I used to be 2-3....now I'm turning 3-2!

When I moved to Hawaii to teach music, I was 23. Now all of a sudden I'm turning 32. How did time go by so fast? 9 years teaching in Hawaii already? My students are serenading me with Happy Birthday today. I am feeling very well loved!

Medieval Melody

Yesterday I worked with my Quintet students at our once a month Quintet rehearsal. This time, the girls got to play a piece written and arranged by one of the Quintet members! (The tall violinist standing to my left!) She arranged her composition "Medieval Melody" for five parts. I was covered in goosebumps and I am so very proud!

And below, you can watch them playing Tchaikovsky's New Doll. I had to sub in for one of the players while she is out of town. And I quickly realized that every single one of my students in the Quintet are now taller than the teacher!

Ode to Joy

As played by my 4 year old student!

Irish Fiddling at the Market

I Irish Fiddled from 9:00-11:30am on Saturday at the Parker School Farmer's Market. I had students join me for several songs throughout the morning. The green rolling hills of Waimea really reminded me of Ireland. The only thing missing were the specks of white sheep dotting the green hillside!

School and Instrument Break Down

I get asked the same two questions all the time, and I really had no idea as to the answer. Question 1: How many students go to what school? and Question 2: How many students play what instrument?

So today I looked at my studio list and broke it down.

Out of 86 private students:

53 learn piano only

18 learn violin only

9 learn two instruments (guitar/piano; ukulele piano; violin piano)

2 learn guitar only

1 learns ukulele only

1 learns violin only

1 learns cello only

2 learn voice only

And out of 86 private students:

12 are in preschool

12 are homeschooled

12 go to public school

14 go to Parker.School

21 go to H.P.A.

5 go to Hualalai Academy

2 go to Waimea.Country.School

3 go to a charter or waldorf school

6 are adults

And that's the breakdown!

I have actual magical powers

I single handedly manned 22 students in this evenings hour long master class. They did such a wonderful job! The hour before, I had 14 students ages 3-5 perform in the Young Masters Class. It's been a busy week! Happy Leap Day!

Master Class Week

It's the end of winter quarter, which means it's master class week! A master class is different than a recital because it is for students only. I am able to critique them without an entire audience watching, just fellow students. This allows them to start over; to try a few times; and to become more comfortable performing in front of others.

Notes so far this week:

*Make sure to introduce your name and pieces in a loud, clear, slow voice.

*When you take a bow, look at your feet for at least 2 seconds. Think "left sock, right sock" and stand up.

*Never "tsk" or make noises when you make a mistake. Always keep going and make it work.

*Put your hands on your lap after each piece and take your foot off the pedal before you turn the page for your next song.

*Always be a quiet, supportive audience. Silence any noisy audience members. Never distract the performer.

Everyone is sounding wonderful. My students are supporting and observing all ages, levels, and instruments this week!