I have found that it is very helpful for piano students to know something about the composers who wrote the music they are playing. Therefore, I am beginning something new this spring. I will be encouraging students to learn about composers as part of their piano lessons...with rewards for participation.
This spring, and possibly into summer, we will be focusing on Russian Composers. This will include Tchaikovsky, Kabalevsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, etc. Each student will be given a CD with selections of music by the composer we are learning about. I encourage you to listen to this CD with them, discuss it with them, and help them to be able to identify the title of each piece. Each week, students will be given an information sheet about that composer, with questions to answer or an activity to do. Music points will be awarded… one for reading and completing the assignment; another point if all answers are correct.
At the end of each unit (currently Russian Composers), a test will be scheduled. Students will be quizzed on facts about each composer studied. They will also be asked to identify titles of musical works from their CDs as well as identify the composer. This test is optional. A special prize will be given for participation and performance Dmitri Kabalevsky
on this test. Younger students are going to be given simpler assignments and a different test than the older students.
*Please return CDs at the end of each unit.

Focus on Russian Composers

April, 2008

Upcoming Concerts
Tuesday, April 22 @ 7pm– Fort Worth Symphony performs Tchaikovsky selections . Call 817-665-6000 for more info.
Friday, April 11 @ 7:30 Ed Landreth Auditorium (TCU) - FREE Student Recital Series Juan Vizcarra, piano
** Receive 2 music points for attending either concert and bringing a program to your lesson.

Chewing Gum makes is very difficult to keep a steady beat.
Fingernails must be kept trimmed in order to promote good hand positioning
Hair should be kept out of your face.
Hands should be clean before using the piano.
Shoes are required in order to use the damper pedal properly.
“Heelys” are extremely dangerous on the stairs, and make it very difficult to use the pedals properly.

Are You Physically Prepared For Your Lesson?

Studio Notes

Drop-Off Procedures

Most students have another student either immediately before or after their own lesson (if not, both). If the previous lesson has not yet finished, students may come up to the studio and sit quietly until I am ready for them. You may also wait outside with your parents, if you wish. Parents, please do not leave unless your child has already come into the studio.
Parents are welcome to leave to run errands, etc. during their child’s lessons. Please be sure, however, to be back before the scheduled ending of his/her lesson. This will allow me to move on to the next lesson without delay.

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Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you’re finished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it.

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Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.

Studio Notes

This story can fit 150-200 words.
One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports.
While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful newsletter is making it useful to your readers.
A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop and write your own articles, or include a calendar of upcoming events or a special offer that promotes a new product.
You can also research articles or find “filler” articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short.
Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you’re finished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it.

This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.

This story can fit 100-150 words.
The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field.
You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients.
If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing.
Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors.

Studio Notes

We will have a recital again this spring. Some students, depending on their performance level, are already working on their performance music for this. Please watch your child’s assignments sheets each week. Some students will play from the book they are currently working out of. Others will need to purchase additional music. If this is the case, I will need to receive payment before the book is ordered.
Also, watch for more information regarding date, time, and location for the recital. I am hoping to schedule it the weekend after Memorial Day. We will most likely be at a different location than last year. I want to have more space for family and friends, and hopefully a better piano.
Also, if you know that your child is wanting to play piano in an upcoming talent show, pageant, etc., please let me know the date, etc. This way, I can help them select music and prepare for it. And maybe I can even attend the performance.

Rebecca J. Brown, Private Instructor &
Professional Accompanist
Mrs. Brown's Piano Studio
2501 Glenn Ranch Dr.
Burleson, TX 76028

One of the main challenges a piano student faces at every level, is keeping their beat steady. When an audience listens to a musical performance of any kind, they will be much more disturbed by faulty rhythm than by a missed note. Over and over I remind every student to “count out loud.” The challenge with having beginning students merely count out loud while they are playing is that they will tend to slow down/ speed up their counting to match what they are playing. It is very important for them to, instead, learn to slow down/ speed up their playing to match the steady beat.
There are a couple of ways you (the parents) can help your child be successful in this area. One is to count for them. You will simply count 1-2-3-4 (or 1-2-3… your child can tell you which for each song) over and over again, while keeping the counting very steady and even. Some parents have found that they can even do this without even sitting at the piano with their child….. Perhaps counting from the kitchen while preparing dinner. It is important, however, to also have your child count along with you occasionally. This will help them learn to count with a more steady beat.
The other way that you can help your child learn to play with clean, steady rhythm is to purchase a metronome. Learning to use a metronome will help your child become a more independent practicer, as well. There are many varieties of digital metronomes available. They are all very portable, and very precise. The prices are much more reasonable than “old-fashioned” ones. Digital metronomes run anywhere from $30 to $70. They are available at most music stores. You may wish to go on your own to purchase one, as each one has a different pitch and a variety of features.
If your child has a metronome, I will take them through some steps to help them learn to follow it while they play. It sometimes takes a few weeks to get comfortable with it.

Keeping The Beat

Phone: 817-297-7756
Email: mrsrebeccabrown@yahoo.com

“A metronome will help your child become an independent practicer.”

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