Perfection is not expected at the keyboard in MYC’s group classes. More important is the ability to play one’s best, listen to the others and play together, and, if we lose our place, to jump back in and carry on. Rather than mastering each piece, we value exposing children to lots of music to play each [...] Read more »
The local music store is a great place to start when you want new music, but sometimes you need that music in a hurry. Here’s my favourite list of music download sites.
I just read an article about a 12-year-old pianist who can (1) play by ear and (2) loves to perform. According to his teacher, he (3) “excels beyond his years and beyond the skill levels of most other students who are regarded as progenies” [sic] and “he gets it on the intuitive level.” And [...] Read more »
On March 21st, eight MYC teachers from the greater Hamilton and Brantford area presented a showcase to demonstrate various aspects of the Music for Young Children program. Cheryl Dickson-Neal was the MC for the event, which took place at the Chapters Ancaster store at 1 and 6 pm. The teachers were joined by over 50 [...] Read more »
Eight teachers from the Greater Hamilton and Brantford area will present musical performances by talented students from their communities. Come enjoy singing, rhythm ensembles, solo piano pieces and chances for audience participation. A question and answer period will follow the performances. When: Monday, March 14th, 1-2 pm and 6-7 pm. Where: Chapters Ancaster, 737 Golf [...] Read more »
For several weeks leading up to Christmas break, the students built 3-D glitter stars: one for each week of 5-day practices. It was magical, watching the studio “sky” fill with stars over time. Here’s a review of some of our special activities for Lesson 14 (Sunshine I and Sunbeams I). Sunshine I Class (JK-aged) [...] Read more »
Group music lessons are fun for young children and build a sense of accomplishment and develop a healthy self-esteem and self-confidence too! Classes start soon: visit www.myc.com to find a teacher near you!
The expression “He’s so talented” or “she’s so talented” has always made me cringe. Perhaps it’s due to my personal experience with practicing and my suspicion that excellence was achieved a lot more through hard work than sheer talent. I just finished a book called Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody [...] Read more »
Summer is the perfect time for music learning. For school-aged students, there are fewer outside pressures so it’s easier to focus on lessons. It’s also a great time to try a new instrument before making a full-year commitment. Conservatory students can arrange special piano lessons according to their interests: popular, jazz, duets, improvising. For some students, it’s a [...] Read more »
