Special Presentation on Reformation Sunday

recording of our song presented this morning on Reformation Sunday. Title is "Lord Lead Us On" & I was the  accompanist. 

http://sermons.nlbpc.org/MP3/2014_10/web_2014_10_26_ENG_Special%20Presentation%20by%20Choir_Lord%20Lead%20Us%20On.mp3

10 Non-Musical Skills that Children Can Learn from Piano Lessons

Lisa Phillips has an excellent article on the ARTSblogidentifying The Top 10 Skills Children Learn from the Arts:

1. Creativity
2. Confidence
3. Problem Solving
4. Perseverance
5. Focus
6. Non-Verbal Communication
7. Receiving Constructive Feedback
8. Collaboration

1. Dedication
2. Accountability

Other inspiring posts on the benefits of learning how to play the piano:

Why Piano Makes You Smarter

Five Ways Piano Lessons Benefit Children Piano 

Piano For Body Mind and Soul

Grand piano & other Resources

I am really blessed with a grand piano a Yamaha C2 with a very beautiful tone. I have enjoyed playing and making music on it over the past few years. 

However , students or anyone who wants to make music on it are required to wash their hands first so as to minimise contamination in case of hand, foot mouth or other diseases.  Students also need to keep their finger nails short if they want to sink their fingers in it 

In addition, I have a digital piano - a Yamaha DGX 630. This is a very useful teaching and learning tool. It has a metronome, provides so many accompanying styles and different voices and percussion instruments. Best of all it can record either my playing to help students learn better as well as record student playing so that I can play back and tell them how their playing can be improved. 

Thank God for these lovely gifts!

Simply Das Ballet

As requested by my dear students, I am posting the following to speed up their learning on Turk's Das Ballet.

Happy Learning!
Teacher Lena

Curiosity

How important it is to have the sense of curiosity and and abundant dose of wonderment in exploring beautiful music on our instrument - the piano!  What blessing to create and recreate beautiful music everyday of our lives!!

How Can I Help My Child Be Successful in Piano Lessons?

Successful piano lessons require a “triangle” effort made up of parent, teacher and student.

1.  Provide a good in-tune home instrument. Without a way to properly practice at home, your child will feel inadequate come lesson time and will rapidly lose motivation and interest.

2.  Attend lessons regularly with all needed materials and a well-rested child - Regular attendance ensures that your child progresses.  Progression leads to feelings of self-confidence and achievement.  Piano students need their books/ materials at every lesson.  Keep books organised at home and teach your child learn to be responsible for their materials.

Children learn best when they are well-rested (watch out for “extracurricular over-load”) and when they are healthy.  Sick piano kids don’t retain very much… and result in sick piano teachers!

3.  Establish a consistent and daily practice routine - Choose a specific time of day that works for your family (after dinner, after the bath etc.) and make piano practice a regular and consistent event every single day.  Avoid times that are rushed, remove distractions (like the TV or smaller siblings) and offer encouragement and/or help with piano practice.

4.  Be Positive… provide constant encouragement - Comment often on your child’s progress.  Remember the names of the pieces they are working on and make requests as you go about your day to encourage regular visits to the piano.  Show your pride by sharing videos, photos or musical phone calls with friends and family.  Help your child to identify themselves as a “pianist”.

5.  Stay involved!  Show that you value music by providing live-music opportunities, encouraging your child’s participation in recitals and performances and being a part of their daily practice in some way (even if it’s only as a happy listener). 

P

The Magic Shop

The Magic Shop is opened from Friday 26 July to 5 August.

 Students may redeem their gifts using their music money that they have earned.

Have fun!

Teacher Lena!