David Story West End Toronto Piano Teacher
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How to play in a band

5/26/2013

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Niagara Falls Workshop

What a fun day for 12 young musicians, ages 7 to 13, in Niagara Falls Ontario. At the studio of  Alessandra Dicienzo we learned how to play in a band. Using iPhones, iPads, Keyboards, Pianos, Cajon, Alesis Drum Pad, Drum set, and shakers we rocked up a storm. 

We started by learning a Rock-a-billy version of Abigail’s Boogie for multiple keyboards and finished up with a rousing reading of Katy Perry’s Part of Me. Then we performed the 2 pieces for family, all in three short hours.

  • They learned that playing in a band is difficult, fun, and awesome.
  • They learned why teachers recommend using a metronome in practice.
  • They learned to listen to each other and play together.
  • They have a better understanding of use of dynamics and articulations.
  • They want to do it again.

I was really impressed at the intensity of the effort and the wonderful music that resulted.

Thank you kids.

David

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Preparing Children for Piano Lessons

5/6/2013

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Music lessons at the piano verses piano lessons

An important distinction

1. Some children bring little experience with music to their first lesson. They require music lessons at the piano. Here they explore the concepts of time, rhythm, metre, pitch, dynamics and improvisation.

2. Children with experience with music can proceed directly to piano lessons. They understand the basic concepts, if only intuitively. 

How does a parent help prepare their toddler for lessons? I understand children like what they know. So… if you want them to play classical music play classical music in the home. Make it part of their normal everyday experience. Ditto for country, jazz, or pop. 

Cheers,

David


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    Author

    I'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also an enthusiastic student of drums. 

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