Holiday Open House December 2009

Food, Fun, and of course music! We had performers ranging from first timers (Young Child Glockenspeilist Ricky B!) To experienced old hatters (Baroque members). It was a fun fun time. Jay played Santa's helper and gave out gifts from Santa's sack. Bree even serenaded us with the "Godfather Theme" even though she was soaked from attending the Wallingford Christmas events in the pouring rain. Please enjoy the photos, and hopefully you can join us next year!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2044289&id=1419474370&l=d7caf11d6b

Practice Contest Coming Soon!

For our private students, an incentive to spend more time with your instrument. Starting in December, we will start our practice competition. All private study students from Pre-Kindergarten through Twelfth grade are eligible. For the month of December and first week in January, keep strict records of your practice time. Those with 25 or MORE hours by January 9th 2010 can pick a GRAND PRIZE! Those with 18 - 24 hours will get a FIRST RUNNER UP PRIZE! Those with 12 - 17 hours will get a SECOND RUNNER UP PRIZE. Keep your eyes on the blog, facebook and the bulletin board at the studio for more information.

The Joy of Being a Teacher

Our Fiddlestix ensemble performed last night at the Zion Lutheran Church in town. We had some real challenges...........we lost a few fiddlers, and our percussion and keyboardist couldn't come. Our one last fellow sprained his hand a few hours prior in a football game.

But we pulled ourselves up by our bootstraps..........and it was the best performance yet! Better than the one 20 hours into our work together. The spirit of the event came upon us and we played our hearts out.

Our newest member, Brooke L. asked just yesterday morning if she could join us.......and she played a terrific rendition of "Go Tell Aunt Rhody".

Every step that these students take.........every new technique, every song perfected makes my heart soar.

I am grateful that I have a profession that I run to each morning, and if it were not for my family I wouldn't leave at night. May everyone someday find something that they love to go to every day.

Music and Math Play Work Together!

There is no longer any doubt that there is a significant link between early music instruction and cognitive growth in certain other "nonmusical" abilities such as math, memory and spatial-temporal reasoning. In fact, studies focused specifically on music for young children even suggest that these cognitive gains increase according to the number of years that students engage in active music learning, and even that the younger children when they begin, the greater the gains will be!

Free e-book The Impact of Music on Mathematics Achievement by Deanne Kells M.A. Download your copy here

http://www.kindermusik.com/classes/downloads/ImpactOfMusicOnMath.pdf

Fiddlers are fiddling again!

Saturday at September 12th at 6:30 p.m. we are playing at the Zion Lutheran Church of Wallingford at the intersection of Pond Hill Rd (Wallingford) and Scrub Oak Road (North Haven) . Bring a picnic and join us!

Fiddle Camp 2009

Fiddle Camp Day two Amazing! Fiddle Camp Day 3............It's a Devils Dream going to Georgia via Cincinatti Racing through a Camptown on a Wabash Train while Biling the Cabbage Down. Wow! Today is Fiddle Camp Day 5......... Bridget says "Miss Sandie, we sound like a real orchestra". That's right Bridget, we do. To you and all your fiddle mates, Bravo. Please come hear us play on Sunday August 23rd, 3 p.m. Wallingford Gazebo Train Depot park.

What class should my child join in Kindermusik?

A great question............I always go by development rather than age in our Kindermusik........well in ANY of our programs at Keys & Strings. Children with a strong sense of independence and mobility but are under age 3 will probably be best in our Toddler program (Wiggles and Giggles) with a parent or caregiver.

If you are looking into nursery or preschool for your child (around age 3) and they are potty trained, then let's talk about our Preschool programs. Is your child in the 2nd year of nursery/preschool? We can continue with the Preschool programs or move forward into Young Child levels. Every child is different, every student learns differently. Give me a call at 203.265.1500 to discuss all of your childs options.......

I actually encourage this behaviour. Sometimes.........

Kindermusik Fall Session is Starting Soon!

Did you know that if you refer a friend who registers, you get a $10.00 credit towards your session? Start referring, and make sure they let me know you sent them! New session starts September 8th (day after Labor Day). Bring a friend to your next class so they can see what we are all about.

Fiddle Camp Expectations

Fiddle Camp is fast approaching..........and I'm sensing different emotions for the participants. The one expectation we (including me!) should have is no expectations. I want this to be fun. I want this to be enjoyable. I planned on all the group pieces to be easy to moderate for instant gratification. We'll do some ear training and playing by ear........but you also get the music to take home. If you want a solo for the fiddlestix debut, ask at your next lesson. We'll start working on that right away..........

Bottom line (or note) is to HAVE FUN! String with you soon!

Summer Officially Begins! Music Lessons recharged!

Well, recital is over, schools are letting out, and it's time to relax and unwind. To an extent, this is so true, but on the other side of the coin, it's time to Kick it Up! With less obligations to school, religious studies and more, you and your child can intensify music study without drudgery. Ask your teacher to mix things up with a new song or style of music. Been only studying classical? Try some blues or jazz. Join fiddle camp! Research some composers and ask to try one who's life or times grab your interest.