Little Musicians are Going Around the World!

Starting in September, our Little Musician classes will be going Around the World!  The goal of each thematic unit is to study a people through its music, songs, dances, stories and celebrations.

 

 

September and October- Classes will focus on the music of the British Isles: England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.  Music will include London Bridge, Oranges and Lemons, My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, Cockles and Mussels and The Ash Grove, plus many others.  We will listen to samples of Bagpipes and the Irish Harp and even dance the Blarney Boys Jig! 

 

Bring the theme home with you!  Make this Irish Soda Bread with your children!

 

Irish Soda Bread

(Bake in 8" round buttered cake pan)

• Sift together the following dry ingredients in a large bowl:

     2 cups sifted all purpose flour

     1 1/2 tsp baking powder

     1/2 tsp baking soda

     1/2 tsp salt

     1 TBSP sugar

• Cut 1/4 cup chilled butter or shortening into the flour mixture until crumbly.
• Stir in 1/2 - 1 cup raisins/currants
• Mix 1 beaten egg with 2/3 cup buttermilk.
• Add to the dry ingredients, stirring well.
• Knead briefly and place in pan, pressing dough down to fill it.
• Cut a bold cross 1/2" deep over the top and sides.  Brush with milk.

Bake 35-40 minutes at 375 F.

Cut into wedges to serve with butter or preserves.

 

 

Look forward to the other themes this year:

November/December - Native Americans

January/February - Germany

March/April - African-American Heritage

 

 

Looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday at our first Family Music Night!  Saturday, September 3, 5:45-7pm.  Cost is a canned donation for our local food bank! 

 

Your children are a joy to teach!  It is wonderful to see a love a music grow and grow in each child!  I am looking forward to a really fun and learning filled year!

 

Feel free to contact me any time you have a question or concern.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ms.Tonya

tonya@elkgrovemusiclessons.com

812-2875

Watch our guitar students perform!
http://ping.fm/VX4br

Check out our singing students at their June Recital!
http://ping.fm/kaKfr

Little Musicians! We make Music for Life.

Music for Ages 2 to 6 year olds

The preschool music classes are designed to help your children become well-rounded music makers!

Activities include:

• recognizing and reading rhythms and patterns
• listening and singing major and minor tones
• learning call and response songs and fingerplays
• playing instruments
• guided listening
• and using the body to interpret music.

Call for the schedule of class at NewSongs!
weekly classes:  $75 per month per child

Ms. Tonya will come to your school!
weekly classes:
$240 per month per classroom

2 classes per month:
$120 per month per classroom

Books Alive! Spotlight Theater: Summer Sessions

Each class will feature a story and song from a classic story character such as Nancy Drew, The Phantom of the Opera, Amelia Bedilia and Fancy Nancy.

Student contribute by:

• helping to write scripts
• create choreography
• help with costumes
• and take ownership of their showcase production!

Taking summer vacations?  No problem!

Each class is a self-contained scene so you can participate in as many or as few as your schedule allows.

Thursdays
June 2 through August 4

Each class is a new scene and song!

Singing track:
K-3rd:  Thursdays 4 to 5:15pm
4th-12th grade:  Thursdays 5:15 to 6:30pm

Acting track:
K-3rd:  Monday 4 to 5:15pm
4-12th:  Monday 5:15 to 6:30pm

Tuition:
$20 per class

5 Classes $90

Full summer $170

May Newsletter

May 2011   

NOTE:  We will be closed May 30th for Memorial Day and lessons will be rescheduled
Thank you
A huge "Thank You" to everyone who helped and participated in our Western Festival parade entry this year.  We are proud to show our community the passion and energy our students have for learning music.  It demonstrates your ongoing commitment to helping you students learn and grow with us, and our entire staff here at Newsongs is grateful to have the chance to work with you and your family.

Here are some cool new things going on in the piano Dept.:

Piano students:  we're going to "Disneyland"

This article about our music school ran in the local paper last week!
---
Story:
They’re going to ‘Disneyland’
Local music school launches themed program
NewSongs School of Music in Elk Grove is taking their piano students on a trip to Disneyland - minus the overpriced tickets and the one-hour wait in line at Space Mountain.
No, the students are not attempting to raise funds for an actual trip to the fantasyland of zip-a-dee-do-dah's. But, they will be embarking on a special adventure of Disney-themed music activities all year long.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2011/04/19/lifestyle/doc4dae2832ec62c453805947.txt

"It's a Small World"
As a supplement to their learning, students can learn music from around the world right on their computer.  Our "Small World" YouTube videos features clips from the ride, mixed with easy-to-follow piano versions of folk songs.  Strong auditory ("play-be-ear") learners will do especially well, and then you can show off to your teacher and we can focus on non-reading aspects of piano playing, such as rhythm, posture, and technique.  Find the videos here:

http://youtu.be/0J13nQKjshU

http://youtu.be/O0NDJiE6toE


"Wonderland Warmups"

Speaking of technique, many of our students have already started the "Alice In Wonderland" piano technique exercises.  Find more help with them in these videos, featuring Alice and the Mad Hatter in person at the piano

http://youtu.be/LLF6-6WNFEs

http://youtu.be/OsfFR5AKluw


Watch your email for more information about our summer programs running all summer long!

NewSongs School of Music
10471 Grant Line Rd #100
916-714-4544
elkgrovemusiclessons.com

Important Parade Information!!!

WHEN:  Parade participants in the Western Festival Parade on April 30 need to meet us AT the staging area at 9 am. 

WHERE:  We are, at this time, given number 19 in the parade and will be waiting on School street off of Elk Grove Blvd (just West of Waterman road).  We should be approximately between Yount and Voos Ct. on School Street.  The parade will end at Elk Grove High School. 

PARKING:  You will not be able to park at the staging area (there are several parking lots on the corner of Elk Grove Blvd and Waterman, so you can park your vehicle after dropping students off if you like).  Please coordinate with friends to have a vehicle waiting at the parade end point and return you if you left a car at the parade start point.  Note that you will not be allowed back in the staging area after 9:45 am because the parade starts at 10 am.

HOW LONG:  The parade typically takes at least 2 hours so anticipate finishing between noon and 1 most likely. 

PIZZA PARTY:  Students will be dismissed from the end of the parade route if you like, but we will also be hosting an after-party with pizza at Newsongs after the parade (please note students will need a ride over), and we will also need help unloading our float.

NEWSONGS SHIRTS OR WESTERN:  We have ordered NewSongs T-shirts in child and adult sizes.  You may sign up for one in the lobby, and we will be distributing the shirts at the float just before the parade.  Suggested donation for shirts is $7.50.  If you would not like to wear a NewSongs shirt, then "western" themed clothing is best.  Cowboy hats are encouraged ::  (Speaking of which, Mr. Michael needs to borrow an adult sized hat that looks appropriate for "Woody" from Toy Story--please let me know if you can help me out)

Western Festival is this Saturday!

Dear Families
Welcome back from Spring Break!

Remember, THIS Saturday, April 30th, we will be participating in the Western Festival Parade.  ALL students are invited to walk with our float!

It's not too late to dress up in the "Toy Story" theme if you would like to contact me about your costume idea.  Otherwise, you may also want to get a NEW T-Shirt.  We have colorful orange shirts that proudly say "Music Maker" on the front, with NewSongs info on the back.  Shirts are available for $7.50.  (You can claim one on the signup form this week, but the shipment is coming in right before the parade and we will distribute at the float site).

We still need volunteers to help construct our simple float on Friday morning or afternoon.  Please contact me if you can help.

Students with Saturday lessons PLEASE contact us ASAP to reschedule your lesson if you have not done so already, because we would hope to have you come in during this week if possible.

I hope you are as excited as I am.  Please let me know any further questions.
Also please support our students that are performing next to Rhoades School and the swimming pool in Elk Grove Park on the Western Idol stage on Sunday at 11am.

And lastly...did you see the article about NewSongs Disneyland-themed piano program in the Elk Grove Citizen on April 20th?  If not, see it here
http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2011/04/19/lifestyle/doc4dae2832ec62c453805947.txt

NewSongs has been featured in the Elk Grove Citizen!

They’re going to ‘Disneyland’

School director, Michael Hemsworth (far right), aims to make practicing music fun with new Disney curriculum.

Local music school launches themed program

By Raina LeGarreta - Lifestyle & Arts Editor

Published: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 5:38 PM PDT

NewSongs School of Music in Elk Grove is taking their piano students on a trip to Disneyland - minus the overpriced tickets and the one-hour wait in line at Space Mountain.

No, the students are not attempting to raise funds for an actual trip to the fantasyland of zip-a-dee-do-dah’s. But, they will be embarking on a special adventure of Disney-themed music activities all year long.

“Practicing (music) is going to be a lot of hard work no matter what,” said Michael Hemsworth, a teacher and the school director at NewSongs. “So making it an enjoyable, fun experience for the students will help them achieve more.”

For five years, NewSong has held the motto “Music for Life” and continues to help young students “Inspire, Create, and Learn” music.

Hemsworth knows that many students can suffer from music lesson burnout, so the school has always included different programs to keep them interested in continuing to perfect their crafts.

This time, Hemsworth, an avid fan of Disneyland, came up with the idea of adding a new Disney-themed curriculum to the school. Geared to elementary and middle school aged piano students, The Disneyland Music Passport program contains activities that were designed with the traditional piano instruction model in mind, but with the addition of a fun and creative twist.

In this program, students will be able to “visit” lands like Fantasyland or the Haunted Mansion by doing warm-up exercises or playing duets of themes from the classic Disney areas. In each land, they will learn music theory and how to compose and improvise music.

Students will have the opportunity to perform solos such as the Mickey Mouse March or the Indiana Jones theme. They will also be able to learn the vocabulary for different tempos in music by going through note naming flashcards on Space Mountain.

“I wanted to tie learning into something they already knew and enjoyed,” said Hemsworth of the students.

Disney has supported the new program by sending packs of park maps and Mickey Mouse stickers to the school. The adventures will begin this month.

“I think this will make learning music more memorable for the students,” Hemsworth said.

For more information on The Disneyland Music Passport program, you can visit NewSong’s website at http://www.elkgrovemusiclessons.com/

 

True Colors: Art Discovery

Summer Music Sessions are Coming!

A friendly and fun place to make music and watch your student grow.

June 6 to August 12, 2011

• Piano Camp

A "vacation" to Disneyland, featuring fun piano activities that teach students basic skills or reading and making music at the piano

Mon-Thurs 12:30 to 2pm  $99

• Summer Strumming:

6 week intro to guitar featuring popular songs of yesterday and today.

Tues 5:30, Wed 4:30, Sat 1 pm  $109

• Glee Choir

• Spotlight Musical Theater

• String Ensemble

Learn to play American and Irish folk music as well as classical music (6 weeks)

Sat 12-1 pm  $99

• Toddler and Preschool Music

Ignite a love of music in your little ones.

Thurs at 2:30 and 3:30  $75 per month

Plus open registration for Drum, Voice, Piano, Guitar, Violin.

Discounts:  10% off all session when pre-registering by May 20th, 2011

10% off additional sibling registration

Gotta Dance! Practice music with your whole body!

When was the last time you turned on some music and boogied to the beat?

This is an extremely fun and important part of learning music!

Swaying to the pulse...marching to the beat...tapping to the rhythm...

all help musicians feel the natural pulse and beat of the song with their bodies.

Activity:  turn on your favorite music and start moving!

Skills:  Finding the pulse of the song and matching it with your body

Variations:  Find a scarf or ribbon to twirl with the music
                    Use sticks and tap out the beat
             

Vote for us! KCRA-A List!

Help us become Your Number One Music School!

Reminder- Spring Break Next Week!

Remember that NewSongs will be closed next week due to Spring Break!

April 17 - 23

Wishing you all a great week!



We Need You! Western Festival Parade! Rehearsal this Saturday!

We are looking for students to participate in the parade with us! 

We will be performing the songs "You've Got a Friend in Me,"  "Let's Get Together" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."

We will use recorded accompaniment and have students play along acoustic-style on guitar or violin.  See you teacher for music to learn.  And students will be singing as a group with a few assigned solos.

Students may also participate by simply walking with us in the parade!

Whole families are welcome.

There is a mandatory rehearsal on Saturday, April 16th from 10am to 1pm. 

Please sign up in the lobby and talk to your teacher!

Vote NewSongs for the Best Music School on the KCRA A-list!

Help us become the best music school in Sacramento!

Vote for us on the KCRA A-List.

Just click on the link below to cast your vote!

http://kcra.cityvoter.com/newsongs-school-of-music/biz/171439?r=em

Thank you!

Spring Break April 17-April 23 and the 30th

NewSongs will be closed the week before Easter, April 17-23.

We will also be closed on Saturday, April 30 for the Western Festival.

We hope you have a great Spring break!

Don't forget to practice!

Western Festival is Coming, April 30!!

We Need Your Help!
We are looking forward to having students participate in the Elk Grove Western Festival again this year!  The Western Festival Parade will be on Saturday, April 30th and we are looking for plenty of volunteers to help. 

Here are some of the things we need:

*A pickup truck capable of pulling a flatbed trailer float

*A driver for the truck

*Volunteers to help with float construction on Friday, April 29th, AM or PM

*A sound system for the float (and ideally, a "tech" person responsible for setting up and running it--this may be something that could be borrowed from a church, or a DJ friend?)
*Donations of water bottles, snacks for participants, etc

*Parents who will be walking in the parade that can help monitor/supervise

We hope to have 2 performance teams in the parade,

1.  A band including: one or more voice students, a drummer, guitarists, a bass player, and possible keyboard or violinist. 

2.  Plus an ensemble or drama/glee choir. 

The two will rotate performing in the parade, and possibly perform in the park after the parade.

Please contact your teacher or sign up if you are interested in performing in the band

Younger students are encouraged to walk in the parade even if not performing.  All walkers need a parent or guardian accompanying them.

Help us become Your Number One Music School!

"If I Ran the Zoo" Spotlight! Musical Theater Pictures

Spotlight! Musical Theater did a great job performing The Seussical "If I Ran the Zoo" on Saturday March 12, 2011.  They sang, danced, acted and made us laugh!  Be sure to check out the Spring Session starting this week!

Congratulations Everyone!

Spotlight! Musical Theater: New Session starting March 14!

Under the Sea

Classes begin Monday, March 14

Final showcase Saturday, May 28th

Come join favorite undersea characters in scenes and songs!

Drama students will learn about:

character movement

vocal expression

theaterical vocabulary

practices

teamwork

confidence 

creativity.

Vocal students will learn:

projection using safe techniques

create choreography

learn basic harmonies

how to support one another as cast members

Cast will participate in Elk Grove Western Festival on Saturday, April 30 

Singing Track:

K-3rd grade:  Thurs 4 to 5:15pm

4-12th grade:  Thurs 5:15 to 6:30pm

Acting Track:

K-3rd grade:  Mon 4 to 5:15pm

4-12th grade:  Mon 5:15 to 6:30pm

All students accepted, placement auditions for roles held in first class

Tuition: 

One track:  $155

Both tracks:  $275

Family discount available

http://www.elkgrovemusiclessons.com/

michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com

"If I Ran the Zoo" this Saturday, March 12

Spotlight! Musical Theater will be presenting the Dr. Seuss Musical Revue

"If I Ran the Zoo" this Saturday, March 12

6pm at Peace Presbyterian Church at 9145 Franklin Blvd, Elk Grove 95758

Come watch the students present original monologues and ensemble pieces themed around Dr. Seuss' beloved characters.

Meet Miss Marissa!

Miss Marissa loves to sing!  What else do you know about this voice teacher?

What do you do at NewSongs?

I am a voice teacher and a Little Musicians teacher.

Why do you sing?

I love to sing and I love to play the piano.

When did you start singing?

I started singing in front of people at age 10 in a 5th grade talent show.  And it has never stopped.

How often do you practice?

Every other day, as much as I can.

When did you start teaching?

At NewSongs, almost 2 years ago

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Knowing that my kids are learning, but also learning from my kids.  I enjoy them.

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I work at the gym.  I work in the child care.  I find different places to sing.  I act.  I love hanging out with my family and friends.

What do you do for fun?

Write songs

Read

Learn

Hang out with my family and friends

What was the best concert you ever went to?

Trans Siberian Orchestra

Who inspires you?

God

my mom

my sister

What are your dreams for your life?

To become a singer, travel the world and have everything I need.  I want to experience everything and take care of my mom, sister and family.

Miss Marissa's favorites:

Food:  Italian, Greek, Mexican

Color:  Green

Movie:  The Notebook

CD/Music:  Colby Cole, Natasha Bedingfield

Book:  If You Come Softly, Veil of Roses

Everyday Music Activities #10

Sing along with the radio, CD's, or on your own!

Singing is a great way to internalize musical concepts and brings families together.  If the music does not have words, make up your own or just sing "la-la's".

Extension:  Listen to any of the "Beethoven's Wig" CDs.  Sing along and use the lyrics to learn about the music and the composer.

Skills:  Singing

Meet Ms. Jan!

The first friendly face you will see as you step into NewSongs is our office manager, Ms. Jan!  Ms. Jan keeps everyone and everything organized with a beautiful smile on her face!

What do you do at NewSongs?

Office Manager

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I enjoy:

Writing classes - Christian Journalism

Travel

Great times with Grandchildren

Cooking for guests

The arts and museums in San Francisco, Italy, London, Paris

What do you do for fun?

I like to:

write

teach a Ladies Bible Study

Bicycle (I used to ride motorcycles)

Travel to Atlanta to see 2 other grandchildren

Read

Looking forward to sky jumping!

Friends!

What inspires you?

Scripture - always

Poems, songs

My three children

What are your dreams for your life?

To serve where ever needed

What is your favorite food?

Ethiopian!!



Everyday Music Activities #9

Make melodic musical instruments.  Make different notes by blowing into different size containers or plucking different types of strings.  You may find some ideas on this blog under the "activities" label.  Use your instrument to make your own song.

Extension:  Find other instruments in the orchestra or from around the world that make sounds the same way your instrument does.

Skills:  Classifying, composing melodies

Piano Guild Auditions!

The Guild Auditions consist of a program of memorized music played alone for a judge, who then gives detailed feedback on a "report card".  It is a good opportunity for students to review and show what they have accomplished this year and to hear from a person other than their teacher about what they are doing well, and ways they can improve.  Students also receive a pin and award certificate.
Our local audition times are Thursday afternoon April 28th, which gives us better time to plan ahead.  Fees for entry depend on the number of pieces in the program, but should range between about $30 and $50.  Programs can include songs that students already know and/or have memorized, as well as pieces we will learn for the auditions, and "musicianship phases"--demonstrations of skills such as playing sets of scales, chord, or exercises.
If you are interested in participating in the Guild Auditions this year please contact Mr. Michael before February 26th (michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com) or return this letter.  We will work together to complete the next steps to register students and choose a program to begin working on!  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  I look forward to giving our students a chance to learn and grow through this experience.

Meet Miss. Amber!

Who has been playing the piano since she was 8 years old?  Meet Miss Amber, one of NewSongs piano teachers.

What do you do at NewSongs?

I teach group and private piano classes from ages 6 all the way up.

Why do you play the piano?

I play the piano and wish I was talented enough to do them all but for right now I'm perfectly happy with piano.

When did you start?

I started when I was 8 years old in 3rd grade and my mom forced me to take lessons.  Good thing I ended up loving it.

How often do you practice?

1-2 hours a day.  I usually mess around and try to play songs by ear, radio songs or some old classics.

When did you start teaching?

I started teaching last May of 2010.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

I absolutely love working with kids.

What was the best concert you ever went to?

My first recital with my students. (I've never been to a concert otherwise!)

Who or what inspires you?

I'm inspired by the idea that there is no limit on the capacity that you can learn, explore, find and achieve.  My mom and dad tell me that a lot and it keeps me motivated in everything, not just piano.

What are your dreams for your life?

I want to get to college!  I'd love to continue teaching music and study either business or liberal arts.  We'll see I guess!  My real dream though is that whatever I end up doing, I'm happy.

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I play piano in the worship band at my church, both high school youth group and adult service.  I am also a full time high school student at Pleasant Grove High School (c/o 2012) and I volunteer teach 4th and 5th graders at my church.  I am also on the yearbook staff at my school.

What do you do for fun?

I write my own songs, take my little brother and sister out to lunch, play with my 2 adorable puppy dogs, go see new movies and buy shoes online.

Amber's favorites:

Food:  I absolutely love potatoe gnocchi's (It's Italian potatoe dumplings!  They're amazing.)

Color:  Aquarmarine

Movie:  Miss Congeniality

CD/Music:  Alternative Rock

Book:  Misery by Stephen King

News from NewSongs

Dear NewSongs families
We will be OPEN next Monday during Presidents Day.
VIOLIN and VOICE students in Artist (private) lessons have Group Classes this Saturday--double check with your teacher for times and information.
PIANO EXPLORER students interested in performing in the March 5th Recitals at NewSongs, please make sure to sign up or contact Ms Amber for details (amber@elkgrovemusiclessons.com)
Piano Guild audition applications are due this month for those who are interested (see the bottom of this letter)
And we have one more NEW performance opportunity coming up on Saturday, February 26th, in just over one week!  Read on--
We have been working for several weeks to schedule a performance at Sunrise Assisted Living in Elk Grove.  We finally got it--we are inviting students who would like to perform on Saturday, February 26th at 3 pm.
Students of ALL ages, instruments and ability are invited to play for the residents, who are a very warm and receptive audience.  The hall is not too large, so it is a good opportunity for students that may be nervous about performing for a large group.  We will only be able to accommodate about 15 performers and families so please sign up at NewSongs this week or contact Ms Jan or Mr Michael and we will get your name signed up.  We will also have an "interest list" of students, regardless of if they perform this month or not, would like to perform for senior centers in the future. We will contact you first about our next scheduled performance.  Students are invited to use 3 to 4 minutes to perform, so more than one piece or song is fine, and students can work with their teacher to choose music that they feel is "ready".
We look forward to helping our students share their musical gifts with others that so appreciate them.  Remember the performance is coming up on Saturday, February 26th at 2 pm.  Sunrise Assisted living is at (6727 Laguna Park Drive Elk Grove, CA 95758).  Please remember to sign up as soon as possible!
If you take piano lessons, read on!!
?
Dear Piano Families--
Spring is on its way and it is time to prepare for Piano Guild auditions!  Last year we had a disappointing experience with the Guild auditions, however I spent a good deal of time talking with the new chairperson and I am more confident that things will go smoothly this year.
The Guild Auditions consist of a program of memorized music played alone for a judge, who then gives detailed feedback on a "report card".  It is a good opportunity for students to review and show what they have accomplished this year and to hear from a person other than their teacher about what they are doing well, and ways they can improve.  Students also receive a pin and award certificate.
Our local audition times are Thursday afternoon April 28th, which gives us better time to plan ahead.  Fees for entry depend on the number of pieces in the program, but should range between about $30 and $50.  Programs can include songs that students already know and/or have memorized, as well as pieces we will learn for the auditions, and "musicianship phases"--demonstrations of skills such as playing sets of scales, chord, or exercises.
If you are interested in participating in the Guild Auditions this year please contact Mr. Michael before February 26th (michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com) or return this letter.  We will work together to complete the next steps to register students and choose a program to begin working on!  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  I look forward to giving our students a chance to learn and grow through this experience.

The Glass Xylophone

The is very easy to make but it can be very messy if you're not careful!  The glass xylophone teaches basic science concepts, composition and coordination.

Here's what you'll need:

• eight hi-ball glasses
• a plastic jug
• a syringe
• a small teaspoon.

Here's how you make it:

Arrange the glasses in a row (tape the bases down to make sure they don't tip) and give the child a small plastic jug and syringe and instruct them to fill the glasses with varying water levels to create a row of different pitches.

How you play it:

Strike gently with the teaspoon to make melodies; use two spoons for chords.


Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard

Meet Mr. Matthew!

Mr. Matthew is NewSongs newest guitar teacher.  Did you know his favorite food is brownies? 

What do you do at NewSongs?

I teach guitar.

Why do you play the guitar?

Because it allows me to express myself.

When did you start?

I started when I was 13.

How often do you practice?

I practice on a daily basis for multiple hours.

When did you start teaching?

I started teaching over the summer out of my house.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Seeing the kids' faces when the instrument finally clicks for them.

What was the best concert you ever went to?

I took a train to Reno and saw B.B. King

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I like to read, write, listen to, and play music religiously.

What do you do for fun?

I play guitar.  I don't have many other hobbies besides music.  I go downtown with Cameron and watch Jazz.

What are your dreams for your life?

My dreams are to reach out to everybody through music.

Mr. Matthew's favorites:

Food:  I have a weakness for brownies

Color:  blue

Movie:  Almost Famous

CD/Music:  Stevie Ray Vaughan, Texas Flood  Blues/Rock/Pop/Jazz

Book:  On the Road Jack Kervac



Don't Forget About Saturday Group Classes!

Remember that "Artist" students have group classes and workshops!

All private lesson students are invited to participate in group classes to help enhance and support their learning by working on special projects with others.

Write these times on your calendars!

Violin:  4th Saturdays @ 10am for beginning players and @ 11am for late beginner/early intermediate players

Voice:  3rd Saturdays @ 1:15pm

Guitar:  1st and 3rd Saturdays @ 11am

Piano:  weekly labs

Upcoming performances:
Ms. Amber's Piano Performance Club - Saturday, March 5
Guitar Performance Club - Saturday March 5
Spotlight Drama - March 12th at Peace Presbyterian

The Tube Kazoo

The tube kazoo is great for learning breath control and pitch technique and actually making it is good for coordination skills.

Here's what you'll need:

• a strong cardboard tube from a kitchen or bathroom roll
• wax paper
• an elastic band

Here's how you make it:

Fix the wax paper to one end of the tube and fasten tight with the elastic band around the tube.  Make a hole halfway up the tube (this makes playing it much easier as it lets the air escape).

How you play it:

Hum through the open end of the tube with your teeth apart, and lips slightly open.  This will make a great buzzing sound that will match the pitch of the tune you are humming.

This instrument is great for playing along to music as it is easy to pitch and makes an interesting sound.  You can experiment with using different lengths of tube for this instrument - the card tube from a roll of wrapping paper is particularly effective.

Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard

Meet Mr. Cameron!

Everyone wants to learn to play the drums!  Mr. Cameron loves the drums and does a great job teaching in a fun way!

Do you know Mr. Cameron's favorites?

What do you do at NewSongs?

I teach drums.

Why do you play the drums?

Because it is my life.  It's all I know how to do.

When did you start?

I started to play drums at the age of 2 years old.

How often do you practice?

I practice on my drum kit about 2-3 hours at a time.  But I also play gigs and play on a drum pad off and on the rest of the day.

When did you start teaching?

About 3 years ago.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

I love seeing students excited about playing.  Especially when they work hard and improve.

Who inspires you?

My drum teacher, Rick Lotter and players I look up to.  And my friend, Matthew.

What are your dreams for your life?

To be able to support myself by playing music professionaly.

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I play drums, teach at home and work at a movie theater.  And I am a full time student at Sacramento State.

What do you do for fun?

I like to go to downtown Sacramento and eat at restaurants where live Jazz is played.

Cameron's Favorites:

Food:  strawberries

Color:  purple

Movie: Grown Ups

CD/Music:  Jazz, CD-The Soothsayer by Wayne Shorter

Book:  Calvin and Hobbes :)



Everyday Music Activity #8

Make RHYTHM instruments!  This can be anything you hit that makes a sound.  Make a rhythm pattern by combining long and short sounds together with a steady beat.

Extension:  Make rhythm cards that represent long/short sound, or learn about standard notaiton and learn how to make a complete measure.

Skills:  Motor skills, math, learning rhythms

Meet Mr. Sam!

Do you want to be a rock star?  Then you better meet Mr. Sam and learn to play the guitar!

What do you do at NewSongs?

I teach guitar and music theory?

Why do you play the guitar?

Because I feel that it comes more naturally to me than other instruments.

When did you start playing?

When I was in Junior High in the summer of '99!

How often do you practice?

About 1 1/2 hours a day (excluding Sundays)

When did you start teaching?

I started teaching at the ripe old age of 18!

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Seeing my students' reaction when "everything clicks".

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I go to school at Anthem College to begin a side career in surgical technology!

What do you do for fun?

I record my music at home for fun!

Who or what inspires you?

• Seeing something that seems impossible made possible
• Learning a new music skill



What are your dreams for your life?

That I'd write music that is recorded and played worldwide by myself and millions from all corners.

Mr. Sam's favorites:

Food:  American food!  burgers, ribs, BBQ and Soups!

Color:  Green

Movie:  Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Cd/Music:  "Brothers" by Black Keys and "OK Computer" by Radiohead

Book:  Ender's Shadow

The Balloon Cello

Here's what you'll need:

• a length of pole or dowelling
• a balloon
• a length of fishing line
• ideally, a violin or cello bow

Here's how you make it:

1.  Attach the length of fishing line to both ends of the pole, leaving plenty of slack.

2.  Inflate the balloon and insert it between the fishing line and the pole, so that the line becomes taut and holds the balloon in place.

3.  Pluck or bow the string with a violin or cello bow.

At the end of a performance the player has the option of bursting the balloon!


Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard

"Artist" Group Classes and Workshops

Making and enjoying music with others is fun and an important part of learning an instrument. 

All private lesson students are invited to participate in group classes to help enhance and support their learning by working on special projects with others.

Violin:  Fourth Saturdays (This month the classes are on January 29) @ 10am for beginning players and @ 11am for late beginner and early intermediate players
              Fiddling class - tbd

Voice:  Third Saturdays @ 1:15pm

Guitar:  Theory and Performance workshops every first and third Saturdays @11am

Drums:  Saturday, February 5th @ noon

Piano:  "Artist" students participate in weekly labs.  Special Class to introduce our Listening Curriculum on Saturday, January 29th from noon to 1:30pm

Put these dates on your calendar and get the most of your music experience!

Meet Ms. Rachel!

What inspirations and dreams does a young violin teacher have?  Let's get to know Ms. Rachel! 

What do you do at NewSongs?

I teach violin (the best instrument in the universe!)

Why do you play the violin?

I think the violin is really beautiful, and I like that I can play my favorite kinds of music on it.

When did you start playing the violin?

I started asking for lessons when I was 2 and I started playing at 3.

How often do you practice?

At least 5 days a week.

When did you start teaching?

I've taught violin since September 2008 and I started teaching at NewSongs in the spring of 2009.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Watching my students go up and perform a piece that they've been working really hard on.  It makes me so proud!

What was the best concert you ever went to?

The Ahn Trio, they are really awesome performers.

Who inspires you?

Dr. Suzuki's teaching philosophy is really inspiring to me.  I love how he believes that music can make a person's heart more beautiful and that anyone can learn.

What are your dreams for your life?

I would like to get a degree in either music or music therapy and have a job that has to do with children and music.

What do you do besides NewSongs?

Go to my violin lessons, do school work and hang out with my little sisters.

What do you do for fun?

I love reading classics, writing stories, and listening to my favorite musicians.

Here are some of Rachel's favorites:

Food:  anything Italian

Color:  Green

Movie:  The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

CD/Music:  anything classical or Celtic

Book:  The Chronicles of Narnia



How Musical Are You? Take this test to find out.

EasyEarTraining has posted a new test that has been developed to determine musical aptitude.  Researchers from the “Music, Mind and Brain research group” at Goldsmiths, University of London are embarking on a project to discover how musical people are – including those who don’t consider themselves musical at all!

I took the test this morning.  It was a lot of fun and happily scored high on all the musical aptitude sections.  It will be interesting to have my older daughters take the test and compare our scores.

Let me know if you take the test and what you think of the results!

Meet Ms. Michelle!

Do you know Ms. Michelle?

If you are a piano student then you probably do! 

What do you do at NewSongs?

I have the awesome job of teaching kids piano lessons.

Why do you play the piano?

Because I love to play the piano and it didn't hurt that my mother was a piano teacher! :)

When did you start to play?

When I was about 3 or 4 years old.

When did you start teaching?

About 5 or 6 years ago I started teaching private students here and there. But I only started at NewSongs about 3 months ago.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Being able to see kids begin to express themselves through music and like it.

What do you do besides NewSongs?

I am a server at The Stagecoach Restaurant.

What do you do for fun?

I love hanging out with my family; my husband Sean and my kids Vinnie (2) and Cora (1).

What is the best concert you ever went to?

Trans Siberian Orchestra

Who inspires you?

My relationship with God.  My family also inspires me to be a better person and do my jobs to the best of my ability.

What are your dreams?

I would love to always be involved in music in one way or another through my work.

Some of Ms. Michelle's favorites:

Food:  Any kind of Mexican food

Color:  Yellow

Movie:  The Wedding Singer

Music:  All kinds

Book:  All kinds - I love to read!



The cardboard Strumbox

This is a nice instrument for intoducing children to plucked instruments.

Here's what you'll need:

• shoe box or a strong tissue box
• a large variety of rubber bands.

Here's how you make it:

Make an oval hole in the shoe box lid then stretch the rubber bands around the box so they lie across the oval shaped hole.  On one side, insert a pencil or narrow dowel rod underneath the bands.  This will lift them off the box on one side and will make it sound more resonant.

Strum away!


Idea from Music Makes Your Child Smarter by Philip Sheppard

NewSongs NewStudent Welcome Event!

Welcome New Music Students!

Who?  All new students beginning classes January 2011!

Where?  Here!  NewSongs School of Music

When?  Saturday, January 22nd from 11:30am to 1pm

What?  A reception for students and parents to learn more about how to make the most of their music lessons, ask questions, enjoy refreshments and allow us to get to know you better!

We make Music for Life.

Meet Mr. Michael

If you have visited NewSongs than you have met Mr. Michael.  But do you really know him?  Here is your chance!

What do you do at NewSongs?
Teach piano lessons, teach outside music programs at the CA Montessori Project, read weekly storytimes at the Elk Grove Library, take violin lessons, research and implement new curriculum, meet with new students and their families, work with staff to keep improving our teaching, answer all random questions, and have a lot of fun!

Why do you play the piano?
I've always loved the piano, although I was a "late" starter (end of elementary school).  I am very curious and I LOVE learning new things about music, so I always knew I would do well as a teacher.

When did you start teaching?
When I was 16.  (Disclaimer:  I also finished college when I was 18)

Who inspires you?
My family and my students.  Seeing anyone believe and strive to be their very best and live their dreams motivates and inspires me.  I think people, especially children, are amazingly incredible in what they can be.

What do you do for fun?
Play with my kids, hang out with my wife, and go to Disneyland.

What are some of your favorites?
Food:  Coffee
Color:  Blue
Movie:  Any musical!  Maybe "Singing in the Rain"
CD/music:  Currently in my car is a new collections of pieces with Yo-Yo Ma and famous musicians from a variety of styles:  vocal to bluegrass, jazz to classical.

What are your dreams for your life?
Finally finish some of the music-themed children's books I have been working on and unleash them on the world.

Thank you, Mr. Michael, for telling us more about you!  Now we all know the important things such as coffee is his favorite food  and he loves Disneyland!  Check back soon, your favorite teacher may be next!

January at NewSongs

                               Meet our fun and happy staff at NewSongs!

Ms. Jan is our friendly office manager, ready to schedule your lessons!

                                         

                            

Spotlight Musical Theater has funny, dramatic teachers!  Ms. Cat, Mr. Johnathan and Ms. Cealey.

Piano classes with Ms. Amber, Ms. Michelle and Mr. Michael.  Students play musical games as well as have piano time.

One on one violin lessons with Ms. Rachel

 

Becoming rock stars with teachers, Mr. Matthew and Mr. Sam!