d January 2016 – Play.Live.Music
Contact: 0438 044 871

    Month: January 2016

    Learning with Technology

    Enhance your learning experience through technology.

    Depending on the regularity and length of lessons, it is a good idea to bring a recording device, iPod, iPhone, or iPad to each lesson.  We may be listening to other recordings for interpretation or to record your lesson.  Bring a device and have the advantage of flicking back during the week to master any homework.

    Difficult passages are easily recorded at a slower pace for you to fully understand the geography of where to place your hands, how to execute the correct touch, (articulation), transition from one passage to another, and correct fingering.

    Lesson tips and tricks will be recorded in the record book which also serves as a reminder to complete your practice on a daily and weekly basis. Once you commit to a practise time its easier to stick to it. It takes 30 days to change a habit, but once established it will become easier and then automatic. It is more effective decide upon regular daily practice time than trying to cram an hour or two before a lesson.

    Try to find time after your lesson to reset your focus for the week, when the new strategies are fresh and easy to recall.

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    The advanced student

    P1000398The advanced student….

    Many hours of practice, preparation and dedication are needed to ensure success at the advanced level. With a consistent approach to study and dedication to refining the final performance, the advanced student may choose a career in solo, group or chamber work, or education.

    How many hours do you think that takes?

    How much and what type of motivation do you need?

    According to Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers, The Story of Success, it takes about 10,000 hours.  This was discovered much earlier by Ericsson.  But what type of practice does that entail?  Short intervals of practice that involve memory and recall are helpful in keeping a goal fresh.

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    The Intermediate student

    P1000382  The intermediate student, learning independently.
    Once a student is ready, performing in front of an audience may be done in a friendly and supportive environment. With the correct preparation and practice, this can be a very enjoyable experience for the intermediate student, demonstrating their efforts and being openly rewarded.

    Choice of repertoire is essential to cultivating a passion for learning. Every student learns differently and has a unique curiosity about the music they enjoy and play.  The intermediate student may still need encouragement to set practice routines and this is when parents often feel some frustration about having to ask children to practise.  This is a very important time to keep going, keep on track with routines and reinforce the good work done.  In my experience, this is when many parents want to relinquish their involvement in monitoring practice, but it is essential to keep an interest, give positive and honest feedback.

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    First things first

    cropped-Little-fingers.pngLittle fingers learning to play

    First things first…

    Beginner pianists need to know how to position fingers correctly on the keys.

    Watch for a gentle curve at every joint for best practice. The finger tip (not the soft part) must point to the key.

    Keep the upper part of the hand parallel to the keyboard like a bridge, to support the fingers.

    Make sure that young beginners have a comfortable position at the piano or keyboard for correct posture.

     

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    New beginnings – 2016

    Welcome to play.live.music

     

    Here I will be posting my thoughts about teaching music, to help with tips and advice on how to practice effectively and stay motivated.

    I hope to bring you some of the valuable lessons learned over many years which have enabled me to build a rewarding career in music.

    Would you like some questions answered about learning the piano?

    Do you have a particular piece you’re having trouble with?

    Contact me here

     

    Thank you for dropping by.

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