Friday, March 2, 2012

Summer Camp is Live!

We're offering two weeks this year at the Catlin Gabel School.
July 9-13
August 6-10

9-4 pm Full Day $350
9-1 pm Half Day $275
1-4 pm Half Day $275

Guitar Violin Viola Cello Voice Piano

Arts, outdoor play on the beautiful Catlin Gabel campus, Suzuki groups, orchestra, chamber music, and more!

Great for beginners through advanced intermediate students ages 4-14.
Add on a second instrument for just $100.

All prices listed are per week.

Click here to view or print the application or we'd be happy to mail you one if you prefer.

503.308.8863 rosecitymusicacademy@gmail.com

Off and running!


My son Toby started taking piano lessons a few months ago. He's 6 years old and we have seen him start to really show an interest in music this year. We'll probably start Isaac with violin any day now and then I'll have two guinea pigs. Despite being the younger brother, Isaac's a very persistent 3 (almost 4) year old and reminds us often that he has wanted to start lessons "since he was a little boy".

I have been looking forward to starting them for some very selfish reasons. As a teacher, a large part of my job is helping parents and students find ways to make practice a habit at home. What better way to improve my teaching than to experience the daily task first-hand?

In my studio I've seen most families have a honeymoon period with their new instrument, lasting anywhere between 6 to 18 months. With Toby, we are definitely in the honeymoon period. He loves practicing so far. His challenges involve focusing on the task in front of him. He is only good for maybe 20 minutes in a row, so I've been trying to fit one or two of those in a day rather than trying to force him to sit longer. This helps us both keep it productive & engaging.

Through Toby, I've been confirming my belief that more practice sessions per week begets more enjoyment of the instrument. This in turn makes him more likely to practice. Kind of a no-brainer, but still it's nice to have your own kids confirm your methods. The more interesting revelation, though, is that I've also confirmed that this is an impossible concept to transmit to him by anything but his own direct experience. In other words, telling him over and over that he'll like it more the more he puts in regular practice time will not actually help him "get it". We do use a written practice log and lots of stickers. We choose rewards together, and I try to sprinkle them throughout the practice rather than having them be a reward for completing it. We have already had him "perform" several songs for friends, grandparents and babysitters and he is particularly proud when they affirm all his hard work. We've looked for ways to show him other children playing the instrument either online or in person.

One small note about that practice log. At this point, it's at least as much for me as it is for him. If I don't have it in my schedule, in writing, it is very easy for all those little interruptions that make up life to put it right out of my mind.

Toby is still at the very beginning of his studies but he doesn't really register that fact. He looks at piano like all of the subjects he's working on. His job is to focus and improve. My job is to help him learn how to do that job.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Busy & wonderful time of the year!

There is so much going on with music and other performances this time of year. Be sure to take advantage of some of those opportunities for your kids. This is a great time to give them practice with the skills involved in sitting quiet and still during a performance because so many of the local professional ensembles have kid-focused offerings; they're expecting the audience to be "in training".

Our own students have been playing up a storm, giving three program recitals and playing one honors prelude at the symphony.

Thanks to all our teachers, students and their families!


Here is a beautiful group of young ladies warming up for our program at Mittleman Jewish Community Center. I love that the two on the left were our "Early Twinkler" group and they wore the same lovely dress without even planning it! What are the odds? I also love that this photo captures the relaxed & encouraging nature of our fabulous faculty member Elizabeth Doty. The student in front of her played one of her best ever performances just a little while after this picture was taken.


Friday, December 9, 2011

Youtube can be your musical friend!

I have often suggested to parents that they look on youtube for good videos of people playing repertoire their children are trying to learn. It's a great inspiration for music students, especially when you can find a child of a similar age playing with good habits. As always, and particularly on Youtube, be sure to supervise and pre-watch anything you show your kids.

Here are a few things my boys (ages 3 and 5) have really loved watching:
The Cello Wars


Infinitus "Anthem" This is a beatboxing string trio fronted by John "Adidam" Littlejohn, a friend of mine from Peabody who runs a not-for profit music academy that serves underprivileged kids.


So don't forget Youtube and other video posting sites as a great resource for practicing inspiration.

Happy musicmaking!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Recital week is here!


Our recital week is here!
Please come hear some excellent music making by students of guitar, piano, violin, cello and voice. All recitals are free and open to all ages.
*****
Wednesday, December 7th at 6pm at Portland Adventist Elementary School's library. 3990 NW 1st St Gresham, OR 97030

Thursday, December 8th at 6pm at our Sylvan Location: Portland First Church of the Nazarene, 6100 SW Raab Rd., Portland, OR 97221

Saturday, December 10th at 11am at Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Our 2011-2012 School Year Announcement!

Here's the text of our announcement email for this year's RCMA offerings. Valdine & Miriam have been working hard behind the scenes to create some new classes and a new location for our students and their community.

If you'd like to be added to our email list, just let us know: rosecitymusicacademy@gmail.com

Musically Yours,
Valdine, Miriam and the RCMA Faculty

New announcements:
Mittleman Jewish Community Center is our newest location!
New monthly weekend masterclasses added to our group class offerings!
New Group Voice Lesson Program for singers aged 6-12

Location schedule and Group Class schedule

Tuition details and deadlines

Important 2011-12 dates.


New to RCMA!!!

RCMA is proud to announce a NEW LOCATION!
Lessons will now be offered at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center near Multnomah Village!
Spots are available:
Violin on Tuesdays- private or shared lessons, Beginner Buds.
Voice on Tuesdays- group lessons for students aged 6-12 (30 minute and 60 minute classes now forming), private lessons for students aged 12 and up.
Piano on Tuesdays- private lessons
Guitar on Wednesdays- private or shared lessons, Beginner Buds


New Group Class option:
Monthly Weekend Masterclasses in all instruments! This is a great opportunity for students to perform a polished piece for a teacher (other than their own) while other students and parents observe. The teacher will work for approximately 10-15 minutes with the student on an aspect of their performance or instrumental technique. Exact weekend times and dates TBD based on interest, held at the Mittleman Community Center.

New Group Voice Lesson Program!
Our amazing voice teacher Angela Reiswig is expanding her voice program with RCMA! Students aged 6-12* now have the opportunity to work in small groups (4-6 students, grouped by age) for 30 minutes or 60 minutes a week. Young vocalists will explore their voices while develop a musical ear and growing their confidence in performing, building the foundation for more rigorous training when their voices mature. 10 week course of 30 minute lessons for $150 (ages 6-7) or 10 week course of hour sessions for $275 (ages 8-12)**.

*Students aged 12 and up may sign up for private or shared lessons.
**All voice programs include monthly masterclasses.


Locations for Lessons and Groups

Lessons: (* indicates Beginner Buds class available)
Violin Lessons: Tuesdays at FAIS* and MJCC*, Wednesdays at Catlin Gabel School*, Thursdays at Sylvan church*.
Cello Lessons: Tuesdays at FAIS (TBD)*, Wednesdays at Catlin Gabel School, Thursdays at Sylvan church.
Piano lessons: Tuesdays at MJCC, Thursdays at Sylvan church.
Guitar lessons: Tuesdays at PAES, Wednesdays at MJCC*, Thursdays at Sylvan church*.
Voice lessons: Tuesdays at MJCC*, Thursdays at Cedar Hills.

Group Class Option List for private & shared lessons students:
Violin Pre-Twinklers/Twinklers (non-Beginner Buds): Thursdays 4:00-4:30, Sylvan 301.
Violin Book 1-3, Suzuki Repertoire Play-in*: Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM, Sylvan 201.
Cello Pre-Twinklers/age 3-4: Tuesdays 5:00-5:45 PM, Lake Oswego studio.
Cello Book 1 and up, Suzuki Repertoire Play-in*: Thursdays 6:15-7:15 PM, Sylvan 306.
Guitar Groupies: Thursdays 4:00-4:30 PM, Sylvan 305.
String Orchestra: Wednesdays 3:45-4:30 PM, Catlin Gabel School Choir Room.
Voice Group Lessons: Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM & 6:00-7:00 PM Cedar Hills (217 and 26W); Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 PM at MJCC
Weekend Monthly Masterclasses: schedule TBA, based on sign-up and teacher availability.
*Attend portion of class relevant to your lesson review material. Class is about fine-tuning basic skills, reviewing polished pieces, and observing more advanced students. Come as early as you like, stay as late as you like!

2011-12 Tuition Details:

Private lessons (includes weekly lessons, weekly group classes or monthly masterclasses, and recitals)
Term payments on credit card will be assessed a 2% service fee. Monthly plan includes service charge.
~30 minute lessons: $525 per term, or $140 monthly installment plan (credit card only).
~45 minute lessons: $750 per term, or $200 monthly installment plan
~60 minute lessons: $1000 per term, or $270 monthy installment plan

Shared lessons (includes weekly lessons 2:1, weekly group classes or monthly masterclasses, and recitals)
~30 minute lessons: $300 per term
~45 minute lessons: $450 per term

Special Classes:
Beginner Buds: $125 per term
Voice Group Lessons: $150 (30 minute classes)/ $275 (hour classes)



RCMA CALENDAR 2011-2012

July 1: $100 Deposit Due
Sept 1: 1st term tuition due, deposit frozen.
Sept 6: Late fee applied
Sept 6: Term 1 lessons begin
Sept 26: Group classes & Beg. Buds begin
Nov. 22~27: Thanksgiving, no lessons.
Dec 1: 2nd trimester payment due
Dec. 12~16: Teacher make-up week. End 1st trimester lessons & groups.
Dec 8: Sylvan Recital, 6:30 PM
Dec 10/11: Lewis & Clark Recital, TBA
Jan 3: 2nd term lessons & groups begin
Jan 16: MLK Jr. Day, no lessons
Feb 20: President’s Day, no lessons
March 19~23: Teacher make-up week
March 22: Sylvan Recital, 6:30 PM
March: other recitals TBA
March 26~30: Spring Break, no lessons
April 1: 2nd trimester tuition due
April 13: 2nd trimester ends
April 16: 3rd trimester begins
May 28: Memorial Day, no lessons
June 7: Sylvan Recital, 6:30 PM
June 9/10: Lewis & Clark Recital TBA
June 11: summer lessons begin*
*Regular lesson schedule until June 15th. Flex scheduling of five summer lessons with teacher from June 11~Sept 3, 2011.