Skip to main content

Posts

Encouraging Music Students to Play at Home

Encouraging Music Students to Play at Home One of the most important parts of becoming a skilled musician doesn’t happen in the classroom or studio—it happens at home. Encouraging music students to play outside of lessons helps them develop confidence, creativity, and consistency. Yet, many students struggle to practice regularly. Creating the right environment and motivation can change that Students are more likely to play when they want to, not just when they feel they have to . Teachers and parents can nurture intrinsic motivation by: • Helping students choose pieces they genuinely enjoy. • Linking music to their personal interests—like playing songs from a favorite movie or game soundtrack. • Celebrating small achievements, such as mastering a short phrase or playing for a family member. This sense of ownership turns “practice” into “personal expression.” Consistency beats intensity. Encourage students to: • Set aside a regular time each day, even if only 10–15 minutes. • Keep thei...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Holiday Stroll Was a Success

Every year the town of Wallingford kicks of the Holiday Shopping Season the first Friday of December.  Restaurants and Business give samples or discounts, Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos (The Grinch and Krampus too!) Live Musicians and Chestnuts Roasting by the Christmas Tree in the center of town.  This Year we performed at the Body and Soul Day Spa M enjoyed playing her pieces by memory at her first Stroll Event Sean was bringing the joy  Danica Lead the String Ensemble           Mira had a Sax solo Eli dressed the part!  
Post a Comment
Read more

Join the Holiday Stroll Ensemble 2024

 We are planning a string ensemble (woodwinds can join as well) for the Holiday Stroll 2024 in Wallingford.  Rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays at 7 pm starting on September 16, 2024 for 30 minutes each week (Not Thanksgiving Week) until we perform on Friday December 6, 2024.   All students, all levels are invited to participate.  We will make sure you have a part at your skill set so that you are feeling confident and valued.  As this is a community service (service hours forms for students will be signed) and outreach event there is no charge for being a part of this program at Keys & Strings.  Why join an ensemble you ask? Playing in an ensemble can be such a rewarding experience for young musicians! Here are some reasons why it’s so beneficial: Teamwork and Collaboration : You learn how to work with others, listen carefully, and blend your sound. It’s all about coming together to create something beautiful, and that’s a fantastic skill to ha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Give the Gift of Music this Coming Holiday Season

 Here are some of our favorite items that will help your musician hit the high notes. Yamaha 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (P45B) Includes the P45 Digital Piano, power adapter, sustain pedal and music rest 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic piano Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience. Tuning- 414.8 - 440.0 - 446.8 Hz Yamaha 88 Key 1/2/3 Pack Sheet Music Stand, Adjustable Music Stand for Sheet Music, Music Sheet Stand Portable Folding with Carry Bag for Guitar, Ukulele, Violin Players(1 Pack) Package Include】- Package includes 1 pack sheet music stand and 1pack carry bag. The music stand can be ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Good Representation of What Being a Pro Musician is Like

 For students (or anyone) who has interest in being a professional musician, I always recommend they read Mozart in the Jungle .    Oboist Blair Tindall recounts her decades-long professional career as a classical musician, from the recitals and Broadway orchestra performances to the secret life of musicians who survive hand to mouth in the backbiting New York classical music scene, trading sexual favors for plum jobs and assignments in orchestras across the city. Tindall and her fellow journeymen musicians often play drunk, high, or hopelessly hungover, live in decrepit apartments, and perform in hazardous conditions. These are working-class musicians who schlep across the city between low-paying gigs, without health-care benefits or retirement plans—a stark contrast to the rarefied experiences of overpaid classical musician superstars. An incisive, no-holds-barred account,  Mozart in the Jungle  is the first true, behind-the-scenes look at what goes on ba...
Post a Comment
Read more

Back to School Limited Time Deals at Amazon

 I don't know if it's the teacher in me, but I always like to see what's new in back to school shopping.  I loved being a student, so that may be part of it too.  So I was looking at all the back to school deals, and here are some I would like to share with you.  I am an Amazon Associate, so if you were to purchase through one of my links (at no cost to you) I would get a small percentage.   What teacher doesn't need a box of  Pre-Sharpened pencils ?  Limited time deal 150 pencils for just $12.00! Every class subject needs their own  color folder Get prepared for the next decade with 100 folders just $16.00!  Limited Time Deal Pre School Teachers Alert! A 36 pack o f playdoh  just $19.99! Limited Time Deal Got to have more erasers, those tiny pencil erasers do not last long.  Limited Time Deal,  12 Eraser  box for just $5.54 What teacher, student or musician doesn't need s heet protectors ?  Limited Time Deal, 20...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Stage as a Classroom, Why Performing is Integral to Children's Music Education

Surprise Current and Alumni Musicians Ensemble 2024 Music education for children is not just about learning notes and rhythms; it's about fostering a deep appreciation for the art form and developing skills that go beyond mere technical proficiency. One vital aspect often overlooked is performance. Whether it's a solo recital, a school concert, or a community event, stepping onto the stage is a crucial component of a child's musical journey. In this blog post, we delve into why performing is an indispensable part of music study for children. Performing in front of an audience can be daunting, even for seasoned musicians, let alone children who are just starting their musical journey. However, it's precisely this challenge that helps build confidence. When a child prepares for a performance, they learn to manage their nerves, practice diligently, and present themselves with poise and assurance. These skills extend far beyond the stage, benefiting them in various aspects ...
Post a Comment
Read more