Spring Term 2014

Happy New Year!

Lessons will recommence for private, Cathedral and MHS pupils next week, week beginning Jan 6th 2014. Please remember to bring your music!

Advance Notice!

I have just booked Chelmsford Salvation Army Hall for a piano pupil concert on Friday 28th March at 7.30pm. Keep playing!

Grade exam results

Congratulations to all my pupils who did so well in their ABRSM grade exams. Oliver received a very good Prep Test report, Daniel got a distinction at grade 1, Bethany a merit at grade 4, Abigail and Matthew merits  at grade 5, Abbie and Rebecca distinctions at grade 5 and Alice a merit at grade 7.

Many of these pupils did their exams at the same time as other graded music exams, school exams and concerts, so well done for keeping everything going to such a high standard.

Origami pianos!

These week we have all- adult pianists too- enjoyed making origami pianos. If you want to make some more at home, here is the link to the instructions:

http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-for-kids.html

Feel free to email me your creations!

Last Lessons of the term.

Last lessons of the term at MHS happened last week, unless you are Jennifer, and then l am coming in on Tuesday 10th especially to teach you! Cathedral School pupils have their last lessons next week.     ( 11th Dec), and private pupils know the dates of their final lessons before Christmas.

Good luck to all those taking their grade exams on Friday and well done to everyone for the magnificent start to the 30 Pieces Challenge.

Grade exam performance tips.

For those of you who have exams on Friday...

 

Mrs Lau’s Guide to Surviving Exams

Before the exam:

·         Make sure you have chosen pieces you enjoy from the correct syllabus.

·         Be sure that you know your pieces inside out and, if possible, from memory (even if you have the music), that you know 4 bars either side of page turns and that the starts and endings are particularly secure.

·         Practise your scales, arpeggios etc really thoroughly; they are the first element of your exam and a good chance to get it started well.

·         Try to play some sight reading every day.

·         Make sure that you are familiar with the aural tests. You can buy a CD of them or register on www.hofnote.co.uk for extra practice.

·         Play your pieces on different pianos and get used to adapting to them.

·         Practise performing- to yourself with no stops, to family and to friends.

·         Make sure that you know where the exam is to be held. Have a dummy run of the journey.

On the day:

• Have a countdown plan; think about what you are going to do, if you are going to practice, what you are going to wear, what you are going to eat etc.
• Arrive in plenty of time but not so early that you jitter!

At the exam:

• Keep your fingers warm(gloves in Autumn and Winter) and do some deep breathing.
• Smile at the examiner and talk clearly and confidently to him/her.
• Take your time adjusting the piano stool and your music.
• Focus and concentrate. Play each piece with character, style and confidence.

All done! That wasn’t so bad was it? Now go and treat yourself. Well done!