Noteworthy Piano Studio Students

Recital Performances June 13, 2010
Steinway of Chicago, Downers Grove, IL

Matthew Weichec plays "Piano Playin' Chocolate Eater's Blues" and "Rhythm Machine"

Anna Skaredoff plays "Sonatina in G" and "Crystal Falls"

Mary Jane Huber plays "Upbeat and Bad News Blues", "The Water is Wide" played by Anne and Mary Jane Huber

Danielle Pruger plays "I Dreamed A Dream" and "Circle of Life"

Gianna DeVivo plays "Canon in D" and "Midnight Chase"

Christopher Goldston Ensemble
"Snow on Salt Creek",
"Lazy Summer on Salt Creek"
and "Rapids Ride"
played by
Mike Domiano, Rachel He, Daniel Hu, Katherine, Anna Skaredoff, Lauren Verdera, Apurva Jolepalem, Danielle Pruger

Christine Hicaro plays
"Sonatina in G Moderato-Romanze", "Fur Elise"

Lauren Verdera plays
"By the Brook" and "Procession of the Knights"

Alex He plays "Minuet in G" and "Call of the Wilderness"

Faith and Natasha Mason play "Hallelujah"

Rachel and Alex He play "Chinese Lullaby"

Kevin Shi plays "Wise Old Owl" and "Mischievous Monkeys",
David and Kevin Shi play "Sneaky Fox Boogie",
David Shi plays "Tumbling" and "Sneaking Around"

Katherine plays "Brisk Winds" and "Bless the Broken Road"

Daniel Hu plays "Sonatina in G" and "Rondo alla Turca"

"Street Fair / Fresh Start" ensemble
played by Kevin Cai, Alex He, David and Kevin Shi

Natalie Leland plays "Shoo, Fly", "Ode to Joy" and
"Halloween is Coming Soon" assisted by Patricia Nyien

Matthew Newell plays "Popping Corn" and "Tucker's Secret Life"

Lela Matthews plays "Money Can't Buy Everything", "Friendship", and "Mr. Cat" assisted by Patricia Nyien

Nathan Wiechec plays "Astronaut Adventure" and
"Horse Drawn Carriage"

Cooper Wilson plays "Jig" and "Go For the Gold"

Leanna Newell plays "Prelude in D Minor"

Recital Performances November 20, 2009

LOS student answering from Length Of Study 2-7.5 years

3 students have Yamaha Pianos, 1 student has a Jesse French Piano, 1 student has a Fischer upright.

Practice time length varies from 30-75 min. from 3 to 7 days per week.

Students practice mostly afterschool, evenings and weekends with equal results, some students practice in the morning.

Lifetime Goals: Be in a Broadway Musical, Be a Piano Teacher, Be a good student, major in music in college.

Next year Goals: To wake up early, Be in a school play, I will be much better in my piano books, to continue with music lessons and performing in recitals.

This year Goals: I'll learn more music words, finish playing a song from Wicked, Not to forget my homework, to pass my AIM Theory test and memorize a Christmas song.

Immediate Goals: To be a good runner, find out how to play SuperMario bros. theme song, practice 180 min. per week, to be well prepared for AIM in November and March.

Best Piano Moment Last Year: The recital, getting my trophy, playing Laird of Lothian at the Fall Recital, The Contest, The Spring recital: I thought I did well with my songs, enjoyed playing them. I was surprised to get the best technique trophy.

Importance of scales and warm-ups: You get used to it, It helps to build your skill, they help your hands play right and stretch farther, to build better skills and improve posture, fingers, etc. I think it is important to play scales because then you know the notes well and a dey change in a song is easier if you know the key's scale well.

I would enjoy piano more if: I didn't have to practice, I could practice more, I had spare time, pianos were portable.

I would enjoy practicing more it: I would have more time or songs, I could play more sheet music, I had my teacher there, I knew I would be in a recital/competition, my brothers didn't bother me so much.

"Noteworthy Piano Studio Parent Survey Results!"

Piano lessons are important because: They open a door to a new world, provide an understanding of music, provide lifelong ability, provide discipline to learn something, they will engender a love of music. Also, music theory opens their creative minds. Finally, preparing for lessons, recitals and competitions teaches discipline. Katherine loves to play the piano -- it makes her happy! I believe it is great for brain development, memory and it continues to challenge her. Also, I cannot read music nor play an instrument and I want my children to be able to do so.

I would love my child to: Love music, really enjoy playing, enjoy practicing piano every day without reminding, continue to grow in her love for music.

I believe my child would enjoy piano more if: They like the songs, songs were of his choosing (which they are), didn't have to practice, she practiced, I think setting goals was a good exercise for her. (I don't believe there is anything she needs -- she already enjoys it greatly.)

Importance of good quality piano: It is important, but it need not be a Steinway, we have a nice Yamaha U3 about four years old, VERY. We have an upright piano that she uses which is more difficult to play than the Steinways used at recitals so I think it helps that she is used to a firmer touch on a daily basis. Although your Steinway grand has the firmest touch!

What kinds of goals would motivate your child? - Stickers and small gifts, at the older ages they need to be personal satisfaction with achieving something, performance or competition goals. She already motivates herself. I believe your weekly tally of practice minutes motivates her.

What could you do as a parent to encourage practice? - Not allow TV until practice is done, remind her daily of practice obligations, be sure he has time to practice, be encouraging and positive rather than mad that he hasn't practiced, try to set up a fixed time so it will become a habit. I make sure she practices at least 5 days a week. We have fairly regular practice times each day.