Sunday, May 1, 2022 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:  PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

  May Schedule                              

NO Lessons are scheduled for the week of May 30 to June 3.  

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!

  Summer Lessons                        

I handed out Summer Lesson Sign up calendars in the lessons last week.  Fill it out and return it as soon as you are able.  The lesson sign ups are due by Friday, May 13.  I plan to email you your summer lesson schedule by the week of May 23rd.  

   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.  It will be held in person and virtually.  I would love for you to join me.  Here is the link for more info: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/

It seems that many Institutes are planning to have a virtual classes.  You can reduce the cost and time commitment and still experience 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!  

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, May 6th.  Location: Saint Francis UMC, Sanctuary. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518.  This is the dress rehearsal for our Solo recital the next day.  This rehearsal will not be streamed.  All performers should plan to attend in person so we can determine the logistics of the recital.  Currently, masks are optional inside all buildings at Saint Francis.  

Group schedule:

   May Solo Recital                   

Our spring recital is scheduled for Saturday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Location: Saint Francis UMC. We will be in the sanctuary.  Masks are optional in all buildings at Saint Francis.  There is enough space for us to spread out so that families do not have to sit close to each other, unless they are fine doing so.  Please find a space apart that fits your comfort level.

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 Twinkle Var A and Theme.  

    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 am sharing an article from the most recent SSA journal. "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!    

           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 Itzhak Perlman  (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!

Itzhak Perlman (1945)

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 Julliard School in New York where he studied himself. Here he plays Tartini.

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.

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

  Sunday, April 3, 2022 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:  PayPal (includes fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

  April Schedule                                   

There are NO lessons scheduled Tuesday, April 12-Monday, April 18 (Heads up: The Monday lesson schedule as been altered on Ap. 18, some of the lessons were moved to the week prior.  If needed, consult your MMS account to confirm the date for your lesson those weeks.) 

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                                    

NO Group Classes this month (we met two times in March)

   May Recital                                          

SAVE the DATE.  Our Spring Solo Recital is on Saturday, May 7 at 4:30pm.  The rehearsals for this recital will be the Friday before, May 6, during group class. 

We will begin choosing solo pieces for the recital this week.

    Musical March Madness                  

It's time to wrap up this year's March Madness Brackets!  We have FOUR students who have already completed theirs.  Bring in completed sheets as you finish them.  Students who complete this performance challenge will be recognized at the May recital.

Individual brackets will be handed out in the lessons this week.  OR you can print your bracket page using this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Hh91sAC1oC9WTmm1qmaENugc7DQcXZPn?usp=sharing

   SUMMER INSTITUES                          

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.  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/

It seems that many Institutes are planning to have a virtual classes.  You can reduce the cost and time commitment and still experience 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!  

   Parent Education                              

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

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

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

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

    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. 

   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 Michael Rabin.  (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!

Michael Rabin (1936)

Michael Rabin was known as one of the preeminent violin virtuosos of the 20th century. After a debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of 13, Michael went on to travel over 700,000 miles during his career.  Sadly, his career was cut extremely short. He died at the age of 35 and had not released a notable recording since his early 20s.

Despite his short career, Michael Rabin remains renowned for his playing abilities. His legacy lives on in several compilations of his performances from the height of his career. 

Kreisler, Caprice viennois and Tambourin Chinois: https://youtu.be/ihzaYhGhJ2E

Saint-Saens, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso: https://youtu.be/WjAqBMxc2tw

Sarasate, Habanera: https://youtu.be/oZ3cui2dAvA

Massenet, Méditation: https://youtu.be/dutwdF1NJKg

Dinicu, Hora Staccato (arr. Heifetz): https://youtu.be/ndHPPjcv76I

  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 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:  PayPal (includes fee) or Google Pay (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 Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet TWICE this month (and not in April).  Location: Saint Francis UMC* Sanctuary. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518.

• Friday, March 4
• Friday, March 25

We will follow the mask policies of the church at the time of group class.

Feb Group schedule:

    Musical March Madness                  

Can you believe it is MARCH again?!  The time of year we go the extra mile to bless others with our musical talent.  How does March Madness work on a violin?  Well, first off you will review a pair of pieces.  Then call up or visit a friend or relative and perform those two pieces for them. Finally, you ask them which piece the enjoyed hearing the most. Their answer is the WINNER of that bracket!

Individual brackets will be handed out in the lessons this week.  OR you can print your bracket page using this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Hh91sAC1oC9WTmm1qmaENugc7DQcXZPn?usp=sharing

    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 Online Resources 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 am sharing an article that can bring a little laughter and a lot of repetition to your practice time. Some of these ideas take a while, and would be best used once a week. Others may be helpful to use every day.  At the very least, I hope this article gives you some ideas and/or turns on your creative brain to come up with a few of your own!  Take some time to find the "Repetition Can be Fun" article by Laura Yeh and read over it!    Go to the TAB: Online Resources>Parent Education Folder

      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 Ida Haendel.  (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!

Ida Haendel (1928)

Born in Poland, this talented woman continued her passionate violin performances into her late eighties. She won the Warsaw Conservatory’s gold medal at the age of four. Mrs. Haendel performed regularly throughout World War II at the Promenade and National Gallery concerts, and entertained British troops.  She is known as the first western player to perform in China after the Cultural Revolution. Throughout her career, Haendel was praised for her masterclasses and her emotive recordings.

Violin Concerto by J. Sibelius: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYBQyOOED8k 
 
 Carmen Fantasy by Pablo de Sarasate:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIPACyDwC14 
 
 Sonata in G minor "Devil's Trill" by G. Tartini:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiZHVqUml3c 
 
 Violin Concerto No. 2 in Dminor by H. Wieniawski:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GmpKijD-dY

  Monday, January 31, 2022 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 (includes fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

  February Schedule                              

NO Lessons are scheduled Feb 21-25.  

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

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, February 4.  Location: Saint Francis UMC*. Sanctuary. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518.

As this is the final rehearsal for our group recital the next day, we will meet in person only.  NOTE: the times below have changed for some of you to help streamline the rehearsal time we have together.  We will follow the mask policies of the church at the time.  

Feb Group schedule:

^Meet your duet partner downstairs at 4:30 to rehearse your duet. 

    February Group Recital                   

Our first studio group recital is Saturday, February 5 at 4:30 p.m., Saint Francis UMC, Sanctuary.  At this time, masks are strongly encouraged in all buildings at Saint Francis.  There is enough space for us to spread out so that families do not have to sit close to each other, unless they are fine doing so.  Please find a space apart that fits your comfort level.

The recital will be streamed for family and friends to watch from home to 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:

Please add these pieces to a weekly rotation in your practice.  I will be hearing the ones your student knows in lessons over the next 4-5 weeks to make sure all students are prepared for the group recital.

    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 Online Resources 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 am sharing an article that aligns with our current studio focus: our Group Recital.  Why is group class important?  How does playing in an ensemble with other musicians enhance your child's education?  Take some time to find the "Play with others and Fast Track your Progress" article and read over it!    Go to the TAB: Online Resources>Parent Education Folder

      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 Ivry Gitlis.  (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!

Ivry Gitlis (1922)

always played in such a way that he reached extremes – either too much emotion or too little, too much pomp and circumstance or not enough. Born in Israel, Ivry began playing seriously at the age of 12 and played with some of the best in pop culture, including the Rolling Stones and John Lennon. He was an UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and performed with the world's top orchestras, including the London Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He died at the age of 98 years old in 2020. 

Various pieces on his album 19 Greatest Masterpieces for Violin  Choose a piece or two to listen to from the list in the description below the video.   https://youtu.be/iEvB69EZWZQ

Violin Concerto, Op. 35, mvt 1 by Tchaikovsky:  https://youtu.be/MSTxvtIDX90 

Violin Concerto, Brahms: https://youtu.be/_XMUVAMRpXw

Chaccone from Partitia No. 2 in D Minor, by J.S.Bach:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh8pKgwapSA

  Tuesday, January 4, 2022 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 (includes fee) or Google Pay (no fee) 

 January Schedule                              

NO Lessons are scheduled Jan 3-7.  

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

   Group Classes                                   

Group Classes will meet on Friday, January 21.  Location: Saint Francis UMC. Room TBD. 2965 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518.

All class will be streamed on ZOOM and will meet in person.  When the weather is nice we will gather under the portico of the Admin building.  When the weather is not tolerant for us or our instruments, we will meet in the choir room and follow the mask policies of the church at the time.  

Group schedule:

    February Group Recital                   

I am excited to put together a studio group recital!  Saturday, February 5 at 4:30 p.m.Location: Saint Francis UMC. More details will be given in the February news.  For now, make sure this date is on your family calendar.  All students are expected to participate.  

Repertoire for the Group Recital:

Please add these pieces to a weekly rotation in your practice.  I will be hearing the ones your student knows in lessons over the next 4-5 weeks to make sure all students are prepared for the group recital.

    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 Online Resources 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 am sharing an article that I don't really know where I acquired. Nevertheless, it is packed with a great tidbits that might just be what you need to start of this NEW YEAR.  Take some time to find the "FIVE little Ideas" article and read over it!    Go to the TAB: Online Resources>Parent Education Folder

      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 Isaac Stern  (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!

Wieniawski, Polonaise Brillante: https://youtu.be/zW_4xR72JBc

J.S. Bach, Chaconne: https://youtu.be/1zvRWFD_1_M

L. van Beethoven, Piano Trio, Op. 1 No. 2: https://youtu.be/tG7Z590f6MY

F. Kreisler, Liebeslied: https://youtu.be/ModXTjydx7k

A MUST WATCH:  Short Documentary (Grammy Lifetime Achievement award) + performance of Concerto for 2 violins by Bach (7:30): https://youtu.be/DSWxpsItJRg   (also includes piano performance by the pianist in the trio link above)

Isaac Stern

Isaac Stern was more than just a violinist, he was also a strong force behind many great and famous violinists, including Itzhak Perlman. Highly respected in the violin community as a statesman as well as a premier violinist of the 20th century, he was both a violin teacher and a player.

When he was 6, Stern started learning to play the piano but he would soon turn his interest to the violin which led him to study at the San Francisco Conservatory and then later under Naoum Blinder.

Since making his debut at the age of 15 with the San Francisco Symphony, he would go on to collaborate with the great Russian pianist Alexander Zakin before going on to discover great violinists like Pinchas Zukerman.

Before his death in 2001 at the age of 81, Isaac Stern had already had many recordings and awards to his name.