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:

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:

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

DECEMBER Studio News

  Sunday, November 27, 2022 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. IN PERSON at your lesson
2. MAIL CHECK:  814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
3. ONLINE PAYMENT:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

  December Schedule                         

NO Lessons are scheduled for Monday, Dec 18 - Friday Jan 6 for Christmas / New Years break.

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 / Recital Rehearsal     

Group Classes will meet this month on Friday, December 2nd.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518, Sanctuary.   We will be focused mostly on preparing for the solo recital the following day, so these group classes will not be offered on Zoom.   Group schedule:

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

   December Solo Recital                   

Our fall recital is scheduled for Saturday, December 3 at 4:30 p.m. Location: Saint Francis UMC. We will be in the sanctuary.  The recital will be streamed for family and friends to watch from home to support all of the performers!   Invites to share with family and friends have been emailed. 

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 

**In addition to your child's chosen solo piece, they will also be performing our recital finale of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  

  Suzuki Weekend Workshops        

SAVE THE DATE.  Our next weekend workshop will be on FEBRUARY 4.   More details in the New Year.

    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. 

"Finding a Balance of Deliberate and Informal Practice" by Rafael Videira, Suzuki viola teacher in the Northwest US, first defines for us the differences between Deliberate and Informal practice and then explains how balancing the two can motivate and energize a young musician.   I thought this article was a good one to showcase as we all kickstart our school year routines.  What elements in this article spark ideas you can include in your practice routine this year?    

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 Anne-Sophie Mutter  (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!

Anne-Sophie Mutter (1963 - )
 
German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter was mentored in her early career by the great conductor Herbert von Karajan, and it shows. She’s a huge champion of modern works rather than just the old favorites and, as such, is vital to the instrument’s growth.

 

 

Vivaldi, The Four Seasons: https://youtu.be/9eEap53WxKY
Beethoven, Sonata No. 9, op. 47 “Kreutzer” https://youtu.be/COGcCBJAC6I 
John Williams, “Hedwig’s Theme” https://youtu.be/qsCZP3wdF4w (conducted by John Williams)

John Williams, Han Solo and the Princess From "The Empire Strikes Back" https://youtu.be/utFjcx8hHFY (also conducted by John Williams) 

NOVEMBER Studio News

  Sunday, November 6, 2022 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  November 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) 

  November Schedule                         

NO Lessons are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15 as I am in rehearsal all day.

NO Lessons are scheduled for Monday, Nov 21 - Friday Nov 25 for Thanksgiving week.

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, November 4th.  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:

   December Solo Recital                            

Our fall recital is scheduled for Saturday, December 3 at 4:30 p.m. Location: Saint Francis UMC. We will be in the sanctuary.  The recital will be streamed for family and friends to watch from home to support all of the performers!   I will send out an invite for you to share the week before.

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 

**In addition to your child's chosen solo piece, they will also be performing our recital finale of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  

  Suzuki Weekend Workshops             

SAVE THE DATE.  Our next weekend workshop will be on FEBRUARY 4.   More details in the New Year.

    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. 

"Today's Investment -- Beyond Technology" by Laurie Brand Stroup, mom of three Suzuki students who shares her thoughts regarding the benefits a Suzuki education provides when put beside the effects of technology in today's culture. (and this was published Pre-COVID, so I am pretty sure the statistics she mentions have increased!).   

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 Victoria Mullova  (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!

Viktoria Mullova (1959) 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.

Sibelius, Violin Concerto:  https://youtu.be/bgGNhvuiwiw

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

SEPTEMBER Studio News

  Thursday, September 1, 2022 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized

  September 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) 

  September Schedule                         

NO Lessons are scheduled from Sept 1 to Sept 5.

Our 2022-23 lesson schedule begins on Tues, Sept 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 Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, September 16th.  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:

  Suzuki Weekend Workshops             

SAVE THE DATE for TWO local weekend workshops.  OCTOBER 8 and FEBRUARY 4.  For those of you who have been to the Chapel Hill Workshops, these Raleigh workshops will be on a much smaller scale.  As best I know right now, the day will include group classes and a concert to highlight the skills learned earlier in the groups.  Also included in the weekend are limited Fri and Sun masterclasses.  More details coming soon.

  Youth Orchestra Opportunities          

As many of our studio violinists begin their journey into music reading, I want to recommend joining a local youth orchestra to give them additional opportunities to use and strengthen their music reading knowledge.  Several of our local schools do have orchestra programs and my first recommendation would be to support that program and sign up to participate.  For those students who do not have that opportunity, there are a few local youth programs to consider.

Triangle Philharmonic Association:https://philharmonic-association.org  Auditions have already taken place for the full orchestras.  I would imagine they are still registering for the non audition orchestras that meet at the Cary Art Center.  Be in touch if you are interested in participating this year. 

Holly Strings Youth Orchestra:https://hsyouthorchestra.org/  There are 2 ensembles divided by age for students who have been playing over 1 year.  This ensembles meet on the weekend.

North Carolina Chamber Music Institute:https://nccmi.org/  Provides young musicians in the area with experience playing in small chamber groups (typically 4 players).  Read through their website to learn more about what they offer. Be in touch with me if you are interested in considering this option either now or in the future.  Audition dates are very soon (that said, knowing about this program this year may simply be for you to look forward to auditioning in the future).

    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. 

"Finding a Balance of Deliberate and Informal Practice" by Rafael Videira, Suzuki viola teacher in the Northwest US, first defines for us the differences between Deliberate and Informal practice and then explains how balancing the two can motivate and energize a young musician.   I thought this article was a good one to showcase as we all kickstart our school year routines.  What elements in this article spark ideas you can include in your practice routine this year?    

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 Nigel Kennedy  (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!

Nigel Kennedy (1956)
 An English violinist and violist.  His early career was primarily spent performing classical music. His later career expanded into jazz, klezmer, and other music genres. At age 16, Kennedy appeared with jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli at New York's Carnegie Hall.  In 1989, his recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons sold over 2 million copies and is one of the best-selling of all classical recordings.

 

• Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (his original recording of this - one of the 1st violinists to create a classical "music video"):  https://youtu.be/Pc0rt2wi2ng
• Monty: Czardas (a dramatic interpretation of... ☺) : https://youtu.be/26yzhNtKLcE   (not the best video quality, but the sound is good!)
• LIVE at Jazz Festival 2015 (a great mix of classical and other styles!  Listen to it all, or move around to hear the 4 different pieces): https://youtu.be/Gnbd2WX_1K0
• Jazz / Swing '39: https://youtu.be/eZZ4gTjRxtA
• Danny Boy: https://youtu.be/Rf0or4qaBMg