Tag Archives: creative

A fantastic glitch in performance

Two students of Hunter Mill Music Studio on stage!

Selvina Kong, piano

Fedor Ouspensky, conductor

South Lakes High School Orchestra

Please, note at 3:20 a “terrible” glitch! the pianist had a complete black-out memory slip, so devastating that she seemingly lost her place altogether. This is a very common situation for inexperienced (and very experienced!) performers. But keep watching, and pay attention to how much more relaxed and confident she gets after she finally makes a recovery from the event! and how poised and proud she is afterwards receiving the greeting from the audience. And how supportive and enthusiastic are the applause! 

Sure, when you go to a concert presented by professional artists, rarely something of this magnitude happens, but when it does… the audience actually LOVES it even better! Why? Because it makes the artists people, more human, not so much like remote idols covered in the glitter of glory.  Especially if the artist is actually a truly artistic and expressive musician:)

Below watch the recording from the same concert, this time edited. How do you think we get all those absolutely note-perfect recordings on labels? Hmmmmm….

My child is ready to start lessons…or is she? (Topic 1, Part 4. What is involved?)

Prepare to change and adjust. It’s very important to keep up with your child’s progress and not let him stagnate.

You are looking at a starting just the way most people do: take piano lessons once per week for 30 minutes.  You think you can make a commitment to the driving, keeping up with assignments, and help him at home. Initial requirements are not so overwhelming, you need to establish daily routine of practicing for about 30-45 minutes. The total time can be split into two sessions of 15-25 minutes each, not too bad. It’s very important to keep positive attitude, at the same time be very firm that no day goes without practicing. You teacher will guide you through creative approaches

Continue reading My child is ready to start lessons…or is she? (Topic 1, Part 4. What is involved?)

Must start lessons NOW!!!!

So, your child is 5 years old, she is very bright, can already read and count.

She loves music, dances with some rhythms, sings along with songs on radio and when watching cartoons. You hear and read about how piano lessons improve kids’ ability for abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, help with math and overall improve their IQ.  Everyone around has their kids (even younger than your daughter, oh, my goodness, did we miss the cut-off point?!?!?) enrolled in some kind of music program, mostly piano. Your child is going to be a kindergartener this year…  a KINDERGARTENER already!!! Is it too late? is it just right? what do we do?!?

Continue reading Must start lessons NOW!!!!