Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Learning Recorder

Would you believe that the recorder is an instrument that has been around since Medieval times? That was nearly 1500 years ago! And yet, through it's transformation from integral melodic instrument of the orchestra to beginning children's music instrument, the recorder is still relevant today.

Fourth grade students will begin to learn to play the recorder this year. Fifth and Sixth grade students will continue and grow upon their skills developed in past years. The recorder is an excellent instrument for the elementary music classroom because of it's ease in portibility as well as use. Anyone can learn to play the recorder!

Playing the recorder this year will not only help students become better music readers, but also more intelligent musicians all around. Students have to read rhythms and pitches while controlling their breath and fine motor skills in their fingers all while creating beautiful music. Success in learning to play the recorder is a wonderful boost to the self esteem of any child, even if he/she has taken private music lessons for years.

For students without private lesson experience, playing the recorder offers the opportunity for individual intervention in the development of their skills. By learning to play a solo, students are able to critically judge their own performance and receive individual attention from me.

Students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade have the opportunity to purchase a recorder of their own for $5.00 . I will continue to take orders through the end of September. The recorders come from Peripole Bergeralut and are an excellent quality instrument designed with students in mind. Please send cash or checks (made payable to Bluffsview PTA) to Mrs. Hogan by September 29th, 2010.

I strongly recommend the purchase of a recorder for your child. This will be an instrument that he/she will continue to use for the rest of their time with me in music at Bluffsview Elementary. Having an instrument of their own means that your child will be able to practice at home and increase their skills even more. Please consider this small investment in your child's musical future.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Encouraging a Musical Child

So many times I am asked, "My child wants to take _______ lessons (insert instrument here...voice, piano, guitar, etc). Do you know any local teachers to recommend?"

I am always thrilled with these questions because I appreciate parents who want to encourage and foster musical growth in their children. I always refer parents to a few places, and want to share that same information here with you today.

Colonial Music in Worthington is a great place to start for a wide variety of musical needs. They have a running list of music teachers offering lessons in brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments as well as piano, guitar, and voice. They also offer instrument rentals and repairs, as well as a wide variety of methods books and sheet music. Their contact information is:
5598 North High St.
Worthington, OH
(614) 880-1000
www.musicarts.com

If you're soley looking for piano lessons, you may want to check out The Conservatory of Piano in Worthington:
60 Old West Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 436-6076
www.conservatoryofpiano.com

I hope that you find this information useful!