JULY Studio News
Saturday, July 3, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
July tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
Ways to pay:
- MAIL CHECK: 814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
- ONLINE PAYMENT: PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee)
What to do:
Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month.
1. Check is in the mail,
2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or
3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route. I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)
July Schedule
Summer lessons are scheduled from July 5 to 30.
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 not meet during the summer months.
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 much value in motivation for you, the Suzuki parent. Let these articles give you that blessing!!
This month I want to highlight an online article:
Play It Again Sam—How to Implement Listening in Home Practice by Jennifer Burton. A brief article with several ideas of how and why to listen daily. https://suzukiassociation.org/news/play-it-again-sam-how-to-implement-listening-2/ Let me know what you think!
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.
Suzuki Book Recordings
New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have been released! Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/
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 highlighted violinist is Jascha Heifetz (see notes below).
There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist.
Enjoy!
Jascha Heifetz (1901)
By far the greatest performer of the modern recording age. Born in 1901, died in 1987, he is one of the very few, if not the only one of, players who can hit the high note at the end of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and give it vibrato in the fifth of a second or so of its playing time.
He became legendary with his recording of Zigeunerweisen, written by another performer on this list, which showcases almost every technique a violinist par excellence should have. It became Heifetz’s signature piece. After a slow segment, the fast part incorporates hair-raising pizzicato and bowing passages at the same time. Heifetz was more than equal to the task. His admirers have all expressed wonderment at his marvelous tone quality, however difficult the piece of music he was performing.
Heifetz is seen by many as the greatest talent on the violin since the beginning of the recording age. From his earliest public performance at the age of five, to his lengthy career in the US where he relocated later, he made an impact with his masterful technique and arrangements for violin. He also made a significant contribution to teaching in his later years. Here he is playing Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto in D major.
Concerto for Violin, P.I.Tchaikovsky, mvt 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFaq9kTlcaY
Caprice No. 24, N.Paganini: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPcnGrie__M&list=RDvPcnGrie__M#t=13
Wieniawski Polonaise No. 1 in D Major: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21dsRBeIy8A&list=RDvPcnGrie__M&index=4
ZOOM Virtual Lessons
Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online. A few reminders:
- Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time. (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
- Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms. Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended? I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
- Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able. The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing. I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.
- Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
- Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper.
- Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.
You can access the Zoom link through the MMS website. Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.
JUNE Studio News
Monday, May 31, 2021 by Cortney Baker | Uncategorized
June tuition
is due at your first lesson of the month. Consult your monthly invoice for the exact amount.
Ways to pay:
- MAIL CHECK: 814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
- ONLINE PAYMENT: PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee)
What to do:
Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month.
1. Check is in the mail,
2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or
3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route. I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)
June Schedule
There are no lessons Monday, May 31 to Tuesday, June 8.
Summer lessons will begin on Wednesday, June 9.
There will be no lessons from Monday, June 21 to Friday, July 2.
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 not meet during the summer months.
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 previous article:
Beyond Technology by Laurie Stroup. A brief article that reminds us how practicing can be and is a great substitute for our children's technology time (be it for pleasure, school or other). I enjoy her insight each time I read this article. Let me know what you think!
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.
Summer Suzuki Institutes
Its that time of year again! This summer - 2021 - is unique in that many institutes are already planning to be virtual! You can reduce the cost and time commitment and check out 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!
Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats. This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel. Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/
I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer. The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants. I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer. Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/
A few others where colleagues of mine are on faculty or direct the institute, and I thought would be educational for you to read about:
https://www.ogontzsuzukiinstitute.com/
https://www.ithaca.edu/suzuki-institutes
https://www.atlantasuzuki.org/
AND, it looks like the North Caroline Institute (Greenville) is planning to be in person this year. Space is limited. Registration opens this week, MAY 7.
https://music.ecu.edu/summer/suzuki/
Suzuki Book Recordings
New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released! Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/
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 highlighted violinist is Joseph Szigeti (see notes below).
There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist.
Enjoy!
Joseph Szigeti (1892)
Szigeti might not have had a grand technique, but his take on what music really means has earned him a top spot among famous violinists. He didn’t have a huge sound but made up for that in poetic intelligence. One of his most famous works is the recording of First Rhapsody by Bartok, along with other pieces, with the composer himself. As old age took a toll, he turned to writing about the craft, and produced beautiful texts.
here is a link to his biography on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Szigeti
Rhapsody No. 1, Bela Bartok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuMTISOHRKg (Bela Bartok is the pianist in this recording - how awesome would if be to perform with the composer of the piece you have learned?!?)
Here they are performing Bartok's Roumanian Folk Dances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ydYQhM7kho
Schubert "The Bee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pm6kBXkqT4
Hubay, "The Zephyr": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BUY55Onzkc (Hubay was Szigeti's teacher. Another fun connection - to play a piece of music written by your teacher!)
ZOOM Virtual Lessons
Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online. A few reminders:
- Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time. (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
- Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms. Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended? I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
- Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able. The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing. I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.
- Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
- Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper.
- Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.
You can access the Zoom link through the MMS website. Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.
MAY Studio News
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 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:
- MAIL CHECK: 814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
- ONLINE PAYMENT: PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee)
What to do:
Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month.
1. Check is in the mail,
2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or
3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route. I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)
May Schedule
The final week of lessons for the 2020-21 school year is Mon, May 24 to Thurs, May 27.
There will be no lessons scheduled from May 31 to June 4.
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, May 21st. Location: Saint Francis UMC, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd. Weather permitting we will be under the portico again. This month we have fun playing ensemble games and wrapping up our year of learning!
Here is our schedule:
|
4:00-4:25 |
Twinkle |
Ruthie Catalano, Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley |
|
4:30-4:55 |
Early-Mid Bk 1 |
Katie Cantrell, Luke Fox, Logan Isett, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Selah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo |
|
5:00-5:40 |
Late Bk 1-Bk 3 |
Carter Bettini, Christian Kelley, Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne, Noah Wallace, Gabrielle Zipparo |
|
5:45-6:30 |
Bk 4+ |
Ella Armstrong, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom, Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Ameris Rood |
Summer Lesson Sign Up
Summer lesson sign up calendars are due by May 14 (next Friday). I have been handing out sign up calendars in lessons this week. They are also available in the email sent out May 5th or in your MyMusicStaff account>Online Resources>Registration Files. If you have questions regarding how to fill out this calendar, please ask. Looking forward to our summer months of lessons and practicing! ♫☺♥ Let's keep the momentum going!!
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 two NEW articles:
Long Term Practice Challenge Ideas by Samara Humbert-Hughes - 10 creative ways to set up a long term practice goal in your home. Number One should look familiar! ;-) Is there a different idea that looks better for your child? Let's talk and see what we can set up!
The Changing Role of the Suzuki Parent by Teri Einfeldt - a nice list of ideas for each stage of a student's growth through their musical education. Looking for ideas of how to enhance your child's musical education? Wondering when it is time to let your child practice more on their own? Teri might have a few things to say that speak to your question(s)!
One more idea...a few of the students in our studio have started meeting up on Zoom to practice together or to just play for each other. Is this an idea you would like to explore for your child? Talk with me and let's see what grows out of this seed that has been planted.
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.
Reminder: This summer - 2021 - is unique in that many institutes are already planning to be virtual! You can reduce the cost and time commitment and check out 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!
Summer Suzuki Institutes
Its that time of year again! Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment. Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats. This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel. Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/
I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer. The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants. I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer. Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/
A few others where colleagues of mine are on faculty or direct the institute, and I thought would be educational for you to read about:
https://www.ogontzsuzukiinstitute.com/
https://www.ithaca.edu/suzuki-institutes
https://www.atlantasuzuki.org/
AND, it looks like the North Caroline Institute (Greenville) is planning to be in person this year. Space is limited. Registration opens this week, MAY 7.
https://music.ecu.edu/summer/suzuki/
Suzuki Book Recordings
New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released! Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/
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 highlighted violinist is Bronislav Huberman (see notes below).
There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist.
Enjoy!
Mischa Elman (1891)
His admirers and the virtuosos today consider him to have been one of the greatest in the age of recording. He had a pristine technique and a tone quality. The emotion he could express via his instrument was rich, full of passion and yet very refined.
He is also the progenitor of the famous joke, when walking home one evening in New York City, from a poorly received recital, he was stopped by a passerby who intended to go to his performance, but was late. The passerby asked, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Elman winced and said, “Practice, practice, practice!” as he walked on.
Dvorak's Humoresque (one of our Book 3 pieces! starts at 1:30) and Gavotte by Gossec (one of our Book 1 pieces at 6:00 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31uJT2IKsR0
Dvorak-Kreisler, "Slavonic Fantasy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQyVqB-HVTI
Massenet, Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50SMNJyx5II
A fun collection of short pieces he recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kD5aXaZBjs
ZOOM Virtual Lessons
Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online. A few reminders:
- Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time. (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
- Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms. Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended? I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
- Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able. The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing. I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.
- Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
- Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper.
- Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.
You can access the Zoom link through the MMS website. Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.
APRIL Studio News
Thursday, April 1, 2021 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:
- MAIL CHECK: 814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
- ONLINE PAYMENT: PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee)
What to do:
Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month.
1. Check is in the mail,
2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or
3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route. I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)
April Schedule
No Lessons are scheduled from Thurs, April 1 to Mon, April 5 due to Spring Break and the Easter holiday.
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, April 23rd. Location: Saint Francis UMC, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd. Weather permitting we will be under the portico again. This month we focus on staging and rehearsing for the April solo recitals the next day.
Here is our schedule:
|
4:00-4:25 |
Twinkle |
Ruthie Catalano, Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley |
|
4:30-4:55 |
Early-Mid Bk 1 |
*Katie Cantrell, Luke Fox, Logan Isett, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, *Selah Wallace, Glover Wilson, *Annabelle Zipparo |
|
5:00-5:40 |
Late Bk 1-Bk 3 |
Carter Bettini, *Christian Kelley, *Claire Catalano, *Campbell Fox, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne, Noah Wallace, Gabrielle Zipparo |
|
5:45-6:30 |
Bk 4+ |
Ella Armstrong, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom, Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Ameris Rood |
*talk with me about condensing the time you are on campus by moving to a group with or closer to your sibling(s). It is also fine to stay with your group.
April Solo Recitals
Our spring recitals are scheduled for Saturday, April 24 at 4:00 & 5:15p.m. at Saint Francis UMC (weather permitting, outside under the portico). Due to the gathering restrictions still in place, we will hold two recitals back to back to allow us to meet in person. Families will sit together (spaced apart from other families) in the parking lot where we had group classes in March. To help with seeing and hearing your child, performers and their family will be under the portico when they play.
To help plan our audience numbers equitably, please fill out this Google form link (also included in the April news email). Family and friends are invited to watch and support our performers via Zoom!
All studio participants are expected to participate in our 2 recitals each year. Recital pieces have been chosen or will be chosen in your next lesson.
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) or dress pants and nice top, dress shoes preferred.
ARRIVAL:
4:00 Recital participants, plan to arrive by 3:45 PM to unpack and tune
5:15 Recital participants, plan to arrive by 5:00 PM to unpack and tune
Find your child(ren)'s name on the recital lists below and plan accordingly.
|
4:00 Recital |
5:15 Recital |
|
Ella Armstrong |
Timothy Baker |
|
Elizabeth Baucom |
Carter Bettini |
|
Eva Dyess |
Katie Cantrell |
|
Divya Kancharla |
Rachel Cantrell |
|
Hannah Katragadda |
Claire Catalano |
|
Christian Kelley |
Ruthie Catalano |
|
Cataleya Kelley |
Zoey Cromartie |
|
Lillian Moore |
Campbell Fox |
|
Wesley Payne |
Charlotte Fox |
|
Maitri Potukuchi |
Luke Fox |
|
Noah Wallace |
Logan Isett |
|
Selah Wallace |
Glover Wilson |
|
Annabelle Zipparo |
Connor Raeman |
|
Gabrielle Zipparo |
Ameris Rood |
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 two articles:
Help! My Child Won't Practice by Glenda Gail Walsh - an informative list of 22 walls that we often find ourselves standing in front of. Take a moment to glance through the list and see if any of them speak to your needs. Then read on to glean a nugget or two of wisdom or insight.
Play With Others and Fast Track Your Progress by Melanie Smith-Doderai - Read about 5 essential skills gained when a student participates in ensemble with other musicians. This could be orchestra, chamber group or group class. In addition to our studio group classes, there are several string orchestras in the Triangle area that your student can join. Talk with me if you are interested in exploring these opportunities.
One more idea...a few of the students in our studio have started meeting up on Zoom to practice together or to just play for each other. Is this an idea you would like to explore for your child? Talk with me and let's see what grows out of this seed that has been planted.
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.
A reminder: This summer - 2021 - is unique in that many institutes are already planning to be virtual! You can reduce the cost and time commitment and check out 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! Sign up now (see below), take advantage of Early Bird prices (usually in March/April)!!
Summer Suzuki Institutes
Its that time of year again! Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment. Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats. This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel. Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/
I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer. The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants. I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer. Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/
A few others where colleagues of mine are on faculty or direct the institute, and I thought would be educational for you to read about:
https://www.ogontzsuzukiinstitute.com/
https://www.ithaca.edu/suzuki-institutes
https://www.atlantasuzuki.org/
AND, it looks like the North Caroline Institute (Greenville) is planning to be in person this year (they will make a final decision on April 15) - if you want to check out a camp close to home!
MUSICAL MARCH MADNESS
I have enjoyed hearing about the pieces on your brackets that are "winning." Stay focused on this awesome review activity! Take as much time as you need to complete it. What a wonderful way to encourage practicing and performing. Remember to share with your child that this is an opportunity to be intentional about SERVING OTHERS with their musical talents.
A few ideas for making this more of a challenge or simply enhancing the presentation: Instead of just playing these pieces "one more time," can you add something to make them more musical? more advanced? more entertaining? How about playing with piano accompaniment video or tracks from the recording files? Are they playing with dynamics? the correct style of bow?
Need ideas? ASK ME! I love sharing ways to enhance the musical ideas in a piece. Let's make this project FUN and beneficial!
Suzuki Book Recordings
New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released! Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/
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 highlighted violinist is Bronislav Huberman (see notes below).
There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist.
Enjoy!
Bronislav Huberman (1882)
Huberman is probably best known for his founding of the Palestine Orchestra which helped save Jews from the Holocaust. But prior to this, he had established a reputation of one of the best violinists of his time. He performed throughout Europe from a young age, even performing Brahms’ violin concerto in front of the composer and receiving an impressed response. Brahms was so moved by the boy's performance that he gave him a photograph signed from "your grateful listener." His technical playing might not be as good as that of others, but his personal twist on the music makes him a long-standing favorite.
Here are a few recordings of him performing, please share these with your student:
Chopin - Nocturne, Op. 9 No, 2: https://youtu.be/ByhwHJ5nRv0
Sarasate - Romanza Andaluza: https://youtu.be/_cM_bjE7BYs
Schubert - Ave Maria: https://youtu.be/YgNq0WOd9B4
Zarzycki - Mazurka op.26: https://youtu.be/GRAr-s7eTJk
Max Bruch - Kol Nidrei, Op. 47: https://youtu.be/pIrwaWojB78
ZOOM Virtual Lessons
Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online. A few reminders:
- Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time. (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
- Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms. Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended? I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
- Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able. The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing. I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.
- Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
- Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper.
- Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.
You can access the Zoom link through the MMS website. Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.
MARCH Studio News
Monday, March 1, 2021 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:
- MAIL CHECK: 814 Pineland Dr, Cary, 27511
- ONLINE PAYMENT: PayPal (include fee) or Google Pay (no fee)
What to do:
Reply to your invoice email on the 1st and let me know how you will send tuition this month.
1. Check is in the mail,
2. PayPal link on invoice (you will pay the 2.9% fee), or
3. Google Pay (I will need to send you money request to go this route. I will send out requests to everyone who chose this option prior)
March Schedule
No Lessons are scheduled from Tues, Mar 30 to Mon, April 5 due to Spring Break and the Easter holiday.
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, March 26th. Location: Zoom.
Here is our schedule:
|
4:00-4:25 |
Twinkle |
Ruthie Catalano, Zoey Cromartie, Eva Dyess, Charlotte Fox, Cataleya Kelley |
|
4:30-4:55 |
Early Bk 1 |
Katie Cantrell, Luke Fox, Logan Isett, Divya Kancharla, Maitri Potukuchi, Connor Raeman, Selah Wallace, Glover Wilson, Annabelle Zipparo |
|
5:00-5:40 |
Late Bk 1-Bk 3 |
Carter Bettini, Christian Kelley, Claire Catalano, Campbell Fox, Lillian Moore, Wesley Payne, Noah Wallace, Gabrielle Zipparo |
|
5:45-6:30 |
Bk 4+ |
Ella Armstrong, Timothy Baker, Elizabeth Baucom, Rachel Cantrell, Hannah Katragadda, Ameris Rood |
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.
This summer - 2021 - is unique in that many institutes are already planning to be virtual! You can reduce the cost and time commitment and check out 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! Sign up now (see below), take advantage of Early Bird prices (usually in March)!!
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.
Summer Suzuki Institutes
Its that time of year again! Summer Suzuki institutes have started accepting enrollment. Due to uncertain summer COVID19 restrictions in many areas, several of the institutes have already decided to run online formats. This might be the perfect summer to try out an institute without the added element of travel. Here is the SAA webpage listing of all the Institute: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/
I will be on faculty at the Greater Washington Suzuki Institute again this summer. The faculty at this camp are highly esteemed in the Suzuki community, and each summer proves to be an uplifting and motivating experience for participants. I would love to have ALL of you join me at camp this summer. Here is the SAA listing for the GWSI: https://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/greater-washington-suzuki-institute/
A few others where colleagues of mine are on faculty or direct the institute, and I thought would be educational for you to read about:
https://www.ogontzsuzukiinstitute.com/
https://www.ithaca.edu/suzuki-institutes
https://www.atlantasuzuki.org/
AND, it looks like the North Caroline Institute (Greenville) is in person this year - if you want to check out a camp close to home!
MUSICAL MARCH MADNESS
It's MARCH again! Can you believe it? When we started this month last year, everything was starting to "shut down," and I remember feeling that one unexpected blessing came in the form of our MARCH MADNESS challenge. How awesome was it that just as we all need to isolate ourselves, we were motivated to reach out to friends and family and play music for them?
This year we have the opportunity to be intentional about SERVING OTHERS with our musical talents. Each student has 15 "games" to play and therefore the possibility of 15 different lives to touch. Make a list! Who do you know would appreciate a little sunshine in their day? Anyone from church? Relatives that live far away? I am excited to hear who you choose to bless in the next few weeks.
On the personal side, this REVIEW project is also a benefit to your child. ;-) As the home coach, I want to encourage you to find ways to "up the challenge" for your child. Instead of just playing these pieces "one more time," can you add something to make them more musical? more advanced? more entertaining? How about playing with piano accompaniment video or tracks from the recording files? Are they playing with dynamics? the correct style of bow?
Need ideas? ASK ME! I love sharing ways to enhance the musical ideas in a piece. Let's make this project FUN and beneficial!
Suzuki Book Recordings
New recordings of the Suzuki Books 1-3 performed by violinist Hilary Hahn have just been released! Use this link to read more and/or purchase from iTunes, Amazon Music or Alfred websites: https://www.alfred.com/suzuki-violin-overview/
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 highlighted violinist is Fritz Kreisler (see notes below). Kreisler is the violinist that Dr. Suzuki named his "Kreisler Highway" for -- that perfect spot to draw the bow across the string. Dr. Suzuki studied Kreisler's sound production intently and deemed this highway and important teaching point. You too can listen to Kreisler and hear his beautiful tone!
There are other recordings - enjoy looking around and learning more about this great artist of our time.
Enjoy!
Fritz Kreisler (1875)
Kreisler was a prodigy who was accepted by the Paris conservatory at the age of seven and won its most prestigious prize at the age of twelve. He was one of the first violinists to achieve international fame through the gramophone, and also his many tours. He was considered one of the last violinists of the romantic era. Here he performs Beethoven’s violin sonata no 1.
One of the first true masters of the pre-recording age to make his mark in the sound studio. Kreisler lived from 1875 to 1962, and was known for a very polite, charming tone quality, not bombastic or forceful, but technically perfect, as if he were asking the audience’s permission to show off now and then. He is typically contrasted with #5, whose technical abilities were just as perfect, but whose tone was much more aggressive, even in slow passages.
Kreisler was one of the few classical musicians to die wealthy back then, having been struck by cars twice, once in 1941, which fractured his skull and put him in a week-long coma, and again a few months before his death, a traffic accident which left him blind and deaf. He was known to be supremely polite and gentlemanly to everyone he met, and this has been noted as an abiding quality of his playing. He wrote what is, today, the most popular cadenza for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D.
Here are a few recordings of him performing a few different pieces:
Caprice Viennois:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd53kbz7QOM&list=PLzSb4cgS0A3NE6qLT5ixtfuPCpN9odvni&index=3
Tango: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4oGB6ZSsdo&index=3&list=PLzSb4cgS0A3MSqEiT4l21i-8F2n850A-L
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUhHgwpXILU&index=2&list=PLzSb4cgS0A3MSqEiT4l21i-8F2n850A-L
Beethoven, Sonata No.8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1HKZJe5jwE
Tambourin Chinois. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHwqIL44MRA
ZOOM Virtual Lessons
Here is the link to use for online lessons: https://zoom.us/j/9799595937
Password: cbviolin
Thank you all for continuing to work on establishing lesson etiquette online. A few reminders:
- Set up your lesson space with ample time to log in 5 minutes before your lesson time. (music stand, music, tuned instrument, etc)
- Please have the video in landscape (horizontal) setting so I can see both arms. Test out your bow arm at the tip...can you see your bow hold in the picture with your arm extended? I do not need to see your music stand, that can be off to the side of the camera (your left side when you are facing the screen).
- Turn off as many Wi-Fi devices in your house as you are able. The more devices you have accessing your router, the more delays and cut outs happen when you are playing. I will have most everything here at my house removed from our router during lesson times to help us out.
- Mute yourself and even turn off your video to be less of a distraction to the lesson in progress.
- Feel free to experiment with speakers or mics on your end to be able to hear me / make your audio sharper.
- Turn ON original sound, so that Zoom will relay your instrument's sound without delay. If you need help with this setting, please ask.
You can also access the Zoom link through the MMS website. Log into your user account and click on the link associated with the event.
