All About Choosing Piano Schools And Teachers
-
That's the thing, your children like to listen to the music because they can associate the music with visual imagery and a story. If they had listened to Firebird without any background or story they may not like the piece.
For ideas on what piano pieces to give to children, can refer to this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Pianists-Standard-Teaching-Performance-Literature/dp/0882846558/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339575306&sr=8-1 -
Dreamaurora:
Not quite right. My son was first drawn by this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tGA6bpscj8 . He was upstairs in his room when I played it. It was only upon his asking that I showed him the Fantasia version.That's the thing, your children like to listen to the music because they can associate the music with visual imagery and a story. If they had listened to Firebird without any background or story they may not like the piece.
-
We all have different likings towards music, children too. So some may be captured by the rhythmic intensity, some by the sonorous melodic lines, some by the different sounds they hear when different instruments come together. Whatever it may be, exposing kids to music - classical, folk, jazz etc is always a good stimulation. Get them tapping, dancing, whatever it is, whatever form, to enjoy, to have fun
-
jce:
We all have different likings towards music, children too. So some may be captured by the rhythmic intensity, some by the sonorous melodic lines, some by the different sounds they hear when different instruments come together. Whatever it may be, exposing kids to music - classical, folk, jazz etc is always a good stimulation. Get them tapping, dancing, whatever it is, whatever form, to enjoy, to have fun
Totally agree with what you said! :goodpost: -
Try Ms. Hazel, she’s coaching my child. Very effective and I am happy with the progress.
-
If you want, you can pm me for her contact I dun mind sharing with everyone.
-
Hmm… This is an old thread but I cannot resist to share my personal story… As a student that is. I learnt music all the way till I was in university, and very sadly had to stop because my course was a super demanding one. I must say the teacher is very very important. Maybe paper qualifications are important, but not as important as how encouraging, and how passionate about music, and how well a teacher is able to work with the student. I started out with JMC, yonks ago and absolutely loved it. I know some people claim its mass market and dunno who the teachers are etc… But as parents you need to be able to tell. I next had a lovely lady who taught me piano privately, and she was really good. We didn’t only practice exam pieces and music theory but also actuall taught a broader repertoire, with simple nice melodies. I did well for exams every year, getting distictions and merits AND enjoying the lessons. For some reason, my parents changed my teacher when I was in grade 5, and I totally disliked my new teacher. She was strict, sacarstic, and never ever played for us to show us how music should be played, or how not to play. She would even bang ruler on table if our theory was not up to scratch. In the end, I lost interst and quit. 2 years later, I learnt another instrument at Yamaha, and was very very lucky to get a teacher who was passionate about music and was very encouraging. I practiced everyday and got a very high distiction grade in one year, and was able to do grade 5 the following year, managing a distiction too. But I owe it all to my teacher who made me interested to practise and practise, and to critique my playing each lesson to make my playing even better. What is even better is that years later, I still listen to music and attend concert and would alays dream of the day I can spar the time to pick up learning music again. But when it comes to my child’s turn, I will make sure he gets the best teacher, not according to how well his ither students do in exam, but how well he is able to encourage my child to practise. I believe once a child will practice and love music, even if he does not take exams he has already benefitted from learning music
-
Totally agree with missk. This may be a bit of a side-track, but all technical qualifications aside, the ability to encourage and inculcate the love for music is important… Music is really a life skill, I think as parents we must be very clear why we make our children learn music - to pick up a life skill, or you just want them to chase after a certain piece of certificate? so you can see your child perform on stage or to other relatives to feel good about ourselves?
When that happens, of course we feel good. it is natural. but don’t forget the original goal. -
Hi kooky83, during my parent's time, they said learn piano in case you can't study well and get a good job! So die die must reach grade 8! But then I guess people have different reasons these days. Personally as a parent I sometimes wish to have a talented child, who is good at music, for a selfish reason which is bcos I love music too. But while we have our dreams, we have to always remember to accept our child even if he has no talent. Realistically, talents are rare to find and even many \"prodigies\" who have immense talent have even been squashed by expectations that are unrealistic. Let alone your average child... What will they do if they cannot live up to their parents or teacher's expectations? How many students who completed grade 8 by p6 continue to love music, perform, attend concerts or buy CDs? Would a child feel that you don't love him if he doesn't practise or score well in exams? Today I saw a website of some schools that accept children aged 2 in violin classes. My son is 2.5 but its not for him He is not Mozart material... All he does is to sing and bash away at the keyboard. I will wait for him to tell me which instrument he wants to learn, and then I will try my best to find him a good teacher. Meanwhile he just has music and movement, youtube videos and mummy who does part time as his personal jukebox, and I will sing whatever song he wants. Suzuki had an interesting theory on how music is like our mother tongue... So I guess parents are also part time teachers which good music teachers must try to work hand in hand with. JMHO
-
Hi Halost and parents
My daughter aged 6 is keen on piano lessons.
Please recommend and pm me contacts for piano teachers around Admiralty mrt station if you know one.
Thanks