Keys & Strings Music Studio

It's spring! Time for baseball, softball, easter egg hunts, dance recitals, prepping for music recitals, graduations and family trips. I thought I would share with you an economists view about music lessons, particularly missed lessons. She herself is a Suzuki parent, whose children took private instruction when she wrote this article. Thank you Vicky, for allowing us to share this. Make-up Music Lessons from an Economist's Point of View By Vicky Barham, Ph. D. I'm a parent of children enrolled in Suzuki music lessons. I'd like to explain to other parents why I feel - quite strongly, actually - that it is unreasonable of we parents to expect our teachers to make up lessons we miss, even if I know as well as they do just how expensive lessons are, and, equally importantly, how important that weekly contact is with the teacher to keeping practising ticking along smoothly. I think that it is natural for we parents to share the point of view that students should have their

Ricky B recently placed 3rd in the Pinewood Derby and is Moving on to Compete in the district pinewood event. Ricky is in 1st grade and lives with his Mom and Dad in Wallingford. He is an avid Sponge Bob, Batman, Superman and Spiderman fan, and also please a Mean Piano. Congratulations Ricky!

As I feel that many people feel the word 'practice' has a negative connotation, I like to use the phrase 'music making at home' with my students and families. Even with this positive spin, I am continually met with 'I don't have time to practice'. It's an epidemic ! Rather than make students feel more guilty or unhappy with themselves or me, I thought we'd start a dialogue among all music families to see how they fit it into their life. My suggestion is always 'grazing'. Play one or two pieces several times in little segments of time. Before the bus comes (if you are an early riser) Right when you get home from school. Again while Mom or Dad make dinner. It's easy to get 15 - 30 minutes in a day if you break it down. Please share with us how you fit it in!

5 amazing days! 4 hours each day! August 15 - 19. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. We need bows, guitars, drummers, percussionist and keyboards. All music included, tshirt for performance and pizza party last day. Sells out every year. Register now, and let us know your song wish and shirt size. www.musicboxwithsandie.com Songs chosen so far: Proud Mary! Baby! (for those Justin Bieber fans)

Today, we did a FANTASTIC job. I was so impressed with our sight reading. I couldn't have asked for a better group of musicians (and their families) to spend a Sunday afternoon with. Next rehearsal we will be focusing on bowing, dynamics and composer information. A great big thank you for everyone who also participated in our coffee mate office event. Thank you to everyone who brought the delicious cookies and cake. Thanks for experimenting with the brownie idea shout out to Robin and family. I know everyone enjoyed the coffee, treats, music and companionship. A special thank you to Tracy for really helping everyone figure out the new Nescafe Dolce machine.

Oh....the joy of being a Mother. Or a musical Auntie. Here is the first posting of our newest children! Ms. Joanna is doing great, and the girls are healthy. 5 lbs. and 5.7 lbs. Not posting their names here for privacy, but we'll put more information up in the waiting room. I see a Village class on my schedule very very soon!

As an educator.......I am hearing more and more excuses from students as they walk through the door. Before they even take their hat/coat/mittens off. As they peel the scarf from around their neck I hear the words I didn't have time to practice this week I was just too busy. Some of these children are 7 years old. I am sure that no child at that age is too busy to spend some time with the instrument that hopefully they chose to learn. It's not so much the lack of improvement that troubles me, it's the idea of making the excuse. My reply is usually did you have time to brush your teeth, eat, sleep, shower. They usually roll their eyes at me with a long yesssssssss. Then I ask did you do your homework for school? Another yes. Did you have time for tv, playdates, video games and they start to see where I'm going. Some say no right away. Some say a little. Some say yes. Parents and children make choices every day. Just taking a lesson once a week does not a music