Lessons from a HomeSchooling Parents Perspective

A great big thank you to Carrie S Moore, home-schooling parent of 5 children plus the caregiver to darling husband Nate, a favorite dog and dozens of chickens.

When our daughter showed interest in learning to play the

violin we realized that seeking outside lessons was about

putting our faith and trust in an expert of that instrument.

Though my husband has a substantial background in music,

he isn't knowledgable in this particular instrument, so we put

our trust in Ms. Sandie. We went in realizing that our

daughter wasn't going to be an expert of the instrument

over night, but that it would take time for her to be proficient

at the instrument.

As a homeschooling mother of five, I know that practice

makes perfect. Just as you need to practice your math facts

to master them, so you need to practice your instrument to

master it. Allowing our child to struggle in its challenges,

and putting our faith in an expert who knows what they're

doing would help her master this specialized skill. This is why

we found it important to never step in, especially when we

are not knowledgeable in the violin. This could be a

hindrance rather than a help!

Our daughter, Therese, has been studying with Ms. Sandie

for three years now and we can't believe how much

headway she has made. Her ability to read music and play

the violin as well as she does took time, but it was time well

spent. She still has a long way to go if she is to master the

violin, but with practice and trust in Ms. Sandie's expertise,

we know she will get there some day!

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Our Recommended Digital Keyboard/Piano for Beginner Musicians and why we like them

YAMAHA P71 88-Key* Yamaha P71 Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive) Why do we like this keyboard? No bells, whistles or lights Weighted keys Place on table you already have or get optional stand Don't have the space for a full sized keyboard? Here is a smaller size Why do we like this keyboard? Minimum acceptable size of 61 keys responsive touch keys has power source Weighted keys Place on table you already have or get optional stand Casio CT-X700 61 keys No matter which brand or size you purchase, keep in mind that the minimum requirements are: 61 keys Touch Sensitive, Touch Responsive, Weighted or Semi-Weighted Keys A pedal will be needed at some point in the future. *These items were available at Amazon on publication date of this post. As an Amazon associate we will receive a small percentage of your purchase at no cost to you if you purchased through our link.

Summer Time is a Great Time to Start Piano Lessons

Got those Summertime Blues? Why not turn them into music? Summer is a great time to explore an instrument. Piano is the 'gateway' to all other instruments. Theory comprehension comes's easiest as it is literally black and white! At Keys & Strings we combine lesson studies with fun popular arrangements, so the student always feels accomplishment in their new music exploration. We have posted a previous blog on our educators recommendations, but wanted to provide our families with a way to explore other options. Best Digital Keyboards for Beginner's

Commitment

Learning an instrument takes commitment. Commitment from the student (to apply their newly taught techniques at home) It takes 10,000 hours to master any new skill. That's a lot of music making. Commitment from the parent. Bringing the student to their lesson weekly, on time. Giving their student a comfortable, well lit place to practice. Helping their young musician be patient, learn time management, apply reading of pitch and addition/subtraction of rhythm counting. Just as importantly, commitment from their teacher. Commitment to be there, waiting with a smile. Commitment to be prepared, and attentive. Commitment to CONTINUITY. To be a good teacher takes talent, knowledge and skill. To be a GREAT teacher, you must always make it about your students first. Commitment to the students, is what Ms. Sandie, Ms. Joanna, Ms. Doreen and Ms. Stacey are all about.

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