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4 Star 30 piece challenge accompanying analysis award CNCM covid-19 duet ear training exam festival group class harmony history injury keyboard harmony keyboardist keyboard player Kiwanis Music Festival master class memorization motivation NAC online lessons Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association ORMTA Ottawa pandemic pedagogy performance piano planning practising program notes RCM recital repertoire Royal Conservatory of Music rudiments scholarship sight reading technique theory University of Ottawa whiteboard
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Donating My Body to Science
The University of Ottawa Piano Pedagogy Lab is as busy as ever researching and challenging pedagogical theory and practice. I recently participated as a test subject in a study researching the effects of Feldenkrais sessions on piano playing. Many musicians believe that disciplines such as yoga, Tai Chi, Alexander Technique, and Feldenkrais Method are beneficial to us.…
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We’ve Got Rhythm
Takadimi is a rhythm solfege that I have been using in my studio for a few years, and it’s time for an update. It works. Like magic. I use it with all my students. Some of Takadimi’s benefits: it explains beat subdivisions in a way that is easy to understand, from my youngest to oldest students…
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Season Stats
I have been teaching piano for 20 years, and this past season was my biggest ever. Some highlights: the season launched with 37 students studying piano (beginner to grade 10), rudiments, keyboard harmony, and history my Intermediate Keyboard Harmony student won an ORMTA-Ottawa Scholarship for highest mark our secret partner duet project for group class…
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Congratulations!
I was able to attend the First Class Honours Recital last evening, hosted by ORMTA-Ottawa. Many talented young musicians performed, and scholarships were awarded for the 2013 season. Congratulations to my student Katerina who won an ORMTA-Ottawa scholarship for her excellent mark in Intermediate Keyboard Harmony!
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The Leading Note
One of my favourite music stores for purchasing classical music is The Leading Note on Elgin Street, in downtown Ottawa. They just celebrated 14 years in business in December. They have knowledgeable staff who deliver great customer service every time I am there. I don’t always have time to get downtown, but now The Leading Note has…
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How many more sleeps?!
I love Christmas. It’s a time of year that even has its own special musical accompaniment! Since my children were very small, my family has had an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. This year Naxos has released a fun app for your own countdown on your iPad or iPhone.
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Remember Everything
Currently, every week I have 37 unique lesson plans to oversee. Each and every student has their own individual repertoire, theory homework, technical development, sight and ear training skills, and performance goals. Plus a choice of four different exam sessions each calendar year. Add group classes, recitals, and festivals. Oh, and did I mention that…
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Spring Theory Results
I’m always excited to find out student exam results. Here are the latest marks from Spring 2013. I.L. – Basic Written Harmony – 91% M.K. – Basic Keyboard Harmony – 78% K.P. – Intermediate Keyboard Harmony – 90% C.A. – History 1 – 89% H.P. – Intermediate Rudiments – 96% By way of comparison the…
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Through the Door
The National Arts Centre is one of my favourite places in Ottawa. It is a beautiful home for the performing arts: classical music, English theatre, French theatre, dance, variety, and community programming. Housing four performance venues – Southam Hall, Theatre, Studio, and the Fourth Stage – there are many international and Canadian musicians coming through…
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Until We Meet Again
My last post was about the ordinary pencil. Today’s post is about modern technology. There are many ways I use technology in my studio. It is easy to make a recording of a performance. My students and I use YouTube and Google to travel the planet. Score writing software makes it easy to print out…
