Thursday 31 December 2015

Points Mean Prizes 2016!

Piano Points Mean Prizes 2016!

For the rest of this school year you will be able to gain rewards by doing and achieving different piano tasks and skills. Points = Prizes! There are Weekly Points, Bonus Points and Super Bonus Points. A record of points gained will be kept in your Piano Diary and on the Points Mean Prizes Chart.

Weekly Points:
+ 1 for 5 days of practice. Parents to sign to this effect in practice diary.
+ 1 per page of pieces learned and passed by me.
+ 1 per warm-up or technique exercise learned and passed by me.
+ 1 per set of theory exercises completed.

Bonus Points:
+ 1 extra for more than 5 days practised. (Parents must witness and sign this).
+ 2 for each piece / large section of a piece memorised.
+ 1 for completing a listening sheet.
+ 1 for playing a scale accurately 2 ways. +2 for playing it 4 different ways.

Super Bonus Points:
+5 for attending a classical musical performance (a piano recital, a concert etc. A copy of the programme is required).
+ 5 for completing a book.
+ 5 for participating in a performance.

Rewards:
20 points = a certificate.
25 points = a prize from the prize basket.

50 points = a trophy awarded at the end of the Summer term.

New Year Piano Lesson Start Dates.

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope that you all had a great Christmas break and enjoyed the time away from school and lessons. 

Thank you very much for all the lovely presents, cards and good wishes that you sent me, I am very grateful and enjoyed looking at and using them over the holiday season.

As some of you may know, I do some work for ABRSM, and will be delivering in- service training at the start of January to music services and RNCM in Manchester. This means that I will begin piano teaching after the term has begun- it gives everyone time to re- discover the piano and get fingers going again!

The starting dates for lessons are as follows:

Private pupils: Week beginning Monday 18th January.

Moulsham High School pupils: Tuesday 19th January.

Cathedral Primary School pupils : Wed 6th January.

Online pupil: to be arranged.

Sunday 13 December 2015

Exam congratulations.


Congratulations to all my pupils who took piano and theory exams this term. They all worked very hard and did extremely well.

My 3 Prep Test entrants all performed very well and received lovely reports.

Elinor Loxton took her grade 5 theory exam and gained a distinction with 91%, a fabulous result.

Amelia Wilson took her grade 1 and also gained a distinction- well done Amelia.

Hannah Spry, who has lessons online via google chat, took her grade 1 ( live ) and gained a merit. This is a first for me and I'm delighted the way lessons are going and how well Hannah has done.

Alice Ward, not content with gaining a merit in her violin grade 8 earlier in the year, took her piano grade 8 and earnt a very well deserved merit ( the scales and arpeggio requirements for grade 8 piano are enough to make anyone's eyes water!).

Very well done everyone.


Wednesday 25 November 2015

Free Christmas App!


We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

There is a free iPad app from Yohondo, to learn and play We Wish You a Merry Christmas, here:

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Intermediate version from Yohondo by Yohondo

https://appsto.re/gb/ExF63.i

And an even easier version here:


We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Intermediate version from Yohondo by Yohondo

https://appsto.re/gb/ExF63.i

Enjoy!

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Chelmsford Competitive Festival results

Congratulations to everyone who took part. Here are the full results:

Friday 13th Nov
Under 6 set piece, Charlie Field, 87, distinction
Under 9 set piece, Anna Howell, 77, merit
Under 11 set piece, Zoe Howell, 89 , distinction,winner

Saturday 14th Nov
Under 7 set piece, William Michael, 84, merit
Under 7 set piece, George Cairns, 87, distinction, winner of The Goodey Trophy
Chelmsford Rotary Club,Alice Ward, 87, distinction, winner of Chelmsford Rotary Club Trophy
16 and under own choice, Alice Ward, 86, distinction. 2nd.
Chopin Class: Open, Alice Ward, 85, merit, 2nd.






Sunday 15 November 2015

Competition congratulations.

Congratulations to all my pupils who took part in the Chelmsford Competitive Festival this weekend. It is not easy to get up in front of a room full of people and play a strange piano, and then be judged on it. So well done to: Anna, Zoe, Alice, William, George and Charlie. Everyone achieved at least a merit and Alice, Zoe and George won their classes. I will post a full list of results and some photos later in the week.

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Competition tips!

Practise performing your pieces as well as playing and practising them.

Try out different pianos if you can. This will help you get used to the idea of adjusting to a different piano and acoustic.

Decide what to wear-something comfortable but smart, in between your football kit and a princess dress! If you're using the pedals, shoes with a small heel and no massive platforms are best.

Arrive at the competition in time to hear the class before your's. It will help you see what happens and get you accustomed to the room and the process.

When it is your turn, breathe deeply, take your time to settle yourself on the piano stool ( right height and distance etc) and open your music. Think before you play.

When you have finished the audience will clap and you should bow- "what's that on my shoe " and up. Take your music and return to your seat.

Listen quietly to everyone else play and to the adjudicator's comments. Collect your certificate. 

Treat time!

Wednesday 7 October 2015

What every piano parent should know.

Hi everyone,

I found this helpful little handout on Pinterest recently. It explains how parents can support their child as they have piano lessons. They work whether or not you have musical knowledge yourself!

Saturday 19 September 2015

Piano exam entries.

If your child is taking a prep test or grade exam this term you will have had a letter, form, email or notification in their practice diary. These need to be returned next week with the fee( details n a previous blog post) and details including your child's full name and date of birth. I then send off one application for all my pupils.

Practical ABRSM prep test and grade exams will be at Christchurch, New London Road, Chelmsford, and will be held between Nov 9th and Dec 12th. We can't request a particular date, we are at the mercy of the exam board! You will need to take your child to and from the exam. ABRSM usually give us plenty of notice so arrangements can be made and thorough exam preparation made.

Further exam support ( advice, videos publications etc) can be found here: http://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-support/

ABRSM theory exams will be held on Tuesday 3rd Nov at 5.30pm. Previously the venue has been Moulsham High School but again, we will be notified nearer the time.

Diploma exams are an entirely different kettle of fish and feature a choice of venues. Results take approximately 5 weeks. Good advice on diplomas can be found here: http://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-support/preparation-for-diplomas/ and from my colleague David Barton here: 

Prep Test entrants receive their report and certificate on the day, grade exams are usually within 2 weeks, and theory exam results take 5-6 weeks to come through.

I hope all this info helps. I love helping pupils prepare for grade exams; they improve so much and transform into confident performers before my eyes. 

Fiona Lau






Friday 18 September 2015

Chelmsford Competitive Festival update.

You need to send in your own entry forms and then the correspondence re time and date etc will come back to you.

The closing date for entries is Sat 24th September. And entries need to go to Jill Parkin 42 Blacksmith Close Springfield Chelmsford CM1 6SY.

Once entries are all in you will be notified the day and time of your child's class.

If you need a full syllabus they are available from James Dace. Programmes will also be available from them nearer the time.

Piano classes are usually held at Trinty Methodist church and the Quaker Meeeting House.

Every one in each class will get a round of applause and a certificate after adjudication and the winner will be notified.

Competitions are a great chance to practise performing, enjoy playing one piece, hear expert opinion from the adjudicator, hear other pianists, and get a certificate. They are friendly, supportive occasions and my pupils have had great fun and success in them over the years.

Fiona Lau.

Saturday 5 September 2015

Welcome to piano lessons 2015-16.

Dear Parents and Pupils,

Welcome to piano lessons!

This is what you need to know for effective piano lessons with me:

·        Please email me at fionavalerielau@hotmail.com with your email address so that you can be kept up to date with dates,progress, requirements, news etc.

·        I communicate many things for parents and pupils via this blog so please bookmark or favourite it and check it regularly: www.mrslaupiano.blogspot.com

·        Have a piano to practice on- digital or acoustic. A keyboard is not the same and will hamper progress.

·        Bring all your music etc to every lesson. Each pupil will need their own piano bag - available from Daces and Allegro or online from Amazon, Musicroom or Beaumont Music.

·        Regular practice is vital: Beginners need to do 10-15 mins a day but if you are preparing for an exam a minimum of 30 mins a day, rising to 1-3 hours for higher grade exams, recitals, competitions and diplomas. Parents, you will need to remind and encourage your children to practice- a practice chart with stickers really helps.

·        All music can be bought or ordered from Daces, Broomfield Rd, Allegro, High St, or online from www.musicroom.com

·        Please please please read the Practice Diary and use it to communicate with me especially if your child has lessons at school and we rarely meet.

·        Take every opportunity to play and perform (at school, at home, at church, or to friends) and to listen to music (live or recorded).

I look forward to the new year and hearing everyone play and develop,

Fiona Lau MA, PGCE, LTCL, Dip ABRSM (performing), CTABRSM, Grad Dip Mus.





Tuesday 1 September 2015

New term timetable coming soon.

Hi everyone,

I hope that you have had a good summer break despite the very dismal weather. Private pupils' lessons and lessons at Moulsham High School will begin on Tues 15th September and at The Cathedral School on Wed 16th Sept.

Meanwhile you could make sure that you have everything you need for piano lessons:

A piano. A digital or acoustic piano is vital, a keyboard just will not do.

A bag of your own for your piano music. Not one you share with a sibling but one of your own. Amazon have them and so do Allegro and Daces in Chelmsford.

The music you have been playing recently.

The activities you have completed from the Yellow Sheet.

A Wish List of pieces that you would like the learn. It's good you to choose some of your music rather than me always making the decisions.

See you soon,

Fiona.


Monday 20 July 2015

Thank you.

Thank you very much for the many good wishes, cards and presents I have received. You are all very kind and thoughtful.

Monday 13 July 2015

Grade Exam Congratulations!

Congratulations to my ABRSM grade exam pupils who took their piano exams this term. They all achieved a pass with Merit or Distinction:

Zoë Grade 2 Distinction 132
Kirstie Grade 3 Distinction 132
Alison Grade 3 Merit 127
Bethany Grade 5 Merit 123

They all did exceptionally well but special mention goes to my two adult pupils Alison and Kirstie. It is not easy being an adult learner and exam entrant ( as I know from my cello lessons ), but they have not been learning for long and bravely faced the examiner and came away having learnt much and gained very good results. Zoë managed to pass not only her Grade 2 piano with distinction but also her Grade 3 cornet this term! Bethany sat Grade 5 which is in my opinion a significant level. She achieved her result whilst studying music at Colchester Institute and focussing on her singing. 

In addition to these formal exams,Sarah sat a Performance Assessment of her Grade 8 pieces and got some very positive feedback from the examiner about her performance.

So very well done to all, excellent results all round.

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Change of plans for Cathedral School pupils!

Due to the Bradwell Pigrimage and the production at Boswells, the last year 6 lesson will be on Thurs 16th July. We will get there!

Tuesday 30 June 2015

Piano Adventures app!

Piano Adventures now has an app to accompany the Primer, Level 1 and Level 2a and 2b books. At present it is only available for iPad and iPhone. 

You download the app and receive a few free pieces and then pay between £3-£5 per level, for all the pieces in all the books for that level. Each piece has a full score and can be played with the tune, with a metronome or with an accompaniment or with all three! You can vary the speed too, starting slowly and then increasing the speed as fluency and skill develop.

The app will make practice more fun, and improve security and fluency.

More details here:

Monday 29 June 2015

Summertime Piano Playing.


Summer Piano Ideas. - you only need to practise if it rains but you can play anytime!

·        Play a concert; choose an easy piece, a well-known piece and a fun piece. You can invite family and friends and design and print a programme for it.

·        Find out about one of your favourite composers. Write a potted biography of them.

·        Learn a piece you haven’t played before- surprise me!

.    Get ahead with your exam pieces and scales.

·        Compose your own simple piece, it can be long or short, you can write it down or memorise it. Give it a name and play it at our next lesson.

·        Find a piano playing friend or family member and play some easy peasy duets with them.

·        Teach your parents or your younger brothers and sisters an easy tune from your first books.

·        Go to a concert- maybe a BBC Prom or a Prom in the Park.

·        Find some new piano apps, try them out and come back and tell me all about them.

·        Teach yourself to play a favourite TV or film theme tune by ear, or learn Happy Birthday!

·        Video yourself playing a piece and upload it to YouTube or send it to me and I will put it on my blog!

·        Explore a new style of piano music: pop, jazz, rock.

·        Watch the Piano Guys on Youtube with your parents.

·        Play the piano every time you are wearing your pyjamas!

·        Visit Handel House, Brook Street, London, it’s very child (and adult) friendly.

·        Enjoy your summer!

 

Mrs Lau Summer 2015

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Chelmsford Competitive Festival of Music and Drama 2015

I have started to talk to pupils about entering this competition and learning some of  the pieces. Entries are due in by Sat 26th September in September and parents will need to enter their children, I will not be doing it for you. I have given pupils the details and the entry forms.The piano classes will be held on the evening of Nov 13th and throughout the whole of Saturday 14th Nov,at Trinity Methodist church and the Quaker Meeting House in Chelmsford city centre.


This is a great opportunity for pupils to play their piece for an audience and receive a round of applause, a certificate and maybe even to win their class! It's also really interesting and often inspiring to listen to
other pianists play and to hear the comments of the adjudicator. 

Friday 19 June 2015

Summer concert

Thank you so much for everyone who came to our Summer concert and well done to all the performers. Congratulations as well to all those who received trophies for gaining 50 or more Piano Points in the Points Mean Prizes, well done! Here are a few photos from the evening.



Tuesday 16 June 2015

Trophy winners.

The following pupils have earned 50 piano points and will be awarded a trophy at Friday's concert:

Daniel
Zoë
Anna
Amelia
Oliver W
Charlie
Fionn
Joely
George
Oliver T
William
Eleanor Tuck

All performers: keep up the practising, remember your music and arrive before 7.30.

See you on Friday!

Fiona Lau.

Tuesday 9 June 2015

Piano Pupil Concert on Friday 19th June.


Concert on Friday 19th June 2015 7.30 Salvation Army Hall Baddow Road.

I am really looking forward to this concert. Here are a few points to help you enjoy the evening and to help you prepare your child for their performance:

There is very little parking available at the Salvation Army; the nearest parking is in The Meadows or Navigation Road car parks.

Do arrive before 7.30 in order to give your child to settle down and take in the surroundings.

In the lead up to the concert you can help by making sure your child does their daily practice and by listening to them during a practise performance. Don’t make too big a thing of the concert but do tell them how well they play and how pleased you are that they are playing. With regards to what to wear; not school uniform and not too casual. Something that is smart but not uncomfortable is best. It is an occasion but pianists need to be able to move easily.

You can take discreet photos of your child as they play ( no flash photography and wandering into the aisles please!) and there will be photo opportunities at the end as well.
Trophies will also be presented to those who have achieved 50 Practice Points.Your child will definitely know if that includes them!

Just a few reminders of concert etiquette: please do not make any noise when pupils are performing, do not walk in and out of the hall during the concert, turn off mobiles and other devices, do not use flash photography, please do clap at the end of every performance!

So far I have the following pupils listed to perform ( in no particular order):

Gill and Daniel, Daniel, Zoe, Amelia, Oliver, Charlie, Bethany, Sarah, Lynne, Elena, Abbie, Ethan, Oliver T, Daisy, Jacob, Joely, William, Eleanor, Euan, George, Alexander and Fionn.

If your child wants to play and isn’t on my list, please email me.

I look forward to seeing you at the concert!

 

Thursday 7 May 2015

Summer concert programme design competition.

The summer concert programmes are normally quite boring so I thought this year they should be more exciting and colourful and be designed by you, my piano pupils.

The design needs to be on A5 and could include the following: pianos, music notes, you, a concert taking place. Use your imagination and give it to me before Thursday 11th June.

The best designs will be used on the programmes for the concert on Friday June 19th.

Monday 4 May 2015

Summer Concert 2015


Piano Pupil Concert Summer 2015

Date:  Friday June 19th 2015

Time: 7.30-9pm

Place: The Salvation Army Hall, Baddow Road, Chelmsford- www.salvationarmychelmsford.org

Admission: £1 per adult, 50p per non-performing child

Refreshments and time to relax and chat at the end!

I would like as many pupils as possible to perform a wide variety of piano music - we can discuss this in your lessons. It is always a pleasure to hear you all perform and this occasion can also help you prepare for other performances at auditions, competitions and exams. Trophies will also be presented to those who have earned them during the year.

Parents and family members are very welcome to form part of the audience. The Salvation Army look after us really well on these occasions and as well as providing us with a lovely Kawai grand piano, serve drinks and biscuits at the end.

There will be more details on my blog: www.mrslaupiano.blogspot.com and entry/permission forms will go home with pupils in the next week’s lessons.

Email me to RSVP or to ask questions at fionavalerielau@hotmail.com

Fiona Lau.  May 2015.

Friday 17 April 2015

Summer Piano Pupil Concert.

Our Summer Concert is provisionally booked for Friday 19th June at 7.30 pm in The Salvation Army Hall, Baddow Road. This will also be a presentation evening for those taking part in the Points Mean Prizes scheme. I would like to hear as many as possible playing and will be talking to you in your lessons about possible performance pieces.

Saturday 11 April 2015

The Summer Term.

I will be starting teaching privately and in both schools again, the week beginning Monday 20th April. Those of you who may have grade exams this term should be able to play 2 pieces to a pass level and the 3rd piece should be well on the way. You should also be able to all your scales slowly and accurately and you should be progressing through your sight- reading book. More details can be found at www.abrsm.org 
This term there will be the Summer Concert and awards for Points Mean Prizes will also be awarded, so keep racking up those points! Those taking GCSE and A Level exams have these at the end of April so as well as practising, practise performing to people and playing on different pianos.
I look forward to hearing you all play.

Thursday 26 March 2015

Easter Holiday Ideas.

The 2 week Easter holidays are a great chance to keep up your piano skills and catch up on your practice. For those eager to gain points in the Points Mean Prizes scheme you could perform at your own family concert and gain some extra points! Plan a programme of your favourite 3- 5 pieces ( if you play another instrument as well as the piano you could play that as well. If you have a family member who plays an instrument you could share it with them). Design and write the programme, play to your audience and remember to bow when they clap. Come back next term with your programme and tell me all about it. Another way to gain extra points is to complete 2 Listening Forms. Choose something from YouTube or Spotify to listen to (there are some ideas on a previous post) and fill in one of the Listening Forms. Bring it to me next term:


Music Listening       Your name...................

Beginners to g3 level.

 

Title:

Composer:

Instruments you can hear:

 

This piece is performed by:

Choir    Orchestra    Soloist    Band   

Other.................................

The tempo is:

Fast    Medium    Slow    Getting faster    Getting slower

The dynamic is:

Piano    Mezzo forte    Forte    Crescendo   Diminuendo

The style is:

Classical    Pop    Jazz    Rock and roll    Opera    Other...........................

This music made me feel:



Music Listening          Your name.............

Grade 4 + pupils

Title:

Composer:

Date of composition:

What instruments do you hear?

 

Who is performing the piece?

 

Describe the mood of the piece:

Is it major or minor?

What is the tempo?

What is the dynamic?

How would you describe the style?

 

What words would you use to describe it?

 

 

How did it make you feel?

 

 

Friday 6 March 2015

Music Education Expo at the Barbican next Thursday and Friday.

If you are involved in music education in any way the Music Education Expo at the Barbican next Thursday and Friday is a must! Free prof dev with lots of trade stands, giveaways , performances, workshops and talks by eminent musicians and educators.

I will be speaking, with my business partner John, as team Yohondo, on Practical Psychology for Piano Teachers : http://musiceducationexpo.shdlr.com/conferences/talk/11263

We will share useful and practical ideas for understanding and motivating piano pupils, ideas that work for all ages, stages and lesson circumstances. We can't wait!

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Pieces that piano pupils have listened to so far.

Here are some of the pieces that piano pupils have listened to so far this term. You could listen to them via YouTube and complete a listening sheet during the half term break:

Happy by Pharrell Williams
Wedding Day at Troldhagen by Grieg
Sabre Dance by Kachaturian
Clowning around by Kabalevsky
Horn concerto by Mozart
Celebration by Kool and the gang
Fanfare for the common man by Copland
Cello suite in C by Bach
Canon by Pachelbel
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Hungarian Rhapsody no.2 Liszt.

Points Mean Prizes Update.

Points mean prizes is going really well! Pupils ( adults as well as children) are enjoying being rewarded for their efforts and their skills, and good piano practice habits are being built. Just a quick plea to parents to remind and encourage practice, and to sign when 5 days or more has been done. You could email me if you forget.

I was delighted to award the first certificates for 20 points and 2 prizes for 25 points
this week. These pupils practise for 5 or 6 days each week, regularly complete listening sheets, memorise their pieces and read their practice diaries diligently. Well done Joely, Charlie, Amelia and Oliver! I look forward to awarding many more after the half term break!






Wednesday 28 January 2015

Steps to help beginner pianists memorise their pieces.

My Points Mean Prizes scheme gives you 2 Bonus Points when you can play a piece from memory. Memorising becomes easier if you can sing and clap the piece, if you can explain all the signs and terms on the music, if you know what key or keys it is in, and what is happening when. Also if you practise pieces in sections, hands separately and slowly.
When you have learnt a piece and want to memorise it, try these steps:

1. Play the piece or the section with the music in front of you.
2. Play the piece with the music open at the side of you so that you can refer to it if you need to.
3. Play the piece with the music at the side of you but shut. Only open it if you get really stuck.
4. By now you're probably getting really good at memorising your piece so try it eyes shut- yes, eyes shut!
5. The final way which you may want to try, is a technique that athletes use- visualisation. Sit quietly with your eyes shut. Can you visualise your fingers playing the piece, playing the correct keys with the right fingers all the way through the section or piece? If you can then you are well on the way to memorising your piece.

Sunday 25 January 2015

For my adult returners.

This is from an article by Clarissa Payne included in Feb 2011 edition of Music Teacher magazine. There are some excellent points for teachers and students:

Wednesday 14 January 2015

Where is Middle C?

For my beginner pianists who are moving on to the white keys and using Middle C, this is a great animation and song to help them find it. It is the catchiest funniest tune ever!

Wednesday 7 January 2015

36 ways to praise and encourage your piano student.

Piano parents-Here are some great suggestions for what to say to your children when they are practising. Print it off and try them out!

Friday 2 January 2015

Starting dates for the Spring Term.

Private pupils:

Tuesday pupils start on Tues 6th Jan
Wednesday pupils start on Wed 14th Jan
Thursday pupils start on Thurs 15th Jan
Ward family have lessons on Wed 7th then Mon 19th

MHS pupils:

Lessons commence on Tuesday 6th Jan 
No lesson on Tues 13th
Resume as normal on Tues 20th

Cathedral school pupils:

I haven't had confirmation from the school but l am planning to start teaching on Wed 14th Jan.

Adult pupils:

I have some of you booked in but please email me for lessons commencing Sat 10th Jan onwards.

I look forward to seeing and hearing you all!

Fiona.

Listening Forms.

You can gain points and prizes by listening and completing one of these forms (there are 2 forms, one for beginners to g3 level and the other for g4 + level pupils). Listen carefully and be prepared to tell me all about the music when you hand in your form:

Music Listening        Your name...................
beginners to g3.

Title:

Composer:

Instruments you can hear:

 

This piece is performed by:

Choir    Orchestra    Soloist    Band   

Other.................................

The tempo is:

Fast    Medium    Slow    Getting faster    Getting slower

The dynamic is:

Piano    Mezzo forte    Forte    Crescendo   Diminuendo

The style is:

Classical    Pop    Jazz    Rock and roll    Opera    Other...........................

This music made me feel:

 

 




Music Listening          Your name.............

Grade 4 + pupils

Title:

Composer:

Date of composition:

What instruments do you hear?

 

Who is performing the piece?

 

Describe the tempo of the piece:

Is it major or minor?

What is the tempo?

What is the dynamic?

How would you describe the style?

 

What words would you use to describe it?

 

 

How did it make you feel?