You Can Play" an excerpt from the book Where Love is Deep by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.  Take the time to ponder the concept Dr. Suzuki presents in this brief article.  Can you see the benefits of raising one's ability?  How does repetition, as Dr. Suzuki expounds, benefit other subject areas / interestes where one wants to grow ability?

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


   Suzuki Summer Institutes                  

Registration for SUZUKI Summer Institutes is underway! Use this link to view all of the options around the country for summer study: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

What is an Institute?  It is a 5-day family camp.  Each day, students have a Masterclass lesson and 2-3 classes (group repertoire, group technique, chamber music, orchestra, fiddle, etc) depending on the level of the player and their ability to read music.  Want to know more, please ask me!   

I want to encourage everyone to look at the dates and see how you can fit one of these amazing camps into your schedule this summer.  Several students have attended the NC Institute, others have attended virtual camps - there are LOTS of these to consider. 

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this year, June 26-30.  It will be held in person and virtually.  I would love for you to consider joining me.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

I will also be teaching at the Univ of Louisville Suzuki Institute, June 11-16, in person only.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/university-louisville-suzuki-string-institute/

NC Suzuki Institute, July 9-14.  ECU, Greenville, NC, in person only.  Here is the registration link: https://epay-banner.ecu.edu/C20694_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=17&SINGLESTORE=true

It seems that many Institutes are continuing virtual classes.  I highly encourage in person learning, but you can reduce the cost and time commitment and still experience some of 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!  

    
   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 Midori Goto  (see notes below).   

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

Please share these with the kids.

Enjoy!


Midori Gotō (1971 - )
 

 Ever since she managed to conquer two broken E strings in one performance in front of Leonard Bernstein, Midori has been a legend.

 

 

Bach, Sonatas and Partitas (excerpts):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpY6DZFHfqY

Ravel, Tzigane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn0XkLAM8eE

Paganini, Concerto No. 1, Op. 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIEpn0DxzRE

Paganini, Caprice Op. 1, No. 24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCHSdNzo8ek

Here is a link to the performance at Tanglewood that started her career off with a "pop!" : https://youtu.be/04pXykKsO_k

Midori, reminisces about that night:  https://youtu.be/jDQp8iJRqTY


    Local Performances                        

*April 14 & 16, NC Opera presents Porgy & Bess, https://ncopera.org/2022-2023-season/porgy-and-bess/

*April 18, NC Master Chorale, Verdi's Requiem, https://www.ncmasterchorale.org/season


April 23, 4p Triangle Youth Orchestras, Koka Booth, FREE concert. https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/triangle-youth-music-presents-shaping-the-future-of-music

*denotes Dr. Baker is performing


    Local Summer Camps                     

Lamar Stringfield Music Camp: TWO Sessions, June 11-16 and June 18-23.  This camp is a great way to experience orchestral playing in a concentrated week format.  

Triangle Philharmonic Summer Camp: July 17-21; Peace Presbyterian in Cary.  I don't see registration info on their website yet: https://philharmonic-association.org/events/

MARCH Studio News

  Friday, February 24, 2023 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. IN PERSON at your lesson
  2. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
  3. ONLINE PAYMENT:  Google Pay or Zelle (no fee) 


   March Schedule                             

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 Recital Dress Rehearsal    

Our Recital Rehearsal is on Friday, March 10th.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518, Sanctuary.  We will be wrapping up our preparations for the March chamber/group recital.  No Zoom will be offered as playing with the group in person and learning the choreography for the recital is the priority.  DUET rehearsals will take place during the rehearsal, feel free to meet prior to your time to run through your duet, but it is not necessary.

Plan to arrive 5-10 min prior to your group's start time to unpack and be ready to tune.

Rehearsal schedule:  

4:30-5:00

Bk 1A

Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Ava Humes, Elaine Park, EllaJane Rouse, EvelynKate Rouse, Ruthie Catalano, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley, Selah Wallace

^5:00-5:45

Bk 1B-3

Katie Cantrell, Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, Luke Fox, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Noah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo, Gabrielle Zipparo

*5:15-6:30

Bk 4+ / Reading

Norah Askew, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom,  Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne

^We will begin with the duets at 5:00.  Please be unpacked and ready to tune and play through your duets at 5:00.  I will start with the duos that are ready to go.  We have 15 minutes scheduled for 4 duet piece.

*NOTE the earlier time this month.  As we are adding all new harmonies parts for this concert, we need the extra rehearsal time to play through it all as a large group.


   March Group Recital                        

Our studio group recital is Saturday, March 11 at 4:30 p.m., Saint Francis UMC, Sanctuary.  The recital will be recorded and a link shared for family and friends to watch and support all of the performers!

All studio participants are expected to participate in our 3 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 4:10 PM to unpack and tune

  

Repertoire for the Group Recital:

We will be going over these pieces in lessons for the next 2 weeks to ensure all students are individually prepared for the recital.

Book 1 Twinkle

Lightly Row

May Song

Allegretto

Minuet 3
Book 2 Musette
Book 3 Minuet, Bach
Book 4 Concerto No.5, mvt. I, Seitz
Book 5 Gavotte, Bach



    Studio Videos                                   

Reminder: link to our YouTube folders: https://pinelandsuzukistrings.mymusicstaff.com/Video-Links

For now, I have posted links to the Pre-Twinkle videos, Book 1 accompaniment, Daily Do (for Music Mind Games class), and Christmas Carols.

 

   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 in our Online Resource's folder>Parent Education

"25 Reasons to You Will Want to Attend a Suzuki Institute" a quick overview of the benefits of summer institutes.  After reading this list, you will see why David Strom mentioned that attendance at a summer institute nets 1 year of musical growth in 1 week!   An excellent return!!

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


   Suzuki Summer Institutes                  

Registration for SUZUKI Summer Institutes is underway! Use this link to view all of the options around the country for summer study: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/

What is an Institute?  It is a 5-day family camp.  Each day, students have a Masterclass lesson and 2-3 classes (group repertoire, group technique, chamber music, orchestra, fiddle, etc) depending on the level of the player and their ability to read music.  Want to know more, please ask me!   

I want to encourage everyone to look at the dates and see how you can fit one of these amazing camps into your schedule this summer.  Several students have attended the NC Institute (which doesn't look like is happening this summer), others have attended virtual camps - there are LOTS of these to consider. 

I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this year, June 26-30.  It will be held in person and virtually.  I would love for you to consider joining me.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

I will also be teaching at the Univ of Louisville Suzuki Institute, June 11-16.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/university-louisville-suzuki-string-institute/

It seems that many Institutes are continuing virtual classes.  I highly encourage in person learning, but you can reduce the cost and time commitment and still experience some of 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!  

   
   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).   

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

Please share these with the kids.

Enjoy!


Gil Shaham (1971)

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 recording violin concertos of the 1930s.

 

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

Paganini, Sonata Concertata In A Major For Guitar & Violin, Op. 61:  https://youtu.be/XXxy0lbcMSo


    Local Performances                            

*April 14 & 16, NC Opera presents Porgy & Bess, https://ncopera.org/2022-2023-season/porgy-and-bess/

*April 18, NC Master Chorale, Verdi's Requiem, https://www.ncmasterchorale.org/season

*denotes Dr. Baker is performing

FEBRUARY Studio News

  Wednesday, February 1, 2023 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. IN PERSON at your lesson
  2. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
  3. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 


  February Schedule                            

NO Lessons are scheduled for THIS THURSDAY, Feb 2 or Monday - Thursday Feb 20-24 (with the exceptions of the added Feb 23 date)

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 Class                                     

Group Classes will meet this month on Friday, Febuary 10th.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518, Sanctuary.   We will continue our preparations for the March chamber/group recital.  The option to Zoom these group classes will be offered again. However, please note that if you are participating in a duet piece, that rehearsal takes place outside of the group time and Zoom is not an option.   Group schedule:

4:30-5:00

Bk 1A

Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Ava Humes, Elaine Park, EllaJane Rouse, EvelynKate Rouse, Ruthie Catalano, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley, Selah Wallace

5:05-5:40

Bk 1B-3

Katie Cantrell, Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, Luke Fox, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Noah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo, Gabrielle Zipparo

5:45-6:30

Bk 4+ / Reading

Norah Askew, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom,  Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne

Plan to arrive 5-10 min prior to your group's start time to unpack and be ready to tune. 



  Suzuki Weekend Workshops          

Our upcoming weekend workshop is THIS WEEKEND,FEBRUARY 4.  Below are the schedule details. If you haven't signed up to participate yet and would like to, let me know!  We will make arrangements for your student to participate.

Fellow Suzuki teachers-Please share this information with your students.


Repertoire to prepare:

Book 1: Twinkles, Song of Wind, May Song, Etude

Book 2: Chorus and Hunters’ Chorus

Book 3: Bach Minuet

Book 4: Seitz #5, 1st mvt.

Book 5: Country Dance

Book 6+: Wieniawski Violin Concerto mvt. 2


Group Violin Schedule:

Friday at White Memorial Presbyterian Church

7:40-8:40pm Book 6+ 


Saturday at Hays Barton United Methodist Church

Please note this is the Methodist church at 2209 Fairview Rd. 

9am Book 1

10am Book 2-3

11am Book 4-5

12pm Lunch on your own

1pm Book 6+ 

2pm Break

2:30pm Concert


Concert attire: Casual. 


Please note:

  1. This is not a drop off situation, parents are expected to attend class with your child. 
  2. All events are mask required. This is for everyone including audience members, no exceptions. We will not supply masks, please bring your own.


 



    Studio Videos                                

Reminder: link to our YouTube folders: https://pinelandsuzukistrings.mymusicstaff.com/Video-Links

For now, I have posted links to the Pre-Twinkle videos, Book 1 accompaniment, Daily Do (for Music Mind Games class), and Christmas Carols.


 

   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 in our Online Resource's folder>Parent Education

"The Skill of Inspiring Children to Practice" By Dr. Shinichi Suzuki from his book Where Love is Deep.  His description of what motivates a young violin student is somewhat different in approach to how we each started, but his point of the role of group class as motivation, is a good one to remember.  Enjoy this short article reprinted in the 2016 summer institutes mini-journal. ;-)     

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


   
   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 Leonidas Kavakos  (see notes below).   

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

Please share these with the kids.

Enjoy!


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.

 

Brahms Violin Concerto (first 3 min are orchestra alone):  https://youtu.be/aknyQ2sp6J4

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



    Local Performance                                

I have been wanted to post about local performances again and have forgotten each month.  Adding now, even though I don't have a lot to share yet.

*April 14 & 16, NCOpera presents Porgy & Bess, https://ncopera.org/2022-2023-season/porgy-and-bess/

*April 18, NC Master Chorale, Verdi's Requiem, https://www.ncmasterchorale.org/season

*denotes Dr. Baker is performing

JANUARY Studio News

  Wednesday, January 11, 2023 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. IN PERSON at your lesson
  2. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
  3. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 


  January Schedule                            

NO Lessons are scheduled for Monday, Jan 2 - Friday Jan 6.

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 Class                                     

Group Classes will meet this month on Friday, January 13th.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518, Sanctuary.   We will begin our preparations for the March chamber/group recital.  The option to Zoom these group classes will be offered again. However, please note that if you are participating in a duet piece, that rehearsal takes place outside of the group time and Zoom is not an option.   Group schedule:

4:30-5:00

Bk 1A

Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Ava Humes, Elaine Park, EllaJane Rouse, EvelynKate Rouse, Ruthie Catalano, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley, Selah Wallace

5:05-5:40

Bk 1B-3

Katie Cantrell, Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, Luke Fox, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Noah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo, Gabrielle Zipparo

5:45-6:30

Bk 4+ / Reading

Norah Askew, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom,  Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne

Plan to arrive 5-10 min prior to your group's start time to unpack and be ready to tune. 



  Suzuki Weekend Workshops          

Our upcoming weekend workshop is FEBRUARY 4.  Below are more details. I will be reaching out to each of you to learn of your availability to attend.  Weekend workshops are extremely motivating and educational.  I highly recommend giving your child the opportunity to experience another violin teacher's style, learn from their knowledge and play with more violin players their own age.  

Fellow Suzuki teachers-

 

We are writing to cordially invite you and your students to our Dr. Andrea Yun (cello) and David Strom (violin) workshop at Triangle Area Suzuki Talent Education, our Suzuki school in Raleigh! Both teachers are registered Suzuki Teacher Trainers. The event will be held the weekend of February 3-5th, and will include masterclasses, group lessons, and a concert!  Masterclasses will be held Friday and Sunday. 

 

Here is a breakdown of the schedule so far:

FRIDAY, February 3, 2023

TBA-3:30pm, Masterclasses at Wilinda’s studio (Violins)

4:00-7:30pm, Masterclasses at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh (Violins and Cellos)

 

SATURDAY, February 4, 2023

9:00-12:00pm Group lessons at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh

12:00pm Lunch

1:00-2:00pm Group lesson

2:30pm CONCERT

 

SUNDAY, February 5, 2023

9:00am-12:00pm, Violin masterclasses at Wilinda’s studio

10:00am-12:00pm, Cello masterclasses at Rosie’s studio

 

Cost: cash or check made out to Triangle Area Suzuki Talent Education (T.A.S.T.E.)

Group lessons and concert only: $50 if paid before 1/15

Group lessons and masterclass: $100 if paid before 1/15

Add $10 if paid after 1/15

 

We hope you will encourage your students to take part in this fun event! Masks are required indoors for this event.

 

Please email, or have your students email, Rosie Leavell for cello at rosalind.leavell@gmail.com or Erika Atchley for violin at eriviolin@aol.com. Here is our website for more information about our Suzuki program, Triangle Area Suzuki Talent Education: suzukitalent.com.  We hope to see you there! 



    Studio Videos                                

Reminder: link to our YouTube folders: https://pinelandsuzukistrings.mymusicstaff.com/Video-Links

For now, I have posted links to the Pre-Twinkle videos, Book 1 accompaniment, Daily Do (for Music Mind Games class), and Christmas Carols.


 

   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 a new article in our Online Resource's folder>Parent Education

"6 Words You Should Say Today" By Rachel Macy Stafford from her book Hands Free Mama.  Mrs. Stafford is not a Suzuki teacher, but her advice is very timely as we being a NEW YEAR!  What ways can you use her advice to encourage your child in their violin studies?  in school?  in sports?    Consider using an "I love..." statement after each practice session and lesson.  What we say will affect them, AND it will also affect us.  ;-)     

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


   
   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).   

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

Please share these with the kids.

Enjoy!


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.


 
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   I recently saw that there is now a children's book written about this experiment.  Fascinating!

Another fun "out of the box" idea /video - "Here Comes the Sun," The Beatles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQPBBsawGTk