Music Academy Parent Connection

Spring Break/ April May Schedule

2009-03-17T20:22:00.004-05:00

Hey everybody! It's the middle of March already.

If you are a cello student of Richard's, you have a break this week. Everybody else is on for regular classes!

Saturday March 21st we are back on Suzuki Saturdays!

Piano Repertoire: 12 p.m. at ELC March 21.

March 28th: Suzuki Saturdays!

April Schedule

Measure 5 (every Wed) and Flute Choir (Every Thurs.) for the entire month

April 4 and 11th: no Suzuki groups

April 18 and 25: Suzuki groups

April 19th: Christopher Taylor concert. Hope you can come! This is a special event for the Music Academy

April Concerts for students:

April 4: Measure 5, Cello, Guitar, flute rehearsal and 1:00 p.m. showcase concerts

May Schedule

Measure 5: Wed, May 6 and 13

Flute choir: May 7

Suzuki groups: May 9

Recitals/ concerts for students:

May 2: Mixed solo recital (various times--check with teacher)

May 16: ensemble Concert/ Senior Recognition/ Piano Extravaganza/ icecream social

May 18-22: Makeup week.

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A note from the organizing mommy: It has been a pleasure writing this blog update for the music academy for the past two years. I am going to be taking a break from this now. If any parent would like to learn how to do this, I would be glad to show you how to do it. I know the Music Academy works very hard to make sure everyone stays informed and encouraged. I love being a part of the parental influence of the music academy! Thanks for reading with me these past two years. In real life, I go by: Jena Webber. You can send me an email: organizingmommy[at]sbcglobal[dot]net.

Thanks and have a great last two months!

Barrage concert/ Feb. & March schedule

2009-02-04T20:20:00.003-06:00

February Schedule:

Feb 4: Barrage concert 7:00 p.m. Maddox Theater/ Tickets $10.00- $15.00 Must SEE!

Measure 5 Wednesdays: 5:00-6: 15 Clark Arts/RC 11th, 18th, 25th,

Suzuki Groups on Saturdays: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th.

Piano Repertoire: 12:00 p.m. at ELC

Flute Choir: Thursdays 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, at 7:30 p.m. Room 102

March Schedule:

Spring Break: March 9-14

Violin/ viola showcase concert: 1 p.m. concert Maddox Theater (rehearsal in the morning)

Measure 5: 4th, 18th, 25th

Suzuki Groups: 21st, 28th.

Flute choir: 19th, 26th

Upcoming events: April 19th/ Sunday 3:00 p.m. Christopher Taylor Concert, Coronado

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T19:50:00.002-06:00

Happy January folks!

As usual, the snowy winds howl at a slightly lower tone than the C note on the cello, but that doesn't stop the busy musicians from creating a little heat while practicing for the upcoming conference, mid January.

Here's the January schedule.

Jan. 5 (Monday) Private lessons resume

Jan. 10 (Saturday) Suzuki groups ELC

Jan. 12-16 Make-up week

Jan. 16-17-18 Suzuki Workshop at Rockford College

Jan. 19: Spring Semester Begins

Sat. Jan 24 and 31: Suzuki groups at ELC

Measure 5: Wednesdays 5:00- 6:15 starting January 7, 14, 21, 28

Flute Choir: 7:30 p.m. Room 102/ MARC starting Jan. 15, 22, 29

Something to look forward to...

2008-11-04T21:52:00.001-06:00

Christopher Taylor, Pianist

..Sunday, April 19, 2009

3:00 p.m.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford

November Schedule

2008-11-04T21:45:00.003-06:00

...November Schedule

Saturdays..

Nov. 1: Suzuki Groups/ Emmanuel

Nov. 8: Suzuki Groups/Emmanuel

Nov. 15: Suzuki Groups/ Emmanuel

Nov. 22: NO Suzuki groups/ Mixed Solo Recitals, Rockford College

Nov. 25-28 Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 29: No Suzuki Groups

Breakfast Table Schedule:

Nov. 1: Jena W. Nancy B.

Nov. 8: Sue Lewinski, Branka Pejie

Nov. 15: Maureen Scordato, Debbie Cisneror

Nov. 22 and 29: No groups

October Schedule 2008

2008-10-08T13:35:00.004-05:00

Music Academy October Schedule

Wednesdays: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Measure 5 @ 5:00-6:15 (at Clark Arts/ RC )

Thursdays: Oct. 9, 16, 23: Flute Choir @ 7:30 (Room 102 MARC)

Saturdays: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25: Suzuki Groups (ELC)

On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008 at ELC, the piano repertoire and book recitals were held. I was able to see the cello/ piano recitals. What a neat group of talented young people we have! Good job everyone!

New Look/ same address

2008-09-14T00:02:00.002-05:00

Hey! Don't go! You are at the right place; I just changed the name.

The address is the same, but the name is different.

So, we've already conquered two weeks of Saturday fun, AND we've started individual lessons.

Did you sign up for the breakfast table yet? I was so impressed with Bonnie who made up these really cool Saturday morning breakfast T-shirts for everyone. The first 25 volunteers to work the breakfast table get a free T-shirt. I'm wearing mine right now. It's hard not to think about bagels and donuts while I'm wearing it, though.....

Calendar of Events for 2008

2008-08-09T21:59:00.004-05:00

September schedule

1-Labor Day

2- Private Lessons start

6-Suzuki Groups Begin (Emmanuel Lutheran)

13 Suzuki Groups

20-Suzuki Groups

27- Suzuki Groups

28-Faculty Recital: Fisher Chapel, 3 p.m.

---------------------------------------------

Congratulations to our 2008 Graduates!

Sam Battista

John Brown

Jenny Carmichael

Caroline Chen

Emily Cummins

Megan Davis

Margaret Ferguson

Nathanael Gustafson

Alan Hale

Julianna Kallstrom

Sam Nerius

Allison Picken

Vashta Thompson

Melanie Thornborrow

Lisa Vidican

Good job everyone!! We'll miss you.

It's that time again, folks...

2008-08-07T00:42:00.004-05:00

It's time to think about registering for music lessons at the Music Academy of Rockford College. Your teachers will want to know what days/times you are available, and Robin will want your registration forms filled out no later than... AUGUST 20th!!

That just leaves a few weeks to get organized for fall.

Suzuki or traditional?

30 minutes or an hour?

It's time to decide!

Our first SATURDAY class isn't until Sept. 6th--after Labor Day.

See you then! Donuts, anyone??

What does a Suzuki Mom look like these days??

2008-05-13T23:11:00.003-05:00

I was encouraged by a recent article I read HERE about the many coats that we as moms wear. Some of us have big families, some small. Some are holding down careers, some work at home. Whether we are drowning in activities or manage to keep a balanced plate of things going, we still have to watch our commitment levels and energy levels.

Being a Suzuki Mom is just one "coat" we wear. Whether your children are studying music to become the next Beethoven or they are just learning to improve their character from the discipline that music study brings, we all have to find a "place" for the commitment of music. For some of us, that is a big place. For others, it is a small space. This summer, take some time to relax. You deserve it, Suzuki Moms and Dads!

Planning, planning, planning

2008-05-12T22:04:00.002-05:00

It took a while, but I finally worked out the schedule for my summer lessons. Summer is a great time to launch ahead in some areas and cut back in others. We aren't going to be inundated with school work, so why not focus more on music and practicing?

Have you talked to your teachers yet and gotten a summer lesson schedule planned yet? If not, today is a good day to get that started.

Solo recitals this weekend!!

Music Academy Updates...

2008-04-30T17:32:00.004-05:00

For all of you who read and are NOT music academy families, I apologize! Every day I realize how complicated the lives of the Music Academy faculty are, and how much everybody needs reminding of things at this time of year!

May 3: Ensembles Concert at Emmanuel Lutheran/ rehearsal at 9:45

The actual concert location has been changed to the Centennial Room. That room is the long carpeted room in the downstairs.

May 10: Suzuki--Twinkle party/ book recitals/ and rehearsals for many of the solos. (Check with your teacher for time/location)

May 17: Solo recitals

Can you keep it all straight?

And somewhere in the mix, you should look at your summer schedules and sign up for private lessons as well as camps by May 15th.

Don't forget to enjoy the nice outdoors!

Planning for Summer!

2008-04-25T15:05:00.003-05:00

This isn't exactly summer in Rockford, but there are some great musical opportunities for your youngins' to explore.

Hhmmm... what do you do with summer? Sleep in? Relax? grill out? After a few weeks of that, you'll need some structure. How about a full day of structured fun for your musicians?

Drum roll pleaseeeeeee......................

June 16-20, 2008

String, flute, and Piano camp (full or half day)

for the students ages 4-12

June 23-27, 2008

Chamber music camp

for more advanced students (full or half day)

August 4-8, 2008

"All together now"

a family music camp

Also: throughout the summer

June 3,10, and July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29,

Prelude: Music for the young child

Also available: individual lessons with your regular teachers--6 recommended. Prices listed in the newsletter. See you at camp!

A lot happening around town!

2008-04-24T22:09:00.005-05:00

This Sunday, one of Music Academy's own stars, Sam Batista will perform with RYSO. Check here for details. Sam also won first place for violin in the Chandler Starr Miller Scholarship competition hosted by the Mendelssohn Performing Arts of Rockford.

This should be an inspiration to the little twinklers out there to keep playing. Let's expose our young people to concerts like this!

A lot happening around town!

2008-04-24T22:09:00.001-05:00

Closing Suzuki Activities for Music Academy

2008-04-24T21:30:00.004-05:00

May 3rd is our closing activities for the Suzuki Program.

It's hard to believe we're wrapping up another Suzuki year! As a parent, it has been such a fun and rewarding time to watch the Saturday morning Suzuki activities. I like interacting with the parents and watching my kids progress in their various musical pursuits.

Just in case you would like an update of the schedule for May 3rd, here it is again. This meets at Emmanuel Lutheran Church (regular Saturday location)

9:45 a.m. Rehearsal time for:

Suzuki Orchestra in Sanctuary

Vivaldi Orchestra in the Heritage Room

Chamber Orchestra in the Auditorium (downstairs)

Measure 5 in Library

Flute Choir in Nursery

Interlude Singers in Classroom 2 (downstairs)

at 10:20 Students report to:

Ensembles to Sanctuary

Piano and Voice Extravaganza/ Orff & Keyboard Showcase to Centennial Hall

10:30: Concerts begin!

For everyone who attended a concert, there will be an Ice Cream Social in the lower level Centennial Hall immediately following the concerts.

Academy student hits the big league!

2008-04-20T21:39:00.004-05:00

Who's this, you may ask? She was once a little twinkler... Can you guess? Her name is Alissa Fleming. She has just been accepted to the Las Vegas Philharmonic as well as the Henderson Symphony. Quite an accomplishment! Good job Alissa!

I bet your teachers back at the Music Academy are proud of you! Read HERE for her full article.

I want to see this concert.

2008-04-12T23:27:00.002-05:00

O.K. I want to see EVERY concert, but I really want to see this concert. It's in Beloit, which isn't too far from Rockford. But if I don't get a chance, I'll be happy to see this one.

NEXT SATURDAY April 19th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 1:00p.m. Only one week to go!

Go kids! Go parents! Good job!

Enticing them to want to play...

2008-04-02T23:04:00.003-05:00

She just makes it look like fun, I guess.. This article is about Mozart's mother. I wonder about these heroes. Here I am, trying to be a better Suzuki mom, but I have only begun to explore what it takes to rear musical children. I know she looks like a wild card. We'd get along famously. Since I can't meet her (or other great musical mommies) every day, I'll keep reading the good book and reporting in once in a while.

In Suzuki's book, Ability Development from Age Zero, p. 10-14, he gives us moms some help in enticing our children to want to play.

It's so fun and easy. O.K. Here's how you do it. You just pick up your little 3 year old's violin or flute or whatever their playing, and you play it. Act like you're having a grand old time of it. Put on the twinkle songs and play right along with them. Have a concert for Daddy. Make sure he lavishes you with praise and such. (that wouldn't hurt either way) By this time, the little critter will be dying to pick up that fiddle and practice. She'll be begging for a lesson. "O.K. if you're good.. and IF you promise to practice....I'll sign you up for a lesson... etc. etc. "

O.K. this isn't EXACTLY what Suzuki said to do, but he's so chop chop about life. You get the idea.

Only 7 weeks of Saturday classes left!

2008-04-02T22:49:00.004-05:00

Wow! Where did the semester go? Here we are, racing along in our lives, and everyone is already scrambling for the big concerts and solo recitals.

Would it be helpful to post what is going on? Can you make it through the last couple weeks?

April

Saturday April 5: Suzuki groups Piano Repertoire 12:00 p.m. ELC

Saturday April 12: Suzuki groups

Saturday April 19: No Groups/ Cello /Guitar/ Flute Showcase Rehearsal + 1:00 p.m. concert

Saturday April 26: Suzuki Groups

May

Saturday May 3: Suzuki Closing Activities: Ensemble Concert/ Senior Recognition/ Piano Extravaganza (ELC) and Piano Repertoire 12:00 p.m.

Saturday May 10: Twinkle Recitals/ Book Recitals

Saturday May 17: Mixed Solo Recitals

Also:May 19-23rd is the make-up week.

And then life is so easy, all you have to do is think about summer camp, summer lessons, or chamber music camp. For now, we'll just work on getting through these next couple of weeks.

Babies Memorize Music in 5 months!

2008-03-26T13:16:00.004-05:00

Hi! What kind of blog is this that only posts once a month?? I know you've sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the best piece of Suzuki wisdom of the week.

Memory! The image above is sort of like our memory. Who knows what connects those little synapses in our brain to each other? Somehow it results in a familiar path, individual to each person, and that becomes: memory.

Ability Development From Age Zero by Suzuki p.8-9 mentions that babies will recognize the music the parent plays or sings to them repetitively. At about five months old, the child who has been sung to will smile or react when a familiar song is played. The same child will have a flat expression when a new song is introduced. Makes sense!

So, what are your little ones listening to?

Even Tone Deaf Children can be Developed

2008-02-28T22:46:00.005-06:00

Has Simon given your child a "thumbs down?" Does he sing like a frog? Or what about you? Were those sweet lullabies you "tried" to sing to your child more of a punishment than a sweetness? No problem, help is on the way.

When Suzuki was working with a tone deaf child, he discovered that both his mother and grandmother were singing to him out of tune, so the child developed a bad "ear". No wonder the poor chap couldn't twinkle!

Rather than trade the mom and grandma in, he decided to expose the little boy to songs in tune and repeated the training over and over again. The child was able to actually retrain his ear. He was able to give a public recital in Canada years later. Aaah success! I know Simon would have given a thumbs up.

Now, how to keep the mum and granny quiet... ( O.K. that last part wasn't in the book)

My recap on Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki, p. 7-8.

Accomplished! Book Recitals

2008-02-28T22:36:00.003-06:00

Once in a while, the little guys who work so hard need to be recognized. Our hard working students had book recitals on Feb. 2, 2008. Congratulations to students, parents and teachers.

Maggie Whitehurst: Flute Book 1

Austin Doering: Cello Book 3

Wesley Hale: Cello Book 3

Arik Burke: Violin Book 1

Allie Joiner: Violin Book 1

Sarah Krause: Violin Book 1

Priya Desai: Violin Book 4

Allison Wang: Violin Book 1

Brianna Nied: Violin Book 1

Yeah!! Good job everybody!!

All Japanese children speak Japanese!

2008-02-27T12:55:00.003-06:00

My thoughts on: Age Ability from Age Zero, by Shinichi Suzuki, p. 4

Isn't he cute? He probably even says, "KO- Nee- CHee-Waa" without any prompting from his mother. How do I know this? Well, it's because way back when he was a baby, he was listening to his mama and papa talking in Japanese. In fact, he's even been listening since the womb.

He probably won't give a lot of evidence that he understands much of it until his points and grunts don't cut it anymore. He'll have to speak if he wants a little more Nori or tofu. Pretty soon, he'll be corrected: here and little and there a little, until he's a fully communicating Japanese boy.

Suzuki discovered this amazing thought, and it was totally a "gestalt" for him-- an "ah ha" moment. This helped him discover the "mother-tongue approach" to learning.

So, the next time your children say something, consider this: they heard it-- probably from you.

A sprout of talent...

2008-02-15T00:25:00.003-06:00

The following thoughts are just my recap from the book Ability Development from Age Zero, by Shinichi Suzuki.

Talent is not inborn; it is carefully cultivated. Inside the little sprout up there lies the full capacity for a beautiful plant. There also lies the possibility of it being completely dead if not nurtured at all.

Good parents will recognize this need to cultivate their children like tiny plants. Most of what is recognized as "natural ability" is the result of good teaching from an early age.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I suppose if we really believed this, there would be some changes to the amount of time our children spend doing mindless things. What exactly does it mean to cultivate the mind of a child? We'll be exploring these issues as we go through the book.

A new wave!

2008-02-14T23:53:00.004-06:00

A new Wave is starting around the Suzuki Mom blog.

First, I'd like to take a little time each week to summarize some of the thoughts of Suzuki's teaching for parents. No, I'm not going to give you boring old book reports. It will just be a few nuggets here and there... hopefully not too pre-digested.

Also, if I can get Marti, our director, to give us a word of wisdom now and again, I'd like to post a "Marti's Meanderings" or a "Marti's Mondays" or something great like that. It's always nice to hear from an expert once in a while! If you are not a Music Academy of Rockford College reader, you can just skip these.

Thanks for your patience as I hone my blogging skills and learn what is most valuable for my reader base. I'm encouraged to see how many people read the blog. Don't be shy. Leave a comment once in a while.

Suzuki Workshop Today!!

2008-01-18T19:54:00.001-06:00

Hi all,

Just checking in to let you know that our big Suzuki workshop is TODAY!! (January 19th). Do not go to the regular Saturday Suzuki spot; head right over to the Clark Arts building and join the fun at 9:00 a.m. if you are a Suzuki child. The concert at 1:o0 p.m. is open and free to the public. We have a great lineup of guest teachers who will no doubt amaze and inspire us! (Nothing but the best for the students of the Music Academy of Rockford College!)

Incidentally, the weather outlook is NOT good, as far as temperatures go. Dress appropriately for cold weather outside. We don't get below zero temps in Rockford very often, so we can often forget about wearing scarves, hats and mittens outside. Hopefully, everyone will have a wonderful time!

On your mark.. get set... play!

2008-01-11T00:12:00.000-06:00

As of today, (December 11th), we have 8 days to go before the annual Suzuki Winter Workshop. Are you ready? The Music Academy of Rockford College has a wonderful selection of guest teachers, performers and activities planned for you.

Here's the nitty gritty: The workshop is going to be held in the Clarke Arts Building at Rockford College. The activities start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 19th.

The concert at 1:00 p.m. is free and open to the public. This would be a great opportunity to attend and learn what goes on at the Music Academy of Rockford College.

Keep tuning in for updates, teacher bios, and updates.

Keep Practicing

2007-12-20T21:27:00.000-06:00

In light of the upcoming Suzuki Workshops (Jan 18th-20th), I asked Marti what we should all be doing to prepare for the big event. In a word, she said PRACTICE.

P: Persevere through the days, practicing as often as you can

R: Ready yourself with listening to the recordings often

A: Attend (listen) to your intonation. Keep your technique clean, and you will sound good also

C: Consistency is the mantra of all "talented" musicians

T: Technical skills (bow hold) produce great sounds

I: Instruments are to be loved and visited often

C: Choose to be a happy musician--grumpy ones still have to practice, so be happy

E: Energize yourself by listening to the great musicians who have gone before you.

Have a great holiday, and we'll check in with you after the New Year!

Twinklers.. encouragement!

2007-12-11T21:53:00.000-06:00

By now, those of you have started first year twinklers are well into the swing of weekly private and group classes. How is it going? Has your little twinkler passed you up yet? Are you burned out? Have you memorized the different variations yet? You'll be happy to know that all of that twinkling WILL be used later on in later songs. This isn't just some big useless exercise. All of those rhythms are VERY important foundations for later learning.

Regardless of what your teacher calls them: variation a. b. c. d. or things like "Mississippi stop stop" or short, short, short short--long long... they all are the same world wide. All of the other parents are doing just what you are doing. Trying to get that little one to hold the bow correctly, trying to get the position of the instrument correct, attempting to get the length of notes consistent ,and most importantly, trying to do it with a patient smile.

Remember, they only stay young for such a short time, and don't they look cute? (pictured above is a little friend of ours from Texas)

If you would like your little one to be "famous" on the blog, email me a picture with whatever you would like to say about your child. I'd love to hear from you!

Did you guess BACH?

2007-12-06T14:51:00.000-06:00

You were right! It was that great composer, Johann Sebastian Bach! He will be visiting us for our Suzuki workshop in January! (O.K. probably someone who looks like him) Some of the best pieces ever written were written by Bach.

J.S. Bach wrote a style of music called: Baroque. It is a unique type of music that expresses order and symmetry in a lively fashion. Check out the baroque site above. There's so much wonderful music to listen to and so little time! For now, you can look for this, to download on your IPOD.

Back to Lessons and Saturday fun!

2007-11-27T22:37:00.000-06:00

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving break. For most of you, you've already had your lessons for the week. Don't forget that Suzuki Saturdays start up again this week (Dec. 1) as well as some holiday Busking down at Bob's Hardware and downtown. Read about the details: here.

You should be getting your newsletters in the mail soon. The fun really starts when we will be having our annual Suzuki conference in January. And you will be thrilled to know that this fella will be visiting us. Any guesses as to WHO he is?

What do you do on non-Suzuki Saturdays??

2007-11-24T00:26:00.000-06:00

Sometimes its hard not to get excited for a change in the schedule, even for the most devoted Suzuki moms out there. It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and we are going to enjoy our sleeping in, eating in, and being a family on Saturday morning.

It would be fun to know what our local Suzuki students actually DO outside of music academy. Do you have an interest or a hobby you'd like to share with us? I was visiting with one student last Suzuki Saturday, and he told me he'd just spent the night at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago with his dad. This little guy was a science and math lover. I've heard that somehow music and math are related. Atleast that was the theory behind the development of the cuisenaire rods. (pictured above) Dr. Cuisenaire was astonished that children who could play music well were having trouble in math. Perhaps the numeric/ sequences of numbers correspond to the mathmatical repetitions and variations of music? Something to ponder... In the meantime, send me an email and tell me what you like to do besides music. I'd be glad to feature you!

organizingmommy[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

(I'm trying to protect my email from smarter-than-me computers)

Want the words for those great Suzuki songs?

2007-11-22T00:29:00.001-06:00

Do you parents remember all of those little tunes for Suzuki book 1? I find it hard to remember them also, but sometimes it helps if you have a few words to go with them.

Here's some fun lyrics for the Pre-twinkle bowing Poem:

Up like a rocket,

Down like the rain,

Back and forth like a choo choo train!

Round and round like a happy sun,

Up on your head..

pinky and thumb

Up like a rocket,

down like the rain,

Back and forth like a choo choo train!

(your teacher's version may vary slightly)

Here's another: Song of the Wind

A time to play Song of the Wind

swirling through the trees,

leaves are falling

leaves are falling,

falling tumbling 'round and 'round.

Leaves are falling,

leaves are falling,

falling to the ground.

If you would like more, I found these at the heartstring lyrics.

Have a great time practicing, you twinklers!

Happy Thanksgiving folks!

2007-11-18T22:44:00.000-06:00

Do you have lessons this week? We don't, since ours are on Wednesday. Don't forget to enjoy your holidays--however you spend them.

We will probably make our children "perform" for guests while we are cleaning up from the big turkey dinner. Speaking of turkey, I couldn't help getting a huge chuckle from this.

Are we thankful? for laughter? for friends? for family? for God? I am. Hope you enjoy the laugh!

Performathon Success!

2007-11-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, the students of The Music Academy of Rockford College celebrated the 80th birthday of the Coronado theater by giving a fund-raising "performathon". There were a total of 338 performances that day. Otherwise known as the Crown Jewels of Rockford, these students worked hard, performed well and gained the respect of citizens, supporters, faculty and family. What sight to see these youngsters performing in a great, historic setting: the Coronado theater of Rockford! What a success they accomplished by raising $40,000 for scholarships and professional development. Thank you, thank you, thank you for those who performed, who mentored, who taught, and who gave. What a gift you have given to the community!

Pictured are students of Music Academy. If you would like to order view photos online, click here: goveve. You can email also katharyn@goreve.com. She can give you the information to view our photos.

To the Moon or Busk!?

2007-11-13T17:57:00.000-06:00

"Will Busk for Food!"

So really, are we sending our kids out "busking"? Yes!- It's fun for them, and gives them a whole new perspective on performing. So, what is busking? Busking dates back to the traveling minstrels of yesteryear who literally played an instrument or some type of performance for food or compensation.

Today, you might see them on the streets in big cities doing some amazing performing for pocket change. Before you feel too sorry for them, keep in mind that some can make $230.00/hour (on a good hour). Not too bad for the average street dweller. Click on this, if you would like to read more on busking.

If you like to see our hometown kids busking, they'll be at Bob's Hardware in Rockford on Saturday, December 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students will also be at Stuart's Square (downtown near the King's Table) on the same day from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

I found this entertaining video of an "electric violin" busker--probably earning his way through Europe.

There's something about this guy that reminds me of my electric-guitar playing brother. I think it's neat how he can record his own music and make a complete concert with all the little effects. Somehow, I don't think this is exactly what Marti has in mind for the upcoming busk, but it may inspire some of those less alternative thinking violin players?

Having trouble getting that child to practice?

2007-11-09T22:42:00.001-06:00

Really now, don't roll his head off! Remember we love those little crunchkins, even if they do give us gray hair once in a while!

In the big scheme of a day, we all have things we have to do as well as things we want to do. As a parent, you can make the "have to's" come before the "want to's" of this life. Oh sure, sometimes a child actually WANTS to practice-- that's great and all. Give him the red plate for dinner, OK?

Let's be realistic. Having a child's whims line up with his required duties may happen as often as all of the planetary orbits align. So, remember you are the parent. You can make that little one practice before the talking cubicle comes on or the snack cart rolls through. You can say NO to activity XYZ if practice times have not been met. It's tough being a parent, but you can do it! You are not a wimpy parent. Just don't roll his head off.... yet.

Saturday morning breakfasts...

2007-11-05T13:58:00.000-06:00

For the Music Academy at Rockford College Suzuki families, this Saturday, November 10th, is the last Saturday morning Suzuki group classes for a while. We'll be off for 2 whole Saturdays, until we get back on: December 1st!

So, the big question is not: what are you going to do with all of your freetime? but what are you going to eat? Will your car just drive itself to the bagel or donut shop? Or, will you be doing what we'll be doing? feasting on homemade waffles and turkey sausage? (yum!)

In the meantime, don't forget that working the breakfast table is a lot of fun! You get to meet everybody and get caught up on all the happenings with everyone. So, if you haven't worked the table in a while, sign up next Saturday. You'll be saving our music students and parents from dying of starvation and meeting new friends in the process!

We have cool music teachers

2007-11-02T15:44:00.000-05:00

Click here and make the picture larger!

We really do have cool music teachers here at the Music Academy of Rockford College. "King Richard the Lion Hearted", as I have dubbed him for this post, is not really a king, and it's not really his name, but perhaps if we used our imagination, he might look like a character from Ivanhoe? Instead of fighting the medieval crusades of yore, he's fighting the battles of intonation, bowing, and timing.

It's more than just head knowledge, although that certainly is important, it's about kid knowledge. What do I mean by "kid knowledge"? In the general sense, it's about knowing how kids think or don't think. What turns them off (and not doing it), and what turns them on (and then doing it).. are just a few things that make our teachers cool.

In the specific sense, it's about knowing how each kid ticks. It's sort of intuitive knowledge. Somehow, a little bell goes off in their brain that says, "Oh, I remember.. this student likes this song. Or he'll think playing this is a treat.." It's the gobs of little stuff that makes for the big stuff. That's what makes 'em great.

What is a Suzuki Mom anyway???

2007-10-28T19:27:00.000-05:00

A Suzuki Mom, is a mom whose children take music lessons in the Suzuki tradition. So, what exactly is the Suzuki tradition? Without claiming to be an expert in all things related to the Suzuki method, I will attempt to give a rather amateurish definition, embellished by much personal flair. If you want the official definition, click here. Teachers who teach after the beliefs and methods of Suzuki, are Suzuki teachers (in the general sense). They also have to obtain specific Suzuki credentials to be considered a Suzuki teacher. So who was this great man, and what did he teach?

Shinichi Suzuki was born in Japan in 1898. He was one of 8 children. He taught himself to play the violin before he actually had formal training. Perhaps these early experiences led him to have a firm belief that children can learn music in the same way they learn a language "by ear" first and then "by notes" after that. Suzuki loved children and worked with the parents as well as the children. Suzuki believed that all children have the talent to learn if they are taught well by loving parents and teachers. In other words, talent is not "in born" and only handed out to a select few. Also, there are many young (3 ,4, or 5 year olds) taking music classes under this type of instruction, and doing quite well! It really is amazing to be a part of such an exciting school of thought and practice!

This method of music education is far more labor-intensive for the parents than "traditional" music education. There is so much to learn about being a Suzuki parent that I thought it would be easier to give it to you in small doses...i.e. "posts" on a blog, rather than make you swallow it in one big gulp. Pictured here, is the guru himself, Shinichi Suzuki.

If you would like to read more about him: the Suzuki Association of Americas, the International Suzuki Association.

Never too late to start!

2007-10-25T21:41:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm inspired. This man, Gene Hnilicka, is incredible. Even though circumstances did not allow him to pursue his music at a young age, he continued his training at age 70! How many times do we bemoan our circumstances when we can't get all of our children into good quality music education by the age of 5 or 6? (Yes, that really is a nice, ideal way to start, but sometimes not practical)

So, what promptly him to pick up his cello at age 70? An ad in the yellow pages about the Music Academy of Rockford College, under the direction of Marti Franz, caught his eye. It claimed to be able to teach anyone from age 6 to 70 plus. So, the same young man who teaches the 6-year-olds also teaches the 74 year-olds! (Hnilicka has been playing for four years already, according to the Rockford Register Star).

There are probably many others just like Mr. Hnilicka out there--just pursuing music training for the pleasure of it. Some of us moms who are so eager to just get our children "on to the next book" could learn from his patient perseverance.

Learning to Love Music

2007-10-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

One of the best ways to learn more about music is just to sit and enjoy it. The violins sing their airy tune; the violas meld in with perfect harmony, while the cellos resound a handsome rhythm to complete the entire experience. Is it possible just to sit down and enjoy something like this when all you've developed an appetite for is the sounds of the modern day?

Time honored and time tested music also takes time to learn to appreciate. Generally, it is a happy music to your soul, and you and your children will soon be humming those tunes that were once foreign to their ears.

The other day, we were listening to NPR, and the "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"by George Frederick Handel was to be the next piece up. You could feel the energy in the car change as we anticipated one of favorites. Can you believe that we didn't even know that song the year before?

Somehow, somewhere we just learned to sit back and enjoy that song. Click on the links and tell me if you don't love that song also.. Doesn't it just make you happy?

A new blog for Suzuki parents!

2007-10-22T00:59:00.000-05:00

Hi How does this look?