Hello Everyone!
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of the fingers on our right hand to play the piano. This is called right hand middle C position. Everyone in the class did fabulous with their hand positions! And everyone could tell me what every note was under each finger. I was very impressed!
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers on the right hand. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above middle C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The last class for this semester is in two weeks (Dec. 12), and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. Please contact me if you are interested.
Please excuse the error which occurred with scheduling this past week. There was some miscommunication and I was told not to run the program due to parent teacher night, and told not to contact the parents as we were told you were all informed.. My most humble apologies, and I will see to it that this does not happen again.
See you next week!
Laura
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Owen Public School, Wednesday Nov. 28 (3:50 - 4:50)
Hello Everyone!
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of the fingers on our right hand to play the piano. This is called right hand middle C position. Everyone in the class did fabulous with their hand positions! And everyone could tell me what every note was under each finger. I was very impressed!
Home Assignments
Primary Students
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers on the right hand. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above middle C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
*************************************************************************************
Senior Students
Willow has been absent during the last two classes, and will need to do some serious catching up during the last two weeks of this semester. During the last class, Willow and Neha will have a small test to review what we have covered this semester.
Neha and I covered a lot in the last two weeks. We learned about pieces written with Theme and Variations which is when a motive is played or sang in a song, and is used as the main theme throughout and is variated using different keys, rhythms, notes, etc. We listened to Anton Dvorak's New World Symphony (Largo) for an example of Theme & Variations. We learned about left hand scales and scales using both hands at the same time, in contrary motion. We also learned about skips and steps in music, which are called intervals. Neha was able to show me 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, and octaves on the keyboard. She was also able to tell me every note on the grand staff and define all rests and note values. We also touched on time signatures other than 4/4 (3/4, 2/4, etc).
Home Assignments
1. Practice C major scale in contrary motion (12312345 on both hands), concentrating on thumb tuck.
2. Practice all intervals (2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, & Octaves (8ths)).
3. Bring a piece of classical music that you think is a good example of theme and variations (if you can).
4. Print and practice the piece attached to this post.
************************************************************************************
The last class for this semester is in two weeks (Dec. 12), and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. The showcase will run from 4:25 to 4:50 to allow room for the older children to write their tests. Please contact me if you are interested.
See you next week!
Laura
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of the fingers on our right hand to play the piano. This is called right hand middle C position. Everyone in the class did fabulous with their hand positions! And everyone could tell me what every note was under each finger. I was very impressed!
Home Assignments
Primary Students
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers on the right hand. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above middle C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
*************************************************************************************
Senior Students
Willow has been absent during the last two classes, and will need to do some serious catching up during the last two weeks of this semester. During the last class, Willow and Neha will have a small test to review what we have covered this semester.
Neha and I covered a lot in the last two weeks. We learned about pieces written with Theme and Variations which is when a motive is played or sang in a song, and is used as the main theme throughout and is variated using different keys, rhythms, notes, etc. We listened to Anton Dvorak's New World Symphony (Largo) for an example of Theme & Variations. We learned about left hand scales and scales using both hands at the same time, in contrary motion. We also learned about skips and steps in music, which are called intervals. Neha was able to show me 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, and octaves on the keyboard. She was also able to tell me every note on the grand staff and define all rests and note values. We also touched on time signatures other than 4/4 (3/4, 2/4, etc).
Home Assignments
1. Practice C major scale in contrary motion (12312345 on both hands), concentrating on thumb tuck.
2. Practice all intervals (2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, & Octaves (8ths)).
3. Bring a piece of classical music that you think is a good example of theme and variations (if you can).
4. Print and practice the piece attached to this post.
************************************************************************************
The last class for this semester is in two weeks (Dec. 12), and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. The showcase will run from 4:25 to 4:50 to allow room for the older children to write their tests. Please contact me if you are interested.
See you next week!
Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Nov. 28 (12:05 - 12:45)
Hello Everyone!
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of the fingers on our right hand to play the piano. This is called right hand middle C position. One problem we had was that some of the children's fingers were too small to press down the notes properly, but it will get easier with practice.
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers on the right hand. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above middle C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The last class for this semester is in two weeks (Dec. 12), and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. Coming at lunch may be a stretch, but you are welcome if you can make it. Alternatively, I will be conducting the same class at 3:50 to 4:50 with the parents of the children in the afternoon class. If you would like to bring yourselves and your children to the afternoon class additionally, that would be great. Please contact me if you are interested.
See you next week!
Laura
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of the fingers on our right hand to play the piano. This is called right hand middle C position. One problem we had was that some of the children's fingers were too small to press down the notes properly, but it will get easier with practice.
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers on the right hand. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above middle C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The last class for this semester is in two weeks (Dec. 12), and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. Coming at lunch may be a stretch, but you are welcome if you can make it. Alternatively, I will be conducting the same class at 3:50 to 4:50 with the parents of the children in the afternoon class. If you would like to bring yourselves and your children to the afternoon class additionally, that would be great. Please contact me if you are interested.
See you next week!
Laura
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Rolph Road Public School, Tuesday Nov. 27 (3:40 - 4:40)
Hello Everyone!
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of our fingers to play the piano, and from now on will use both our right and left hands for the higher notes and lower notes on the piano respectively. This is called right and left hand middle C position. One problem we had was that some of the children's fingers were too small to press down the notes properly, but it will get easier with practice.
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position, then their left hand. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above and below middles C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The last class for this semester is next week, and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. I will have them teach you some of what they have learned on the keyboards and about the history of music. They will also challenge you to a drumming competition like we did in class. If you know of anyone else who would be interested in the program and would like to attend the open class, they are welcome to attend, as well as any of your children's friends who might be interested. Please contact me if there are any questions.
In order to participate in the program which resumes in January 2008, you will need to sign up again at www.musiqclub.com. If there are any questions regarding this, please contact the Program Director, Dan Lang at danlang@musiqclub.com or 416.488.1838.
See you all next week!
-Laura
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned more about notes that go higher and higher and notes that go lower and lower. We have started using all of our fingers to play the piano, and from now on will use both our right and left hands for the higher notes and lower notes on the piano respectively. This is called right and left hand middle C position. One problem we had was that some of the children's fingers were too small to press down the notes properly, but it will get easier with practice.
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. Have the children tell you their finger numbers. The thumb is 1, pointer 2, and so on in that fashion for both hands. If there is a keyboard at home, ask them to place first their right hand in middle C position, then their left hand. The side of the thumb should be on the middle C with all the tips of the fingers on the 4 notes above and below middles C. There should be a nice curve in the fingers, so there is a tunnel for an ant to crawl underneath them.
If anyone has any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
The last class for this semester is next week, and I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. I will have them teach you some of what they have learned on the keyboards and about the history of music. They will also challenge you to a drumming competition like we did in class. If you know of anyone else who would be interested in the program and would like to attend the open class, they are welcome to attend, as well as any of your children's friends who might be interested. Please contact me if there are any questions.
In order to participate in the program which resumes in January 2008, you will need to sign up again at www.musiqclub.com. If there are any questions regarding this, please contact the Program Director, Dan Lang at danlang@musiqclub.com or 416.488.1838.
See you all next week!
-Laura
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Blessed Sacrament, Thursday Nov. 15 (3:15 - 4:15)
We had a great first class together today! We learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We also learned about notes that go higher and higher above middle C and notes that go lower and lower below middle C. We even had a little drumming competition on Djembe Drums.
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
3. If there is a keyboard at home, practice Group of Two, Down to C, where the children find the groups of two black keys and the white key at the bottom is the C.
I would like to take this oppourtunity to introduce myself. I am the new MusIQ Teacher for Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Cathy Miller, the previous teacher, had to leave unfortunately and I am taking over for the remainder of the semester and for next semester. I am teaching three other MusIQ classes in two other schools in the TDSB. It is a joy for me to teach music to children using this innovative and excellent program. I will be updating this blog each week after class with information about the class progress and home assignments. I look forward to meeting you all over the next few weeks, and feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
Thanks!
See you next week!
-Laura
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
3. If there is a keyboard at home, practice Group of Two, Down to C, where the children find the groups of two black keys and the white key at the bottom is the C.
I would like to take this oppourtunity to introduce myself. I am the new MusIQ Teacher for Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Cathy Miller, the previous teacher, had to leave unfortunately and I am taking over for the remainder of the semester and for next semester. I am teaching three other MusIQ classes in two other schools in the TDSB. It is a joy for me to teach music to children using this innovative and excellent program. I will be updating this blog each week after class with information about the class progress and home assignments. I look forward to meeting you all over the next few weeks, and feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
Thanks!
See you next week!
-Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Nov. 14 (3:50 - 4:50)
Hello everyone!
We have had great classes these last two weeks. We had a drumming competition last week with Djembe Drums and everyone had a lot of fun and did very well! We learned more about holding notes for 1, 2, 3, and 4 beats. We learned to clap rhythms on our hands within 4 beats phrases. When we hold notes in our 4 beat phrases, we dip our hands on each held beat. So if we are counting 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, if we clap and hold the first two notes, we would dip our hands on the second beat to to show that we still know where the beat is and how many have gone by. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We have learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low
Home Assignments
Primary Students
1. If there is a keyboard at home, review "Group of 2, Down to C" up and down the piano,
finding all the C's.
2. Practice holding notes as I described above. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
3. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
Willow and Neha have learned about playing a C major scale, musical rests, the Bass Clef (F Clef), and in class this week we played Old Grey Goose. Both girls need to practice A Tisket, A Tasket again this week. It is very important to bring the music to every class. The girls need to look one note ahead while they are practicing so they don't get lost. Remember proper hand position and all your rhythms!
Home Assignments
Willow & Neha
1. Practice C Major scale fingering, paying special attention to the thumb tuck. Fingering is 12312345 with the thumb tuck occurring after the third finger plays the note E. The thumb is curved underneath to play the F. In class we practiced 12341234 for scale fingering to work up our thumb tuck. Let the girls know that they can switch to the new fingering now.
2. Practice A Tisket, A Tasket, paying special attention to both notes and rhythms. Please remind the girls to bring their music to class.
3. Review whole rests, half rests, quarter rests and eighth rests. Also review whole notes, half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes. The girls will be tested on this information during the last class in December, so it is very important for them to review and remember.
-Laura
We have had great classes these last two weeks. We had a drumming competition last week with Djembe Drums and everyone had a lot of fun and did very well! We learned more about holding notes for 1, 2, 3, and 4 beats. We learned to clap rhythms on our hands within 4 beats phrases. When we hold notes in our 4 beat phrases, we dip our hands on each held beat. So if we are counting 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, if we clap and hold the first two notes, we would dip our hands on the second beat to to show that we still know where the beat is and how many have gone by. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We have learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low
Home Assignments
Primary Students
1. If there is a keyboard at home, review "Group of 2, Down to C" up and down the piano,
finding all the C's.
2. Practice holding notes as I described above. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
3. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
************************************************************************************
Willow and Neha have learned about playing a C major scale, musical rests, the Bass Clef (F Clef), and in class this week we played Old Grey Goose. Both girls need to practice A Tisket, A Tasket again this week. It is very important to bring the music to every class. The girls need to look one note ahead while they are practicing so they don't get lost. Remember proper hand position and all your rhythms!
Home Assignments
Willow & Neha
1. Practice C Major scale fingering, paying special attention to the thumb tuck. Fingering is 12312345 with the thumb tuck occurring after the third finger plays the note E. The thumb is curved underneath to play the F. In class we practiced 12341234 for scale fingering to work up our thumb tuck. Let the girls know that they can switch to the new fingering now.
2. Practice A Tisket, A Tasket, paying special attention to both notes and rhythms. Please remind the girls to bring their music to class.
3. Review whole rests, half rests, quarter rests and eighth rests. Also review whole notes, half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes. The girls will be tested on this information during the last class in December, so it is very important for them to review and remember.
- Whole Notes & Rests - 4 beats in a 4/4 bar (4/4) -
- Half Notes & Rests - 2 beats in a 4/4 bar (2/4) -
- Quarter Notes & Rests - 1 beat in a 4/4/ bar (1/4) -
- Eighth Notes & Rests - 1/2 of a beat in a 4/4 bar (1/8) -
See you next week!- Half Notes & Rests - 2 beats in a 4/4 bar (2/4) -
- Quarter Notes & Rests - 1 beat in a 4/4/ bar (1/4) -
- Eighth Notes & Rests - 1/2 of a beat in a 4/4 bar (1/8) -
-Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Nov. 14 (12:05 - 12:45)
Hello everyone!
We have had great classes these last two weeks. We had a drumming competition last week with Djembe Drums and everyone had a lot of fun and did very well! We learned more about holding notes for 1, 2, 3, and 4 beats. We learned to clap rhythms on our hands within 4 beats phrases. When we hold notes in our 4 beat phrases, we dip our hands on each held beat. So if we are counting 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, if we clap and hold the first two notes, we would dip our hands on the second beat to to show that we still know where the beat is and how many have gone by. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We have learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, review "Group of 2, Down to C" up and down the piano,
finding all the C's.
2. Practice holding notes as I described above. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
3. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
See you next week!
- Laura
We have had great classes these last two weeks. We had a drumming competition last week with Djembe Drums and everyone had a lot of fun and did very well! We learned more about holding notes for 1, 2, 3, and 4 beats. We learned to clap rhythms on our hands within 4 beats phrases. When we hold notes in our 4 beat phrases, we dip our hands on each held beat. So if we are counting 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, if we clap and hold the first two notes, we would dip our hands on the second beat to to show that we still know where the beat is and how many have gone by. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We have learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, review "Group of 2, Down to C" up and down the piano,
finding all the C's.
2. Practice holding notes as I described above. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
3. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
See you next week!
- Laura
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Rolph Road Public School, Tuesday Nov. 14 (3:40 - 4:40)
Hello Everyone!
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We also learned about notes that go higher and higher above middle C and notes that go lower and lower below middle C. Carly even played us Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
For the last class this semester (which is on December 11th), I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. I will have them teach you some of what they have learned on the keyboards. Please email me if you are interested in attending.
See you next week!
-Laura
We have been a very busy class over the last two weeks. We have learned about Double Notes, which is when you play two notes at the same time, one high and one low. We learned about Staccato, which refers to music that is short and bouncy, and Legato, which refers to music that is smooth and connected. We also learned about notes that go higher and higher above middle C and notes that go lower and lower below middle C. Carly even played us Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!
Home Assignments
1. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should review notes that go higher and lower above and below middle C. Ask them to start at middle C, play a medium high note, and a very high note, then come back down in the same fashion to middle C. Ask them to do the same thing with the lower notes. If there is no keyboard, try singing a middle note, a medium high note, and a really high note. Try the same thing with the lower notes.
2. If there is a keyboard at home, the children should try and practice double notes, playing them in a staccato fashion and legato fashion. If there is no keyboard, this exercise can be sung. Try singing Mary Had a Little Lamb staccato and legato.
For the last class this semester (which is on December 11th), I would like to invite the parents to an open class where the children will show you what they have learned about music. I will have them teach you some of what they have learned on the keyboards. Please email me if you are interested in attending.
See you next week!
-Laura
Friday, November 2, 2007
Rolph Road Public School, Tuesday Oct. 30 (3:40 - 4:40)
Hello everyone! We had a good class this week. Everyone was a little hyper because of the candy, but it was great to see how much everyone remembered about Beethoven and his life. We had a Bongo Boy competition this week with Djembe Drums and everyone had a lot of fun and did very well! I had my toes pinched by our crab actors because everybody was able to play all of their rhythms correctly!
This week we learned more about holding notes for 1, 2, 3, and 4 beats. We learned to clap rhythms on our hands within 4 beats phrases. We clapped holding notes for each other. Everyone needs to practice this at home, as it needs a little more work. When we hold notes in our 4 beat phrases, we dip our hands on each held beat. So if we are counting 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, if we clap and hold the first two notes, we would dip our hands on the second beat to to show that we still know where the beat is and how many have gone by.
Home Assignments
1. Review "Group of 2, Down to C" up and down the keyboard, finding all the C's.
2. Practice holding notes as I described above. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
I want to remind everyone that when we write music in the improvisation room and play the pieces for each other that we must all remain politely quiet so we can hear everyone's pieces that they wrote. There was a little too much chatter last week when we played them for each other.
Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to the children next week - If they would like to bring a friend to class for a one class trial, they are welcome to next week. Spaces are limited, so it is first come first serve. Please email me at laura.k.savage@gmail.com if your child is interested in bringing a friend.
See you next week!
- Laura
This week we learned more about holding notes for 1, 2, 3, and 4 beats. We learned to clap rhythms on our hands within 4 beats phrases. We clapped holding notes for each other. Everyone needs to practice this at home, as it needs a little more work. When we hold notes in our 4 beat phrases, we dip our hands on each held beat. So if we are counting 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, if we clap and hold the first two notes, we would dip our hands on the second beat to to show that we still know where the beat is and how many have gone by.
Home Assignments
1. Review "Group of 2, Down to C" up and down the keyboard, finding all the C's.
2. Practice holding notes as I described above. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
I want to remind everyone that when we write music in the improvisation room and play the pieces for each other that we must all remain politely quiet so we can hear everyone's pieces that they wrote. There was a little too much chatter last week when we played them for each other.
Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to the children next week - If they would like to bring a friend to class for a one class trial, they are welcome to next week. Spaces are limited, so it is first come first serve. Please email me at laura.k.savage@gmail.com if your child is interested in bringing a friend.
See you next week!
- Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Oct. 31 (3:50 - 4:50)
Hello everyone! Our class this week was extra fun with all the Halloween costumes! The primary students progressed very well this week, covering two lessons in one hour! We reviewed Hi & Lo and we did word phrase clap backs. We also reviewed "Group of Two, Down to C" to find all the C's on the keyboard. In our second lesson, we learned about holding notes for 2, 3, and 4 beats. We even got a new teacher, Mr. Bach!
Home Assignments
Primary Students (Everyone except Willow & Neha)
1. Practice clapping your hands four times and saying a sentence like we did in class. Ex: My feet smell like roses
2. Review "Group of 2, Down to C" if you have a keyboard at home, and be able to find all the C's.
3. Recite your musical alphabet a few times to keep it in your mind.
Next week is our real live Bongo Boy competition, so everyone practice their rhythms by clapping their hands and reciting their word phrases!
Willow and Neha began practicing Old Grey Goose, reviewed finger numbers, and notes on the keyboard. We also learned about stem direction on the staff (When the note head is on the middle line and above it, stems go down, and that below the middle line of the staff, stems go up. This makes the music look better and makes it easier to read).
Both Willow and Neha are progressing very quickly and very well. I am very impressed and proud of both of them. They are working hard in their lessons and are already able to read notes and rhythms very well. Both need to concentrate on keeping their eyes one note ahead while reading the music they are playing. Neha needs to concentrate on her hand position more (keeping all the fingers on the keyboard while playing the notes), and Willow needs to make sure she can play the pieces at a speed where she can play all the rhythms and notes correctly.
Home Assignments
Senior Students (Willow & Neha)
1. Review the notes in the Treble Clef (Lines: Every Good Boy Deserve Fudge; Spaces: FACE), and in the Bass Clef (Lines: Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always; Spaces: All Cows Eat Grass).
2. Review Whole Notes, Half Notes, & Quarter Notes. (Whole Notes are worth 4 beats, Half Notes are worth 2 beats, and Quarter Notes and worth 1 beat.)
3. Be able to explain to me what 4/4 time is next week.
4. Practice A Tisket, A Tasket (below) at a speed that allows you to play all the right notes and rhythms. Instead of a 4/4 time signature at the beginning, the piece is marked C for common time. Common time is 4/4. 4 beats per bar. Pay attention to the fingering and proper hand position. We will play it for each other in class next week.
Also please remember to bring your folders with Ode To Joy and A Tisket, A Tasket in them. We will need our music every week.
I would like to extend an invitation to the children next week - If they would like to bring a friend to class for a one class trial, they are welcome to next week. Spaces are limited, so it is first come first serve. Please email me at laura.k.savage@gmail.com if your child is interested in bringing a friend.
See you next week!
-Laura
Home Assignments
Primary Students (Everyone except Willow & Neha)
1. Practice clapping your hands four times and saying a sentence like we did in class. Ex: My feet smell like roses
2. Review "Group of 2, Down to C" if you have a keyboard at home, and be able to find all the C's.
3. Recite your musical alphabet a few times to keep it in your mind.
Next week is our real live Bongo Boy competition, so everyone practice their rhythms by clapping their hands and reciting their word phrases!
***********************************************************************************
Willow and Neha began practicing Old Grey Goose, reviewed finger numbers, and notes on the keyboard. We also learned about stem direction on the staff (When the note head is on the middle line and above it, stems go down, and that below the middle line of the staff, stems go up. This makes the music look better and makes it easier to read).
Both Willow and Neha are progressing very quickly and very well. I am very impressed and proud of both of them. They are working hard in their lessons and are already able to read notes and rhythms very well. Both need to concentrate on keeping their eyes one note ahead while reading the music they are playing. Neha needs to concentrate on her hand position more (keeping all the fingers on the keyboard while playing the notes), and Willow needs to make sure she can play the pieces at a speed where she can play all the rhythms and notes correctly.
Home Assignments
Senior Students (Willow & Neha)
1. Review the notes in the Treble Clef (Lines: Every Good Boy Deserve Fudge; Spaces: FACE), and in the Bass Clef (Lines: Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always; Spaces: All Cows Eat Grass).
2. Review Whole Notes, Half Notes, & Quarter Notes. (Whole Notes are worth 4 beats, Half Notes are worth 2 beats, and Quarter Notes and worth 1 beat.)
3. Be able to explain to me what 4/4 time is next week.
4. Practice A Tisket, A Tasket (below) at a speed that allows you to play all the right notes and rhythms. Instead of a 4/4 time signature at the beginning, the piece is marked C for common time. Common time is 4/4. 4 beats per bar. Pay attention to the fingering and proper hand position. We will play it for each other in class next week.
Also please remember to bring your folders with Ode To Joy and A Tisket, A Tasket in them. We will need our music every week.
************************************************************************************
I would like to extend an invitation to the children next week - If they would like to bring a friend to class for a one class trial, they are welcome to next week. Spaces are limited, so it is first come first serve. Please email me at laura.k.savage@gmail.com if your child is interested in bringing a friend.
See you next week!
-Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Oct. 31 (12:05 - 12:45)
Hello everyone! Our class this week was extra fun with all the Halloween costumes! We had a scheduling problem this week due to a pizza lunch that was being held in room 120 where we usually do our lessons. The lessons were moved to room 106, but unfortunately we were missing Jordan and Nikolas because of the mix up. If we cannot be in room 120 again and I cannot pick the children up in the lunch room, room 106 will be the backup room. I have been told by the office that this shouldn't be a problem again.
Everyone progressed very well this week, covering two lessons in just 40 minutes! We reviewed Hi & Lo and we did word phrase clap backs. We also reviewed "Group of Two, Down to C" to find all the C's on the keyboard. In our second lesson, we learned about holding notes for 2, 3, and 4 beats. We even got a new teacher, Mr. Bach!
Home Assignments
1. Practice clapping your hands four times and saying a sentence like we did in class. Ex: My feet smell like roses
2. Review "Group of 2, Down to C" if you have a keyboard at home, and be able to find all the C's.
3. Recite your musical alphabet a few times to keep it in your mind.
Next week is our real live Bongo Boy competition, so everyone practice their rhythms by clapping their hands and reciting their word phrases!
I would like to extend an invitation to the children next week - If they would like to bring a friend to class for a one class trial, they are welcome to next week. Spaces are limited, so it is first come first serve. Please email me at laura.k.savage@gmail.com if your child is interested in bringing a friend.
See you next week!
-Laura
Everyone progressed very well this week, covering two lessons in just 40 minutes! We reviewed Hi & Lo and we did word phrase clap backs. We also reviewed "Group of Two, Down to C" to find all the C's on the keyboard. In our second lesson, we learned about holding notes for 2, 3, and 4 beats. We even got a new teacher, Mr. Bach!
Home Assignments
1. Practice clapping your hands four times and saying a sentence like we did in class. Ex: My feet smell like roses
2. Review "Group of 2, Down to C" if you have a keyboard at home, and be able to find all the C's.
3. Recite your musical alphabet a few times to keep it in your mind.
Next week is our real live Bongo Boy competition, so everyone practice their rhythms by clapping their hands and reciting their word phrases!
I would like to extend an invitation to the children next week - If they would like to bring a friend to class for a one class trial, they are welcome to next week. Spaces are limited, so it is first come first serve. Please email me at laura.k.savage@gmail.com if your child is interested in bringing a friend.
See you next week!
-Laura
Friday, October 26, 2007
Rolph Road Public School, Tuesday Oct. 23 (3:40 - 4:40)
We had a great class on Tuesday! Everyone is progressing very well in their music lessons. I can't believe we are already on week five! We have been learning about rhythms, circle notes, high and low notes, the musical alphabet, and we even have a new teacher, Mr. Bach!
Next week is the day before Halloween, so I will be bringing in some treats and some spooky music to listen to as a reward for your great progress! And don't forget, next week we are going to have a real live Bongo Boy competition, so get ready!
Home Assignments:
1. If you have a keyboard at home, review "Group of 2, Down to C". Find a high C, a low C, and Middle C.
2. Review your musical alphabet and be able to recite it for me next week.
3. Practice clapping your hands four times and saying a sentence that is the same length like we did in class. Ex: My Feet Smell Like Roses
Some of you have expressed interest in purchasing the Children's Music Journey software and keyboard for home practice, to keep your child motivated and progressing. They can be purchased at a very reasonable price from www.musiqclub.com. If you have questions about how to purchase, email Dan, danlang@musiqclub.com.
Thank-you, and I look forward to our lesson next week!
-Laura
Next week is the day before Halloween, so I will be bringing in some treats and some spooky music to listen to as a reward for your great progress! And don't forget, next week we are going to have a real live Bongo Boy competition, so get ready!
Home Assignments:
1. If you have a keyboard at home, review "Group of 2, Down to C". Find a high C, a low C, and Middle C.
2. Review your musical alphabet and be able to recite it for me next week.
3. Practice clapping your hands four times and saying a sentence that is the same length like we did in class. Ex: My Feet Smell Like Roses
Some of you have expressed interest in purchasing the Children's Music Journey software and keyboard for home practice, to keep your child motivated and progressing. They can be purchased at a very reasonable price from www.musiqclub.com. If you have questions about how to purchase, email Dan, danlang@musiqclub.com.
Thank-you, and I look forward to our lesson next week!
-Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Oct. 24 (12:05 - 12:45)
We had a great class today! Everybody has been working very hard and our third week together was the best one yet! We learned about high and low, the musical alphabet, circle notes, and rhythm. We've even begun writing some of our own songs.
Next week is Halloween so I will be bringing in treats as a reward for your great progress. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in their costumes!
Home Assignments
1.Think of some more things that make high and low sounds. (Ex. A Bird = High/Whale = Low)
2.Review your musical alphabet and be able to recite it for me next week.
3.Think about what your favourite song is. Next week we will be talking about how songs can paint a picture.
I look forward to seeing you next week!
-Laura
Next week is Halloween so I will be bringing in treats as a reward for your great progress. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in their costumes!
Home Assignments
1.Think of some more things that make high and low sounds. (Ex. A Bird = High/Whale = Low)
2.Review your musical alphabet and be able to recite it for me next week.
3.Think about what your favourite song is. Next week we will be talking about how songs can paint a picture.
I look forward to seeing you next week!
-Laura
Owen Public School, Wednesday Oct. 24 (3:50 - 4:50)
We had a great class today! Everybody has been working very hard and our third week together was the best one yet! We learned about high and low, the musical alphabet, circle notes, and rhythm. We've even begun writing some of our own songs.
Willow & Neha began learning about rhythms (whole/half/quarter/eighths), rests (whole/half/quarter), note names, proper posture/hand position and finger numbers.
Next week is Halloween so I will be bringing in treats as a reward for your great progress. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in their costumes!
Home Assignments
Primary Students (Everyone except Willow & Neha):
1.Think of some more things that make high and low sounds. (Ex. A Bird = High/Whale = Low)
2.Review your musical alphabet and be able to recite it for me next week.
3.Think about what your favourite song is. Next week we will be talking about how songs can paint a picture.
Senior Students (Willow & Neha)
1. Review finger numbers and proper hand position.
2. Find all the C's and F's on the keyboard, then the A's, B's, D's, E's and G's going from lowest to highest, then highest to lowest all the way up and down the keyboard.
3. Practice Ode To Joy (at the end of the email) at a speed where you can play all the notes and rhythms correctly. We will play this next week for each other in class.
4. Please print the music below and bring it to class for next week. I will bring two binders which we will use to keep our music organized.
See you next week!
-Laura
Willow & Neha began learning about rhythms (whole/half/quarter/eighths), rests (whole/half/quarter), note names, proper posture/hand position and finger numbers.
Next week is Halloween so I will be bringing in treats as a reward for your great progress. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in their costumes!
Home Assignments
Primary Students (Everyone except Willow & Neha):
1.Think of some more things that make high and low sounds. (Ex. A Bird = High/Whale = Low)
2.Review your musical alphabet and be able to recite it for me next week.
3.Think about what your favourite song is. Next week we will be talking about how songs can paint a picture.
Senior Students (Willow & Neha)
1. Review finger numbers and proper hand position.
2. Find all the C's and F's on the keyboard, then the A's, B's, D's, E's and G's going from lowest to highest, then highest to lowest all the way up and down the keyboard.
3. Practice Ode To Joy (at the end of the email) at a speed where you can play all the notes and rhythms correctly. We will play this next week for each other in class.
4. Please print the music below and bring it to class for next week. I will bring two binders which we will use to keep our music organized.
See you next week!
-Laura
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