Gabriella

 by TPSMTS Team

Back To School: 5 Tips For An Easier Transition

Written by Gabriella Serruya

Welcome back!

I hope you had a good summer and a good start back to the school year. After a summer of fun and different routines, it’s always good to get back to the school routine. With it, we welcome our school year activities which include music lessons/sessions (unless you continued taking lessons/sessions through the summer!).

For me, back to school means getting back to “work” after a more leisurely summer – literally and figuratively! I get to start seeing students that took a break from lessons over the summer, and it’s also a good time for me to get organized and have a new start. After the summer, I’m always energized and ready to tackle the new year.

Here are some tips for making the transition a bit easier:

Make time for practicing

Getting back into routine includes making time for homework and practicing music. I put those together because they are similar. They both need to be done regularly to ensure success. For success at music, we need to be playing our instruments almost daily and playing the songs multiple times. While practicing isn’t always fun, the payoff is worth it!

 

Practice a small amount each day

These first few weeks can be challenging as we adjust to the new routine. Practicing a small amount every day or so is a good way to get going and start a new habit! This can also help keep frustration lower when learning new material.

 

Give it time

For some students, it’s been 2 months without a lesson/session (and likely practicing!). It will take time to get back into the swing of things.

 

Make sure your piano is properly tuned

If you haven’t had your piano tuned in a while, it might be time to take care of it. It’s harder to play on an untuned piano. It’s distracting and can take away from the music. For beginners, it can be particularly distracting because the notes might not sound the same at home and at the lesson/session.

 

Speak to your teacher/therapist about your goals for the upcoming school year

Your teacher/therapist is here for you! Having short term and long term goals to work towards throughout the year will help with motivation and practicing. Goals can be anything from learning how to play your favourite song, learning how to play a new style of music, completing an RCM exam, or starting very early preparations for our annual “End-of-the-Year Party and Recitals.” We want your lessons/sessions to always be productive, positive, and rewarding.

With these tips in mind, I wish everyone a smooth transition this month!

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 by TPSMTS Team

The Benefits of Music

Written by Gabriella Serruya

 

Music benefits us in so many ways.

Listening to music and making music are just the beginning! There are emotional, physical, social, and cognitive benefits to music, as well!

 

There are several emotional benefits to music. One is that it helps lift mood.  Music can boost the production of the hormone dopamine which can lead to a lighter mood.  Think of a time when a song made you smile or when you were singing along to a song when you were feeling down and your mood brightened.

 

When learning new musical skills or pieces, it can be something to be proud of and help increase confidence.  Also, there’s the sense of achievement in mastering that new piece. Music can also lull us to sleep – there are lullabies and calming music apps just for that purpose.

 

Next, there are physical benefits to music. Music can lower your blood pressure and stress levels.  In fact, doctors are using a patient’s preferred music during procedures to help reduce stress levels.  Playing an instrument is also physical, as breathing, coordination, and fine motor skills come into play.

 

Dancing and moving to a song is also physical.  Music can help give us more energy and can lead to us to do more/better when exercising, or workout longer.

 

There is a social aspect to music as well. Working in a group – big or small – and making music can bring people together. Playing in a group requires co-operation and awareness of the others around us.

 

Another part of the social aspect of music is enjoying music together in concerts.  There’s nothing like that feeling of being at a concert and enjoying the music with hundreds or thousands of other people!

 

Finally, there are cognitive benefits of music. In children, music can help with language development, in particular learning new vocabulary or concepts.   Sometimes people that have trouble with speech will be able to sing (e.g. people who stutter).

 

Discipline is required to make music.   Practicing to master a song requires a lot of patience and discipline.

 

Music can help with memory.  When listening to an old song, we can often remember where we were and what we were doing. It’s powerful!

 

Music can lull us to sleep or give us more energy for that workout and everything in between.  So enjoy music, but know that it’s doing so much more for you than you realize!

 

 

RESOURCES

 

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 by TPSMTS Team

When should my child start piano lessons?

Five ways to determine if your child is ready

Written by Gabriella Serruya

 

A question we get asked often from prospective families is how old a child should be to start piano lessons. There are different schools of thought on the right age to start piano lessons. Some methods start with children at quite a young age (3), while others think that waiting until a child is 10+ years old to start with formal lessons.

 

I think that somewhere in the middle is the right time (around 4-8 years of age), but this will all depend on the individual child.

 

Here are 5 ways to help determine readiness for piano lessons:

  1. A child should be able to sit during their lesson for 30 minutes (at least) in duration. The lesson is usually broken down into small segments with frequent movement breaks and other “off the bench” musical activities for younger students, but being able to concentrate for 5-10 minutes at a time is important.


  2. Being able to read is helpful. It’s not a deal breaker, but it makes learning this new language called music easier since English and music share an alphabet. It also makes things easier for independent practicing. They can read the practice notes their teacher gives them and know which songs to practice and how to practice them. Parents are always welcome to help out with practicing but it can make things easier if the child can do it on their own, especially if they are older.


  3. Children need to be able to practice at home at least 4-5 days per week (which can be a challenge!). This takes a lot of work on both the child’s and the parent’s part. How does your child do with homework completion? If it’s a struggle, then it might not be the right time to add something else to their schedule that is similar to homework. If the child has a love of music or has expressed interest in playing the piano, practicing will likely be easier to accomplish.


  4. Being able to differentiate between the left hand and right hand is very helpful! However, even under pressure even adults make mistakes on which hand is which! We do a lot of work one hand at a time at the beginning to make things easier.


  5. Having a piano or electronic keyboard at home is extremely important when you start lessons. If you have one at home and your child is playing it without prompting, they may be ready for lessons. Trying to pick out a song by ear is a good sign, but even singing a song and playing random notes is good. This shows their interest and possible readiness to start lessons.

 

Although 4-8 years old might be the “right” time to start piano lessons, it’s definitely not a hard and fast rule. I’ve had students start as early as 3 and as late as 78, so it’s never too late! Just remember that while they are getting all the benefits of a music education, the goal at all times should be fun and enjoyment.
 

Resources:

What Is the Best Age to Begin Piano Lessons? (by the Hoffman Academy)

Should Adults (and Teens) Take Music Lessons? (from the TPSMTS blog)

 

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 by TPSMTS Team

What does a Typical Music Lesson Look and Sound Like?

Written by Gabriella Serruya

 

There are many ways to organize a music lesson. There are some key components though that occur at most lessons. These include scales/technique, songs that are being worked on, new material, theory, downtime and often sight-reading and ear-training activities.

 

Music Technique

Some teachers start each lesson with technique – I don’t always do that. I tend to fit it in between songs. For many students, technique isn’t always fun to play, but it’s necessary. The technique exercises strengthen our fingers, help our hands move confidently around the keyboard, and encourage speed.

 

How much music?

For my students, I try to have 3-4 songs going at a time. One song that is fairly new, one that is getting close to being “finished” and 1-2 between those two! This gives a variety of levels of difficulty. The new song is generally the hardest. We don’t know it well enough to even hum it, it’s slow, and it doesn’t sound like much yet! The song that’s close to being finished is generally the easiest to practice. It’s comfortable, we can hum it, and we know when we are playing things correctly (or not!). The songs in the middle are just that. There are some parts that we know and still some new parts to learn.

 

New Material

New material can come in a couple different forms. Generally it’s the new parts of the songs. Sometimes it’s the addition of musical details – staccato, dynamics, other articulation. Either way it can be challenging! Sometimes I bring some completely different music to the lessons. This we call the “fun” stuff. It’s generally easier than the usual music so students get more immediate gratification – the song is finished quicker! This year, many of my students have learned Hallowe’en songs – something different to mix things up a little!

 

Music Theory

Theory is an important part of lessons. In the early years, it reinforces note recognition and timing, as well as dynamics and articulation. There are lots of books out there, but I prefer individual sheets. I used them to help with anything that is confusing or needs working on. I enjoy searching out themed sheets to use! It makes it seem more fun!

 

Downtime & Exploration

Downtime is a surprisingly important part of the lesson. Most students need a few minutes in between songs or after every couple of songs to give their brains a small break. Sometimes it’s chatting about what’s happening in their world, sometimes it can be a music game. Other times, it looks like playing their instrument creatively. For example, listening to how the piano sounds with the pedal down, playing high or low notes, or making “mystery” chords.

 

Sight-Reading & Ear-Training

Last is sight-reading (working on reading unfamiliar music so students can strengthen their note-reading skills) and ear-training (connecting what we see on the music to how we hear it). Both are extremely important for building a musical foundation.

 

Each lesson generally follows a predictable format so students know what to expect each lesson. We fit a lot into those lessons every week. We aim to have fun as much as possible while working hard.

 

As always, lessons are tailored to the particular students’ strengths and needs to ensure a positive and rewarding musical experience! If you or someone you know would benefit from music lessons, you can learn more here.

 

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 by TPSMTS Team

Transitioning to Telehealth (Online) Music Lessons/Music Therapy Sessions

Providing a sense of normalcy and routine in uncertain times.

Written by Gabriella Serruya

 

During these extraordinary times, many businesses and services have unfortunately been halted or cancelled. This affects our daily routines, but not as much as it does for the children we work with.

We know that most children with developmental delays strive on having normalcy and routine with their activities, and not being able to go to school or have regular services throws a wrench in their growth and development.

Many services have moved to an online or virtual platform to continue providing services, and TPSMTS has done this as well. While Telehealth lessons/sessions will not have the same impact and effect as in-person lessons/sessions, they still have many benefits.

 

During this uncertainty in most parts of our lives, the thing that TPSMTS been able to keep consistent is our music lessons/sessions through Telehealth (online) lessons/sessions.

Online lessons/sessions are giving students/clients a small element of routine in an otherwise crazy time.

Telehealth lessons/sessions are provided through a video chat application that allows for real-time interaction and (virtual) ‘face-to-face’ communication. Through the use of a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant platform, services can be provided in a safe, fun, and consistent manner.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Sharing the joy of music

How our music teachers and music therapists experience music with their students and clients

Written by Gabriella Serruya

I love my job!

Not everyone can say that, but I still can – even after 30 years! I consider all of my students as my “kids.” They and their families become a part of my extended family.

 

Every day, I have the privilege of seeing students of all ages and abilities experience music. It’s still a wonder after all this time. When that lightbulb of understanding comes on in a student, I know it’s a great day for both of us.

 

There are so many things that go into a great lesson. Sometimes it’s the lightbulb, but that doesn’t happen every week. Sometimes it’s the laugh we share, the hard work at the lesson, or the home practicing. I always enjoy the time we get to spend together making music.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Do I have to?

What our students and clients say about our recitals and what we reply…

Written by Gabriella Serruya

“Do I have to?”

I get asked this question often by students about our End-of-the-Year Party and Recitals and lessons/sessions over the summer.

The simple answer is no. I can hear the cheering from students as I write this! BUT, and that’s a BIG but, the answer is more complicated than that.

 

Our End-of-the-Year Party and Recitals give students the opportunity to show off their new skills.

A lot happens in a year – in and out of music class! We all learn, grow and, mature in terms of our music skills, as well as everything else.

At the End-of-the-Year Party and Recitals, we all get to celebrate that together!

Music is meant to be experienced in groups! We can cheer each other on, appreciate each others’ new skills, and conquer our nerves. We get to celebrate music! We get to be a part of making music and listening to music. What a thrill!

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 by TPSMTS Team

The Power of Music

How music can change your mood or bring back a memory.

Written by Gabriella Serruya

Music is powerful.

Think of a time you were listening to music and a song affected you. Can you remember a certain moment? Maybe an old boyfriend/girlfriend? Do you have specific music you listen to at certain times? I have a cleaning the house playlist, a running playlist, car songs, even a wake up playlist to help us get up in the morning and a get-to-sleep playlist. Music can give us energy or calm us down.
 

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 by TPSMTS Team

Five Simple Ways You Can Bring Music into Your Home

Music activities you can do right at home…

Written by Gabriella Serruya
 

There are so many ways we can expose our children (and ourselves) to music in our daily lives.

With younger kids, singing nursery rhymes is great. Believe us — our kids don’t judge the quality of our voices! They just want and need to sing with us! Sing everyday. Turn any song into something appropriate for any occasion.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Using Popular Music to Encourage Practicing

Why popular music is so great to learn…

Written by Gabriella Serruya

With students of all ages, it helps to play songs we know! We get a lot of joy from playing a song that we recognize. Often, it’s easier to learn a familiar song because we can hear what it’s going to sound like when it’s finished much quicker!

For many students, it’s an opportunity to use both of our super powers. Using our eyes to read the notes, but also our ears to anticipate the next ones. We usually depend on one more than the other. Playing a song we know allows us to combine these 2 great skills. Most of us are stronger in one than the other and playing familiar songs can give us a chance to use all our skills together in a way that we can’t do when it’s an unfamiliar tune.

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