My friend whose son recently achieved a mark of 86 for his first ever Grade 1 RCM exam, asked me if that was a good mark. She told me the teacher did not comment or congratulate him on it and gave no further feedback. I couldn't tell which of those statements were more strange?
I started off with the Asian mom answer, well what happened to the other 14% but she wasn't quite sure if I was joking. Anyway my giggling was giving me away. I really had to lay it on think.
Me: "First Class Honours is 80% but First Class Honours with Distinction is 90% and up``
Mom: OK
Me: "Well you have to ask yourself if you think it's a good mark."
Mom: "Yah but I don't know."
Me: "Well if your son came back with a mark of 86% for math would you be mad at him or happy?"
Mom: "I don't know"
Wow, harsh mom from China! I was actually starting to get confused if she just wanted me to say that it was a really awesome mark and she should be really proud of him.
Me: "Well I think that's a pretty awesome mark and you should be really proud of him. I'd be pretty happy with my student for getting that mark"
I did have a student who got 86 for his Grade 1 Exam too a few years ago. He's in Grade 5 piano now but he's been too busy playing basketball to be focused enough for that exam.
Fortunately, a recent RCM newsletter, the RCM Music Matters gives a very neutral and well rounded response to that question. I won`t quote it word for word so you can track it down yourself.
The marking criteria for practical piano exams is mapped out in the RCM Syllabus 2008 Edition.
Excellent: First Class Honours with Distinction
Very Good: First Class Honours
80 - 84: A performance that is confident, musically interesting, and generally secure technically
85 - 89: An engaging performance that reflects fine preparation; displays technical ease, characterization, and a sense of spontaneity
90 above: Exceptional performance, demonstrating technical command, mastery, deep awareness of style and character, sophisticated musical shaping, effecting communication skills. And I like this one, an authentic performance spark.
I really like that last one, the spark. That`s exactly what I look for to nurture in each of my students. I have to honest that some have it naturally, some have yet to find it. But one you meet someone or hear someone in concert who has it, it is awesome. I might have been generous to say that 86% was an awesome mark, but it is still something to be proud of.
On the other hand, growing up my mom always expected me to have First Class Honours for all the grades. Only once did a I surpass that basic expectation and got First Class Honours with Distinction for Grade 9.
I am a new Suzuki Piano Teacher with many years of experience teaching classical piano at the beginners and intermediate levels to children of all ages. I am creating this blog to capture some of my rough notes from teacher training, pedagogy books, workshops and experiences from my own studio. The earlier entries are taken from the lesson notes for the pre-Twinkle level class I had taught outside the formal Suzuki method. Your comments and feedback are most helpful. Enjoy!
Showing posts with label FAQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAQ. Show all posts
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Tips for Adult Beginners
How hard is it in general for adults to learn how to play the piano?
That's a great question. It depends also if you are interested in playing classical music or popular music from the radio with chords, or jazz improvization or a bit of everything.
Potential Challenges
Adults will understand music theory, the structure of chords and why notes sound good together (mathematically) as well as the the concepts of note reading and rhythm, much easier than a young child would. However the the hand eye coordination may seem harder for an adult, the hands may be more rigid and tense (that is a generalization). But there's no reason that an adult couldn't learn to play piano.
The other challenges that adults may face are the distractions with work, tv, sports, life in general and some are not likely to practise. All my students are young children or teenagers who started with me when they were younger. The oldest beginner was 13 when he started. I've had alot of inquiries from adult beginners but I've been relucant to accept one based on my schedule and personal preferences.
Finding a Teacher
If you are seriously looking for a teacher, it sounds funny but you could ask a piano teacher you already know for contacts, or look on usedottawa.com or kijii and browse the piano teacher ads. Some will actually say that they are accepting students of all ages and adults too, while others will say children only. So you know who to call. Check out the Ottawa Folk Music Center or Long and McQuade music store or, Yamaha on Bank Street or Granata Music.
The Yellowcat Music Sheets that I use in my lessons for the kids work well for older beginners too.
Success Stories
The potential to succeed is there. It depends alot on your committment, your personal goals and the right teacher to tap into the talents you already have. My mother's friend started taking beginners piano lessons as an empty nester when the kids went away for university and left the piano behind. She started from Beginners and Grade 1 and studied with her kids' piano teacher for about six to eight years. She just used her kids' piano books. At the time we talked a few years ago, she was playing Grade 10 RCM level pieces (classical music) and even offering substitute piano lessons when the senior teacher was not available. This is an amazing feat because if a child starts piano lessons at age 6 an average or non-music-performance-major student would probably reach the Grade 10 level around age 15 or 16.
If you have the desire in your heart and the means to make it possible, just do it. You won't regret piano.
That's a great question. It depends also if you are interested in playing classical music or popular music from the radio with chords, or jazz improvization or a bit of everything.
Potential Challenges
Adults will understand music theory, the structure of chords and why notes sound good together (mathematically) as well as the the concepts of note reading and rhythm, much easier than a young child would. However the the hand eye coordination may seem harder for an adult, the hands may be more rigid and tense (that is a generalization). But there's no reason that an adult couldn't learn to play piano.
The other challenges that adults may face are the distractions with work, tv, sports, life in general and some are not likely to practise. All my students are young children or teenagers who started with me when they were younger. The oldest beginner was 13 when he started. I've had alot of inquiries from adult beginners but I've been relucant to accept one based on my schedule and personal preferences.
Finding a Teacher
If you are seriously looking for a teacher, it sounds funny but you could ask a piano teacher you already know for contacts, or look on usedottawa.com or kijii and browse the piano teacher ads. Some will actually say that they are accepting students of all ages and adults too, while others will say children only. So you know who to call. Check out the Ottawa Folk Music Center or Long and McQuade music store or, Yamaha on Bank Street or Granata Music.
The Yellowcat Music Sheets that I use in my lessons for the kids work well for older beginners too.
Success Stories
The potential to succeed is there. It depends alot on your committment, your personal goals and the right teacher to tap into the talents you already have. My mother's friend started taking beginners piano lessons as an empty nester when the kids went away for university and left the piano behind. She started from Beginners and Grade 1 and studied with her kids' piano teacher for about six to eight years. She just used her kids' piano books. At the time we talked a few years ago, she was playing Grade 10 RCM level pieces (classical music) and even offering substitute piano lessons when the senior teacher was not available. This is an amazing feat because if a child starts piano lessons at age 6 an average or non-music-performance-major student would probably reach the Grade 10 level around age 15 or 16.
If you have the desire in your heart and the means to make it possible, just do it. You won't regret piano.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
How do you say goodbye?
To be a Tiger mom or not a Tiger mom. How about the part about putting a child's heart first? I'm sharing some thoughts from the perspective of a parent of a small child, age 4 going on 13, who recently decided to take a break from piano. This is my introspection on the right time to resume lessons.
My post is about having the strength to recognize a child's desire and dislike, having the courage to wait for a better opportunity in the future, and having a heart to understand the child's heart. The first step is just to be patient.
The Symptoms
Maggie has been happily playing her music by heart and I suspected she wasn't doing note reading, but I let it slide until recently. Her other two classmates are boys her age and they are amazing at piano. The MYC method truly works well for them, as they were just flying through the pieces and learning new ones ahead of time while Maggie and I were still working on the recital piece from before Christmas. On the plus side, her C major scale in the right hand and left hand are carefully executed. In the fall, the teacher taught them the C-G bridges to go with the tonic, mediant and dominant degrees of the C scale. She loved it! It was sad to see her level of interest and passion change. Over the summer (6 months ago) she was very enamoured with the A minor scale! Now she sulks through it and I have to resort to bribery.
Then we started note reading on the staff with real notation and things just went downhill from there. She was always looking at my face and my reaction, more so than the notes on the page. I should've just let her look at the hands but I wanted to be sure she was reading. But after pointing out every note, she would wait for me to say the name and look at my face, which was not a smiley face unfortunately, which added to the tension. It got to the point where she would find every excuse not to practise piano. Occasionally there would be the day where she would take out the "music rhythm bag" and copy out the music on the floor, which was startling! Or we would do the homework pages (though usually it was her younger brother AJ who did the homework part for there). There were times when tears were shed; my precious tears that is. She had every excuse possible to get out of piano practise. It got to the point where she even would fall asleep at the group lesson (probably a Sunday afternoon scheduling issue).
For my child I poured my heart into, starting piano at age 3 with all the hope for her to be a child prodigy, I knew I couldn't keep this up until age 17 let alone 7. I decided to stop the lessons and perhaps resume at a more appropriate age for her. I'm not proud that we couldn't finish the second year of piano lessons, that I let her stop in mid-February instead of pushing onwards to the end of June. But I wanted to end on a good note, and we could say, "Let's have the last lesson, say good bye to your teacher."
Identify the problem - Maggie loses interest and hates piano, loss of motivation to practise
List some solutions - stop lessons, change the teacher, change the method, (can't change the parent!)
Practical steps - Call the teacher and talk in person, be prepared to agree to disagree
Decisions - depending on the studio policy, lessons could be terminated with or without notice, ask for a refund for the remaining months (March to June)
In the end I had a heart to heart talk with her teacher, and we ended on good terms. I had referred many students to her, all doing very well, and I indicated that I would certainly continue to do the same.
After Action Report
It's been a week, Maggie has approached the piano to play her scales on her own once! This happened when it was my turn to practise piano. Perhaps that was the way to motivate her to the piano by hearing me play. We are still keeping music alive as she still likes singing and directing the Mississippi Hot dog of Suzuki Book 1, looking for the right time to sit down and play it with her, though perhaps we should wait. The obvious question is, why don't I teacher her; well I would rather wait a bit.
Above all Maggie loves singing. She can listen to any song on the radio and start belting out the words in tune; she can improvise the words for any nursery rhyme with alternate lyrics; she teaches AJ her French songs from school and they sing together. I have a first recording of her singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" at 22 months, it's golden. Last summer at age 3.5 she was singing Jana Alayra songs from VBS and acting like an MC leading singspiration. My husband has considered voice lessons for her or even joining a youth choir. There is talent and heart there, perhaps that is where we could apply it.
Teacher Perspectives
As a teacher, when did this happen to me and how did I deal with it.
My post is about having the strength to recognize a child's desire and dislike, having the courage to wait for a better opportunity in the future, and having a heart to understand the child's heart. The first step is just to be patient.
The Symptoms
Maggie has been happily playing her music by heart and I suspected she wasn't doing note reading, but I let it slide until recently. Her other two classmates are boys her age and they are amazing at piano. The MYC method truly works well for them, as they were just flying through the pieces and learning new ones ahead of time while Maggie and I were still working on the recital piece from before Christmas. On the plus side, her C major scale in the right hand and left hand are carefully executed. In the fall, the teacher taught them the C-G bridges to go with the tonic, mediant and dominant degrees of the C scale. She loved it! It was sad to see her level of interest and passion change. Over the summer (6 months ago) she was very enamoured with the A minor scale! Now she sulks through it and I have to resort to bribery.
Then we started note reading on the staff with real notation and things just went downhill from there. She was always looking at my face and my reaction, more so than the notes on the page. I should've just let her look at the hands but I wanted to be sure she was reading. But after pointing out every note, she would wait for me to say the name and look at my face, which was not a smiley face unfortunately, which added to the tension. It got to the point where she would find every excuse not to practise piano. Occasionally there would be the day where she would take out the "music rhythm bag" and copy out the music on the floor, which was startling! Or we would do the homework pages (though usually it was her younger brother AJ who did the homework part for there). There were times when tears were shed; my precious tears that is. She had every excuse possible to get out of piano practise. It got to the point where she even would fall asleep at the group lesson (probably a Sunday afternoon scheduling issue).
For my child I poured my heart into, starting piano at age 3 with all the hope for her to be a child prodigy, I knew I couldn't keep this up until age 17 let alone 7. I decided to stop the lessons and perhaps resume at a more appropriate age for her. I'm not proud that we couldn't finish the second year of piano lessons, that I let her stop in mid-February instead of pushing onwards to the end of June. But I wanted to end on a good note, and we could say, "Let's have the last lesson, say good bye to your teacher."
Decision Making Steps
Identify the problem - Maggie loses interest and hates piano, loss of motivation to practise
List some solutions - stop lessons, change the teacher, change the method, (can't change the parent!)
Practical steps - Call the teacher and talk in person, be prepared to agree to disagree
Decisions - depending on the studio policy, lessons could be terminated with or without notice, ask for a refund for the remaining months (March to June)
In the end I had a heart to heart talk with her teacher, and we ended on good terms. I had referred many students to her, all doing very well, and I indicated that I would certainly continue to do the same.
After Action Report
It's been a week, Maggie has approached the piano to play her scales on her own once! This happened when it was my turn to practise piano. Perhaps that was the way to motivate her to the piano by hearing me play. We are still keeping music alive as she still likes singing and directing the Mississippi Hot dog of Suzuki Book 1, looking for the right time to sit down and play it with her, though perhaps we should wait. The obvious question is, why don't I teacher her; well I would rather wait a bit.
Above all Maggie loves singing. She can listen to any song on the radio and start belting out the words in tune; she can improvise the words for any nursery rhyme with alternate lyrics; she teaches AJ her French songs from school and they sing together. I have a first recording of her singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" at 22 months, it's golden. Last summer at age 3.5 she was singing Jana Alayra songs from VBS and acting like an MC leading singspiration. My husband has considered voice lessons for her or even joining a youth choir. There is talent and heart there, perhaps that is where we could apply it.
As a teacher, when did this happen to me and how did I deal with it.
- A high school student who lost interest and wanted to pursue a new hobby. The siblings have since joined my studio
- A high school student who had a busy schedule with part time jobs, after school activities, and transportation issues; I recommended a more suitable location for piano lessons at the Long and McQuade Music School run by the music book store near to the high school.
- A 3 year old in my group class wasn't quite ready; she will try private lessons at 3.5 in the spring time.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Piano, Violin, Cello, Guitar, or Flute?
Not really sure if piano is for your child? Would you like to introduce him to other instruments and see what other kids are up to?
Ottawa Suzuki Headstart Program - Strings
The Suzuki Music School in Ottawa runs a week long music camp each summer for the students in Suzuki violin, cello, guitar and flute at the Canterbury High School. Formally, this is called a Summer Institute where the levels 1 to 8 are available. The 2012 dates are not listed yet, but in previous summers this took place at the end of July. Another course offered during that same week is the Headstart Program which is a five day workshop focusing on an introduction to musical concepts and rhythm instruments, and each day a string instrument is presented to the class. An older child from the camp will perform a short recital piece the younger children on his violin for example, and then invite everyone to have a turn to try it out. The Headstart program actually runs all year on Saturdays for a series of 5 weekly lessons in the fall, winter and spring.
My daughter age 3 at the time, and son age 2 attended the class and they learned all about "Mississippi hot dog" and "pepperoni pizza". Here is more information quoted from the website:
Headstart Suzuki is a pre-instrumental programme designed to introduce three and four year olds to basic musical concepts and beginning Suzuki rhythms and repertoire. Emphasis is on rhythm, singing, motor development and aural training, aided by the playing of percussion instruments. There are 5 sessions per term; on Saturdays at Canterbury HS. The fee is $90 per term.
Download the Registration Form here, though check again for summer information.
Musicland Adventure Camp
I model my Musicland Adventure Camp course a bit like the Headstart Program, packed with more emphasis on Piano and Suzuki Book 1 music appreciation, for 10 lessons at the Pre-Twinkle level. Children ages 3-5 are at the right age for group learning of early keyboard skills, pre-staff music reading, solfege pattern recognition, melody playback by ear and more!
ABOUT Musicland Adventure Camp (10 classes)
GROUP classes for ages 3-5 will involve storytelling, magical characters, interactive games, song and dance to introduce kids to playing piano at the introductory level. Topics include keyboard geography, right and left hand independent playing, note reading, music writing skills, music performance and beyond.
Royal Conservatory Smart Start
This program caught my eye but it must be only offered in Toronto. Sounds like it would be competing with other franchises like MYC, Making Music Together or Kindermusik. They classes for ages 0 to 12 months, 12 - 24 months, age 2, 4, 5, 6, 7+ Orff
A brief course description: Typical classes begin with the introduction of the day’s musical concept, often explained using a familiar rhyme, poem or song. Students further explore the concept by locating it in other songs or rhymes and improvising their own small musical pieces. Instruments used are un-pitched percussion, such as rhythm sticks, drums, etc., and pitched instruments, which have been designed specifically for the curriculum.
Judging a book by its cover, I would say this course sounds alot like my Musicland course though my target age group is 3-5, followed by private lessons in the Suzuki method.
Royal Suzuki Program
I found this on the Royal Conservatory of Music website for Violin and Cello. At one time there was a job posting for a Suzuki Piano Teacher at the RCM in Toronto requiring Suzuki Book 2 and a music degree. Perhaps they are changing the approach to beginners piano and this is converging point of the two methods.
Ottawa Suzuki Headstart Program - Strings
The Suzuki Music School in Ottawa runs a week long music camp each summer for the students in Suzuki violin, cello, guitar and flute at the Canterbury High School. Formally, this is called a Summer Institute where the levels 1 to 8 are available. The 2012 dates are not listed yet, but in previous summers this took place at the end of July. Another course offered during that same week is the Headstart Program which is a five day workshop focusing on an introduction to musical concepts and rhythm instruments, and each day a string instrument is presented to the class. An older child from the camp will perform a short recital piece the younger children on his violin for example, and then invite everyone to have a turn to try it out. The Headstart program actually runs all year on Saturdays for a series of 5 weekly lessons in the fall, winter and spring.
My daughter age 3 at the time, and son age 2 attended the class and they learned all about "Mississippi hot dog" and "pepperoni pizza". Here is more information quoted from the website:
Headstart Suzuki is a pre-instrumental programme designed to introduce three and four year olds to basic musical concepts and beginning Suzuki rhythms and repertoire. Emphasis is on rhythm, singing, motor development and aural training, aided by the playing of percussion instruments. There are 5 sessions per term; on Saturdays at Canterbury HS. The fee is $90 per term.
Download the Registration Form here, though check again for summer information.
Musicland Adventure Camp
I model my Musicland Adventure Camp course a bit like the Headstart Program, packed with more emphasis on Piano and Suzuki Book 1 music appreciation, for 10 lessons at the Pre-Twinkle level. Children ages 3-5 are at the right age for group learning of early keyboard skills, pre-staff music reading, solfege pattern recognition, melody playback by ear and more!
ABOUT Musicland Adventure Camp (10 classes)
GROUP classes for ages 3-5 will involve storytelling, magical characters, interactive games, song and dance to introduce kids to playing piano at the introductory level. Topics include keyboard geography, right and left hand independent playing, note reading, music writing skills, music performance and beyond.
Royal Conservatory Smart Start
This program caught my eye but it must be only offered in Toronto. Sounds like it would be competing with other franchises like MYC, Making Music Together or Kindermusik. They classes for ages 0 to 12 months, 12 - 24 months, age 2, 4, 5, 6, 7+ Orff
A brief course description: Typical classes begin with the introduction of the day’s musical concept, often explained using a familiar rhyme, poem or song. Students further explore the concept by locating it in other songs or rhymes and improvising their own small musical pieces. Instruments used are un-pitched percussion, such as rhythm sticks, drums, etc., and pitched instruments, which have been designed specifically for the curriculum.
Judging a book by its cover, I would say this course sounds alot like my Musicland course though my target age group is 3-5, followed by private lessons in the Suzuki method.
Royal Suzuki Program
I found this on the Royal Conservatory of Music website for Violin and Cello. At one time there was a job posting for a Suzuki Piano Teacher at the RCM in Toronto requiring Suzuki Book 2 and a music degree. Perhaps they are changing the approach to beginners piano and this is converging point of the two methods.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Piano Teacher in the home studio or a Music School?
Most piano students will do private piano lessons in the home studio of an established piano teacher or at a music school, for example a school, academy or conservatory (this term is more widely used in Quebec, more restrictive in Ontario). Just to point out, in North America most students will do piano lessons in the piano teacher's home studio or a music school setting, whereas in Hong Kong, it is more common to go to music institute or music school operated as business establishment. In New York, because parents are too busy working on Wall Street to take their kids to lessons, I have a friend who is a piano teacher on wheels (actually she travels by subway) who teaches at the students' home, with the nanny!
Here is a list of music schools in the area I wanted to mention about. Some of them are recommended by my colleagues at work, others from graduates or transfer students. In your search for the best piano teacher, I urge you to consider all options and be very selective with your search. Choosing the best piano teacher is the most important decision you will make for your child's musical eduation and future advancement.
HOME STUDIO
Some piano teachers are very selective. If they have a very full and active studio, there may be only a specific age or playing level they are looking for in a prospective student to fill a spot, if any. You may be invited to an interview. As a parent, take this as an opportunity to interview the teacher! Visit the teacher and even observe a lesson if possible. Discuss your musical goals and ambitions for your child. The teacher should also have a series of interview-like questions for you and your child and do not be surprised if your child is required to play something on the spot. You may be lucky to receive a free impromptu lesson the spot. Look for the musical qualifications such as minimum Grade 8 RCM piano; a Music Degree in Pedagogy or Performance and/or ARCT Teachers Certification would be even better. Look for years of experience, manner of approaching technical diffulties, patience, how she deals with her own children, command of language, studio setup and just an overall gut feeling. If and when you get to the discussion on payment, expect to pay the tuition up front for the year, in post dated on the first of every month or quarterly.
CONSERVATORY
Conservatoire de Alymer/ Conservatoire de Hull/ Quebec belong to the same government program, offering free piano lessons to residents of Quebec, if the children meet the audition and admission requirements. It is a very competitive admission process to this prestigious school. I have a friend named Ruth (age 25) who did her piano lessons at the Conservatoire de Alymer from age 5 until she recently graduated and now she's doing her Masters in Piano Performance in New York City. She just came back to Ottawa on the weekend to play at the NAC to sub for a piano solo for the Mamma Mia pianist, her first professional gig at the NAC!
Macey Conservatory of Music 819-682-8888 http://www.conservatoire.ca/ Offering lessons in piano, violin, singing, guitar,drums etc. They offer instrument rentals and a free six week music discovery program before a child chooses an instrument. The rates seem to be $25 per half hour.
As previously mentioned, the word Conservatory may appear to be widely and broadly used in Quebec. In the USA, the Conservatory level is equated to the post-secondary institution level. In the rest of Canada, you'll hear about the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) which is a national school of national-wide standarized exams and repertoire; or the Canada National Conservatory of Music (CNCM). You'll have to be your own judge what is a true "Conservatory".
MUSIC SCHOOLS
Sonart Musique in Alymer, www.sonartmusique.com 819-557-0776 All the instructors have music degrees, owner Vincent Boudreault is a frequent judge at CEGEP en Spectacle and they have good ties with the Conservatoire in Hull.
The Ottawa Music Academy on Conroy Rd. My friend used to be a part-time piano teacher there; she's a professional financial analysts in the federal goverment (not a music major) but she was still very qualified to teach private piano lessons. She felt that the tuition rates were reasonable but the payment for the teacher was not. I also have two transfer students who played beginners piano there for two years. Although their mother felt that the piano teachers were young high-school/ university age students and junior quality, I have to point out that they did a fairly good job teaching the kids. A strong foundation in listening, rhythm, tone and touch.
The Long and McQuade music store on Alta Vista @ Bank has music school. I have an older former piano student in high school who moved her lessons there because it was closer to her high school and she could work the schedule better with her part time job and sports etc. I buy my music materials for my studio from this music store because they have a wide selection, the staff is friendly and they offer me a piano teacher discount on books!
The Yamaha Music School on Bank street offers private and group lessons too. About 10 years ago I took piano lessons there too because I was preparing for piano teacher exams and I needed a teacher too.
RATES
The going rate for piano lessons truly varies for the wide spectrum of teachers qualifications and the demographics for the city. I would say that the starting rate for a high school student just starting to teach piano is probably about $15 for half hour lessons. Advertised in an expensive newspaper ad for a music teacher in Ottawa offering private lessons at the studio or student's home, $25 for half hour or $40 for an hour. My own teacher with over 30 years of experience and teaching at the advanced levels but claiming to no rate hikes for years, charging $45 for one hour lessons. My friend teaching piano in New York, the one traveling to the suburbs by subway, charges $90 per hour.
PIANO LESSONS AT SCHOOL
At my daughter's school and many others in the public school board, they have a program offering group, semi-private or private piano lessons after school hours to the children ages 6 and up - 30 minutes/ week for 32 weeks. The fees are $365 for group class, semi-private cls is $499 and the individual instruction is $799. The contact information http://www.ocdsb.ca/Continuweb or http://www.artsforkidsatocdsb.com/ 613-239-2747
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) also has a program called "Music Therapy" sponsored in part by Long and MacQuade. I don't know the details about how the course is run or which patients qualify for the lessons and how it is funded, but it sounded like something that might be on a volunteer basis perhaps.
Here is a list of music schools in the area I wanted to mention about. Some of them are recommended by my colleagues at work, others from graduates or transfer students. In your search for the best piano teacher, I urge you to consider all options and be very selective with your search. Choosing the best piano teacher is the most important decision you will make for your child's musical eduation and future advancement.
HOME STUDIO
Some piano teachers are very selective. If they have a very full and active studio, there may be only a specific age or playing level they are looking for in a prospective student to fill a spot, if any. You may be invited to an interview. As a parent, take this as an opportunity to interview the teacher! Visit the teacher and even observe a lesson if possible. Discuss your musical goals and ambitions for your child. The teacher should also have a series of interview-like questions for you and your child and do not be surprised if your child is required to play something on the spot. You may be lucky to receive a free impromptu lesson the spot. Look for the musical qualifications such as minimum Grade 8 RCM piano; a Music Degree in Pedagogy or Performance and/or ARCT Teachers Certification would be even better. Look for years of experience, manner of approaching technical diffulties, patience, how she deals with her own children, command of language, studio setup and just an overall gut feeling. If and when you get to the discussion on payment, expect to pay the tuition up front for the year, in post dated on the first of every month or quarterly.
CONSERVATORY
Conservatoire de Alymer/ Conservatoire de Hull/ Quebec belong to the same government program, offering free piano lessons to residents of Quebec, if the children meet the audition and admission requirements. It is a very competitive admission process to this prestigious school. I have a friend named Ruth (age 25) who did her piano lessons at the Conservatoire de Alymer from age 5 until she recently graduated and now she's doing her Masters in Piano Performance in New York City. She just came back to Ottawa on the weekend to play at the NAC to sub for a piano solo for the Mamma Mia pianist, her first professional gig at the NAC!
Macey Conservatory of Music 819-682-8888 http://www.conservatoire.ca/ Offering lessons in piano, violin, singing, guitar,drums etc. They offer instrument rentals and a free six week music discovery program before a child chooses an instrument. The rates seem to be $25 per half hour.
As previously mentioned, the word Conservatory may appear to be widely and broadly used in Quebec. In the USA, the Conservatory level is equated to the post-secondary institution level. In the rest of Canada, you'll hear about the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) which is a national school of national-wide standarized exams and repertoire; or the Canada National Conservatory of Music (CNCM). You'll have to be your own judge what is a true "Conservatory".
MUSIC SCHOOLS
Sonart Musique in Alymer, www.sonartmusique.com 819-557-0776 All the instructors have music degrees, owner Vincent Boudreault is a frequent judge at CEGEP en Spectacle and they have good ties with the Conservatoire in Hull.
The Ottawa Music Academy on Conroy Rd. My friend used to be a part-time piano teacher there; she's a professional financial analysts in the federal goverment (not a music major) but she was still very qualified to teach private piano lessons. She felt that the tuition rates were reasonable but the payment for the teacher was not. I also have two transfer students who played beginners piano there for two years. Although their mother felt that the piano teachers were young high-school/ university age students and junior quality, I have to point out that they did a fairly good job teaching the kids. A strong foundation in listening, rhythm, tone and touch.
The Long and McQuade music store on Alta Vista @ Bank has music school. I have an older former piano student in high school who moved her lessons there because it was closer to her high school and she could work the schedule better with her part time job and sports etc. I buy my music materials for my studio from this music store because they have a wide selection, the staff is friendly and they offer me a piano teacher discount on books!
The Yamaha Music School on Bank street offers private and group lessons too. About 10 years ago I took piano lessons there too because I was preparing for piano teacher exams and I needed a teacher too.
RATES
The going rate for piano lessons truly varies for the wide spectrum of teachers qualifications and the demographics for the city. I would say that the starting rate for a high school student just starting to teach piano is probably about $15 for half hour lessons. Advertised in an expensive newspaper ad for a music teacher in Ottawa offering private lessons at the studio or student's home, $25 for half hour or $40 for an hour. My own teacher with over 30 years of experience and teaching at the advanced levels but claiming to no rate hikes for years, charging $45 for one hour lessons. My friend teaching piano in New York, the one traveling to the suburbs by subway, charges $90 per hour.
PIANO LESSONS AT SCHOOL
At my daughter's school and many others in the public school board, they have a program offering group, semi-private or private piano lessons after school hours to the children ages 6 and up - 30 minutes/ week for 32 weeks. The fees are $365 for group class, semi-private cls is $499 and the individual instruction is $799. The contact information http://www.ocdsb.ca/Continuweb or http://www.artsforkidsatocdsb.com/ 613-239-2747
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) also has a program called "Music Therapy" sponsored in part by Long and MacQuade. I don't know the details about how the course is run or which patients qualify for the lessons and how it is funded, but it sounded like something that might be on a volunteer basis perhaps.
Monday, September 26, 2011
What happens in a Piano Exam?
The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada has 10 grade levels for piano examinations. There are pre-grade 1 levels called Preparatory A and B (formerly Introductory) as well. At the higher grades, Grade 4 and beyond, there are corequisites in theory, music history, harmony, counterpoint and composition. High school students are able to include Grade 8 to 10 piano with their high school transcripts for credits. After Grade 10, the students may work on a ARCT Performance diploma or an ARCT Teacher's diploma (former). Presently, the ARCT Teacher's Certificate Program is split into three levels (beginners, intermediate and advance) which has Grade 9, 10 and ARCT level as co-requisites respectively.
EXAM SCORE
For the Beginner - Intermediate Level Exams, 50 marks total are assigned to repertoire (playing pieces) and the other 50 marks are broken down for technical and music training skills. The mark breakdown changes for the higher grades and I can explain those in another article.
REPERTOIRE 50 MARKS
List A - Baroque dances. These could be Minuets, Gigues, Bouree in Major and minor keys; composers such as Bach, Gurlitt etc. In higher grades, List A is Inventions, Sinfornias, Fugues, Partitas etc.
List B - Classical. These are usually Sonatinas, Variations in Major and minor keys; composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Scarlatti etc.
List C - Romantic/ Modern ear. These are ballads, lyrical pieces with names that sound like a painting or a fall sunset. Keys tend to move around, exploring modes and atonality.
List D - In Grade 9 and up, this is modern twentienth century compositions (List C remains Romantic/ Impressionist)
The Repertoire categories are a little bit different in Grade 1; List A is Baroque/ Classical, List B is Twentienth Century pieces with descriptive titles, List C are Inventions (two or three part rounds).
THE OTHER 50 MARKS
Parents may wonder why we spend the first part of the lesson away from the piano doing singing, clapping and note reading exercises. They may be surprised to learn that only 50% of the marks go to repertoire (playing songs). The other 50% is accounted for like this.
SIGHT READING
EXAM SCORE
- A total of 100 marks may be achieved by the student.
- First Class Honours with Distinction - 90 marks and above
- First Class Honours - 80 marks and above
- Honours - 70 marks and above
- Pass - 60 marks I believe.
For the Beginner - Intermediate Level Exams, 50 marks total are assigned to repertoire (playing pieces) and the other 50 marks are broken down for technical and music training skills. The mark breakdown changes for the higher grades and I can explain those in another article.
REPERTOIRE 50 MARKS
List A - Baroque dances. These could be Minuets, Gigues, Bouree in Major and minor keys; composers such as Bach, Gurlitt etc. In higher grades, List A is Inventions, Sinfornias, Fugues, Partitas etc.
List B - Classical. These are usually Sonatinas, Variations in Major and minor keys; composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Scarlatti etc.
List C - Romantic/ Modern ear. These are ballads, lyrical pieces with names that sound like a painting or a fall sunset. Keys tend to move around, exploring modes and atonality.
List D - In Grade 9 and up, this is modern twentienth century compositions (List C remains Romantic/ Impressionist)
The Repertoire categories are a little bit different in Grade 1; List A is Baroque/ Classical, List B is Twentienth Century pieces with descriptive titles, List C are Inventions (two or three part rounds).
THE OTHER 50 MARKS
Parents may wonder why we spend the first part of the lesson away from the piano doing singing, clapping and note reading exercises. They may be surprised to learn that only 50% of the marks go to repertoire (playing songs). The other 50% is accounted for like this.
- 6 marks for memory
- 24 for technique (study pieces, and scales/ triads)
- 10 for ear tests (naming intervals, melody playback)
- 10 for sight reading (playing a song he's never seen before, clapping a rhythm correctly the first time!)
Therefore, in the first part of the lesson, I am training them to acheive 100% marks in this partof the exam, and the skills directly apply to memory training and even playing the pieces well because they understand how to read music better and more quickly; they will learn to play their songs and reach the performance level faster.
STUDIES
The Technical Study pieces are found in the Study book which features pieces that typically work on a specific technique such as chords, thumb crossing over, hand over hand, fast fingers, arpeggios etc.
The Technical Study pieces are found in the Study book which features pieces that typically work on a specific technique such as chords, thumb crossing over, hand over hand, fast fingers, arpeggios etc.
Scales and Triads are learned in order of the circle of fifths by key signatures.
EAR TESTS
This includes naming intervales of a second (stepwise), third (major minor), perfect fourth, perfect fifth, sixth (major minor), seventh (major minor) and an octave. It's more useful to learn these from the experience of playing games and building them with magic notes. Another test is naming a solid triad as Major, minor or Dominant or diminished seventh. Melody playback seems to be a very stressful one for some. However if we play enough Melodic Bingo or solfege singing or music dictation (by numbers or notes) this is easy to train.
In my early days of music teaching without much experience, I would just spend last two minutes of the lesson on playing these by rote, and say, "This is a perfect fifth. This is perfect fourth." Then I would play an example and he would have to name it. BORING! I believe that my new way of teaching it is more effective.
In my early days of music teaching without much experience, I would just spend last two minutes of the lesson on playing these by rote, and say, "This is a perfect fifth. This is perfect fourth." Then I would play an example and he would have to name it. BORING! I believe that my new way of teaching it is more effective.
SIGHT READING
This can be very frightful if a student is required to read and play a new piece, never seen before. If he is already comfortable with note reading and rhythm reading, and the hand eye coordination is already in place, this is a piece of cake, an easy 10 marks. Rhythm clapping is easy too when you get to say, "Blue jello jello huckleberry, blue purple purple rest, pineapple pineapple pineapple rest." Students will also learn the Solfege hand signs (do re mi). By teaching the solfege singing, a student can play this tune correctly in his mind, which makes it very easy to play live, even perfectly on the very first try.
FORMAT
There are three sessions of piano exams in most Canadian cities.
Winter sessions exams in January (register by Nov 1)
Spring session exams in June (register by March 1)
Summer sessions in August (register by June 1).
Registration is done online; the piano teacher should provide her Teacher Registration number or home phone number.
Winter sessions exams in January (register by Nov 1)
Spring session exams in June (register by March 1)
Summer sessions in August (register by June 1).
Registration is done online; the piano teacher should provide her Teacher Registration number or home phone number.
There are usually one or two piano examiners who are top level performers or pedagogues (a fancy word for a piano teacher with years of experience) from the US or Canada who will oversee the piano exam and ask the child to play the selected repertoire, studies, technique and carry out the music tests. In the Royal Conservatory of Music, the child enters the piano exam room alone, to play on the Yamaha U1 or a Yamaha Grand Piano. (In other piano associations such as the Conservatory of Canada, the exam session is more like a performance recital where the student invites her family and guests and prepares a printed program).
Other related articles to follow:
What are the benefits of Piano Exams?
Piano Exam Tips for the Night Before.
What are the benefits of Piano Exams?
Piano Exam Tips for the Night Before.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Can I buy a used piano?
The short answer, yes. Am I going to save money, probably not.
A very high end piano is a good investment because of the high resale value. Pianos always appreciate in value. The new grand piano you woul like to buy today will cost much much more 5 years from now. People privately selling their piano know this, so their asking price will still seem high in most cases. Therefore this is bad news for someone hoping to buy a good used piano to save a bit of money.
THE BARGAIN FIND
Beware of the FREE piano or the refurbished piano, new laquer, rebuilt, new replaced keys or whatever word people use to describe a piece of junk they want to sell you for $100 or $200. I`d also stay away from those 100 year old pianos that people call antiques, even if they are refinished or restored and they`re selling it for $800. You're better off keeping that money in your wallet. You will spend twice that amount in tuning and retuning, parts and repairs.
THE USED MARKET
If you are looking for a used piano, do the research and know what you are looking for. Go the big piano stores, if they`re accepting trade in`s they must be selling used ones too. You could also look for private sales on kijiji or usedottawa but you should bring a friend for a second opinion, someone who knows what a good piano sounds like and what to look for. If you are the piano specialist, well just consider how you like the tone. Is it mellow? Is it bright? How is the touch, is it hard or easy?
THE HIGHROLLER FIND
I had a rare opportunity last summer to purchase a used Steinway Grand L from a moving sale; like I mentioned before it was my dream and it seemed like it would be a possibility for my husband and I, notwithstanding the fact that it would be taking up the whole dining room and we would not have a dining room! I can't believe my husband actually said yes when I first asked him about it, but he only wanted me to get a good professional opinion about it. I had done a lot of research on Steinway including visiting the Lauzon Steinway Pianos in Ottawa Westboro and watching the tear-jerking DVD on "The Making of a Steinway" from the wood selection to the concert hall! I also viewed many Steinway grand pianos for private sale in Ottawa; some were refurbished models in their own basement workshops as a family business, another was a garage sale find and the new owner just had too many grand pianos in the house. The one I had my heart set on was a 6 foot Model L, immaculate condition, shiny black and it belonged to a travelling businessman who was moving his family out of town but all of his furniture and this beautiful piano was in storage at his father's big house just in the foyer entrance. A grand location nonetheless but he was hoping to sell this piano fast because he was soon to purchase his own mid-life dream car, a Dodge Viper in Florida! (I mention in my other post that this is also my dream car, how interesting).
He is the second owner of the Model L, purchased about 30 years ago in Toronto when he was a new musician grad and he bought it from an older lady piano teacher who's family was the original owner. However a search on the Steinway website with the serial number indicates that it was built in 1911 and delivered to a piano store in New York.
I have visited this house and seen the piano nearly four times because I am a very serious buyer. The first visit, I bring nothing and I just play from memory. The tone is lovely I am in heaven, though I do notice a short buzzing sound when I play. The next visit, I bring my friend who is a concert pianist in-training doing her Masters at a prestigious school in New York actually, and she has a buttery touch and feel on the keys, it's amazing to hear her play piano and this is a great instrument. The third visit it is time to bring in my Piano Tuner because I want to get a good professional opinion. He writes up a report that does not quite meet my expectations and lacks an explanation for that buzzing sound. I ask my friend who I should ask and she recommends her piano tuner who is also a very hard to reach kind of fellow because he tunes all the Steinways at the NAC (National Arts Center in Ottawa). With her reference I am fortunate to schedule an inspection of the piano for a very reasonable professionl fee of $65. I am unable to be present at the inspection (so I guess that means I only saw the piano three times) but he meets with the seller and the father; and a few days later I receive a very comprehensive report on the piano. I have attached it for reference because there are alot of technical details and useful terminology. I did decide in the end not to go with the purchase for a number of reasons.
The report is attached as text, at the end of this entry.
They were asking $32,000 which is a very good deal for any grand piano used. (This one brand new today would probably be close to $98,000) But the main break point for me was the hairline fracture in the soundboard! That was in the first line of the report. Nothing can fix that, that is like a broken heart that can never be mended, and the buzzy sound was attributed to that. I would probably have difficulty reselling this. Additionally, I did not feel there was anything Steinway or factory original about the piano, other than the casing body of the piano. The strings and parts were not Steinway and I just felt that I was after the name of being a Steinway owner but it wasn't quite what I wanted.
In my heart I felt the right thing to do was to let go and keep waiting for the ONE (sound familiar?) I communicated my intention not to buy with the seller after all. He seemed somewhat relieved because he had also mentioned his son was disappointed that the piano would be leaving the family. The piano was no longer on the market too long after that, perhaps it remains in the family's musical legacy, this 100 year old piano.
THE SENTIMENTAL FIND
I did not mention earlier that I was actually looking for a newer grand piano to replace the one that I was getting rid of.
Five years ago, I bought a grand piano that actually took up my entire living room: a KIMBALL baby grand about 5 and half feet. The most astonishing fact is that I kept this piano for many years but I had to let it go when my second kid came along and we just couldn't keep him from playing underneath the piano and hiding his toys there. The other reason for selling was that this piano was indeed a BARGAIN FIND and the outside of the piano was never refurbished. You can tell it's been pushed against a wall, scraped up with music stand or someone's ring, it is actually quite an eyesore thinking back, and nothing glamourous or shiny or black. I was later told that 80% of people who buy grand pianos don't even play piano, they just want one for the looks. (That's why estate sales are apparently so great because people are selling a really good piano for nearly nothing) Probably these are the reasons that when it came time to sell this piano two years ago, many buyers came to see it for the very low asking price of $2,000 and even $1,500 but no one wanted to buy it.
The story begins when my church in Chinatown Ottawa had really spent too much money tuning and repairing this 50 year old piano that had been in use in the main sactuary and later the upstairs chapel. It was the topic of a lengthy debate at a memorable AGM about how much money we should budget to fixing this piano or buying a new one. Folks wouldn't budge from the $6,000 mark. As a young person, with some piano experience, I did speak up and say let's not talk about how much it would cost to fix this old piano because no one here is an expert on piano repairs. Let's pray and ask God for a new one. Anyway I'm in no way responsible for someone actually buying and donating a piano to the church, and I did not expect at that moment to be the next owner of this old grand piano. It was very sentimental to me because my praise team did use this for years in the upstairs chapel. Anyway when I heard that they were about to post this on kijiji for $3,000 but wanted to offer it to the congregation first, I spoke up right away. For whatever reason they only wanted $1500 for it and the way I had to write the checks to the General Fund I believe I actually ended up getting a receipt for it as a part of my church offering. Whatever, I thought this was a really awesome piano and I loved it. Found an amazing repairman to do repairs on it and it sounded better than it ever did. I probably spent close to $1200 on repairs and parts. My daughter played on it like it was her first real toy. My baby son too. But of course like I said it was kind of ugly and banged up, my husband always wanted me to get rid of it.
So finally two years ago I posted it on usedottawa.com for $3,000 and there was a serious buyer for it, a teenager and her mother. (YES I priced it higher than what I paid for because I knew people would deal, plus I could include whatever I spent on repairs. There was no real profit) I must've seemed hesitant to sell because they actually offered me $4,000 for it. However at that moment, I just could not part with it and I had to decline the offer to everyone's chagrin (especially my husband).
Anywayz months later, I ended up selling it to a family friend, the lady who sells me my insurance and RRSP's actually. She didn't even see the piano but offered $1500 for it (because she knows the history of it) and I thought, fine! (This time I'd better take the money and run). Those were the exact words of the piano movers who were moving it to her house. I even offered free shipping! Unfortunately, the piano movers also asked her a wierd question like, Why are you buying this piece of junk? I don't know if this event has any correlation with the next, but I did notice that she hasn't spoken to me much since this transaction. Is she mad at me maybe.
The moral of the story is, if you buy a piece of junk you will end up with a piece of junk and no one will want to buy that piece of junk when you are done with it.
Eventually I did find the digital Suzuki Grand Piano I had described in another FAQ. It has a much smaller footprint being a three foot long very mini grand! Like I said Suzuki builds motorcycles and Kimball was apparently a furniture manufacturer that closed shop in the eighties. Not necesarily known for building excellent pianos.
INSPECTION REPORT
Steinway L 146427 (1911)
Case -excellent shape
Structure -small soundboard crack low end of tenor bridge
Piano has been restrung with oversize pins, original pinblock
Adequete but not impressive tuning pin torque
Hairline bridge cracks at the pins in lower treble
Rim great
Pedals and Trapwork -minor séricine required
Damper system -old style levers -okay
Felts okay
Some lever leads loose causing noise
Action -Keys -bushings okay medium wear
Lead weights loose causing noise
Capstans, frame and keypins need cleaning and polishing
Whippets -original -old design ( no jack alignment screws)
Whippen clothes and leathers hard -creating noise
Backchecks -heavy wear -need replaced
Hammers/shanks & flanges -not original -tephlon brushings -noisy
Clicking, hammer heads quite worn and small -not much to work with but the tone could be improved
Sostenuto system -okay -needs adjustment
Comments -This piano is a vintage Steinway from a good production period. I am impressed with the tone in the instrument, the belly is healthy except for a small crack at the lower end of the tenor bridge which is not a concern to me. The piano had an overhaul sometime in the recent past (1970’s ? ). The case was refinished, the piano restrung with larger tuning pins, the hammer assemblies were replaced, and a few damper felts replaced. The “new” hammer assemblies have tephlon brushings -a feature that was done away in the early 80’s because they were problematic and “clicked” over time.
There are damper lever leads and key leads that are loose and rattling. Along with the tephlon bushing clicks and whippen cloth noise I find the action very noisy to a point of distraction.
I like the potential I hear in the piano but the action needs extensive work if the piano is to be brought up to a high playing standard. Lesser repairs and reconditioning can improve the action but the best results would come with the replacement of major components -hammer assemblies, whippens, back checks . This is costly work -the parts alone cost around $3500.00 US dollars .
It is possible to improve the piano using the existing parts and this could be discussed.
A very high end piano is a good investment because of the high resale value. Pianos always appreciate in value. The new grand piano you woul like to buy today will cost much much more 5 years from now. People privately selling their piano know this, so their asking price will still seem high in most cases. Therefore this is bad news for someone hoping to buy a good used piano to save a bit of money.
THE BARGAIN FIND
Beware of the FREE piano or the refurbished piano, new laquer, rebuilt, new replaced keys or whatever word people use to describe a piece of junk they want to sell you for $100 or $200. I`d also stay away from those 100 year old pianos that people call antiques, even if they are refinished or restored and they`re selling it for $800. You're better off keeping that money in your wallet. You will spend twice that amount in tuning and retuning, parts and repairs.
THE USED MARKET
If you are looking for a used piano, do the research and know what you are looking for. Go the big piano stores, if they`re accepting trade in`s they must be selling used ones too. You could also look for private sales on kijiji or usedottawa but you should bring a friend for a second opinion, someone who knows what a good piano sounds like and what to look for. If you are the piano specialist, well just consider how you like the tone. Is it mellow? Is it bright? How is the touch, is it hard or easy?
THE HIGHROLLER FIND
I had a rare opportunity last summer to purchase a used Steinway Grand L from a moving sale; like I mentioned before it was my dream and it seemed like it would be a possibility for my husband and I, notwithstanding the fact that it would be taking up the whole dining room and we would not have a dining room! I can't believe my husband actually said yes when I first asked him about it, but he only wanted me to get a good professional opinion about it. I had done a lot of research on Steinway including visiting the Lauzon Steinway Pianos in Ottawa Westboro and watching the tear-jerking DVD on "The Making of a Steinway" from the wood selection to the concert hall! I also viewed many Steinway grand pianos for private sale in Ottawa; some were refurbished models in their own basement workshops as a family business, another was a garage sale find and the new owner just had too many grand pianos in the house. The one I had my heart set on was a 6 foot Model L, immaculate condition, shiny black and it belonged to a travelling businessman who was moving his family out of town but all of his furniture and this beautiful piano was in storage at his father's big house just in the foyer entrance. A grand location nonetheless but he was hoping to sell this piano fast because he was soon to purchase his own mid-life dream car, a Dodge Viper in Florida! (I mention in my other post that this is also my dream car, how interesting).
He is the second owner of the Model L, purchased about 30 years ago in Toronto when he was a new musician grad and he bought it from an older lady piano teacher who's family was the original owner. However a search on the Steinway website with the serial number indicates that it was built in 1911 and delivered to a piano store in New York.
I have visited this house and seen the piano nearly four times because I am a very serious buyer. The first visit, I bring nothing and I just play from memory. The tone is lovely I am in heaven, though I do notice a short buzzing sound when I play. The next visit, I bring my friend who is a concert pianist in-training doing her Masters at a prestigious school in New York actually, and she has a buttery touch and feel on the keys, it's amazing to hear her play piano and this is a great instrument. The third visit it is time to bring in my Piano Tuner because I want to get a good professional opinion. He writes up a report that does not quite meet my expectations and lacks an explanation for that buzzing sound. I ask my friend who I should ask and she recommends her piano tuner who is also a very hard to reach kind of fellow because he tunes all the Steinways at the NAC (National Arts Center in Ottawa). With her reference I am fortunate to schedule an inspection of the piano for a very reasonable professionl fee of $65. I am unable to be present at the inspection (so I guess that means I only saw the piano three times) but he meets with the seller and the father; and a few days later I receive a very comprehensive report on the piano. I have attached it for reference because there are alot of technical details and useful terminology. I did decide in the end not to go with the purchase for a number of reasons.
The report is attached as text, at the end of this entry.
They were asking $32,000 which is a very good deal for any grand piano used. (This one brand new today would probably be close to $98,000) But the main break point for me was the hairline fracture in the soundboard! That was in the first line of the report. Nothing can fix that, that is like a broken heart that can never be mended, and the buzzy sound was attributed to that. I would probably have difficulty reselling this. Additionally, I did not feel there was anything Steinway or factory original about the piano, other than the casing body of the piano. The strings and parts were not Steinway and I just felt that I was after the name of being a Steinway owner but it wasn't quite what I wanted.
In my heart I felt the right thing to do was to let go and keep waiting for the ONE (sound familiar?) I communicated my intention not to buy with the seller after all. He seemed somewhat relieved because he had also mentioned his son was disappointed that the piano would be leaving the family. The piano was no longer on the market too long after that, perhaps it remains in the family's musical legacy, this 100 year old piano.
THE SENTIMENTAL FIND
I did not mention earlier that I was actually looking for a newer grand piano to replace the one that I was getting rid of.
Five years ago, I bought a grand piano that actually took up my entire living room: a KIMBALL baby grand about 5 and half feet. The most astonishing fact is that I kept this piano for many years but I had to let it go when my second kid came along and we just couldn't keep him from playing underneath the piano and hiding his toys there. The other reason for selling was that this piano was indeed a BARGAIN FIND and the outside of the piano was never refurbished. You can tell it's been pushed against a wall, scraped up with music stand or someone's ring, it is actually quite an eyesore thinking back, and nothing glamourous or shiny or black. I was later told that 80% of people who buy grand pianos don't even play piano, they just want one for the looks. (That's why estate sales are apparently so great because people are selling a really good piano for nearly nothing) Probably these are the reasons that when it came time to sell this piano two years ago, many buyers came to see it for the very low asking price of $2,000 and even $1,500 but no one wanted to buy it.
The story begins when my church in Chinatown Ottawa had really spent too much money tuning and repairing this 50 year old piano that had been in use in the main sactuary and later the upstairs chapel. It was the topic of a lengthy debate at a memorable AGM about how much money we should budget to fixing this piano or buying a new one. Folks wouldn't budge from the $6,000 mark. As a young person, with some piano experience, I did speak up and say let's not talk about how much it would cost to fix this old piano because no one here is an expert on piano repairs. Let's pray and ask God for a new one. Anyway I'm in no way responsible for someone actually buying and donating a piano to the church, and I did not expect at that moment to be the next owner of this old grand piano. It was very sentimental to me because my praise team did use this for years in the upstairs chapel. Anyway when I heard that they were about to post this on kijiji for $3,000 but wanted to offer it to the congregation first, I spoke up right away. For whatever reason they only wanted $1500 for it and the way I had to write the checks to the General Fund I believe I actually ended up getting a receipt for it as a part of my church offering. Whatever, I thought this was a really awesome piano and I loved it. Found an amazing repairman to do repairs on it and it sounded better than it ever did. I probably spent close to $1200 on repairs and parts. My daughter played on it like it was her first real toy. My baby son too. But of course like I said it was kind of ugly and banged up, my husband always wanted me to get rid of it.
So finally two years ago I posted it on usedottawa.com for $3,000 and there was a serious buyer for it, a teenager and her mother. (YES I priced it higher than what I paid for because I knew people would deal, plus I could include whatever I spent on repairs. There was no real profit) I must've seemed hesitant to sell because they actually offered me $4,000 for it. However at that moment, I just could not part with it and I had to decline the offer to everyone's chagrin (especially my husband).
Anywayz months later, I ended up selling it to a family friend, the lady who sells me my insurance and RRSP's actually. She didn't even see the piano but offered $1500 for it (because she knows the history of it) and I thought, fine! (This time I'd better take the money and run). Those were the exact words of the piano movers who were moving it to her house. I even offered free shipping! Unfortunately, the piano movers also asked her a wierd question like, Why are you buying this piece of junk? I don't know if this event has any correlation with the next, but I did notice that she hasn't spoken to me much since this transaction. Is she mad at me maybe.
The moral of the story is, if you buy a piece of junk you will end up with a piece of junk and no one will want to buy that piece of junk when you are done with it.
Eventually I did find the digital Suzuki Grand Piano I had described in another FAQ. It has a much smaller footprint being a three foot long very mini grand! Like I said Suzuki builds motorcycles and Kimball was apparently a furniture manufacturer that closed shop in the eighties. Not necesarily known for building excellent pianos.
INSPECTION REPORT
Steinway L 146427 (1911)
Case -excellent shape
Structure -small soundboard crack low end of tenor bridge
Piano has been restrung with oversize pins, original pinblock
Adequete but not impressive tuning pin torque
Hairline bridge cracks at the pins in lower treble
Rim great
Pedals and Trapwork -minor séricine required
Damper system -old style levers -okay
Felts okay
Some lever leads loose causing noise
Action -Keys -bushings okay medium wear
Lead weights loose causing noise
Capstans, frame and keypins need cleaning and polishing
Whippets -original -old design ( no jack alignment screws)
Whippen clothes and leathers hard -creating noise
Backchecks -heavy wear -need replaced
Hammers/shanks & flanges -not original -tephlon brushings -noisy
Clicking, hammer heads quite worn and small -not much to work with but the tone could be improved
Sostenuto system -okay -needs adjustment
Comments -This piano is a vintage Steinway from a good production period. I am impressed with the tone in the instrument, the belly is healthy except for a small crack at the lower end of the tenor bridge which is not a concern to me. The piano had an overhaul sometime in the recent past (1970’s ? ). The case was refinished, the piano restrung with larger tuning pins, the hammer assemblies were replaced, and a few damper felts replaced. The “new” hammer assemblies have tephlon brushings -a feature that was done away in the early 80’s because they were problematic and “clicked” over time.
There are damper lever leads and key leads that are loose and rattling. Along with the tephlon bushing clicks and whippen cloth noise I find the action very noisy to a point of distraction.
I like the potential I hear in the piano but the action needs extensive work if the piano is to be brought up to a high playing standard. Lesser repairs and reconditioning can improve the action but the best results would come with the replacement of major components -hammer assemblies, whippens, back checks . This is costly work -the parts alone cost around $3500.00 US dollars .
It is possible to improve the piano using the existing parts and this could be discussed.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Which piano should I buy?
BUYING A REAL PIANO
The most important decision you would make for your child's music education, other than finding the right teacher, is to buy a real piano. My daughter's MYC teacher teaches with a portable keyboard; actually she's got six of them set up in the classroom. She lets the students have a keyboard at home if they don't have a piano. I personally would not allow my students to play on a keyboard cuz it's really wrong and you don't development finger strength, there is no resistance no wood no strings, so it's just plastic!
I have a friend who asked me to teach her daughter just under age 3. They don't have a piano yet and I can't just ask her to fork out $8000 plus for a piano for a three year old, so I told her to listen to the Suzuki Book 1 CD as the first assignment for the next year! 2 hours a day minimum... remember just like a child learns to talk by listening.
JAPANESE - KAWAI
I don't know a whole lot about Kawai's except that alot of asian families in Hong Kong have them because it's a good value, not too expensive and still reliable, especially the upright sizes. Great for a beginner especially if you like the sound and touch. I really like the Kawai grand pianos because of the sound engineering (pun) that goes into the design, manufacturing and the materials are modern (composite fibres not wood) I think. They are just starting to get into the market with the big schools and university music programs to compete with Yamaha. In Ottawa, the folks at Campbell Douglas on Merivale Road will offer many choices of Kawai and give a very informative overview of pianos. I've recommended many students to look at Kawai there.
JAPANESE - YAMAHA
I own a Yamaha upright CP113 model for my teaching studio and personal use. The serial number indicates that it was assembled in Japan and no longer available, which is interesting becase most Yamaha pianos purchased in Canada are manufactured in North America. Yamaha is always highly recommended and well recognized around the world. I bought my piano at the Yamaha piano store, Ottawa Pianos on Bank Street. I like their trade in option where I have 10 years to trade in my upright for any newer piano including a Grand Piano dollar for dollar what I paid! However alot of students whom I have refered to the store, were always offered to see the U1 model (only). They call this an Institution-level instrument, meaning that most university and college programs will have the U1 model in the teaching studio, practise rooms, and for the piano exams.
Therefore I'd say that U1 is actually the best upright piano a family could buy! How about in simple terms it's really really really good! That is one or two models up from what I have which is a CP113. The idea is the taller the piano the bigger and better the sound. DON'T go for a lower end base model Yamaha to save money, but you don't neccessarily have to go with the best one ever. My next door neighbor bought a U1 piano because they always buy the #1 thing (infant formula, shoes, car, private school) for their #1 son, but seriously not everyone can fit that in their house or budget.
As for grand pianos, only buy one bigger than 6 feet otherwise a U1 would be much better than any smaller grand piano or baby grand, simply because the soundboard would be smaller and shorter.
STEINWAY
Lauzon in Westboro sells Steinways (top in American made). Everyone dreams of owning a Steinway and I could safely say that alot of people who don't even play piano own Steinway in their mansion just for the look and status. If you go to any concert hall or big name school, the performers or students always play on a Steinway. I priced it out before and a Steinway grand piano costs as much as my dream car, a Dodge Viper... both of these are beyond my reach at this moment in my life.
PEARL RIVER
Steinway also has a partnership with Pearl River (made in China). Alot of students in Eastern Canada have Pearl River because they have a sponsorship with the Conservatory of Canada and their local events and workshops. In my mind it's like a Kia or a Hyundi whereas Steinway is like a Cadillac? Maybe there are some good technology partnerships there and that is my understanding of a basic price or lifestyle comparison. Just try it out and see if you like it. Pearl River will not appreciate in price like a Steinway or
Yamaha, but I strongly believe it would be muhch much better than a digital.
DIGITAL PIANO
Roland is the best player in the big market for a digital piano. They are the best in the world in that market and the Conservatory or Canada (I call them a competitor of the Royal Conservatory of Music) actually allows that top model of digital Roland to be used in the exam room. At Campbell Douglas, the folks probably showed you a letter from the president. I guess I'm just old fashioned so I find that hard to believe that a digital piano could be "just as good" as a real piano.
Think about this, when you really play piano, your fingertips should be hitting a key that activates a wooden hammer that strikes a group of metallic strings that vibrate together in harmonic frequencies with all the right overtones. When it is a digital piano all of this is simulated electronically.
I have a digital grand piano upstairs in my living room that allows me to play at night with headphones; not Roland but Suzuki (the manufacturer of motorcycles!) I have found that my wrists hurt if I try to play too hard and loud becaus I am expecting a sound I get from a real piano, and I can't get it so I push harder and it's probably bad for my fingers or wrists in some way.
A bit of history, I bought the Suzuki grand piano used from a family who was upgrading to a real grand piano because their daughter was 14 and having played piano up to the Grade 9 RCM level, the piano teacher indicated that her performance level had exceeded the capabilities of the digital piano. I am surprised she didn't say so sooner.
YAMAHA DIGITAL CLAVINOVA
I had previously owned a Yamaha Digital Clavinova base model and I found that one was much better, still it's probably not going to have the same energy response as real strings. You could probably be ok with that one for the first two years. I visited a family in the States, their kids are Suzuki piano students and they owned a Yamaha Digital Clavinova Grand Piano. At the Suzuki Institute I studied at, the children used 12 Yamaha Digital Clavinova for the group classes and the ensemble performance (though the visiting head teacher did not like it at all).
I usually recommend someone to buy a Yamaha Digital Clavinova if they only have $2,000 because this is the best thing that you could get for that budget. I used my Clavinova for a full two years playing at my Grade 10 and ARCT level before I got married, and eventually upgraded to the Yamaha upright piano I own now.
Hope this information is helpful to you. I am going to add a disclaimer that these are expressly my own personal opinion as a teacher and mother of three.
The most important decision you would make for your child's music education, other than finding the right teacher, is to buy a real piano. My daughter's MYC teacher teaches with a portable keyboard; actually she's got six of them set up in the classroom. She lets the students have a keyboard at home if they don't have a piano. I personally would not allow my students to play on a keyboard cuz it's really wrong and you don't development finger strength, there is no resistance no wood no strings, so it's just plastic!
I have a friend who asked me to teach her daughter just under age 3. They don't have a piano yet and I can't just ask her to fork out $8000 plus for a piano for a three year old, so I told her to listen to the Suzuki Book 1 CD as the first assignment for the next year! 2 hours a day minimum... remember just like a child learns to talk by listening.
JAPANESE - KAWAI
I don't know a whole lot about Kawai's except that alot of asian families in Hong Kong have them because it's a good value, not too expensive and still reliable, especially the upright sizes. Great for a beginner especially if you like the sound and touch. I really like the Kawai grand pianos because of the sound engineering (pun) that goes into the design, manufacturing and the materials are modern (composite fibres not wood) I think. They are just starting to get into the market with the big schools and university music programs to compete with Yamaha. In Ottawa, the folks at Campbell Douglas on Merivale Road will offer many choices of Kawai and give a very informative overview of pianos. I've recommended many students to look at Kawai there.
JAPANESE - YAMAHA
I own a Yamaha upright CP113 model for my teaching studio and personal use. The serial number indicates that it was assembled in Japan and no longer available, which is interesting becase most Yamaha pianos purchased in Canada are manufactured in North America. Yamaha is always highly recommended and well recognized around the world. I bought my piano at the Yamaha piano store, Ottawa Pianos on Bank Street. I like their trade in option where I have 10 years to trade in my upright for any newer piano including a Grand Piano dollar for dollar what I paid! However alot of students whom I have refered to the store, were always offered to see the U1 model (only). They call this an Institution-level instrument, meaning that most university and college programs will have the U1 model in the teaching studio, practise rooms, and for the piano exams.
Therefore I'd say that U1 is actually the best upright piano a family could buy! How about in simple terms it's really really really good! That is one or two models up from what I have which is a CP113. The idea is the taller the piano the bigger and better the sound. DON'T go for a lower end base model Yamaha to save money, but you don't neccessarily have to go with the best one ever. My next door neighbor bought a U1 piano because they always buy the #1 thing (infant formula, shoes, car, private school) for their #1 son, but seriously not everyone can fit that in their house or budget.
As for grand pianos, only buy one bigger than 6 feet otherwise a U1 would be much better than any smaller grand piano or baby grand, simply because the soundboard would be smaller and shorter.
STEINWAY
Lauzon in Westboro sells Steinways (top in American made). Everyone dreams of owning a Steinway and I could safely say that alot of people who don't even play piano own Steinway in their mansion just for the look and status. If you go to any concert hall or big name school, the performers or students always play on a Steinway. I priced it out before and a Steinway grand piano costs as much as my dream car, a Dodge Viper... both of these are beyond my reach at this moment in my life.
PEARL RIVER
Steinway also has a partnership with Pearl River (made in China). Alot of students in Eastern Canada have Pearl River because they have a sponsorship with the Conservatory of Canada and their local events and workshops. In my mind it's like a Kia or a Hyundi whereas Steinway is like a Cadillac? Maybe there are some good technology partnerships there and that is my understanding of a basic price or lifestyle comparison. Just try it out and see if you like it. Pearl River will not appreciate in price like a Steinway or
Yamaha, but I strongly believe it would be muhch much better than a digital.
DIGITAL PIANO
Roland is the best player in the big market for a digital piano. They are the best in the world in that market and the Conservatory or Canada (I call them a competitor of the Royal Conservatory of Music) actually allows that top model of digital Roland to be used in the exam room. At Campbell Douglas, the folks probably showed you a letter from the president. I guess I'm just old fashioned so I find that hard to believe that a digital piano could be "just as good" as a real piano.
Think about this, when you really play piano, your fingertips should be hitting a key that activates a wooden hammer that strikes a group of metallic strings that vibrate together in harmonic frequencies with all the right overtones. When it is a digital piano all of this is simulated electronically.
I have a digital grand piano upstairs in my living room that allows me to play at night with headphones; not Roland but Suzuki (the manufacturer of motorcycles!) I have found that my wrists hurt if I try to play too hard and loud becaus I am expecting a sound I get from a real piano, and I can't get it so I push harder and it's probably bad for my fingers or wrists in some way.
A bit of history, I bought the Suzuki grand piano used from a family who was upgrading to a real grand piano because their daughter was 14 and having played piano up to the Grade 9 RCM level, the piano teacher indicated that her performance level had exceeded the capabilities of the digital piano. I am surprised she didn't say so sooner.
YAMAHA DIGITAL CLAVINOVA
I had previously owned a Yamaha Digital Clavinova base model and I found that one was much better, still it's probably not going to have the same energy response as real strings. You could probably be ok with that one for the first two years. I visited a family in the States, their kids are Suzuki piano students and they owned a Yamaha Digital Clavinova Grand Piano. At the Suzuki Institute I studied at, the children used 12 Yamaha Digital Clavinova for the group classes and the ensemble performance (though the visiting head teacher did not like it at all).
I usually recommend someone to buy a Yamaha Digital Clavinova if they only have $2,000 because this is the best thing that you could get for that budget. I used my Clavinova for a full two years playing at my Grade 10 and ARCT level before I got married, and eventually upgraded to the Yamaha upright piano I own now.
Hope this information is helpful to you. I am going to add a disclaimer that these are expressly my own personal opinion as a teacher and mother of three.
Which Piano Teaching Method is best for my child?
CLASSICAL PIANO
I used to feel that kids weren't ready for formal private piano lessons with me until age 7. Because I teach classical and music reading, it can be very hard for kids younger than 6-7 to focus and sit still and manage all the data they have to process to just play piano, the traditional way. I believe I was strongly influenced by own piano learning experience and my own piano teacher who is a very traditional teacher and established performer herself, from a certain European east block country, who gave me sage advice not to start piano too early for my daughter.
SUZUKI METHOD
However since I learned more about the Suzuki method and how natural it is for a child to play the violin, cello or even piano, they could be ready to learn by age 3-4. The suzuki method is very natural, alot like how a child learns to speak his native mother tongue (or English) by imitation, repetition, exploration and praise. I saw little kids performing in a violin ensemble, age 4-5 playing really beautiful music, like twinkle twinkle little star (and something else too). The kids I saw in Las Vegas in the piano program, needed alittle bit more discipline but maybe piano is harder or something, but the potential is there. I feel that my son AJ (age 3) is ready because he is willing to listen to the music CD, he respects me as a teacher and he listens well to directions how to play a few simple rhythms on the piano. I wanted him to play with purpose, instead of hitting random notes on the piano with a bad hand form. They are not reading the music at this stage, just focusing on perfect tone and all the aspects that create perfect tone in the most natural way.
MUSIC FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Maggie on the other hand has a different learning style. She's in the Music For Young Children class, Sunshine 2 in the fall with her teacher. I will bring her to class and participate as all the other parents too. There is homework, they have a very structured way of learning music reading from the get go. She likes it alot, but I would still categorize this as the "traditional" learning method. She knows the names of all the notes on the piano; she can play a C scale and A minor scale, she can read the pre-music reading with little characters. Each note on the piano is associated with a character, for example Critter C, Dino D, Edith the Elk, Fireman Fred, Grumpy Grouch, Amy the Anteater, Becky (copyrighted). Staff reading is much too hard for her right now but there is a kid in her class the same age who is good at it. So it must depend on the child.
Maggie started in the Sunrise class for ages 2.5 with fun music activities, music patterns, listening skills and alot of singing, moving, crafts and homework. There was a long break and we started Sunshine 1 when she was 3.5 in the Fall 2010. The homework assigned with the lesson for the week was the basis of our learning activities at home, for example learning the alphabet, cutting out pictures of things that start with "C"; forte and piano, so that's cutting out pictures of loud sounds and quiet sounds; allegro and adagio, so cutting out pictures of things that move fast fast fast or slow slow slow.
Some folks ask me why I'm not teaching my own daughter. Well, as a matter of fact I am. She is part of the Musicland group class I run in my home studio. However my course runs for 10 lessons probably about once a year because my studio focus is still on private lessons. Her weekly group lesson runs all school year with the MYC teacher and lasts one hour, however at home I practise with her everyday (more like 5 days out of the week) for a good 20 minutes if you include the extra games, homework, charades, and chatting. She listens in on my teaching sometimes, and we also play piano together just for fun. We play duets where she simply plays a bass note to support the harmonic structure below the melody that I'm playing, or vice versa. I have to mention, by listening she's learned when to "switch notes to make it sound nice". Remember, alot of kids go to public school or private school, but the mom (and dad) at home are models and teachers too.
YAMAHA MUSIC WONDERLAND
Yamaha on Bank Street also runs a music school, and they have the world famous Yamaha Music Program. These are group classes at various levels starting from Tunes for Twos, something for age 3 and Music Wonderland for ages 4 up, and then a series of graduated level for older kids to continue on. I called the school though, and they only have keyboard time at the age 4 level. Although my parents enrolled me in this at age 4 in Calgary, and I still have the tin box with the grand staff and the magnetic music notes for the staff and keyboard and some of the workbooks, I don't remember too much about it. I found out about the Yamaha school (again) by coincidence. There was an air force colonel (a soccer/ piano mom) who was selling the entire collection of Yamaha music books and workbooks and CDs volumes one to eight for $50 on usedottawa; books that her children used and were done with and she was moving for the next posting. When she came to deliver the items, we also had a good chat about the music program and about raising a military family etc. I looked through the books, and figured out some of the major components was possibly music appreciation, ensemble playing (playing the chords and notes, following along with the group and the CD accompaniment) plus alot of crafts and fun worksheets. I would've enrolled my kids but the timing on Saturday morning didn't fit my schedule well. Highly recommended and not to expensive. Fall and Winter start dates.
KODALY METHOD
Kodaly is an excellent music program designed to teach basic musicianship through singing and body movement. It is based on an approach to music education developed by Hungarian Zolton Kodaly in the early 20th century. Kodaly methods are adapted by many music teachers in the school system when teaching music reading and musical language to students from kindergarten to high school.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001864
I used to feel that kids weren't ready for formal private piano lessons with me until age 7. Because I teach classical and music reading, it can be very hard for kids younger than 6-7 to focus and sit still and manage all the data they have to process to just play piano, the traditional way. I believe I was strongly influenced by own piano learning experience and my own piano teacher who is a very traditional teacher and established performer herself, from a certain European east block country, who gave me sage advice not to start piano too early for my daughter.
SUZUKI METHOD
However since I learned more about the Suzuki method and how natural it is for a child to play the violin, cello or even piano, they could be ready to learn by age 3-4. The suzuki method is very natural, alot like how a child learns to speak his native mother tongue (or English) by imitation, repetition, exploration and praise. I saw little kids performing in a violin ensemble, age 4-5 playing really beautiful music, like twinkle twinkle little star (and something else too). The kids I saw in Las Vegas in the piano program, needed alittle bit more discipline but maybe piano is harder or something, but the potential is there. I feel that my son AJ (age 3) is ready because he is willing to listen to the music CD, he respects me as a teacher and he listens well to directions how to play a few simple rhythms on the piano. I wanted him to play with purpose, instead of hitting random notes on the piano with a bad hand form. They are not reading the music at this stage, just focusing on perfect tone and all the aspects that create perfect tone in the most natural way.
I also run a Pre-Twinkle Level class called "Musicland Adventure Camp" which is a series of 10 classes for ages 3-5; storytelling, magical characters from Yellowcat's Musicland, games, song and dance. Topics include keyboard geography, right and left hand independent playing, note reading, music listening and writing skills, music performance and beyond. I also use materials from Yellowcat Publishing which uses colours and characters to teach kids the letter names of the keys and pre-reading skills. Upon completion, students are ready to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by heart or for beginner’s piano, though it is not a prerequisite.
MUSIC FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Maggie on the other hand has a different learning style. She's in the Music For Young Children class, Sunshine 2 in the fall with her teacher. I will bring her to class and participate as all the other parents too. There is homework, they have a very structured way of learning music reading from the get go. She likes it alot, but I would still categorize this as the "traditional" learning method. She knows the names of all the notes on the piano; she can play a C scale and A minor scale, she can read the pre-music reading with little characters. Each note on the piano is associated with a character, for example Critter C, Dino D, Edith the Elk, Fireman Fred, Grumpy Grouch, Amy the Anteater, Becky (copyrighted). Staff reading is much too hard for her right now but there is a kid in her class the same age who is good at it. So it must depend on the child.
Maggie started in the Sunrise class for ages 2.5 with fun music activities, music patterns, listening skills and alot of singing, moving, crafts and homework. There was a long break and we started Sunshine 1 when she was 3.5 in the Fall 2010. The homework assigned with the lesson for the week was the basis of our learning activities at home, for example learning the alphabet, cutting out pictures of things that start with "C"; forte and piano, so that's cutting out pictures of loud sounds and quiet sounds; allegro and adagio, so cutting out pictures of things that move fast fast fast or slow slow slow.
Some folks ask me why I'm not teaching my own daughter. Well, as a matter of fact I am. She is part of the Musicland group class I run in my home studio. However my course runs for 10 lessons probably about once a year because my studio focus is still on private lessons. Her weekly group lesson runs all school year with the MYC teacher and lasts one hour, however at home I practise with her everyday (more like 5 days out of the week) for a good 20 minutes if you include the extra games, homework, charades, and chatting. She listens in on my teaching sometimes, and we also play piano together just for fun. We play duets where she simply plays a bass note to support the harmonic structure below the melody that I'm playing, or vice versa. I have to mention, by listening she's learned when to "switch notes to make it sound nice". Remember, alot of kids go to public school or private school, but the mom (and dad) at home are models and teachers too.
YAMAHA MUSIC WONDERLAND
Yamaha on Bank Street also runs a music school, and they have the world famous Yamaha Music Program. These are group classes at various levels starting from Tunes for Twos, something for age 3 and Music Wonderland for ages 4 up, and then a series of graduated level for older kids to continue on. I called the school though, and they only have keyboard time at the age 4 level. Although my parents enrolled me in this at age 4 in Calgary, and I still have the tin box with the grand staff and the magnetic music notes for the staff and keyboard and some of the workbooks, I don't remember too much about it. I found out about the Yamaha school (again) by coincidence. There was an air force colonel (a soccer/ piano mom) who was selling the entire collection of Yamaha music books and workbooks and CDs volumes one to eight for $50 on usedottawa; books that her children used and were done with and she was moving for the next posting. When she came to deliver the items, we also had a good chat about the music program and about raising a military family etc. I looked through the books, and figured out some of the major components was possibly music appreciation, ensemble playing (playing the chords and notes, following along with the group and the CD accompaniment) plus alot of crafts and fun worksheets. I would've enrolled my kids but the timing on Saturday morning didn't fit my schedule well. Highly recommended and not to expensive. Fall and Winter start dates.
KODALY METHOD
Kodaly is an excellent music program designed to teach basic musicianship through singing and body movement. It is based on an approach to music education developed by Hungarian Zolton Kodaly in the early 20th century. Kodaly methods are adapted by many music teachers in the school system when teaching music reading and musical language to students from kindergarten to high school.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001864
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