How Playing Music Affects The Developing Brain

Check out this article about how playing music affects the developing brain!

“There are a lot of different brain systems involved in successfully playing even a small musical piece: your auditory system, your motor system, your emotional system, your executive function system; this playing together of these brain regions, almost like in a musical ensemble.”

Music education should be an essential part of every child's education. Schools should be encouraging more students to participate in musical programs rather than limiting/cutting them! Let's continue to support our students by offering music lessons, going to concerts, singing in the car, practicing and performing with them.

August Student of the Month: Rachel S!

Congratulations Rachel S.! Rachel has been selected as the August Student of the Month for her dedication to piano lessons and coming prepared to her lessons. During this last year, she has matured her sense of complex rhythm and dynamic expression. She is always willing to try new techniques and pieces! She is busy with her different activities and manages to excel at each one! Way to go Rachel! Keep up the great work.
 Click here to listen to Rachel play Autumn Leaves!

How long have you been playing your instrument?
I have been playing piano for about 2 years.

What is your favorite activity?
My favorite activity is swimming. I am on the Chinook Swim Team.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I have no idea.

What do you like most about playing music?
My favorite part of playing music is when I master a song because I know I’ve made a great accomplishment!


What other activities do you participate in?

I sing in my school choir, Chinook Swim Team and piano lessons.

Pianos in the Park!

Want to support the local arts and get outside for some summer fun? Check out Pianos in the Parks! There are 20 pianos in the King County and Seattle parks that are decorated by local artists. Look up a local park (or visit them ALL!) and video yourself playing some of your favorite tunes. You can even submit them for a contest.

 

Miller Music School also wants to support our local artists and the musical community. If any of our students go and send us a video of the performance and you'll get a goodie bag!

July Student of the Month!

Congratulations Guhan!!

Guhan has a positive and happy attitude when it comes to his weekly violin lessons. He does a great job practicing during the week and is open to learning new pieces and techniques on the violin. Last month he auditioned at his school (Bellevue Children's Academy) and was selected to sing a sing for the annual talent show. Guhan also participates in Indian Classical singing and Indian Classical Carnatic violin lessons. Way to go Guhan- keep up the awesome work!!

How long have you been playing your instrument?
Almost for 3 years.

What is your favorite activity?
Building with legos and reading books and comics.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to design new vehicles!

What do you like most about playing music?
The sounds of the many different instruments.

Summer 2014 Recital

Hello Families and Friends!

I am excited to announce the Summer 2014 Recital! Students enrolled in private music lessons will be performing. Let's show our support and cheer them on!

The recital is on June 15th at 6:30pm! (Yes, it is on Father’s Day- bring Dad!)

    -Where: Stage 7 Pianos in Kirkland (511 6th Street South, Kirkland WA, 98033)

   -Time: June 15th @ 6:30pm

   -Bring: A plate or cookies, fruit, or your favorite snack to share

      Remind your student(s) to bring music (even if it is memorized, in case of memory slips), formal dress and a smile! Feel free to invite friends and family. We are excited to hear your student perform! Students have been working hard and it is time to showcase their talent!

Please let me know if you have any questions. I will be sending out another reminder email as the event is closer!

Happy Practicing!

Benefits of Music Education

Check out an interesting article from the Royal Conservatory of Music:

"The Royal Conservatory of Music has published a summary of the recent neuroscience research proving that music education is a powerful tool for attaining children’s full intellectual, social and creative potential. “The Benefits of Music Education: An Overview of Current Neuroscience Research” highlights studies offering compelling insights into the potent, long-term value children gain through music training. "

You can find that article here.

Center & State Award

On April 2nd, we learned that one of our students earned the State Award, WA, AND Center Award for the Percussion 1  Assessment from the Music Development Program!!

One of the representatives writes, " I am delighted to inform you that your student(s) have won Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Awards of Excellence. Each year The Royal Conservatory Music Development Programs awards Certificates of Excellence and National Gold Medals to top-achieving students. All awards will be sent to students by the first week of April. Certificates of Excellence are awarded to students achieving the highest mark in their center and/or in their state on their Music Development Program assessment and who have also completed the theory co-requisites for their respective level and discipline. These awards are an exceptional distinction—the result of hard work, dedication, talent, and a testament to skill and creativity. They also represent a national standard of musical achievement upheld by the invaluable support you provide to your students. Congratulations once again on your students’ achievements, and thank you for participating in The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program.”

It is such an honor to work with such dedicated students at Miller Music School! Keep up the great work students!

Baby Olivia

We are excited to announce that Olivia Noelle Miller was born on Sunday, Jan 5th! She has some nice long piano fingers and a beautiful full head of hair! =) Both baby and mom are healthy and. It is such a blessing to be parents and watch our little one grow and learn. Thank you all for your support and well-wishes!

We plan to start lessons again on Feb. 8th! Stay tuned!

Christmas Concert

Way to go performers! We had a good turn out for the Christmas Concert 2013! It was wonderful to see students showcase their musical talents! It was our first time at the Stage 7 Pianos facility. In previous years we've rented out venues in Bellevue. For those of you in attendance, please let us know what you thought about the venue and experience. We value your feedback.

Looking forward to the Spring Concert 2014! Can't wait to see how the students will grow and improve in half a year. Happy practicing!

MTNA Certified Piano Teacher!

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I (Christine) have been working on my National Certified Teacher of Music certification through the MTNA and have officially received my certificate in the mail! Hooray!

I would like to thank the students and families who have participated and helped me during the teaching phase of my project. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you. Thank YOU!

I am excited to use the knowledge and pedagogy I learned and apply it to the Miller Music studio to improve lessons and motivate students to become better musicians and community members! Being part of the certified MTNA members will be an invaluable resource for learning and expanding our opportunities in music.