Making Music Memorably in the Midst of your Music Lesson

It has happened more than once, more than twice, more than three times, more than.... It is that moment in a music lesson where the student and teacher have made music memorably. And I have experienced it with this year's summer students more than any other season over the past 3 years. This is the kind of music-making that is 100% playing and/or singing in the present moment; all the while losing the perfectionistic box of rules. Rules that are displayed on the score so that we all speak the same language, but cannot be the primary motivation for making those notes come to life. It is only the real live musician who can translate what they see to what they play or sing. And it is the real live musician who makes art; art that transcends the page!

As the summer session comes to a close this week, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what happened, who made it happen, why it was so special, when will it happen again:

What happened? 
Students showed up to their lessons having practiced their music at home during the week. They were ready to show off their work! Supportive parents drove them to their lesson and praised the good work their son or daughter had accomplished during the week. Students were then able to make music memorably.

Who made it happen?
Real live musicians!

Why was it so special?
Sometimes in the midst of teaching lots and lots of students, particularly beginner students, the musical pendulum swings more toward the rules. However, this summer that pendulum swung more to the magic of music-making.

When will it happen again?
I have been a music teacher for 36 years so I know about what happens when the new school year begins. The curricular and extra-curricular activities add competing interests to a student's schedule. But remember what I said about making music memorably? It will be my challenge for each of my students: 1) Remember what you accomplished.  2) Make a new musical memory at each lesson.
3) Find the magic in your art, the only art that is uniquely made by YOU!

New students: Contact me for more information about the year ahead! Fall Session begins 9/6/2016.
610-608-7194
eeschutz@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/EstherSchutzPianoStudio/

April Showers Bring May Flowers

And so the old saying goes, April Showers Bring May Flowers. I love looking out my window seeing so many beautiful flowering trees. It is such a joy to finally be in the wonderful season of Spring! It also is the seaon of performances! I am looking forward to my music students having an opportunity to share their music with an audience. I call it a PARTY: A fun celebration among friends and family! The discipline of going to a weekly music lesson, practicing at home, memorizing notes,  and facing challenges finally pays off in a big way!!!  

I am so proud of each and every one of my students as they make final preparations for sharing their music. Keep up the good work dear students. It will make the PARTY that much more fun and you will know the joy of goals achieved!

610-608-7194        eeschutz@gmail.com                                                              

Private music lessons for students ages 5-95 taught by Mrs. Esther Schutz, M.Ed.                       Weekly 30-minute lesson for beginner thru advanced levels                                                          
$25.00 per lesson/$22.00 for Avon Grove Charter School students/$20.00 for Senior Adults (55+)

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                         

Esther Schutz Piano Studio 88-Keys of Possibilities:                                                                    
Creating a space where each student will enjoy learning to play the piano at their own pace.        

                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                            

Mrs. Schutz has been playing the piano since the age of 11. She thinks anyone can learn to play the piano if given the time and tools to match their individual learning style. She has been a music teacher since 1980 in both public and private schools. She recently retired from her 8-year chapter as Music Teacher for the Avon Grove Charter High School in order to devote more time to teaching voice, piano, guitar, bass, and woodwind lessons in her private studio.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Marching Into March

So it's official! We have marched into March! That time of year when hints of spring and ole man winter play a duet! And that reminds me of how much fun it is to play piano duets, also known as 4-hands 1-piano duets. Many of the piano lesson method books have a part for the student to play and an accompanying part for the teacher or a friend to play!
If you would like to join in on the joy of learning to play the piano or keyboard or organ or guitar or any woodwind instrument, then there's no time like the present. I am inviting you to learn how to play some marches  (and lots of other styles of music as well) as we march into March! There are a few openings for Monday evening Piano Lessons at my home studio. Please call or text 610-608-7194.