Last summer, a friend recommended a book to me called “Brain Rules”, by Dr. Jon Medina.  The books comes with a DVD, which my friend played for me on his laptop during a trip to Chicago.   A bit of a self improvement junkie, I found myself instantly riveted and I bought the book and the audio book shortly thereafter.  Dr. Medina’s book presents twelve rules that people should understand about how their brains work.  The twelve rules are presented in twelve chapters.  At the end of each chapter, Dr. Medina presents several suggestions to implement these rules and (possibly) transform your life.  Some of the suggestions are simple, and some suggest a reshaping of some of society’s current habits and norms.

Prior to reading Medina’s book, I found myself reconciling lessons and answering emails from 1 to 2 hours per day. In addition to that, I would try to squeeze in thirty minutes of exercise plus two hours of daily practice. Never mind teaching a full load of 60 students and group lessons 6 days a week! And then just daily tasks – cooking, cleaning the studio, paying bills, returning phone calls. This is no small task to get all of these items done. Unfortunately, (like most people) exercise was frequently trimmed from the daily to do list when things got hectic. And exercise was the thing that would benefit me the most in navigating this demanding schedule.

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Last month I listed the benefits of adding a lab to your lesson and provided a general overview of lab ideas. This month I will list and describe specific pedagogical software (programs designed specifically for student learning of musical concepts) that I use throughout the year.

Generally, software can become an immediate favorite with me and my students, seem to date itself quite quickly, or seem useful but with limitations. Most of the programs I own fall into the following categories:

Can I Play It Again? (Games that Teach)

Piano Wizard

http://www.pianowizard.com/ This unique game is reminiscent of Guitar Hero but provides excellent sequential steps to reading from the grand staff, hands alone and hands together. The success of the program lies in how well it disguises learning with graphics, animation and action. Students with NO prior piano experience can easily play this game–it is loved by students of all levels.

Groovy Shapes (ages 5-7), Groovy Jungle (ages 7-9) and Groovy City (ages9-11)

www.sibelius.com/products/groovy/shapes.html The set of three programs offers lessons in music notation and terminology and then provides unique ways to create and compose with the material covered in each lesson. The graphics captivate students and the inspirational format for making original compositions lures them into the world of musical creativity. These programs allow input from a MIDI keyboard for further creative options.

Do I Have To? (Lessons that Teach)

Children’s Music Journey Vols 1-3

http://www.adventus.com/store/childrens-music-journey/ This series is a marvelous teaching program for elementary pianists (preschool to 8?). The curriculum is designed with diligently- sequenced steps to learning and applying reading and composition skills. Students enjoy meeting their various on-screen “teachers”  (famous composers) and listening to their famous compositions while learning the rudimentary basics.

Alfred’s Essentials of Music

http://www.alfred.com/Products/Essentials-of-Music-Theory-Software-Version-20-CD-ROM-Student-Version-Complete-Volume–00-18833.aspx Even though students may consider these a little dry, the lessons cover essentials and are great tools. If a new concept is being taught during a lesson, I will assign lessons from this software to reinforce what was taught–never hurts for students to hear explanations from a different “teacher”. More…

As I ponder my blog entry today, I’m in the process of scheduling new monthly jam sessions for my students!

In the past, as a summer workshop, Keyboard Jam proved to be very successful in stretching the students abilities, as well as giving them experience and enthusiasm for playing with other musicians! Have you read Nate Shaw’s two most recent articles on this very blog site? (If not, I hope that you will! I have added the links at the bottom of this article!)  Nate has some great ideas that I am definitely going to implement into my studio jam sessions, private lessons and recitals!

All of my students will be invited (pianists, singer, other instrumentalists). As the jam sessions become a huge hit, I will use them as an incentive, and extend invitation first to top practicers, best scales for the month, etc. All of the students will have fun creating music together, and learning how musicians work and play together. It works best to have separate sessions if you have a  large variance in ages and level of students. We will use the grand piano, a few keyboards, hand drums, shakers, my electric bass, and any other instruments that show up with the students.  There are so many different directions a class like this can take, but here’s a session plan that I have found to work extremely well!  More…

Prepare Your Students For A Different Kind Of Recital

Working on 'groove' with my students

Last month I discussed a different kind of recital (I call it a gig) I have implemented for my students. It takes place at a jazz club. Uses professional musicians to back the students, young and old. And is very casual for both family and students. See the previous entry for more info on that. This month I wanted to discuss how I prepare my students for this type of show.

I teach from the very beginning a reverence for the groove. Whether it’s a classical piece or a blues or even just the simplest beginning 4 measure ‘song.,’ I approach all music with the idea that rhythm and pulse…ie. Groove..is essential. Way before I discuss any musical terms, note names, technique, etc. my students are playing rhythm games. My belief is that all music flows at its base level from a pulse and students need to be aware of this from the beginning. So, the gig creates a real opportunity for them to share that groove with other musicians. But in order for them to feel ready to play with other live musicians, I need to simulate the experience in the studio.

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An assignment given to me as a grad student was to visit various successful piano teachers in the area. One studio that particularly inspired me offered a computer session with each lesson. Upon graduating I embraced the technology of the 20th century and since then have attracted many students because of the “Lab” (computer session) with the “Lesson”.

In the 21st century, most households have succumbed to the technology and expect others to do so as well. At this point, why not capitalize on the countless options provided by the virtual world? WHY NOT set up lab time for your students and hire your computer?

Why?

• More Students–show that you care and attract students by meeting them where they are–online, on the phone, xbox, iTunes…
• More Time–spend 30 minutes teaching your student and then increase his/her learning time by a 30-minute lab
• More Income–charge for the lesson and add a lab fee as well (about one-third of your lesson fee)
• More Learning Tools–with more income you are able to purchase more equipment, music, software, etc that provide a variety of options for all learning styles

When?

• Schedule two students each hour, one works with you for 30 minutes while one works on the lab assignment for 30 minutes, then switch
• Consider this schedule for students in preschool, 1st-8th graders and beyond

How?

• Create Lab Folders for each student that lists the assignment to be covered for the day
• Choose software, or activities that provide tutorials, ear training, note name drills, YOU decide
• Create a unit and choose games, drills and tutorials focused on that concept

Why Not?

• Do not attempt to add a Lab if you are NOT  interested in computers, software, internet…
• If you are NOT able to multi-task, reconsider the Lab. You must be prepared to teach one student and expect interruptions from the other working on the computer
• If you are NOT willing to spend time determining lab assignments (however, great resources like www.keystoimagination.com are available to lift this burden!)
• If you are NOT interested in learning about, acquiring and installing software More…

daily observations “classical music insights” Charles Noble is the Assistant principal violist of the Oregon Symphony.  He blogs about his experiences with the orchestra, as well as his deep love of good coffee.  Follow Charles on Twitter.

Dial “M” for Musicology “Music, Musicology, and Related Matters.”   “This is a musicology group blog that features the prose stylings of Jonathan Bellman (University of Northern Colorado) and Phil Ford (Indiana University Jacobs School of Music). It is a place for us to work ideas out publicly in what is still, for our field, a somewhat new medium. We are members of the American Musicological Society, but our views are entirely our own and should not be taken as representative of the AMS or any other academic organization. “Dial ‘M’ for Musicology” is an academic blog, but it wants to be friends with everyone. Welcome to all critics, musicians, bedroom air-guitarists, louche aesthetes, prickly autodidacts, and random passers-by!”  There are also several new contributors who have joined the fold.  Often thought-provoking and always interesting, this is a great place to find things to think about.  4-8 posts monthly.

dramma per musica “My name is Bob Kingston. I’m a librarian, free-lance musicologist, lapsed bass-baritone, and self-professed opera fanatic living in Portland, Oregon.  I give all of the pre-performance talks for the Portland Opera, and I also lead music history classes for the company’s Studio Artists. I love collecting historic vocal recordings, and I often use examples of these in my classes and presentations. So, don’t be surprised if I post a clip of some obscure Russian tenor or Italian baritone from time to time.”  4-12 posts monthly.  I enjoy Bob’s tweets immensely.  Follow Bob on Twitter. More…

In case you haven’t heard, it’s a WONDERFUL time to be alive and involved in the world of music! 

With the continual advancements in technology, the way that we create music, share it, and teach it is so incredibly different than how it was only just 10-15 years ago. 

Meet Kathy Parsons – a piano teacher from Florence, Oregon who recently relocated from the San Francisco area.  Not only does she teach, but she heads a website called www.mainlypiano.com where she writes music reviews for a plethora of renowned musicians.  She has had the pleasure of working with artists like David Lanz, Suzanne Ciani, and Spencer Brewer to name only a few.  

And what is even more intriguing, is that despite having recently left California to move an entire state away to her Oregon coastal home, Kathy still teaches a good number of her Californian students by way of modern technology and the internet. 

How is this done?  Find out as I share my interview with Kathy Parsons on how she utilizes technology to advance her teaching studio… 
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After hearing Mannheim Steamroller’s first Christmas album (quite a while ago), I have been a huge fan of creative arrangements of holiday music. From “Jingle Bells”, to “Deck the Halls” to “Carol of the Bells”, most people from any religious preference recognize and seem to enjoy the tunes of the season. These familiar melodies attract students, and, when coupled with wonderful arrangements offered by current composers, the combination provides great tools for propelling budding pianists to new levels of playing.  Below is a list of ideas for utilizing the tunes and spirit of the season to enhance student’s learning experience and progress. Yes, I know a little late for this December–but now there is plenty of time to plan ahead for next year!

Shop Early
So many books/series include a CD that most students choose their holiday recital piece by listening to various options–usually in October (early, I know!) Every CD I own has been imported to iTunes and then moved to my iPod. Thanks to one cable, the iPod conveniently hooks to my Clavinova and high quality speakers allow students to select a favorite piece and begin to prepare early to guarantee a successful performance.

Make a List and Check it Twice
As students move closer to the performance date, they are welcomed to try out their pieces on “Bella”–my Yamaha C6 residing in my upstairs living room (instead of the piano in the studio). While there, we review the 5 p’s of performing: More…

In one of my recent blogs, I reviewed a program called “Eek Shark”, designed to help young children learn how to read music. (For more info, see http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/software-review-eek-shark/ )  This blog reviews Jayde Musica, a software package that is well suited for older students and adults who want to learn how to read notation.

To recap from my previous blog, I’ve found that teaching reading can be made more fun by using selected software programs. This allows the student to drill note reading away from their instrument.  After drilling for 10 or 15 minutes with the software, the student usually moves on to practicing reading with their instrument.  Often, the student will find note reading with their instrument to be significantly easier after some short drills with the software.

In Jayde Musica, notes advance from the right to left. You must name the note before it touches the left side of the screen. You can use your mouse to enter your answers or use the numbers on your keyboard.

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A Liberal’s Libretto “A Liberal’s Libretto is the place to look for news, commentary and real-life stories related to the ARTS and POP CULTURE.”  2-4 posts daily.  “American bass-baritone James Newman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Voice Performance from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and continued his education in Opera Performance and Conducting at Arizona State University. He then moved to New York City where he began studying with internationally renowned soprano, Maria Spacagna with whom he studies today. When he’s not performing, James Newman blogs, follows politics, the arts and pop culture tirelessly and loves hanging out in Park Slope with his wife, soprano Jenn Raithel Newman and their daughter, Lyla.” Follow James on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JamesNewmanNYC

Alex Ross: The Rest is Noise “Books, articles, and a blog by the music critic of The New Yorker” Author of book The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century. Posts infrequently: Newly changed over to Unquiet Thoughts under the aegis of The New Yorker magazine. He plans for several posts weekly.

Artistic Discourse… because the future of the arts depend on it “This blog is about many things: technology, sociology, economics, politics, arts policy and any other potential category of discourse that peaks my interest at the moment.  However, the underlying theme to all those sub-categories will always be, THE ARTS. Whether you agree with me or not throughout the course of this blog, I would hope that you share your thoughts.  I appreciate dissenting opinions almost equally as much as affirming ones.” Was posting More…