Keep it CONVENIENT for yourself!

This post is really random, but from my own personal experience, it helps motivate you to practice.

Let's switch gears from music to working out.  For me, personally, it takes a lot of motivation to drag myself to the gym.  I have to change into gym clothes, get in the car, go there, and after alllll that...work out (something I'm not overly excited about to begin with.)  AFTER THAT, I know I have to drive home, shower, re-wash my clothes, and then change into another outfit. 

A lot of this lack of motivation occurred ever since I moved out of my mom's house in Robinson Twp (5 min away from the gym) to Bellevue (20 min away from the gym.)  Why?  BECAUSE NOW IT'S MORE INCONVENIENT.

Now, let's apply this to practicing.  In this case, I'm going to reference my cello since it's more applicable.   My cello is obviously a bigger instrument and it's a bit of a pain to constantly take it out and put it back in it's case.  I find that if it's not staring at me in the face I tend to neglect it because I simply don't want to deal with opening it up.

US HUMANS, ESPECIALLY US AMERICANS, ARE LAZY!!! Why do you think fast food is so popular?? You get to stay in your car, the food is already made, it's cheap....you basically make no effort whatsoever to eat your food. 

Keep your instrument out, (in a safe place, of course,) so you can just grab it easily and play it.

 The less to get in your way of practicing, the better.   Your instrument is saying "Practice me!  I'm right here!  Practice me!" when it's left out. 

Growing up, I left mine on my dining room table that nobody uses. 

Make it convenient for yourself!!!!

Til next time,
~Givi Girl

Your family should always be there to support you

Whether it's a recital...a small gig...whatever...your family should be there to support you.  Not just internal family, but extended family as well.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, family, friends, etc.

A lot of family members might not have an interest or appreciation for music, or at least classical music, like you do.  They might not understand how much work it takes to learn how to play an instrument.  That's OKAY!  They don't have to.

 However, you put a lot of time and dedication of practicing, going to and from lessons, etc.  You deserve your own fan base.  Sure, it's fun to play for any audience: but if you're only playing for a bunch of strangers, then you're cheating yourself.  You are your family's superstar more than anyone else's.

When I was growing up, I lived in Buffalo and had so many different orchestra concerts.  My extended family (grandparents, cousins, aunt/uncle) all lived in Pittsburgh.  They drove to almost every single one-and one time they even spent hours in the car battling one of the worst blizzards on the way here.  Talk about dedication.  My aunt/uncle/cousins didn't care for orchestra music, but they cared for ME.  They were there for ME, and that's what's important.  When I was in rehearsals or lessons, it would motivate me so much to do my very best since I knew they were coming.  I wanted to get the very best seat in the orchestra.  I wanted to sound my very best for solo recitals.  Why?  BECAUSE MY FAMILY WAS COMING TO SEE ME!  Before I would play a single note, while I was playing, and after I was finished, I had one thing on my mind: that they were there watching me.  

My family is a big reason I was always motivated and always stuck with the violin and never quit.  I would have let them all down if I quit, and I'M SO GLAD I DIDN'T!  

Make it fun for them too. Once your performance is over, go out to eat!  Take pictures! Make a day or night out of it!

Your family is your support system.  They should make it a priority to be at your recitals to keep you encouraged.  If they haven't been to any of your past shows, they probably weren't invited!  Try inviting them to the next one!   They are your biggest fans-so it's important they show it.  

Also, remember:  You should support them at their events too, whether it's sports games, musicals, etc.  




Til next time,
~Givi Girl

Keep your instrument clean

Hello Hello!

Sorry I've been slacking with the blog posts...my computer was broken and it's been midterm time so those are the most legit excuses I can give you.  Anyways...my students are playing tomorrow at the local nursing home which I'm excited about.  Should be a good time.  I also have a handful of new students who will be joining us for an event for the first time so I hope they like it.  

The posting today will be simple but still necessary to keep in mind:

The cleanliness of your instrument affects your sound.  For my violinistas out there, here's how you clean it up:

Using a cloth with NO chemicals on it (unless they are meant for violin cleaning-absolutely stay away from anything else) :

**Wipe the strings:  Don't be afraid to use a little bit of force.  They won't break.  The strings collect rosin dust which negatively effects the sound, so that's necessary to do after every time you play!

**Wipe underneath the strings AND underneath the horsehair of the bow.  Underneath the strings, in between the f-holes, is where a lot of the rosin dust ends up.  Remember, the sound comes out of the f-holes, so you want that entire area to be rosin-less.  The bow is where the rosin is applied, so naturally some of it will fall off the minute it hits the strings.  It's important to wipe the STICK of the bow (not the horse hair.) **

Once a year or so, (NOT TOO OFTEN), take your instrument to the music store and have them clean it professionally with the correct polish.  You can probably purchase some and do it yourself as well.  Just make sure it's polish that is MADE FOR VIOLIN CLEANING.  I suggest doing this before a big performance so your violin is sparkling.  

Keep your violin pretty :)  

Until next time,

Givi Girl

"The music of friends."

Hello all!

     I was going to write a completely different article today, but then I realized, it's group lesson week which I'm very excited about!! This is the week my students are divided into groups based on their playing level and get to practice pieces together.  They practice what is called "chamber music."  Chamber music is classical music that's composed for a group; "music made for a group that could fit in a palace chamber."  It's also originally known as the "music of friends."  

     I love getting all the students together for group lessons.  It's sooo important to know how to play in a group, and it's fun! 






Why is it important?

                                                             

    Playing chamber music requires special  musical and social skills.  These skill requirements differ from the skills required for playing solo, or even in a full sized orchestra. Think about it: you are in a group of 5 people trying to learn a piece with 5 different parts.  In order for everyone to reach the common goal of playing the piece correctly,  you need to interact with your group, act as a team, and help each other through.  I really try to push my students to figure out problems themselves, because that forces them to communicate with each other and act as a team.  They must assist and encourage each other.  In a sports team, the players must communicate: this is no different.  Chamber groups involve verbal AND non-verbal communication among the students.  

  Small ensembles usually include one person per part, always without a conductor: Your part is exactly that: your part!  That means, if you mess up in the group, (such as play the wrong note, the wrong rhythm, come in too early, come in too late, etc.) you're pretty much alone.  There's no one to cover up your mistakes like there would be in a big orchestra.  If you're playing solo and you mess up a rhythm-who cares? You're by yourself!  However, you cannot mess up even the slightest rhythm in a group because that will throw you off and either make you ahead or behind of the section in which the group is playing.  There's no conductor to cue you in for your parts-you must be able to count and know exactly when to come in.  

Now, in my students's case, they usually have a stand partner with the same parts as themselves (and also share a music stand.) Their stand partner is their "rock" or "safety net," if you will. If they get lost, they can rely on their stand partner, hopefully, to guide them where they need to be.  

 

Chamber music study develops leadership: The leader of the group plays a very important role in the group. I'll get into that another time.  










It can help you in the "real world"
Most careers (music or non-music related) require working together in some way with other people.  Acquiring skills of patience, teamwork, goals, deadlines, organization, preparation, helpfulness, and much much more occur during group lessons. 

 

 

It's fun!
Although I have very fond, dear, memories from my private lessons-some of the other best memories came when I played with other people!  It's fun to play with other people and it's cool to see the bond you can form with them.  Some people in my group lessons are so different in age, background, and many other ways...but music is what they all have in common and the way they can relate.  They learn a lot from each other and about playing by watching their peers and working together as a team.  It's also a good opportunity to laugh and simply enjoy your talent by sharing it with other people. 

 

  <-Here's a pic of my own students!   Dailyn, Sabrina, Alyssa, Mikki.  Do you think they became tight knit by passing each other to and from lessons? Of course not-they've all played together, and that's their common bond.

Until next time,

~Givi Girl

 

Record yourself

One of my biggest regrets I have is not recording myself enough as I progressed.  Keep in mind...back in the stone age when I was young, we didn't have it so easy with smartphones...digital cameras...etc.  My family eventually bought some video camera but we didn't use it much.  My family's a lot of great things, butt technologically advanced is definitely not one of them.  Neither is cooking...

But anyways...

I look at progressing in an instrument sort of like growing up. Young kids don't notice when you grow, and their parents probably don't so much either since they see them every day.  However, the people who do notice are the ones who see do not see you every day.  The same thing applies to learning an instrument: it's very gradual, so although your teachers who only see you once a week notice your progress, chances are, you don't! Another benefit of recording yourself is that it might help you realize mistakes you make while you play, or bad habits you might have that you didn't even notice! Some people, when they play, are so concentrated that they don't realize they do goofy things such as sticking their tongue out!! I've seen it all!  That's why you need to record yourself!!!
















Til next time,

~Givi Girl

Learning an instrument is a three-way street (parents-must read)

Learning an instrument is a triangle-commitment that involves the teacher, student, AND parents.  

One thing I want to very much stress today is the importance of the role of the parents when their child decides to take on an instrument.  Although the responsibility of course falls on the students and the teacher, parental involvement is equally as crucial.  

Parents: You must understand that when your child begins an instrument, you will have a new commitment as well.  Before you agree to take part in your child's musical journey, please ask yourself the following questions:

-Am I willing to drive my child to and from lessons every week?

-Am I willing to pay the extra expense for lessons, instrument accessories, new music, etc.?

-Am I willing to show up to every performance my child is involved in to show support?  

-AM I WILLING TO MAKE SURE MY CHILD PRACTICES THEIR INSTRUMENT CONSISTENTLY?

^^^The last one is, in my opinion, the absolute, most crucial role if you want to see your child succeed.  It also happens to be the factor most people don't think about.  When I was growing up, I would constantly need to be reminded to practice, because, let's face it: practicing was usually much more boring and challenging than going outside and playing with my friends, for example. 

 ****The rule I had was before I was allowed to do anything else, I had to have my practicing (as well as homework) completed.****

It's funny.  Reflecting back, the neighborhood kids would knock on my door in the summer, and the first thing they would ask: "Is your practicing done?" because it was such a common rule that even THEY knew the routine!!!  And if the practicing wasn't done, guess what motivated me to get it done!!!!  The sooner I practiced, the sooner I was going to be out there having some fun in the sun with my friends!

 Parents, here are some tips to get YOUR child's practicing done:

-Have a timer set for your child so there is no disagreement as to how long the practicing session has been.  Talk to their music teacher if you are unsure how much time should be expected of them to practice each day.

-Make it a rule that they may do whatever they please after their homework AND practicing is completed (and/or chores, or whatever else you expect of them in the house.)  

-When they do practice, you do not have to be over their shoulder the entire time.   However, every once in awhile, commend them if you hear something sounding nice.  Learning new pieces or exercise can be difficult and frustrating:  encouragement is important!  It will also make them feel like they are not doing this alone.  

-Try to attend their lessons, at least every once in awhile, so you know what is going on.  That way, you have a better understanding of how to help them.  

-Always keep their instrument OUT OF THE CASE, in a safe place.  It's a psychological thing.  If the instrument is packed away in the case, the child will be less motivated to practice than if it is left out and easy to access right away.

-Make sure they have their own,  QUIET, practicing area, whether it's a small room or their own corner of the house.  It should include a music stand, pencils, a chair (remember, not a couch or cushioned chair: something with a hard surface,) a mirror, and a small table to easily be able to place things such as a metronome, timer, etc on it.  

-Allow them at least one "day off" from practicing.  This will give them a mental break and give them a chance to revamp for the following day.  

There will be battles about practicing along the way, but you must stand your ground.  My mom and I had heated arguments, blood, sweat, and tears (ok, I'm kidding about the blood part), but ultimately, if  she did not literally force me to practice, I would be nowhere near where I am today.  To be honest with you, I probably would've quit a long time ago when things started to become more advanced and difficult. That's another blog subject for another day.  

I have a number of a students now, and it's amazing to see the differences of students who have involved parents vs. the students whose parents are not involved. I have a student who began when he was four-years-old, and BELIEVE ME, it never would have worked if his parents were not dedicated.  Now, he is almost half way through book one!!! Do you think he did that on his own at the age of 4? Of course not!  When you go to the next recital and you see a child that you automatically assume is just "naturally gifted," I can almost guarantee you, that child appears that way because, yes, they are gifted, but their parents also have the "gift" of MAKING THEM PRACTICE!! 

School is just around the corner: make it a point to make practicing part of their daily, structural routine.  This applies to teenage students as well.  Sometimes, teenagers can be the most lazy when it comes to practicing!  Meeting with the teacher once a week and only practicing here and there will result in a slow, slow, advancement process.  If you put the time in, you will see results faster AND GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH!!!!! You pay a lot of money for lessons, make use of every penny!!!!!!! Then, come recital time, you, too, will have a reason to be proud because your child's accomplishments are your accomplishments, too.  It's a good feeling to be the parent of the "amazing student" at the recital.  

Behind every successful, young, musician is their parents.  

                           Until next time,

    ~Givi Girl 

Music is Emotion.

      I cannot stress enough how important it is to play "from the soul" and "feel the music with every note," two things I often say to my more advanced students during lessons. I try to emphasize how every note they play should be played from the heart.  If you put your emotion into whatever piece you play, it will come out the way you want it.

      My student, Alyssa, is becoming quite good with that.  She is learning it's important to not just "play" the notes, but to play every note with meaning.  For example, she is currently learning the finale piece from Swan Lake.  For those of you who aren't familiar, it's a beautiful and powerful piece that is played as a swan is dying and then eventually dead at the end.  We are working on playing every note as if it's the most fragile, delicate, beautiful, note in the world, as the swan is depicted.  It's a very sad piece, so she emphasizes that feeling by using slow vibrato and playing at a lento (slow) speed.  I always say "every note counts" and in this piece, I really stress that.  It's almost like she can feel the swan's suffering in the playing.

     On the other hand, not every piece is so dramatic and sad.  On the complete opposite end of the spectrum there's fiddle music, for example.  Fiddle music should be played with the same amount of feeling, but in most cases with this type of music, it's a happy and light-hearted feeling.  It would not sound right to be played in the same style as Swan Lake, of course.  But again, the player should emphasize to feel the music: to play it in a happy tone, the way they are feeling when they play, to bring out the mood and deliver that same feeling to the audience.

     Keep in mind, a piece does not have to be advanced in order to apply this very important element in your playing.  Again, let's reference Twinkle Twinkle:  what are you aiming for when you play?  To put a baby to sleep?  If so, then play it slowly, beautifully, and perhaps get softer as you progress into the piece.  Are you playing it in a "fancy" rhythm?  In that case, have fun with it when you play!  Do not play it too seriously!  

     My personal favorite types of pieces have a range of emotional segments.  I love the ones that start of slow and sappy sounding, and then almost instantly change.  It's almost like a story with "ups and downs."  Think about it: most successful stories are dramatic.  They have low and high points which lead to the climax, and eventually the ending.  It's the same thing with music.  You need to tell your own story with your playing.

     Reflect back on your relationship with music: do you ever turn to music that is parallel with the emotion you're feeling at a given time?  Personally, if I'm sad, I'll listen to sad music so it relates to how I'm feeling.  If I'm excited, I'll listen to upbeat music.  If I'm nervous before taking an exam, for example, I'll listen to motivational music.  

    For some people, playing with "feeling" comes more naturally than others.  However, it is possible for everyone to acquire.  A good practicing method is to apply your playing with your current mood.  Are you angry?  Are you sad?  Are you happy?  Take it out on your instrument! You'll be surprised what a difference it will make!  Try it! 

    Composers do their best to help you deliver that feeling with crescendos, staccatos, tempos, ritardandos, etc.  They will often even write style tips on the top of the piece. (Ex: Energico, which means to play with energy, or ruhig, which means to play peacefully.)  However, these are only guides.  It's up to you to bring in out.  

In Celine Dion's case, her voice is her instrument.  Look at how much heart and soul she pours into this song, and the effect it has on her audience.  



     I intend to further talk about how to "make a piece yours" in a future blog posting sometime soon, but for now, just remember: Music is emotion.  What type of emotion do you want to bring out and deliver to the audience with the next piece you play?  Feel the music.  "Play con anima" (Play with feeling in musical terminology.)  That is what will separate you from your fellow musicians.














                                                                            ^^Is this a beautiful picture or what?!)



Until next time,


~Regina