I have the found the following useful in exam preparation:
A metronome app. Or a live metronome!
Scalebox app to help get scales etc exam ready. Or write all the scales etc on individual pieces of paper, fold them up and put in a jar. Draw them out one at a time and play which ever one comes out.
Auralbook by Playnote- an app for ABRSM aural test preparation. It's scary but useful!
Find performances of your pieces on Youtube. e music maestro, yohondo, Yorkshire musician and Greenery Music are all good. You can also download them from ABRSM's online shop or buy a CD of them.
Look on ABRSM'S website www.abrsm.org for exam info and on their YouTube tube channel for videos of exams.
Wednesday 25 January 2017
Wednesday 18 January 2017
Grade exams- what happens when.
As this term's entries are about to go in here is a reminder/ explanation of what happens when:
1) I send the entries off to ABRSM and although I can request a specific week during the exam session March 6th - April 8th, there is no guarantee we will get it. We usually get at least 3 weeks notice, often more.
2) There are several components of grade exams: scales, chords and arpeggios; 3 pieces; some sight-reading; aural tests. It is really important to practise daily and to practise what is in the Piano Practice Diary. This is where parents come in!
3) We will have activities along the way to help pupils prepare: a countdown plan, opportunities for performance, help in preparing for all aspects of the exam, and a mock exam.
4) The exams are usually held in Christchurch, New London road but their roof is being fixed so they may be in Trinity Methodist church. If you're not sure where the exams are it is worth having a "dummy run" once we receive the official notification. Parking is available at both.
5) Exam results and certificates generally arrive after 2-3 weeks.
Good luck everyone!
1) I send the entries off to ABRSM and although I can request a specific week during the exam session March 6th - April 8th, there is no guarantee we will get it. We usually get at least 3 weeks notice, often more.
2) There are several components of grade exams: scales, chords and arpeggios; 3 pieces; some sight-reading; aural tests. It is really important to practise daily and to practise what is in the Piano Practice Diary. This is where parents come in!
3) We will have activities along the way to help pupils prepare: a countdown plan, opportunities for performance, help in preparing for all aspects of the exam, and a mock exam.
4) The exams are usually held in Christchurch, New London road but their roof is being fixed so they may be in Trinity Methodist church. If you're not sure where the exams are it is worth having a "dummy run" once we receive the official notification. Parking is available at both.
5) Exam results and certificates generally arrive after 2-3 weeks.
Good luck everyone!
Wednesday 11 January 2017
Snow Days!
If it snows and you make it through to my house I will provide my very best hot chocolate and cake or biscuits!
Monday 9 January 2017
Top Tips for Motivating Piano Practice.
Top
Tips for Motivating Piano Practice
I
know how hard it is to encourage and remind your children to practice; As well
as practising the piano myself, I am now learning the cello and have to
remind myself to practise. I also had 3 children who learnt 2 instruments each
and at times life was very interesting! However over the years I have gathered
a few ideas that might help you as you support, encourage and supervise your
child’s piano practice sessions.
1.
Have
the piano in an accessible part of the house; don’t shut them away in a faraway
room- tempting as this might be. Keep the lid up and their music out.
2.
Set
a regular time to practice; make it a part of the daily routine: straight after
breakfast, as soon as they come in from school, immediately after their evening
meal, or as a break in between homework subjects. Life will get in the way but
try to stick to this.
3.
Remember
little and often is best (and more effective) rather than one stressed and
panicky hour the night before the lesson.
4.
Read
their Piano Practice Diary to see what I have said they should practise during
the week.
5.
Star
Charts work for some and there are plenty on Pinterest or on Susan Paradis’
website : www.susanparadis.com/colorful-flower-themed-practice-sheet/
She also has a robot themed one if your child would prefer that.
6.
Small
rewards work for some. I heard of a parent who pays 1p per minute practised,
another who puts marbles in a jar for each practice session which then add up
to a small prize. You can tailor this to your child.
7.
Young
children will need support and supervision during their practice so decide
which parent (or grandparent) is best for this.
8.
Be
incredibly encouraging but if you don’t know what to say have a look at
Printable Prompt Cards from
for ideas: http://www.letsplaykidsmusic.com/how-to-help-your-child-practice-for-non-playing-parents/
9.
Encourage
performances: recordings, playing happy birthday for relatives, mini concerts
for family and friends, playing their latest masterpiece to friends and family.
This gives a reason for practising and playing and boosts self-esteem.
10. Praise, praise, praise- realistic of
course; kids can smell bland unrealistic praise a mile off!
Thursday 5 January 2017
Exam congratulations!
Many congratulations to the following pupils who took ABRSM piano exams last term:
Fionn Crickett and Charlie Field took their Prep Test and received some very positive and encouraging remarks about their playing- well done boys!
Zoe Howell took her Grade 3 Piano exam and passed with Merit, 127 marks. Zoe got some lovely comments about her playing, especially about The Witches Dance.
Alison Rowles took her Grade 5 Piano exam and also passed with Merit, 120 marks. Alison's playing of Mr Jelly Roll was remarked upon as "highly stylish".
Tricia Seow took her Grade 6 Piano exam and passed with Merit, 126 marks. Tricia got excellent marks for her scales and her pieces.
Samuel Harradine took his Grade 7 Piano exam and passed with merit, 126 marks. Samuel's playing of a Chinese piece- Shui Cao Wu- was the highlight of his performance.
Many congratulations to you all. It is not easy to take an exam and be marked by someone but you all did very well and I enjoyed hearing the performances in the lessons leading up to the exams.
Fionn Crickett and Charlie Field took their Prep Test and received some very positive and encouraging remarks about their playing- well done boys!
Zoe Howell took her Grade 3 Piano exam and passed with Merit, 127 marks. Zoe got some lovely comments about her playing, especially about The Witches Dance.
Alison Rowles took her Grade 5 Piano exam and also passed with Merit, 120 marks. Alison's playing of Mr Jelly Roll was remarked upon as "highly stylish".
Tricia Seow took her Grade 6 Piano exam and passed with Merit, 126 marks. Tricia got excellent marks for her scales and her pieces.
Samuel Harradine took his Grade 7 Piano exam and passed with merit, 126 marks. Samuel's playing of a Chinese piece- Shui Cao Wu- was the highlight of his performance.
Many congratulations to you all. It is not easy to take an exam and be marked by someone but you all did very well and I enjoyed hearing the performances in the lessons leading up to the exams.
Wednesday 4 January 2017
Monday 2 January 2017
Happy New Year
Happy new year to all of you!
I hope that you had a good Christmas and enjoyed our extra bank holidays. Many thanks for the lovely presents, cards and good wishes you gave me, I appreciated them all.
Piano lessons in January
Private lessons begin week beginning Monday 9th January, except for Tuesday people. I am away doing a presentation for ABRSM at The Royal Northern College of Music on the 10th Jan so your lessons will commence the week after.
Piano lessons at MHS will commence on Tuesday 17th Jan
Piano lessons at the Cathedral School :I commence teaching there on Wednesday llth January.
Exam pupils!
If you are due be entered for an exam this term, you know the rules, 2 1/2 pieces at pass level and all your scales slowly and accurately before I will enter you!
Everyone else, please reacquaint yourself with the piano and bring your music to the first lesson of the new year. I look forward to hearing you all play, it's going to be a great term!
Fiona Lau
I hope that you had a good Christmas and enjoyed our extra bank holidays. Many thanks for the lovely presents, cards and good wishes you gave me, I appreciated them all.
Piano lessons in January
Private lessons begin week beginning Monday 9th January, except for Tuesday people. I am away doing a presentation for ABRSM at The Royal Northern College of Music on the 10th Jan so your lessons will commence the week after.
Piano lessons at MHS will commence on Tuesday 17th Jan
Piano lessons at the Cathedral School :I commence teaching there on Wednesday llth January.
Exam pupils!
If you are due be entered for an exam this term, you know the rules, 2 1/2 pieces at pass level and all your scales slowly and accurately before I will enter you!
Everyone else, please reacquaint yourself with the piano and bring your music to the first lesson of the new year. I look forward to hearing you all play, it's going to be a great term!
Fiona Lau
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