We have had another great year at Strings, Keys and Melodies!
Last Summer, we had several summer camps including Mind Craft - music theory games and Dancing with the Stars-a week of choreography and dance. We had a fun time learning and getting to know our fellow musicians.
In September we began our monthly incentive program. Each month we kept track of
Composing and Improvising
Learning New Songs,
New Scales, Arpeggios and Chords,
Listening challenges,
Memorized songs,
Rhythm cups and Boomwhackers,
Ear training,
Review Pieces,
Performing for others,
Naming and playing notes.
Every time a student completed 6 challenges they would get their name on the "completed list" for that month and received a prize from the prize box!
In October we held our first recital at The Meadows. The first recital of the year was a great success!
In December we held our recital at Camden Springs. The students did a great job composing and improvising Christmas and Winter inspired songs!
In January, each student wrote out the goals they wanted to complete this semester. It is exciting to check them off and see what they have accomplished!
In April we had another recital at The Meadows. Many people complimented our students on how they are improving and doing such a great job!
In May we will have our Spring Recital on the 21st at Camden Springs. Our theme for this recital is
J
azz, Blues and Ragtime. It will be great!
Besides
teaching
my private students, I taught Music and Movement Classes at Jessie Baker School in Elk Grove. The students at Jessie Baker range in age from 5 - 21 years old and have special needs. They love music and treat me like a rock star! In April, we had our Spring Fling. Each class chose a popular song. Then we put together dances and costumes to these songs which they performed for the entire school plus friends and family!
In June, I will be the guest at an annual banquet where I will be leading and teaching
songs and activities with Boomwhackers! Our students love Boomwhackers and I am excited to share these instruments with adults too! We will be doing songs but also rhythm activities that I plan on sharing with our students over the summer.
This summer, our students will continue to learn music theory with hands on games. We will continue to work on composing and improvising. We will also be focusing on rhythm cups and boomwhackers.
As a teacher, I will continue to look for new and exciting music teaching ideas, games and songs. I have several books that I plan on reading, including Intelligent Music Teaching. And I will continue to read and interact with other music teachers through blogs and other media. I have also been expanding my instrument collection to include autoharp, violin, ukulele and pennywhistle in addition to my piano, guitar and singing!
Thank you for being a part of our music family! I love making music together!
Sincerely,
Ms. Tonya