Now What?

So your student (or you) has been working hard to learn how to play piano, or guitar, or take vocal lessons.  It’s always important to know there is always something more, some new way to share the music your student learns, to make new friends, to experience ensembles (playing together with other students), to participate in recitals, auditions and even Royal Conservatory Examinations!  All these and more are available!  It just depends on what you are ready for and what appeals the most.  Some cannot wait to play in the first recital, while others are more hesitant, or want to go observe a recital in person first.    Our lessons here at Dee’s Music Room are tailored to fit the individual goals and desires of each student.  This experience is all about your student and what he or she wants to accomplish.  This is true all the time.  So what opportunities do we have now?

Exams and Auditions:  Teachers and organizations such as Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) are busy adjusting and continuing with competitions and exams.  Students in our studio participated recently in RCM exams online, and we found out that organization has actually been offering that option for more advanced students for quite some time!  So, they just stepped up and made it available to everyone.  Guild – The National Piano Playing Guild of Piano Teachers – is adapting this year as well.  All students who wanted to play an audition in person or online auditions can get the same feedback and support for the Guild Judge and teacher as we have in previous years.   MTNA hosts competitive events throughout the year!

Recitals:  We are finding new ways to share music.  On our new website we are sharing individual videos of students who participated in RCM Exams, Guild auditions and our graduating seniors!  Open Zoom recitals are available for everyone – you send us your video and we watch them together in 10 student families on Zoom!  That way we get the clapping and rush of performance even when things are a little different these days!

Theory Classes:  Many of our students involved in RCM exams have theory exam requirements to move on to new levels.  We host theory classes for everyone, and do a lot of classes during the summer when school is out.  Online is making these opportunities new, different, and even easier to access!  

Singing Groups:  Yes, we usually offer small singing groups to give budding vocalists a chance to sing their favorite pop and movie songs in a group and even create their own choreography.  This summer will give us a chance to use new software and utilize Zoom in our group classes.  You will have a link to listen to and play back the songs we are working on together…..  

Composition Competition:  We have several students who enjoy creating music!  And, they learn so much while composiing, and some even find they have to learn how to play their own compositions!  With even more digital resources, there are even more possibilities!  There are national composition competitions hosted by MTNA, so anything you create during the summer is eligible to be entered for that competition.

Talent Show:  A Zoom Talent Show this summer is definitely going forward!  With the Zoom access and Youtube support, the possibilities for any type of performance – solo or ensemble – Is possible! 

Another Instrument?  With our new website we plan to open opportunities to learn new instruments, and are busy visiting with qualified teachers interested in coming on board with our staff.  If you have an instrument you really want to learn in addition to the guitar, voice, piano, violin, and viola that are already offered, please send Dee an email.  We’ll be happy to let you know when a teacher of that instrument might be accepting students!

Study on!  Enjoy and have fun!