Keys & Strings Music Studio

Rosin is made from conifer (evergreen) trees.  Some rosins will smell like a Christmas Tree after you apply it to your bow.  It will not hurt your fingers or your clothes.  But it can hurt the varnish on your violin, so make sure that you wipe down your instrument after each play. In the summer I tend to use Light Rosin *, as it works better in the high humidity in our area.  I won't recommend a particular brand, but I do like Hill brand from England.  Light Rosin tends to be harder, and won't get as sticky in the heat of the summer months.   I switch over to Dark Rosin*  in the dryer air seasons.  It's a bit softer, and adheres better.   Price DOES matter.   Cheap one dollar rosin will not be the best quality.    But Rosin does not need to be a break the bank product.  $12-$20 will be a better quality rosin and it will last. Some educators say you must knick up the rosin the first time you use it.  I personal...

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.  

  Choosing a music related gift to help get your musicians creative juices flowing is always a good idea.   With the holiday season fast approaching, we have compiled some of our favorite ideas in one place so you don't have to search.  Holiday Bowed String Books by instrument.  We suggest getting a level up if they are midway through their current level.  Full disclosure, as an Amazon Affiliate, we do earn a small percentage if you purchase through one of our links.     Stocking Stuffer Ideas When Choosing a Shoulder Rest be sure to pick the right size based on your violin size 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4      We recommend Everest Brand, and they come in fun colors.  Viola's have their own sizing.  If you are unsure, check in with Ms. Sandie Who doesn't love an eight note music stand?

 Choosing a music related gift to help get your musicians creative juices flowing is always a good idea.   With the holiday season fast approaching, we have compiled some of our favorite ideas in one place so you don't have to search.  Holiday Piano Books by Level.  We suggest getting a level up if they are midway through their current level.  Full disclosure, as an Amazon Affiliate, we do earn a small percentage if you purchase through our link.   Piano Adventures Christmas Primer   Piano Adventures Christmas Level One   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 2A  Piano Adventures Christmas Level 2B   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 3a   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 3B   Piano Adventures Christmas Level 4 Sound Forge for the Savvy Music Writer   Sheet Music Notebook for Kids   Wide Staff Music Manuscript Paper  Garage Band Music Theory  If you have questions or are looking for other suggestions just...

 Recent North Haven Elementary and High School Chorus Performance It's almost here!  Summer time!  No School Work, No Home Work, No Activities............But wait....... Is that what you REALLY want for your child? Studies show that there is a 9% average of lost studies retention and even higher with students who have a learning disability such as Dyslexia , ADHD or being on the Autistic Spectrum.   Avoiding all educational ideas in the summer quarter sets up a vicious cycle.  Parents have to reinstitute learning practices and routines.  Students have to relearn what they already had done in preparation for what is to come.  This set back is not good for their self esteem, sense of worth, however your household might describe it.  Why not come up with a plan NOW to implant learning practices that will WORK for your summer plans.  Not only will this work with academics, but music lessons too.   Going away for several weeks?...

 Just as your child starts to demonstrate likes and dislikes at a young age (no more peas but bring on those sweet potatoes please!) Gradually he or she will start to also show you his musical taste in response to music.  Heavy operatic numbers and subtle symphonies might be a bit deep.  It doesn't mean that lovely orchestral lullabies or minstrel singing won't put him to sleep.  Minor keys may cause your child to cry.  My own child loved minor key, and I taught her needed life skills (phone number, address, how to make cookies) all with singing in a minor key.  Even her lullaby was minor.   We all have different tastes in music.  Why not start exposing your child today to the many choices of listening material. I am suggesting some music choices below.   Some of these links are affiliate links.  If you make a qualifying purchase from Amazon we will earn a small percentage.   The Hu Mongolian Rock  Miles Davis Ja...

In these post pandemic days, it is becoming common practice again for people to ask us to reschedule lessons because something else 'came up'.      A birthday party, going to a movie, play date, baseball game, etc.  We will reschedule for illness.  If it is another school or music related absence we will work with you. A Death in the Family.   It may take a while to have an opening to offer you in these instances, however we will honor the situation.  We can also offer you a virtual lesson.  In the summer quarter, when schools are on break we can accommodate to reschedule up to "2" lessons missed in this quarter as long as they do not coincide with our own closures.  There are only so many hours we can teach.  We have families, other work obligations.  We have set work hours and days.   Our students are taking a block on our schedule.  We don't have floating schedules, we see the same students, the same day and t...