APT Exam

Saturday, six of my piano students participated in the Association of Piano Teachers' yearly exam.  This was their first year and it was a lot of work.  We started in October slowly learning scales and sightreading and clapping rhythm examples and brushing up on theory questions.  They also started learning their two pieces a little at a time so that it wouldn't be overwhelming.  Looking back on the process, I don't think I would have changed anything except less focus on the exam and more on learning new concepts.  The exam took up too much lesson time. 

All six of my students; however, got excellent scores and one frequent comment was how well they played dynamics!  Yea students!  A few students were very concerned about the sightreading and yet they got perfect scores. 

It was an interesting process and one I'm sure the students are glad is over.  Well, I am too.  Now we can focus on learning new concepts and finishing books and and and...

I'm very pleased with each of my students progress at the exams.

Piano Lessons in Bemus Point

Cindy's Piano Studio in Bemus Point is growing.  Students are coming and learning how to play piano in a fun atmosphere.  Classes are being held on Wednesdays and Thursdays and some Saturdays.  All ages are coming from 6 years old to 65 years young.  More improvements to the space are in the works.  Soon internet access will allow students to reinforce piano learning concepts with theory games.

Call 716-763-1197 or visit http://www.cindyspianostudio.com/ if you wish to sign up for classes this Fall.

Wonderful Student Comments

I love it when I get comments that just pop out of my students mouths like this one:

"I'm in love with this song. It's so awesome!"  Comments like these make me feel like what I'm doing is worthwhile.  My students are having fun and enjoying their music and piano.

"Practice A Lot"

This week a beginning student said to me, "It's really easy if you practice a lot!"  She was so excited about being able to play her pieces well at her lesson.  She is right.  In order to play piano well, it takes lots of practice.  Practicing with concentration and a purpose, not just playing through pieces once, will ensure lots of progress and quickly.  Practicing piano when you are tired is not the best time to expect progress.  It's better than nothing but the best time is when you are able to concentrate on what you are trying to make your fingers do and listening to the sounds that your fingers are making.  Slow repetitions are best for learning new pieces; however, the repetitions should be in short sections like two or four measures at a time, not the whole piece.  Thinking about how you are pressing the keys on the finger tips with a rounded hand position or relaxing your shoulders, back, and arms as you play or counting outloud or saying letter names outloud will help to keep you focused.  So as my student said, "It's really easy if you practice a lot!"

Happy Practicing!

Group Piano Lessons Available in Bemus Point, NY

Sam's Club has this 88-key keyboard in stores today.  Perfect for taking group piano lessons at Cindy's Piano Studio in Bemus Point.  Cost: $499.86.  You'll also need a stand $24.86 to put it on, a sustain pedal $17.86, and a bench $18.83 to sit on. Sam's has those as well.  So for $561.41 plus tax you will be ready to sign up for group piano lessons at Cindy's Piano Studio in Bemus Point, NY.  A perfect Christmas gift for your child or yourself. 

Yamaha DGX530B 88-key piano

Cindy's Piano Studio in Bemus Point has classes forming now for all ages. No musical experience needed.  You will learn how to read music and play simple pieces.  The two-year curriculum will prepare you for private lessons, if you or your child so desire.  Group lessons are a great way to find out if your child really wants to play piano or if it is just a passing phase.  Send an email to pianolessons at cindyspianostudio.com to schedule your interview.  I'm not posting a link here to my email due to spammers.  You can click on the link above to go to my website for more information.

Martina Filjak Concert

I took three piano students to see Martina Filjak in concert at St. Luke's.  It was sponsored by the Jamestown Concert Association.  She played a wonderful concert of composers Soler, Chopin, Prokofieff, and Scriabin.  My favorite were the Three Sonatas by Soler.  I enjoyed the lyrical quality and drama of the pieces.  All three girls were excited to meet Martina afterwards; however, only one actually was able to.  I guess Martina was tired and wanted to leave. Not sure.  The others were disappointed but still glad to have gone to the concert. 

Oliver's First End of Book Recital

Congratulations to Oliver for complete his first book and end-of-book recital.  He is now promoted to Faber's My First Piano Adventures level B.  He did an awesome job at his recital.  The cool thing was that his grandparents in the Netherlands were able to join us via Skype.  Love that technology!