"Summertime and the living is easy...."

Triple Falls, Columbia River Gorge. My favorite place to hike!

...but like I always tell my students: Easy is boring!

So if you don't want to be bored this summer, talk to me about piano lessons! :)

I am taking requests for lesson times. Please let me know if you plan on studying with me this summer. I am interviewing for a few church jobs down in Salem to cut back on my commute to Portland.  I love you guys (and Portland too!), but would like a little less time on Amtrak. :)

My schedule for this summer (July 6 - August 30) will be:

Tuesday 11:30 to 5:30 Private home lessons

Thursday and Friday 3 to 7 group lessons at Community Music Center

(I might do mornings on either day, depending on the demand)

Saturdays 11:30 to 5:30 St Marks' Lutheran Church on 54th and Powell.

Now go back to practicing! :) Just kidding, it's Sunday - spend time with your family. :)

Teacher Zita

 

End of the Year Piano Recitals!

We are half way through spring term, the school year is screeching to a halt!
I've been riding Amtrak from Salem to Portland now for 4 months. It has been an adventure, and amazingly I have not only survived, but I have had many pleasant moments!

One of my greatest pleasures as a piano teacher is watching my students perform.  I am so grateful that most of my students truly enjoy performing and don't suffer the debilitating stage fright that I did as a child.

One key (pun intended), to empowering young musicians is to allow them to select music that they love.  This will inspire them to practice and then give them pride when they perform. Plus, when we truly love the music we play, this energy is transferred through the music to the audience.  We all benefit!

I have three dates scheduled for piano recitals. They will all be held at the Community Music Center as usual.

The dates are:
Sunday, May 11th at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 25th at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 15th at 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Note:  The 5:30 session is reserved for more advanced students. Ask me if you are unsure which recital would be a good match for you.

Hope to see you there. Happy Practicing! :)

Teacher Zita

Hooray for Sightreading!

Hi Piano People!

Winter term is almost done, and spring is just around the corner - I can actually smell spring in the air! :) Yay!

I've had a lot of fun working on theory and notereading with my students. But the biggest joy has been introducing sightreading!  Many of my students who dreaded it have actually learn to enjoy it.

I have to admit, one of my favorite things to do, besides sit under a tree with a book all day, is spend hours at my piano with a stack of music sightreading while I listen to the pitter patter of rain on the roof! (Yes, I am a music geek and proud of it!) :)

I've had a breakthrough with several students.  We've been using Mikrokosmos by Bartok.  If you are not familiar with this series, you should consider it.  Bartok created this series for his students. The pieces in the beginning are short and simple. The left and right hand are actually in unison! (Same note, different octave).

I do have them use the dreaded metronome, but once they get used to playing with the beat, it is actually comforting and effective.

Here is a link to the first five books. I recommend starting at the very beginning, even if you don't consider yourself a beginner.

And use the metronome, it is your friend! :)

Happy practicing!


Mikrokosmos

Winter Term - New Schedule, Rates, New Year!

Welcome Winter Term!

I hope you had a wonderful Holiday!  I'm ready to get back to teaching - I miss my students and the music!

Winter term, as usual will be focused on theory, notereading, etc. But don't worry, I will try to make it fun! And of course, if you want to start a cool new piece, let me know!

I've ridden Amtrak to and from Salem, seeking a new home and it is smooth sailing! So I don't think I'll have any problems coming to teach you all in your homes. Should be fun!

I hope I mentioned to all of you, that I will only be teaching 2 times a month for private students, so that I can fit you all in and see how it works with my travel system.

I originally stated I would only be taking tuition per lesson, because I was worried about missing lessons with the train. But I've done some research, and

the train from Salem doesn't seem to have problems with being late.  

So prepaying is an option (I've given you a discount).  It will also help me, because I still have some expenses for my move to cover.  

Prepay for the month:  (2 lessons) $45 - One Student
                                                         $90 - Two Students

Prepay for the term:  (6 lessons) $140 - One Student
                                                      $275 - Two Students

Winter Term goes from January 6 to March 22, 2014.

If this is a hardship for anyone, please let me know!

Thank you!

Teacher Zita :)

Snow in Portland! (At last!)

Elvis, the Reluctant Snow Dog

Finally, some snow in Portland! Alas, only a light dusting, but it does make the city look festive!

I don't think there were any school closures. Sorry, students! :(

But I hope you enjoy and are careful!

And wear glove on those piano fingers!!

Remember, piano recital is coming up: Sunday, 12/15. 

Go forth and pratice!!

:)

Teacher Zita
Pianoteacherpdx@yahoo.com

Theory Books

Hello Piano People!

With Winter Term just around the corner, I want to give you advance notice that I like to spend a lot of time Winter Term diving into music theory and technic since we will not have another recital until June.

I have developed my own musical games over the years and I print worksheets off the internet. However, a theory book is a nice supplement to piano lessons.

Here are some suggestions:

For students at CMC, using the Piano Adventures Book (Buy the theory book that corresponds to the level/color of cover of book)

For private students using Piano Town Primer:

For private students using Piano Town Level 1:

For the older beginner:

For older continuing/intermediate (about 2nd year):

For older intermediate (about 3rd year):

For older intermediate (about 4th year):

For older intermediate/advanced (4+ years):

If you have questions, just ask! :)

PS Sorry to be talking about Winter so soon, but I was hearing Christmas music two weeks ago! :) 

Teacher Zita

Piano Adventures Primer

Here is a link for the Piano Adventures Primer Lesson Book that we use in group piano classes at CMC. :)