Keys & Strings Music Studio

I always knew I wanted to teach.  In a preschool, an elementary school, a private elementary school, a private music studio, my own home, and then my own private music studio.  I've taught in all of these situations.  As for any teacher (regardless of subject or age range of students) all of these different locations have their pros, cons and struggles. The hardest part I believe, is balancing our dedication to our students (the reason that we do what we do) their parents/school administrators (who pay us to teach their child) and ourselves.  It's a fine line to do what is best for the student, while pleasing the parent or our bosses, and keeping our own lives balanced. I personally get vested in each family.  Even if I do not teach their child myself.  I try to know every student at Keys & Strings, to greet their parent or family member.  To know a bit about their lives, culture and customs.  I've adjusted lesson plans to include favorite subjects (our rec

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.

MY CHILD ISN'T PROGRESSING (POST HOLIDAY SLUMP) Post holidays, I heard from a lot of parents (both of my students and other educators students) that they were thinking of 'taking a break' because the children were not progressing, or fighting them to practice at home. My reply, (questions) were always the same.  Did you maintain your usual routine during the holidays? (No)  Did you stay out late, have house guests, excitement over tree decorating, Nutcracker performances, Church Pageant rehearsals (Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes). Of course they aren't progressing.  Your teacher is hoping to just maintain during changes in home life, whatever the reason.  Please give it the rest of the month and try this routine before you 'take that break' and completely stall your child's (or your own) music progression. For young musicians, go back to playing each assigned (tabbed) piece of music their age each day.  This means if your musician is five they should p

This is Erin, the Office Manager at the studio. Recently we have been asked by some families to reschedule lessons for various reasons i.e. illness, weather, participation in other events. I feel the below article, written by a Suzuki mom who is also a economist, gives a very articulate view on our way of thinking.  The educators at Keys & Strings (especially the head teachers) rarely miss lessons, to make it a point to not inconvenience their students who have chosen a specific lesson time and day weekly on their schedules. We feel the teachers are paid to be available to each family at their designated time with the obligation of being at the studio for their assigned teaching days/times, and prepared for each individual students needs.  We appreciate that our families pay for the month in advance according to their agreement with our studio, and would like to help them understand that they are paying for a time slot with their chosen teacher, during which time they will rece

It's been a busy summer. The new space is now complete (the missing music rug has been returned fresh and clean from Whiteway Cleaners) and the curtains are up, the plants are in the window and the music is ringing! What a pleasant space. So happy and fresh. I just found out that back in the 70's a bar called "Fiddlers Green" was here. I think that's not only appropriate.....but poetic. Though the cushy chair and couch are gone, we have new furniture in the waiting room, and full music lessons in each of the teaching rooms. Well almost full. Ms. Joanna has a few spots left, and TJ is joining us to offer guitar soon! Our birthday party schedule is starting to fill up, and our Kindermusik demos which are being held on Sunday September 11th are also filling up. Kindermusik classes will start on the 19th. Change that is hoped and prayed for is always good. I'll be posting pics this afternoon on https://www.facebook.com/#!/KeysandStringsMusicStudio I hope you will

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Today was an exciting morning! Four of our students entered the music competition at the 49th annual Irish Feis held in North Haven. Competitors came from all over the state of Connecticut and areas of NY State. The music instruments featured were fiddle, tin whistle, flute and accordion as well as voice. David Caldarella, in his first ever music competition took 1st place in his category of studying less than 3 years. What's exciting is he made a last minute change this morning to play a different piece than planned. His enthusiasm paid off! Also in her first competition, Rita Sherban put alot of effort into her Reel. Look at the smile on her face! She placed first in her category of studying over three years. Bridget Ruiz entered the music feis for her second year of competition (she took 1st place in her age category last year) This year she placed 2nd, in a more advanced category, and playing two contrasting dances in the key of D Major. Great job! Here she is, holding her trop