August 5, 2024

New Crescendo Kids Online begins any time! Start with a FREE piano lesson.

This Memo includes

Feature Article - Supporting Your Child's Piano Journey: Tips for Parents
Student Hall of Fame
Practice Tip
Parents Ask Pam - Does my child have to use your practice app, Practice Space, while practicing? They don’t have their own phone and it is inconvenient to use mine.

Feature Article - Supporting Your Child's Piano Journey: Tips for Parents

By Pamela Cornell, Director

You see an ad for piano lessons designed for children. You already know that music training is an important aspect of a well-rounded education. Not only does it teach musical skills, but it also enhances analytical thinking and creativity. However, you remember the struggles you had as a child. You wanted to learn to play, but you hated practicing. You don't want to relive that experience, and you certainly don't want to impose it on your child. Is there a better way? Could there be a piano program that motivates children without pressure from parents?

The answer is both yes and no. Every child is different and unique, and every family has different interpersonal dynamics. What works well with one child might not work with another. However, there are several steps you can take to create a positive experience for your child and your family.

Create a Positive Practice Environment Set up your keyboard or place your piano in a location that is easily accessible and conducive to playing. If your child feels isolated or has to go far from the family to practice, they may be less inclined to do so. On the other hand, practicing near competing distractions, like the TV, can also be problematic. Keep music sheets, a metronome, and other materials nearby to minimize distractions and make practice sessions more efficient.
Set a Consistent Practice Schedule Consistency is key to mastering any skill. Help your child develop a regular practice routine by setting aside a specific time each day. When practice time becomes part of their daily routine, it's easier to follow through. If possible, have two or three shorter practice times throughout the day.
Provide Multiple Activities to Choose From Once at the piano, your child should have options for what to practice. Ideally, their lessons will provide several activities, but you can also include:
- Playing something they already know
- Making up their own song
- Sounding out a tune they've heard
- Playing a musical game
- Completing a music theory worksheet
- Reviewing music flashcards
Focus on Goals Instead of Timed Practice The concept of “practice” can be new to a child, and they need help understanding how to practice effectively. Setting specific goals can be more motivating than simply timing practice sessions. Examples of practice goals include:
- Playing with curved fingers on their tips
- Playing in different registers on the piano or with various keyboard sounds
- Playing slowly to ensure correct notes and rhythm
- Playing as loud as possible, then as soft as possible
- Rolling a die and playing the song that many times
Listen to Live Music. Listening to music is an integral part of learning how to play an instrument. Attending a live concert is not only motivating and inspirational, but it also sets an example to be imitated. When a live musician is not an option, we also have excellent recordings of many different genres and instruments. Listening to music trains the ear, which will make your child a better musician.

Parental involvement varies depending on your child's age and their experience with the instrument. All students need guidance when starting their musical journey, but the level of support can shift over time. By celebrating their accomplishments and allowing them some control over their learning, you can create a positive and encouraging experience for both you and your child.

We want to hear from you! What do you do in your family to foster a positive experience with playing the piano? Please scroll down to comment.

Student Hall Of Fame

Our students are making great progress! These students have accomplished new goals this last month.

Welcome New Students! We are glad to have you join us! Amber Y, Anjana M, Arianne G, Athena S, Aviva P, Caia S, Celeste C, Charly S, Chloe Y, Chris H, Eli J, George S, Greyson V, Hannah M, Hazel V, Henri H, Hikari S, Isla E, Jūn Q, Kidus G, Loren L, Louella C, Lucia J, Luna C, Nivan A, Ruby G, Seren A, Simon C, Soren L, Taavi M, Teagan M, Vicente C, and Vihaan V.

100-Day - Play the piano for 100 days in a row - Isabella N. (*indicates first time meeting this challenge!)

5X5 - play the piano for 5 minutes, 5 days in a week, for 5 weeks in a row - Cameron C, Claire F, Ileana R*, Isabella N, Jordan P, Logan G, Matias P, Naoki D, Noah P, & Ryder W*, and Samuel S, ( * indicates first time meeting this challenge!)

50X - Played their new song 50 times in the first week - Arianne G. and August M.

Listening - Listen to an hour of classical music every week for 4 weeks in a row -Arianne G. and Iris H.

Completed their piano lesson book - Ahana M, August M, Cameron C, Lieto Z, Logan G, Matias P, and Nora M.

Practice Tip

Try playing it differently. If a piece has a steady beat, make it more rhythmic. If it has a rhythmic beat, try playing it steadily. For chords, focus on just the bottom note. Experiment by playing it super softly or very loudly. These small changes make practice repetitive yet interesting. You might even discover you prefer your unique variation!

Upcoming MOM Events

Want to see all upcoming events? Check out our calendar. It includes when the next Crescendo Kids class begins, school closure dates, piano parties, and recital dates.

FREE Online Piano Party! Students share their own music as well as participate in musical games, creating music and learning some music history. Each party is a little different with new lessons and a special guest instrument. Come, meet our piano teachers, play some music, and have fun! All ages and musical levels are welcome. Parties are available to non-students, former students as well as current students. Click the link to sign up. Piano Party Sign Up

Sunday, September 29, 2024, 11:00 - 11:45, ages 3 - 12 years

Parent Information Meetings - Have questions about our online piano class program? Want a tour of our practicing app? Click the link to schedule your free meeting with Miss Pam. Parent Info Meeting

Crescendo Kids CLASSES -

North Kirkland Community Center - Tuesdays or Thursdays - visit kirklandparks.net

Summer:
Tuesdays, June 25 - August 20
Thursdays, June 27 - August 22 (no class July 4)

Fall: Registration begins August 21, for Kirkland residents and August 22, for everyone else.
Tuesdays, September 10 - December 10
Thursdays, September 12 - December 12 (no class Oct. 31 & Nov. 28)

Winter: Registration begins August 21, for Kirkland residents and August 22, for everyone else.
Tuesdays, January 14 - April 1 (no class Feb. 18)
Thursdays, January 16 - April 3 (no class Feb. 13)

Spartan Recreation Center in Shoreline - Mondays - visit shorelinewa.gov/registernow

Summer:
Mondays, June 24 - August 19

Fall: Registration begins August 20, for Shoreline residents, August 22, for Lake Forest Park residents, and August 23, for everyone else.
Mondays, September 9 - December 9

Winter:
Mondays, January 13 - March 31 (no class Jan. 20 & Feb. 17)

30 - Minute Private Online Piano Lessons - Our online teachers are amazing private instructors. Continue your child’s musical education, or your own, with Move Over Mozart. Click here for more information. Private Lessons

Crescendo Kids Online can begin at any time. Our piano classes are fun and easy to do! Perfect for beginning students ages 3 1/2 to 12 years old. Students are put into one of four music levels, depending on their age and musical ability. You may schedule as many mini-lessons each week as needed. Click the link to schedule your demo and get started.
Crescendo Kids Online Sign Up

Pre-Reading - Ages 3 - 5 years, or students not yet reading,
We use a color-coded method for the students to match their five fingers to five keys on the piano. New songs using only those 5 notes are given each week.

Primary - Ages 5 -7 years or older and brand new to music,
This group is for the very basics of piano playing. Students learn to play simple rhythms, correct hand position, and the names of the white keys on the piano.

Beginning Elementary - Ages 7-12 years or younger and reading notes,
This is for students just starting to read notes on the staff. Students are taught how the staff relates to the piano and how to translate the notes to making music. Also, having the students memorize a few key notes on the staff will help greatly with their ability to read music.

Advanced Elementary - Ages 7 - 12 years with previous piano lessons
This group already reads notes on the staff and can immediately identify many of the notes by name. They will learn more advanced technique and music theory beyond the initial basics of learning to play.

Parents Ask Pam

Have a question for Miss Pam? You can email, text message, or message on Facebook your questions. She will respond immediately to you, and your question might be featured in future newsletters.

Q: Does my child have to use your practice app, Practice Space, while practicing? They don’t have their own phone and it is inconvenient to use mine.

A: First, I will mention that Practice Space is available via app on smaller devices and via website on your computer. No, your child does not have to use the practice app while they practice. We provide a practice sheet for your child to record their practicing, or they could just record on any piece of paper. We do ask that they look at the app at least once a week. That way they and you can see what their weekly assignments are, additional instructions, and watch any videos provided specifically for your child.