Got Empathy?

Love to see good studies confirming yet more benefits of music education!
Check out this article, it affirms that musical young people build more empathy for others.

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.

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