Miss Ellen's Piano Teaching Adventures
Kid's Playing Christmas and Hannukah Music on the Piano
by Ellen DuBois on 12/08/11
The holidays are an exciting time of year- especially if you're a child. My students are having so much fun playing their favorite Christmas and Hannukah music on the piano. Playing these familiar, fun songs makes them want to play more and more.
I try to keep a full stock of Christmas and Hannukah music on hand in various levels- from the earliest beginner to the more intermediate piano player. It's very important to me to keep my students happy. After all, a happy student is one who wants to play the piano- not just during their lesson, but most importantly, at home!
The thing is, I've found my students to be 'very busy little people' with schedules that rival most adults I know. It's amazing the amount of school work, sports and other extra curricular activities they are involved in. Many times I hear, "I wanted to practice more, but I'm soooooo busy!"
At first blush, I thought this might just be an excuse for not practicing more. As time passed, I found these kids weren't telling tales or making excuses...they really are very busy.
So, how do I stress the importance of practicing the piano without stressing my students out? I mean, with tests, piles of homework, games, dance and more, it's a tall order.
Well, I've found that taking a low key approach while still getting my message across works. I talk to my students, especially the older ones, about treating their piano lessons just as they do any other 'thing' they want to get better at. You've got to put in some time, not a whole lot, to improve. Even if it's five to ten minutes a day, it's a start and some PLAYING, (the word 'practicing' is a turn off to most kids), every day is better than none!
Piano lesson books are very important...but they're not exactly exciting in the song department. That's why I always provide 'supplemental' music for my students. This time of year it's easy- holiday songs are fun, my students know them, and when they hear themselves actually playing a song they enjoy, it brings tremendous satisfaction to them. They love it!
Kid's playing Christmas and Hannukah music on the piano...it's a good thing.
Those Lazy, Hazy, Days of Summer...
by Ellen DuBois on 07/05/11
The summer's in full swing and I just celebrated the Fourth of July with family. I love my two sisters and my parents are just "so cool"! They also teach at Rhapsody Music and Arts and have been for over sixteen years. How nice it is to get to see them on the days they're in.
And, how nice it is to teach my summer students during these warm days when they could be swimming or participating in one of a thousand summer activities. It's wonderful to know that for just a half-hour a week, they come in for their piano lesson. It must be tempting for both student and parent to stay home or do 'whatever'. I am grateful to be able to teach during the summer months!
I want to wish all of our students a happy, healthy and safe summer. To my studentsw who are off during the summer, I look forward to seeing you in the fall and hearing about all your amazing, summertime adventures!
Of course...I look forward to making some music happen on those piano keys, too!
Keep the music in your life,
Miss Ellen
What should I look for when buying an electronic keyboard for my child?
by Ellen DuBois on 06/27/11
The most important thing when choosing a keyboard is that is have full size keys. It (the keyboard), doesn't need to be full length, (88 keys, as long as a regular piano). Most students don't use the entire keyboard anyway, and when they're just starting out, they mostly use the middle section of the keyboard.
Weighted keys are good because they 'feel' more like a piano in their touch. However, many keyboards are touch sensitive and that may be all there is in a particular make unless you go with a longer one, 76 or 88 keys, (most parents/students opt for a shorter one). Sixty-one keys works out the best. I wouldn't go shorter than that. There's always an adjustment to be made from keyboard to piano, but it's not a difficult one. Matter of fact, I have many students who have keyboards at home and come in for their lesson on a piano. It works out just fine. (I think you'd do very well at a store like Best Buy.) My father's been playing for over 50 years and still plays out. He has a Casio electric keyboard for his 'gigs'. It sounds great and hasn't given him any problems.
Hope this helps and Keep the Music in Your Life!
Ellen, a/k/a "Miss Ellen" Rhapsody Music and Arts
Recital Time! Piano, Voice...Entertainment!
by Ellen DuBois on 06/20/11
Rhapsody Music's recital was a smashing success! On June 12, 2011, our students put on a day and an evening show and let me tell you, ALL of them "did us proud"!
From the younger children, (as young as 5), to the older, more experienced piano and voice students, they performed like troopers displaying a surplus of talent and courage. (It takes a lot to perform in front of a couple hundred people!)
Summer's here, and although some of our students take a short break from their lessons, we still are open and teaching. We've also moved to our brand, new location and it's amazing. Those who visited us during our open house got to see our new studios, but all are welcome to stop by anytime. Our rooms are freshly painted and decorated, bright, cheerful and ready for some fun learning. We've got an activity room where lots of educational, enjoyable summer programs are being offered...including lyric writing taught by yours truly :)
I simply can't say it enough- I'm so proud of not only my students, but ALL of our students for doing such a spectacular job at the recital. Your hard work throughout the year was reflected in your performances.
I can't wait until we do it all again!
Keep the music in your heart,
Ellen, a/k/a "Miss Ellen"
"Can I have another lesson?"
by Ellen DuBois on 06/10/11
It's a busy time for us at Rhapsody Music. As we gear up for our recital this Sunday, the energy in the music studio is high as students prepare for their performance. It's fun. It's exciting. It's the culmination of a year's worth of work for each student, whether they're six, or eighteen, or twenty-six.
A student's mother stopped by to pay for her recital tickets and give a final head count. Her daughter, my student, was with her. My heart just melted when her mother said, "We were coming by to pay for the tickets and she, (pointing to her daughter), asked if she could stay and have another lesson with you."
My student didn't need it. She knows her piece inside-out. She just 'felt like' having another lesson, and that was such an AWESOME feeling!
