"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

Some pictures of my students & I I've collected over the years :)

Hello all,

Although I have an entire list of discussion topics for future blog postings...I wanted to take a minute and use some of my bragging rights today to show off a few of my students.  Pictures speak 1000 words and I'm excited to share with you some of our fun experiences we've had in the past.  





This is Hannah, who is currently in China! Hannah is a very talented young lady, and we had the opportunity to perform at a restaurant work Christmas party.  I often perform gigs, and when I do, most of the time I have to arrive solo because the circumstances are more strict.  However, this was a casual and fun event, so I wanted to take the opportunity to allow one of my students to come with me, and  I knew Hannah would be the perfect student to tag along.  I think it's very important to expose students to real life situations so they see how their violin playing can become of real use.  She had the chance to accompany me with Christmas songs, perform for the workers, and got some free food on top of it. What a deal, huh?! 

 This is the first group lesson with Dailyn, Nathan, and Marissa.  Man, how they've grown since then!  It's really awesome to see them grow up and watch their playing ability advance.  However, it is just as pleasant to watch their friendship blossom over time.  Violin playing is a bond that these three share, and I can see how fond they've become of one another over the years.  That is a big goal of mine for group lessons-to allow the students to become friends with one another so they get to enjoy the social aspect of playing an instrument! 




This is a lovely picture of my student, Mikki.  Mikki has very much matured over the years, somewhat, in my opinion, thanks to her violin playing!  When we first began working together, she was 19 (I think), and now she is an official adult at 21-years-old!  I'm very proud of Mikki because most students tend to "quit life" in terms of learning new, extracurricular activities after they graduate from high school.  Not only did Mikki approach me after high school, but now, she picked up the piano as well!  Mikki is in college and her playing has greatly advanced.  I also admire her posture.  Every student has their own issues, (mine was my bow hold!), but Mikki certainly is a leading example of how to have perfect posture.  She sits with a straight back, relaxed wrist, her scroll "up" (not pointed to the floor), and her feet flat on the floor.  Mikki looks very relaxed when she plays which enables the sound of her instrument to have more stable control, and remember: if you "look" the part, the audience will automatically assume you "know" the part. 

This is Melissa.  Unfortunately I had to let her go since she went far away to college, but Melissa was a great student and her violin journey was actually a very interesting story.  For Melissa's senior project, she chose to learn how to play the violin and then perform her very own recital.  It's always great to have goals in mind, but this one was tough since we only had a year and the piece she wanted to play was certainly challenging for any beginner student.  However, she achieved her goal and her recital was beautiful!  







This is one of my favorite pictures which took place at the Holy Trinity festival last year.  I'm excited since we were asked to come back again, and this time, we are including the piano section of the school.  For anyone who is interested, come see us play on the stage on August 2nd at 6 pm! 

 Dailyn is my little fashionista.  I really should have included this on the posting regarding concert attire, because this outfit is a prime example of what I mean by an appropriate performance outfit.  Her hair is beautifully slicked back so it's not in her face, her dress is elegant and shows she's serious about her performance (I also love the color choice), and on top of everything else, her posture is perfect.  When you look at this picture, one can only assume her piece sounded great since she "looks" the part.  




Here's me playing around with my cello!  I play the cello as a secondary instrument, pretty much only for fun!  Although violin is by far my main passion and focus, I love practicing my cello and hearing it's beautiful, rich, deep, sound.  It's really a cool instrument and adds so much flavor in group lessons. 

 Erin is my little model who is showing off her Givi School of Music tee-shirt! Teachers love when students are enthusiastic with their playing, and Erin shows that every week.  I'm excited to see all the students wearing their tee-shirts for the upcoming festival.  There are many different colors so I bet it will look nice!  















These are only pictures of a handful of my students, but I hope to show off some more in the future.  Hope you enjoyed the little stories behind them.  :)


~Regina

Participate in music camps

This entry goes along with the one titled "Don't be a fool...use the summer time wisely."

I was involved in a couple different music camps growing up.  My favorite was at Fredonia String Camp, which was located at Fredonia University. I've gone back to that camp for 4 years!  It was a one week, overnight, string camp.  The camp involved playing in one of three orchestras (depending on your playing level), chamber music playing, concerts, a talent show, technique classes, theory classes, and more.  They made it really fun because it was more social than anything.  I have some of the fondest memories of my "musical journey" that took place at Fredonia String Camp, and I acquired sooooo much knowledge with that experience.  To this day I continue to use concepts I learned from that camp during my practicing.  It also allowed me to develop a sense of independence (staying away from my parents for a week, for example), and other everyday life lessons.

During the camp, I was fortunate enough to meet many other musicians-some professional, our counselors, and other "campers" of course.  I participated in this string camp while I was in middle school, and being that it was located in a college campus, I got a taste of what college life was like.  It was very similar: we stayed in a dorm room with a roommate, ate at the cafeteria, went to different campus buildings for our daily schedule, etc.  It was so cool to be exposed to so many concerts, and they did not only consist of classical music, but all types.

This was also one of the first experiences I had playing in a chamber group.  I loved it and I'll never forget the amazing bond my group and I formed.  To this day, I still remember the piece we played one year.

If you are a student who is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in any sort of music camp-take it.  I can honestly say I left the camp every year a better player (and performer) than I did going into it.  Just go for it and have a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!




~Regina




PS-You don't have to be extraordinarily gifted to participate in any of these types of camps. These programs will always place you in the correct playing level groups, and if they make a mistake, they will adjust it immediately.  If you are a beginner or don't feel you possess outstanding playing ability it's OK. You'll have such a great time and I'd hate for you to miss out due to unnecessary fear!! If you have anymore questions about music camps feel free to contact me.

Eat the frog first

Everyone avoids the hard and boring stuff when they practice for exactly that reason: it's hard and boring.   What does this consist of??? Probably scales...exercises...difficult pieces you don't like that your teacher is making you learn...etc.


Solution? Skip it and move on to the fun pieces!!  Right? Wrong.  Instead, what you need to do is EAT THE FROG FIRST!

My good friend, Debbie, taught me the expression "Eat the frog first" and it actually applies to everyday life.  Practicing your instrument is no exception. What "eating the frog first" means is that if you eat a frog first thing in the day, the rest of whatever you do will seem easy!  The same goes for practicing: instead of putting off the "frog" type of lesson material to skip to the fun stuff...just get it over with.  It's a simple analogy.  If it helps, write it on a posted note and stick it onto your music stand or piano.  Or just put a picture of a frog staring at you in the face.  Whatever works best for you!!





Why is that stuff necessary? It's not like you're going to be performing scales and exercises for an audience.  The "boring" stuff is necessary.  The exercises and skills are what build your technique and enhance your playing.  If you constantly skip these things, your fundamental basics will be pushed to the side and it will eventually show in your playing.  And keep in mind that with any audition you do, I can pretty much guarantee you will have to play scales and a big chunk of the evaluation will be based on technique.  I'll write an entire blog on this point in the future.  Stay tuned! 






~Regina