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.

Fantastic advice on Practicing from a master!

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!

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