Keys & Strings Music Studio

An odd topic title, I know.    This subject for me as an educator is cyclical, but here we go again.  I have had this come up six times in the last month. Young students (usually female) and parents who are spending lots of money on manicures to have me tell them, nails are too long. To be a strong violinist, you cannot have long nails.  It just doesn't work.  If you were a classical guitarist I might say go for it.  But violinist?  No.  It changes the pitch.  It affects your being able to place your fingers properly on the strings. Nail polish YES!  Long nails NO!  Compromise, long bow hand nails.  Odd looking perhaps, but a compromise.  The photo above, is a perfect example of a good nail length with nice polish.

Our next toddler class is starting soon (February 2016).  I thought I would let you know what's different about what we have to offer here at Keys & Strings Music Studio. Our music class for toddlers (any child who is scooting/crawling/walking and not yet potty trained) is designed to use music as the tool for learning. This sessions 10 week theme is 'Animal Serenade'.  Here is a typical class: Welcome song!  Same each week. Why is it important?  We anticipate hearing our name sung.  We get to pick the activity that is done for our name.  We know that everyone will acknowledge us.  We might hide, but we are learning to expect our name to be sung.  We are learning to socialize! Fine motor activity with age appropriate instruments.  Why are these activities important?  I have to wait my turn to get mine and my grownups instruments.  I have to learn how they make sounds.  I have to learn how to find the steady beat or the rhythm of the chant we are u

So many parents come to me with the subject 'we are tired about fighting with them to practice'.   It shouldn't be a fight.    It shouldn't be part of a bargaining tool.  It should be a part of daily life.   Do you brush your teeth everyday?  You should make music, every day. I think sometimes, that the word 'practice' get's a negative sheen.   Perhaps having the musician 'serenade' during meal preps would work. Let's 'make some music'.   Mommy and I feel like dancing slowly, what have you been working on that will suit the mood?    We want a concert!  Let's make programs, put on a nice outfit, set up the living room as a performance hall.  Music making should be a fun rewarding outlet for the entire family.   It should not be stressful. Find a routine that works for your family.   Is your musician an early bird, always looking for things to do before leaving for school?  Perhaps play your music after breakfast and brushing

At the beginning of the school year there is a flutter of activity around starting a new instrument.  In our area it usually begins in fourth grade.  A big event is held in each elementary school where your child can try various woodwind, brass and string instruments.    There are also area vendors offering instrument rentals.  Big business most parents think.  I say yes and no.   Here is why.... Yes, those vendors are in business to make money.  But they also know what they are talking about.  When you rent an instrument, you get one of quality without shelling out the big bucks.  A GOOD saxophone new can be close to a thousand dollars.  A GOOD violin can be close to eight hundred dollars JUST FOR THE VIOLIN.  A GOOD flute can be close to five hundred dollars.  I speak from experience as a parent for the woodwinds.   I speak from experience as an educator and professional musician on the violin. I wince when a parent says I'm just going to buy a $99.00 violin on ebay/amazon.  

Might sound like an odd subject for a music teacher to choose to write about.  But hear me out on this.  I have had to do this very thing several times as a studio owner when I need to extend our sub contractor reach.  I can only teach so many hours in the day.  I love what I do, I feel I am good at what I do (and my retention rate and students who go on to higher education also backs up that statement) but I still have room to learn and grow. I feel that a GREAT private music teacher is one who doesn't treat their teaching schedule as a job.  A person who truly loves sharing their knowledge, goes the extra step (few minutes or mile) to not just stop the learning because the clock says TIMES UP!  A person who doesn't put a dollar amount on every minute. Now do not get me wrong, I make a living at being a private music teacher.    I also work a lot more than the average american work week because I give a lot of lessons away too.  I also own the studio, so other things a

Recital is a time to share all your musicians hard work.  Sure, it can be stressful.....even a bit scary.  But that's OK.    We want to have our musicians get out of their 'comfort zone'.  Not just in their musical lives, but in their every day lives.  Experiencing new things helps us grow!   So, here are some pointers and information regarding our upcoming recital.  Recital Guest fees are now due, and can be made to Ms. Sandie.  Guest fees cover the donation to the venue, program printing and insurance fees.   It will be held on June 14th.    There will be two recitals.  Your musician will have a solo in only one of the recitals.    On May 20th we will post the programs in the waiting room.  Please come in and read the postings to find out which program your musician is in.  As we are five teachers strong now, this is the most time effective way we can get the information to you (just like a sports roster or a musical part audition listing!).  Thank you fo

Please take a moment and watch this video of a young musician...... You might have had lots of different thoughts going through your mind as you watched.  Some pitches were off.  Her rhythm was stalled.  She herself made a face at the end of the song. That's not what I saw.  I saw a student who has struggled to read music while playing keep her eyes on the page more than her violin. I saw a student start to recognize when to use her fourth finger.  Was it in pitch all the time?  No.  But she saw when she should use it, and she tried. I saw a violin start to fall and this young lady lifted it back up without my reminder. I corrected her once.  Later in the song she made a mistake and self corrected, without my reminder. I saw a musician.  I am quite proud of this young lady. Taking lessons does not a musician make.  Following and retaining directions does. Ms. Sandie