Operalady

So happy to be back in Texas for the month of December! I even figured something out. Connected both of my computers to zoom. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner! Only one computer signs in under my account, the other enters as a guest (since two computers on the same account can not be on at the same time). Now one computer can function as a second screen while the other can share my annotations to sheet music or connect to classroom maestro. Now I'll always have two screens - can't believe I didn't think of this sooner!

Here's my setup in Waikoloa Village, HI. Our condo for the month is a 2 bed, 2 bath so I was able to use the 2nd bedroom for my setup. There's a smart TV in the bedroom which I use as my second monitor. Works well and the foldable piano easily connects to my midi software programs. Students, I see you quite well on the big honkin' TV!

Got my foldable piano. I love this thing! WAY more functional than my roll-up. I have not hooked it up to my computer for midi access, but I'm pretty confident it will do just fine. Keys are somewhat weighted and it can handle 8 note mega-chords. It can also handle crescendo/diminuendo and the sustain pedal works great. This is NOT a replacement for an acoustic or full size weighted digital keyboard, but it is good enough for travelling.

Tomorrow I will put it through its paces during lessons, but today I was all about reacquainting myself with scales and old songs. Food for the brain!

Better late than never....

Studio News – June 2021

In the words of Alice Cooper – School’s out for summer! That doesn’t mean practice is over for the summer, but it does mean that you can practice for pleasure. What does that mean? What songs are on your top 5 list? Play them. What were your favorite lesson book songs? Play them. What were your favorite Beyer, Czerny, or Hanon technique exercises? Play them! Play whatever you want, but just play. This will keep your brain and fingers engaged and might even improve your musical skills!

In other news, David and I are spending the month of June in Geneva, NY which is on the northern side of Seneca Lake – one of the finger lakes. It is quite beautiful here but more importantly, there is WiFi! My roll-up piano works like a dream and the internet is stable enough for virtual teaching. Win!

June and July Deadlines and Events: None!

Heads up for July:
Use this month to catch up on your theory. Start in on your theory workbooks so you will be prepared to take the Whitlock Theory Test in the Fall.

Practice Tips: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier. This quote made me think of daily practice. Small daily efforts will bring forth success, one measure at a time.