Time Saving Technique Practice Idea

Are you stuck between studying for tests and logging in much needed time on practicing technique? Try this idea that came up during one of my lessons last week:

This student is working on his Grade 8 piano technique. Four octave scales - woohoo?

He played d harmonic minor for the first octave and d melodic minor for the second by accident. Then, I had him play D major for the first octave, d natural minor for the second octave...you get the idea.

Basically in one pass, you practice all the scales you need to know for a traditional music exam. However, to actually hear any improvement, you'll have to play it this way more than once. More than twice.

You can change things up of course. Try this on all the minors (natural, harmonic, melodic, jazz). Or be bold and try these on some of the jazz scales.

The bottom of the white board refers to an idea I think has already been mentioned. Play the ascending scale one way (e.g., major), and the descending scale another way (e.g. harmonic minor).

You have to be awake to do this kind of practice. Well really, we should be all striving for mindful practice anyway...right?

Finding Harmony With the Right Music Teacher

Signing up for music lessons involves a long-term commitment. Great care should be taken to find a music teacher that is a good fit for the student.

Whether the goal is to develop one’s artistic ability, prepare for a career in music or play for recreation, music lessons can benefit musicians at any age and level. When someone signs up for music lessons, they enter into a long-term relationship with a music teacher that can last several years. For it to be a fruitful relationship, great care should be taken to find a teacher who is a good fit for the student and his or her family.

What Prospective Students Should Think About Before Taking Music Lessons

There are several considerations a student and his or her family should make prior to registering for music lessons:

1. whether the prospective student is ready for music lessons

2. which instrument to study

3. the family's commitment and attitude towards music lessons

Having a clear sense of where one stands with respect to each of these areas will make it easier to determine the best teacher for the student and the family.

Looking for a music teacher is similar to shopping for the perfect hairdresser. At the core, a student will blossom with a teacher they “click” with and who does good work. Parents will appreciate working with a teacher whose teaching philosophies and operating procedures complement their vision for their child's musical education

Types of Music Lessons, Learning Environments and Instructors

Music students may study privately (one-on-one) or in a group class. There are several beginner music class programs available, such as Music for Young Children, the Kodály method, the Suzuki method, Yamaha and Kindermusik.

Lessons are offered on a variety of instruments. The most common instruments people choose when commencing their musical education are the piano, voice, guitar and violin. Lessons in music theory, a specific genre (e.g. jazz), improvisation or music composition are also available.

Music lessons are offered in several venues. Students can study at a music school affiliated with a music store, a music school affiliated with a conservatory, at a private music teacher’s studio or in the comfort of their own home.

There are several types of music instructors, each offering their unique blend of experience, knowledge and teaching approaches:

1. Certified teachers who have completed their post-secondary education and some have taken pedagogical training and are members of a professional music teachers’ association.

2. Student teachers who are advanced students in the process of completing their professional accreditation.

3. Professional musicians who regularly perform and/or have done commercial recordings.

4. Teachers who lack accreditation; however, their skills, education received and experience are exemplary and enable them to offer quality music instruction.

Tuition varies depending upon the teachers’ educational and performance background, professional affiliations, track record, teaching experience and how their studio is set up. However, good chemistry with the teacher, qualifications, high quality education and complementary vision should rate more highly than cost when making a final decision.

Tips on How to Find a Music Teacher

The easiest way to find a music teacher is to ask around. The benefits of talking to one’s family, friends and colleagues are two-fold: not only can they give names and contact information; one’s contacts can provide details on their first-hand experience with a particular teacher.

Another method to finding a music teacher is to contact a music teacher’s association. Many teaching associations such as the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations (CFMTA), the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) have an online directory.

Checking advertisements is a third option when searching for a music instructor. Some teachers place advertisements in a community newsletter or newspaper, while other teachers put up posters in local stores.

After the audition-interview, the teacher also considers whether the student and family are a good fit for the studio. The music teacher may recommend another teacher if he or she feels that the student's and family's interests best lie with a teacher with a different background or approach.

If there are any special needs, such as a health condition, learning disability or if the student is an adult, these should be addressed when first inquiring about lessons or during the audition-interview. It is acceptable to inquire about the teacher’s experience in an area of special consideration.

Music lessons are a long-term investment. Taking the time in advance to find a teacher that is qualified, has a good track record, “clicks” with the student and shares a complementary vision with the student’s family goes a long way to making the relationship a harmonious one.

Sources:

Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association website and Membership Renewal Package (accessed June 30, 2010).

Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations (accessed June 30, 2010).

Music Teachers National Association (accessed June 30, 2010).

Originally published on Suite101 on June 30, 2010. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Free Websites to Help With Music Theory or Music Rudiments

A guide to some useful websites available online to help musicians, students and teachers with music theory assignments, exam or college preparation.

Musical theory knowledge gives musicians a deeper understanding of the music they are playing. In his article for the Easy Music Theory website entitled "Why You NEED Music Theory", Gary Ewer, B. Mus. says that music theory allows "you to communicate your musical ideas, and to explore music in ways you have never experienced before."

Once music students reach the intermediate level of their musical studies, music theory is a co-requisite to their music examinations. Recognized music conservatory such as the Royal Conservatory of Music/National Conservatory of Music of America, Conservatory Canada, London College of Music or the Canadian National Conservatory of Music offer theory examinations from Preliminary Rudiments to Advanced Harmony and Analysis. Recognizing the importance of music theory, many of the beginner method books currently on the market incorporate music theory at an early stage of a student's musical development.

The following is a compilation of some websites available on the Internet to help with music theory:

Music Theory Tutorials, Trainers and Music History Websites

Two websites that offer numerous tutorials, trainers and information are Ricci Adams' Musictheory.net and Music Notes' Music Theory.

Software engineer Ricci Adams developed and launched Ricci Adams' Musictheory.net in 2000. The site offers flash presentations under "Lessons", covering various areas of Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Music Rudiments as well as Beginning Music Harmony. Lessons are broken down in the following sections: Staff and Clefs, Note Values, Dots, Ties, Time Signatures, Accidentals, Scales, Key Signatures, Intervals, Diminished Chords, Augmented Chords, major/minor chords, Half Diminished Chords, Seventh Chords and the Circle of Fifths. The covers material in Preliminary Rudiments up to Advanced Music Harmony. It also includes Trainers and manuscript paper. The note reading trainers are good for beginner students.

Music Theory is site offers tutorials on preliminary to advanced rudiments: Note Reading, Pitch, Values, Meter, Intervals & Scales, Key Signatures, Figured Bass, Chords and Symbols and Expression marks. The glossary is helpful to both music students and teachers alike. This site goes one step further than Ricci Adams by including information on musical styles, history, professions, instruments and games.

For visual learners, The Music Theory Minute is extremely useful. It offers free one-minute video tutorials on music theory. This site is ideal for visual learners. It covers the basic core principles as well advanced theory tutorials on Secondary Dominants, Cadences, Suspensions and modulations. Students can even email Dr. Jack a theory question and he will reply.

Free and Subscription Music Theory Resources Online

There are several music websites that offer free and subcription services to music teachers and students. Emusictheory and Teoria are two such sites.

Emusictheory offers 10 theory concepts that students can explore online for free under "Free Resources", including: Note Names, C-Clef Note Names, Piano Keys, Guitar Frets, Violin Fingering, Viola Fingering, Double Bass Fingering, Intervals, Chords and Scales. The creators are working on Key Signatures, chord functions, support for bass and treble clef, just to name a few. Under the "drills" section, students can study key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, chord functions.

Teachers can purchase an account that allows them to register students in Emusictheory, as well as assign, mark and track online theory assignments.

On the web since 1997, Teoria is the 2006 MERLOT Classical Award in music. It offers tutorials on: Reading Music, Intervals, Scales, Chords, Harmonic Functions and Musical Forms. Where this shines is in the interactive exercise section where students can do drills in all areas of music theory, from beginner to advanced, and from classical music theory to jazz music theory. There is also a musical reference section and articles on analysis and theory, analysis by composer, and instruments.

Students and teachers can become a member (there is a cost for teachers) and teachers can assign, mark and track assignments. Purchasing a membership makes all tutorials available.

This list is just a sampling of music theory websites. The websites listed contain a wealth of information to aid in understanding music theory, from preliminary rudiments up to advanced theory subjects such as counterpoint, harmony, history and analysis. These sites are of great benefit to music students studying for a theory examination, applying to a post-secondary music program or recreational music students. They also benefit music teachers by providing supplemental material to use for assignments and music theory lessons.

Originally published on Suite101.com on April 14, 2010. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Music Examination Systems in Canada

An overview of the music conservatories used in Canada and the music examination boards, including RCM, ConCan and CNCM.

Music examinations have played an intrinsic role in Canadian music education since Confederation. Music teachers, music students and their parents can benefit from learning more about the various curricula available so as to adopt a system that complements the teachers’ vision and the students’ goals.

The Royal Conservatory of Music – Canada’s Oldest Music Examining Board

The Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto (RCM) was established in 1886. Notable alumni include 15-time Grammy Award winner David Foster, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and jazz legend Oscar Peterson.

Preparatory to Grade 10 practical examinations are available for all brass, percussion (including piano), strings and woodwind instruments, as well as accordion, speech arts and voice. Exams are offered for all levels of music theory and musicianship.

Associate Teacher/Performer (ARCT) and Licentiate (LRCM) certification are available. High school accreditation is granted for Grades 6 – 8.

Examinations can be taken worldwide in December/January, April, May/June or August. In the US, RCM Examinations is known as the National Music Certificate Program.

For practical exams, students prepare four to seven contrasting pieces from different musical periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism/Late-Romantic and Modern Classical). They are also tested on aural, sight reading, rhythm and technical proficiency.

Traditional and Contemporary Music Examinations Through Conservatory Canada

Conservatory Canada (ConCan) is a merger between two regional conservatories that stemmed from amalgamations of older systems:the Western Ontario Conservatory of Music (founded in 1891) and the Western Board of Music (established in 1934).

Grade 1 – 10 Traditional practical examinations are offered for all brass instruments, clarinet, classical guitar, flute, organ, piano, saxophone, teacher development, violin, viola, violoncello and voice. Associate Teacher/Performer (ACCM) and Licentiate Teacher/Licentiate Performer (LCCM) certification are available. ConCan also offers music examinations for Levels 1 – 10 in piano, guitar and voice through its Contemporary Idioms syllabus.

Examinations are held throughout Canada in February, June and August. Partial examinations are available for the higher grades. Music theory exams are available for all levels.

Conservatory Canada offers recital assessment, teacher development and mini-lessons with the examiner. Students can apply their examination marks for high school credits in music.

Music students prepare six to eight contrasting pieces, from Baroque to 21st Century Classical for Traditional examinations. They prepare four contrasting pieces for Contemporary Idioms, ranging from ragtime to rock. They are also graded on improvisation and lead sheet playing.

For both formats, students must perform a supplemental piece. They can select one song from the other program, improvise or perform their own composition. Technical tests also assess fluency of chords, as well as jazz scales, church modes, whole tone, pentatonic and octatonic scales (much more than just traditional major/minor scales). Bonus marks are awarded if one piece is performed with a CD back-track or live jazz musicians. Aural, sight reading, harmonization, rhythm, transposition and musical knowledge are also graded.

Comprehensive Exams Through the Canadian National Conservatory of Music (CNCM)

CNCM was founded in 2002. Introductory Level – Grade 10 practical exams are offered for piano and voice (strings program in development). Certification is available in Early Childhood Music Education, Pedagogy, Associateship in Music (A. Mus.), Licentiate in Music (Lic. CNCM) and Fellowship.

Students can take a Performance Exam, where they perform a full recital programme for the examiner, family and friends (other components are tested separately). Alternately, students can take a Workshop Examination, in which all requirements are performed privately for an examiner. The parents and the teacher can attend the interactive workshop.

Students can do a “theme examination”, such as an all-Disney recital or a Canadian composer programme. As with all music examinations, solo performance is graded. However, it is possible to perform a collaborative work, such as a piano duet or a jazz combo in a theme examination.

Students must prepare at least seven works and one encore. Aural, vocalization, sight reading, harmonization, rhythm, transposition, improvisation and musical knowledge are also assessed.

Music examinations are held throughout Canada in February, May/June and August. Partial exams are available. Music theory testing is offered for all levels. CNCM has applied for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition to grant high school accreditation.

Some Canadian music teachers and students follow a British curriculum. Two popular conservatories are the London College of Music and Media (LCM) and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM).

Each music conservatory has something to offer; therefore it is impossible to say that one is “the best”. Music teachers contemplate several factors when deciding which system(s) to use, from their teaching philosophies and approach to their students’ skills, aptitude, interest and commitment level. These grading systems and curricula offer music teachers and students a broad spectrum in music education.

Sources:

Canadian National Conservatory of Music. Canadian National Conservatory of Music Piano Syllabus. Markham: Mayfair Montgomery Publishing, 2002.

Conservatory Canada. Conservatory Canada Piano Syllabus, 1999 Edition. Waterloo: Waterloo Music, 1999.

The Royal Conservatory of Music. he Royal Conservatory of Music Official Examination Syllabus, 2008 edition. Mississauga: The Frederick Harris Music Co. Ltd., 2008.

Official Syllabi of The Royal Conservatory of Music: Popular Selection List, 2011 Edition - An Addendum to the Piano Syllabus, 2008 Edition

(2011 Edition). By The Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. For Piano. This edition: 2011. Piano. Official Syllabi of The Royal Conservatory of Music. Level 1-9 (Level 1-9). Book. 36 pages. Published by The Frederick Harris Music Company (FH.S34)

...more info

A Look at Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart

Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart can help music students learn how to play the piano when they are unable to be near their instrument.

I picked up one of these for the fun of it. However, it has proven to be a handy practice aid not just for my piano students, but for me as well. If you're going away on a trip, or need extra work on your keyboard geography, this music aid is worth checking out.

What is Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart?

It's a simple fold-out piano keyboard made out of card-stock. One side has Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart. If you're struggling a bit with note reading or keyboard geography, this really breaks it down for you: The note on the staff is printed right on the matching note on the keyboard.

Flip it over and you get Alfred's Basic Practice Keyboard. It's just the piano keys, all 88 of them. Full-sized too.

Ideas on How to Use Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart

The first time I used this keyboard chart was when I was on a trip. I wasn't sure if I would have access to a piano and couldn't afford to not practice.

It was a true test to how well I knew my pieces by taking away one of my senses (hearing). I had to rely more on muscle memory and analytical memory.

Since then, I've picked up two or three "cardboard keyboards" for my students to borrow when they are away. Their biggest complaint is that they can't hear anything. I usually respond by telling them about some of the great Russian pianists who practiced mostly on a cardboard keyboard. If they can do it, then they can too.

This year, I started using it with my students who need to work on their keyboard geography. On the keyboard chart side, I labeled the notes by their keyboard number, e.g. Low C is C2. Middle C is C4.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly About Alfred's Keyboard Chart

The good: Alfred's Keyboard Chart is compact. The four panels fold up so that it's approximately 5-1/2 inches by 12 inches. Perfect to stuff in a binder or a suitcase.

The bad: It doesn't show how notes are notated two lines above or below the staff. Nor does it show bass clef ledger line notes above Middle C or treble clef ledger line notes below middle C.

The ugly: Why are the note names and notes on the staff written upside down on the keys? Wouldn't be easier for visual learners if they were printed facing the same direction?

Alternatives to Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart

Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart is not the only cardboard keyboard on the block. You could also buy Hal Leonard's Keyboard Chart (approx. $1.99 USD), which tops the Amazon Best Seller List for keyboard charts. There is also Willis Music Reference and Keyboard Chart (approx. $1.76 USD). At $3.95 USD, Alfred's is the most expensive in the market.

If you want to go more high-tech, there are roll-up rubber practice keyboards, like this one:

Some are battery operated and/or come with a power adaptor. Others plug into your computer or tablet via USB.

Where to Buy Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart

You can buy Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart online from Amazon or Sheet Music Plus (below):

look inside

Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart Composed by Willard A. Palmer and Bill Hughes. Piano - Teaching Supplement; Posters/Charts; Resources. Other. Alfred Music #00-196. Published by Alfred Music (AP.196).

Most local music stores carry this keyboard chart as well. In Canada, music students can check out Long & McQuade, Empire Music and Tom Lee Music.

Alfred's Basic Keyboard Chart - The Verdict

It's simple. It's compact. It's relatively inexpensive. In short, it does the trick when you are away and need to practice piano. It can help you study your note-reading and keyboard geography, if you're OK with having the keyboard upside down in relation to the note names and staff.