April Student of the Month: Jenny & Nancy

Congrats to Jenny and Nancy (cousins!) who were chosen for April Student(s!) of the Month!! These young ladies have been playing the piano close to a year and have been going through their books quickly. They even bring extra pieces to their lessons that they've been practicing at home during the week. That's dedication! Way to go girls!

1.How Long have you been playing you instrument?

J-I've been taking lessons for about 9 months. N- I've been taking lessons for about 7 months.

2. What is your favorite activity?

J-Swimming and drawing. N- Swimming and dancing.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

J- I'm not sure yet. N-I'm not sure either.

4. Any fun fact you would like to share?

J-My favorite color is green. I also speak Chinese! N- I like to dance and I also speak Chinese.

5. What other activities do you participate in?

J- Practicing piano, and dancing. N- Practicing piano, dance and homework.

6. What grade are you in?

J- I'm in the 5th grade at Kennydale. N- I'm in the 3rd grade at Kennydale

 

Upcoming Spring 2016 Student Recital

 

All students, parents, family/friends are invited to support our musicians as they showcase their pieces at our semiannual recital! Please bring a plate of cookies (or any favorite treats) to share following the performances.

Where- Calvary Baptist Church, 1032 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056

Time- 6:30pm

When- Friday, May 6th

Bring- Music (even if memorized. Sometimes memory slips can happen). Refreshment to share (cookies, fruit, veggie/dip, crackers, etc.)

 

Composition Masterclass Success!

Thank you to all of our private piano/violin students who were able to attend and perform at our February Composition Masterclass! All students were able to perform pieces they have recently completed. We also learned a few of the compositional techniques that Beethoven employed in his 5th Symphony. Then, as a group, everyone worked together to write out two unique melodies that were performed by a student. Great job everyone!

March Student of the Month- Guhan K!

March Student of the Month

Congrats Guhan K! He comes to lessons prepared well with a happy and willing attitude. He occasionally brings extra pieces or theory above and beyond his regular assignments. Last fall he took the Violin Practical Level 1 assessment and earned the highest ranking with a First Class Honors with Distinction! He is preparing to take his Level 2 in May. Way to go Guhan!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

I've been playing violin for five years.

2. What is your favorite activity?

I like playing with legos, watching Sonic the Hedgehog videos, and reading books.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be an automotive designer. However, my interest might change as I grow up.

4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

I really enjoy reading the "Pendragon" series.

5. What other activities do you participate in?

At school, I participate in "Running Club'' and sometimes soccer.

6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to (Optional)?

I'm in third grade, and I go to Blackwell Elementary.

 

NEW Professional Grand Piano

We are excited to announce that we have added a new Baldwin grand piano to our studio! Students will greatly benefit from this professional instrument by the improved touch-quality and amazing sound. We want to provide top-notch lessons for students and this grand piano helps!

We will continue to have the Yamaha Arius available for students to practice on before and after lessons. Come on over to check out the new studio set-up!

November Recital 2015

Hello Musical Families!

Just a quick reminder for our recital this Friday! You are more than welcome to invite friends and family. This is a time to have fun and showcase our students’ hard work this year. Also- a big shout out to all of the dedicated parents who’ve been consistently encouraging and getting their kids prepared.

  • Where: Northwest Pianos, 13310 Bel Red Rd, #100, Bellevue, WA 98005

    Time: Friday, November 13th at 6:30pm

    Bring: Music (Even if memorized), “clean” snack/refreshments to share.*

    Wear: Nice clothes! This is our formal recital that happens twice per year.

     

    *Northwest Pianos has allowed us to bring some refreshments. They only ask that we bring food that doesn’t easily make messes or crumbs.

     

    Reminders:

    -Please arrive 5 minutes early to pick you seat (and tune for violins).

    -Students will each receive a program to see the performance order. When it is your turn, come to the stage, announce your name and pieces. After playing, take a bow and it’s the next students turn.

    -Audience, we keep the applause until the end of each student performance.

    -Cameras: Feel free to bring your camera and capture your child’s moment. Just be aware of other audience members.

    -Rides: Occasionally students need rides to the recital and I am more than happy to help if you don’t mind riding with a cute toddler and baby! Just let me know!

     

    See you all on Friday! Happy Practicing!

FREE Exam!

The Music Development Program has extended a FREE music exam to one of our students in the studio.

Restrictions and Eligibility:

  • Students taking Preparatory A to Level 4 practical exams for any instrument are eligible for credit
  • A complimentary examination can only be offered to students who have not previously participated in a Royal Conservatory Music Development Program exam
  • Exam must be taken during the 2015 year.

The exam program is meant to be a benefit to students and parents; an international measure of  achievement in a particular instrument. Teachers do not receive any compensation for signing students up for tests. Students are graded on technique (Scales/chords), Repertoire and Studies, Sightreading, Ear training, and theory/history (for upper levels). 
*Since the FREE exam will be taken in Nov/Dec, I will choose a student who is preparing in September. Let me know if you are interested!
 

February Student of the Month

Congratulations Ethan L.! Ethan does a great job of completing his assignments. He has been progressing quickly and consistently and asks thoughtful questions about his music. Nice job Ethan!

How long have you been playing your instrument?
About 4 years. I first started taking piano in group classes, then moved to private lessons.

What is your favorite activity?
I have lots. Football, reading, hanging with family and friends, and school.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a very famous inventor.

What do you like most about playing music?
It is very easy and it sounds nice.

What other activities do you participate in?

Baseball and skiing.

Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

I go to Medina Elementary school, 5th grade.
 

It's a BOY!!

We found out last week that Olivia will get a little BROTHER! Thanks for all of the kind words and well-wishes; we are very excited to welcome a new family member in June. :)

Our plan is to take off about 1.5 months of lessons (hopefully, this works well with summer vacation plans!). We plan to resume lessons around the beginning of August!

January Student of the Month

Congratulations Shawn Y.! Shawn does a great job with coming prepared with his weekly assignments. He does a great job with following directions and tries his best with counting out loud and tricky rhythms. Keep up the great work Shawn!!

How long have you been playing your instrument?
2 years.

What is your favorite activity?
My favorite activity is reading and playing games

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don't know

What do you like most about playing music?
I get to learn something and it sounds good!

What other activities do you participate in?

Taekwondo- I am a black belt!

Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

I am in 6th grade and I go to FWPA.
 

December Student of the Month

Congratulations Livi M.! Livi has a great personality and willingness to try out different techniques and styles on the piano. She loves playing popular and Christmas music. She comes prepared for her lessons and motivated to play pieces that are difficult. Keep up the great work Livi!!

How long have you been playing your instrument?
I have been playing the piano for 5 years.

What is your favorite activity?
My favorite activity is hanging out with my friends at my old school

What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up, I want to be a professional singer

What do you like most about playing music?
I like that when I play piano I can sing along to the notes I play

What other activities do you participate in?

I  also play softball!

Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

I am in 7th grade at Eastside Christian School.
 

November Student of the Month

November Student of the Month!

Congratulations Noelle F.! Noelle has been taking violin lessons since 2012 and has also tried piano and ukulele! She has a bright personality and loves to play Christmas music, movie hits and popular pieces. She is working through the level 1 Royal Conservatory Music Development Program for violin.

How long have you been playing your instrument?
Noelle started taking violin in August, 2012

What is your favorite activity?
Noelle loves to read! She has read all of Harry Potter twice now.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
She doesn't know, but she loves to bake so maybe she'll be a baker or dessert chef

What do you like most about playing music?
She doesn't know that, either, but she doesn't want to stop :-).

What other activities do you participate in?

Noelle does gymnastics, girl scouts, choir and is learning to swim and to speak French. In the summer she has really enjoyed participating in musical theater camps.

Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

Noelle is currently in 5th grade and goes to Cherry Crest Elementary in Bellevue.

Christmas Recital!

Christmas Recital

The Christmas Recital this year will be held in Renton this year. We have students who come to take lessons as far North as  Kirkland and Sammamish, and also South, from Federal Way and Renton.

Who: Students, Friends and Family (This is a FREE event!)
Where: East Renton Community Church (13232 156th Ave SE, Renton WA, 98059)
When: Saturday, December 6th @ 3pm
Bring: Music and a plate of dessert to share (cookies, fruit, chips/dip)

For those of you who are interested in special music, Christmas songs, or duets with a parent/friend, I would LOVE to help find you some FUN music!
 

October Student of the Month

September Students of the Month!

Congratulations Shiven and Kunal S.! Both Shiven and Kunal have been playing the piano for about 4-5 years and have been progressing consistently. They are currently working on level 4 in the Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program. Keep up the great work boys!!


How long have you been playing your instrument?
Both: About 4-5 years

What is your favorite activity?
S: I like playing videogames and outside
K: My favorite activity is writing

What do you want to be when you grow up?
S: I don't know exactly. I might want to be an astronaut.
K: I want to be an author.

What do you like most about playing music?
S:I like hearing how songs turn out in the end after lots of work and practice.
K: When you practice a lot and it sounds excellent.

What other activities do you participate in?

Both: We play squash, robotics team and afterschool sports (currently cross-country)

Which grade are you starting in the fall? Which school do you go to?

7th grade at Redmond Middle School.
 

Congrats Rebecca J!

Congratulations Rebecca J.! Rebecca has been taking lessons from Christine for about 4 years! She has done a great job in progressing through level 3 in the Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program. She has scored highly in her exams and is a mature player that can sense the character of a piece very well. Keep up the great work Rebecca!!
 Click here to listen to Rebecca play Old French Song by Tchaikovsky!

How long have you been playing your instrument?
About 3-4 years on the piano.

What is your favorite activity?
Either piano or Taekwondo!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to become a financial advisor

What do you like most about playing music?
I like learning new songs

What other activities do you participate in?

I do both piano and Taekwondo.

Which grade are you starting in the fall? Which school do you go to?

6th grade at Mcnight Middle School

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.