Recital Dates, Music Theory Books

 Hello Studio Families!

I hope you are all doing well!  We had a wonderful Summer Break since Amanda and her family were able to visit.  I finally got to meet my very first granddaughter, Anya!  Here is a picture of all of us on the 4th of July. 

As a music studio, we have been doing a great job learning Music Theory and Scales and Arpeggios, especially as many of us continue distant learning.  There are a few books that I would like to suggest everyone get if you are at the end of Book 1 or in Book 2 or above (about 5th grade or above in school).  One is a music theory book called Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory  This book will teach everyone important rules and theories of music as they go beyond beginner and get into more advanced levels. 

Also, I always start out teaching scales, arpeggios and chords as part of our warm-ups.  I think it is great ear training to learn them by rote.  But as students learn the three minor scales of each key signature and need to know all the chords involved in each key things get a little more complicated learning it by rote.  So another great book to have as a reference is The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios and Cadences.  This one is for piano students but it is good knowledge for all instruments.

Some other book ideas for when we need a change from the main book:

Disney Latest Hits

Showtime Piano Disney

Ukulele Aerobics

Ukulele Celtic World Collection

Let me know if you find any other interesting books! 

Recitals:  Students have begun asking me when the next recital will be.  I have decided to continue with Zoom Recitals at this time.  I don't know when the Retirement Homes will be ready for us again.  I have looked into renting out the park across the street from my house.  Would anyone be interested in doing a recital in the park?  Does anyone have any other ideas?  I'd love to do an outdoor recital if anyone has any ideas of a large enough place for us! I'm open to suggestions so let me know what you think!

For now we will plan on these dates for Zoom Recitals and I will let you know if anything changes.

Saturday, August 21, 11 am

Saturday, September 18, 11 am

Saturday October 30, 11 am

Saturday, December 11, 11 am

Winter Break : December 20-31, Lessons will resume January 3.

Thank you all for being such great families, dedicated to your students' education.  I appreciate all of you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Tonya

--

Strings, Keys, and Melodies

http://www.stringskeysandmelodies.com

916 812-2875

In-Person and Zoom Lessons Are Available

     It has been awhile since I have updated our blog!  Throughout the pandemic, the studio has continued to have lessons through Zoom.  We also had monthly recitals on Zoom, which has been a great way to continue to share our music with everyone while staying safe!  I think the Zoom recitals have been great and we will probably continue to have Zoom recitals in the future even after everything has gone back to normal.  I am so thankful for the parents who have continued with music lessons for their families!  The students have worked hard this year even when it was hard and all have grown musically!

     I wanted to let everyone know that we have begun having in-person lessons for those students and families that are ready to do that.  Not everyone is ready and that is fine!  So we will continue to do Zoom lessons.

    Zoom lessons are here to stay!  They are very useful for those times when rides to lessons have fallen through or when a student or family member isn't feeling well and doesn't want to pass the germs on to me!  So, even when a student has started to come in-person, zoom lessons will be available whenever it is more convenient.

    I do have a few spots available for new students to join us for the summer.  So contact me to set up a time to meet me and discuss music!

Sincerely,

Ms. Tonya