Piano Playing Makes You Smarter?

I was reading a book by Dr. Caroline Leaf called The Gift Within in which she mentions that there are seven ways that we all process thoughts.  We all go through all seven ways but in a different order, which is probably why no two people think alike.  One of the processes is musical.  She listed ways to increase our thought life in each of the seven ways.  One of the ways of increasing musical thoughts is to take music lessons. 

So if you want to be smarter, take piano lessons!  I really do have smart students.  They are learning to think logically which helps with math and spacially, which helps with science. 

Come see me at http://www.cindyspianostudio.com and let's talk about how to make you smarter too.

Intermission at Cindy's Piano Studio, Bemus Point, NY

Today I looked up the word vacation in Webster's.  I had to give a 60 second talk about my business this morning and was searching for something to talk about!  I've been on vacation from piano teaching for the last week and a half and so my thoughts went to that as my subject.

Vacation, besides meaning taking a break from the usual routine, means intermission.  I related my vacation to an intermission at a concert.  The musicians take a break from the stage so that it can be refreshed or new musicians added.  My intermission, though not a physical one as we didn't go anywhere, was a mental one.  I took a break from thinking about my students, planning for my students, and teaching my students. Now I can return next week with a fresh stage for new teaching ideas for each of my piano students at my Lakewood, NY and Bemus Point, NY locations in Chautauqua County.

Fresh ideas and attitudes means more enjoyment for me in teaching and my students in learning piano.

I hope my students have also taken an intermission and are ready to return to the stage with great attitudes and enthusiasm for practicing and playing piano.

Cindy's Piano Studio, making music at the piano using currrent technology

Rhythm Contest

 

Prize:  $25 Erie Zoo Gift Certificate

Dates of Contest:  March 15 – May 31

Prize given on May 31st at end of lesson

How to Win Points:                                                   

1 point for every day you practice 10 minutes (or more).            

1 point for having assigned theory book pages complete            

1 point for writing letter names and dynamics on weekly rhythm sheet

1 point for clapping and counting each line on weekly rhythm sheet correctly 

1 point for playing each line correctly using your letter names and dynamics

Check studio wall posters for scores.

Waking Up Sleeping Beauty

Sarah, an adult piano student, before playing Sleeping Beauty Waltz informed me that Sleeping Beauty woke up a couple of times this week during her practice.  My students are just toooo funny!

Rewards of Piano Teaching

Piano teaching can be so fun and rewarding a lot of the time.  This week an adult student before playing Persian Market said, "This was fun. I enjoyed doing this one."  I love those comments.  I feel like I'm achieving my goal of making music at the piano fun and enjoyable for my students.  I feel it should be a time to express themselves in music.  What a joy!

February Contest Winner

Congratulations to Carling on winning the recent piano contest at Cindy's Piano Studio in Bemus Point, NY.  Carling came in first place with 77 points.  She was closely followed by Jack with 74 points.  Carling won points for practice time, being prepared, and playing ability. 


So what's underneath the Green frog in the bottom of the bag that was worth $25?....Valentine's candy of course!  Carling shared some of her winnings with her friends and from what she said ... her Dad may have had some of it too!


Congratulations, Carling!

Singing for a Steady Beat

An adult student said to me yesterday that she had to sing so that she could get a steady beat.  She knew the song so it was fairly easy for her to accomplish. 

I love it when my students teach themselves!  She learned a valuable lesson that day.