“There should be music in the child’s environment, just as there does exist in the child’s environment spoken speech. In the social environment the child should be considered and music should be provided.”
— Maria Montessori
Group A: Mila, Letizia, Lauren, Emi
Group B: Quinn, Olive, Emily, Enya, Noah
I want to give parents and children a big pat on the back for continuing piano at home. You’ve learned so much already this school year, and it’ll be fun to build on your knowledge to finish this year of piano.
Here are my tips to keeping your time productive and positive:
• Prepare your space with the packet of music and writing pages. Put them in a 3-ring binder to stay organized and so the sheet music stays on the music stand. Keep your space free from distraction (as much as possible), including toys, TV, background music and siblings (sometimes they are helpful, so use your best judgment).
• Prepare your materials, including binder with sheet music, a pencil, 8 standard color crayons and a device (with sufficient battery life or plugged in) to watch the lesson video. You may also want to use headphones with your device, and find a good balance of sound between the video and piano/keyboard. Try one headphone on, one off so you can hear your keyboard.
• Prepare yourself for learning. It’s harder to focus and push through challenges when you’re hungry or tired. Pick a time in your daily schedule that you designate for piano and keep your appointment.
• Prepare to be flexible. If you need to take a day off or move your practice time to another time of day, that is absolutely fine. That’s healthy too. There’s a good amount of material in the videos and it may be better for your child to complete the first half, then the other. Plan to be nearby and observe your child. What’s working? Is it time to stop and repeat the activity? Is it time for a break? Maybe stand up and jump up and down if she feels lethargic. Does he need more of a challenge? Be sensitive to how different this is from what your child is used to in an in-person, hands-on class, and make adjustments as needed.
• Prepare to collaborate in the process. These video lessons are the first I’ve made and “taught” and I want them to be useful and helpful. If you have feedback on ways to improve future video lessons, please share your constructive criticism so I can find ways to facilitate their learning and enjoyment of music. You can email me directly at erica@airshinemusic.com .
I’m so proud of you already!
-Miss Erica
Week 1
Group A
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4VMAw4rTwA&feature=youtu.be
Group B
Youtube Videos:
Getting to Piano Adventures app + Monster Bus Driver:
Week 2
Group A class review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bWeldcdDpA
Group B class review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ene5S4rTU