Team

 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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 by TPSMTS Team

Summertime Songwriting Activity

Targeting goals in songwriting

Written by Tamara Leszner-Rovet

Summer lessons/sessions are now officially underway! Though I am finding there is definitely a more “relaxed” feel to all lessons/sessions, there is no question that all students/clients are working hard and are motivated to keep working post-recitals.

Summer is a time where I like to do a lot of summer-themed activities to help target therapeutic goals.

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 by TPSMTS Team

Tips for a Successful Piano Recital

Helping students prepare for a recital

Written by Gabriella Serruya

Here are a few things that can make a piano recital easier for students…

  • Practice your piece “a million” times and then play it a couple more for good luck! The more we’ve played our songs before getting to the recital, the easier it will be! When nerves start, we can count on our fingers to know just what to do – I sometimes think our fingers can think for themselves!

 

  • Make some opportunities for mock recitals. Family is always good for that – grandparents are particularly appreciative! Also, getting your stuffed animals set up as an audience can be helpful. They don’t clap very loudly, but they generally love a good concert! Pets work too! My piano teacher’s dog used to howl along with me when I was sounding extra great!

 

  • Bring your book to the recital, even if you have the song memorized! Just in case your fingers need a quick reminder of the notes before you walk up to play.

 

  • Remember that all the people there are students or family of students. We all want to each other to play well and are encouraging you no matter what happens.

 

  • It’s nice to get a little dressed up for the recital. Make it an occasion! Ball gowns and tuxedos are NOT needed, but something a little more fancy than every day is always lovely!

 

  • One of the biggest things to remember is that recitals can be FUN! A little nerve-wracking, but fun. Enjoy hearing other students playing music – maybe get inspired! You might hear a song that you want to learn. You might hear someone more advanced than you and think about when you’ll be playing like they did!

I’m always so proud of my students at recitals! They’ve worked hard to learn songs through the year and have a chance to show off!

 

 

Instead of an in-person End-of-the-Year Party & Recital in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, our students/clients recorded and shared music selections that they had studied and prepared. Please enjoy their performances below!

 

2020

 


 

2021

 


 

in Gabriella / Music Lessons / Music Therapy / TPSMTS News 0 comments
 by TPSMTS Team

Three Reasons to Continue Music Lessons/Sessions Over the Summer

Consistency, routine, and goals

Written by Tamara Leszner-Rovet

With spring now approaching, it is no better time to start thinking about the summer! While for many, thoughts of camp, days lounging by the pool or beach, and the warm weather indicate a break and pause from regular activities and therapies.

 

Here at TPSMTS, this is one of the best times for lessons/sessions, and thankfully we have many of our families who continue their lessons/sessions through the summer months!

 

Despite summer lessons/sessions being optional, we so strongly recommend that students/clients continue their lessons/sessions through the summer months for these reasons: 

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 by TPSMTS Team

Fresh Starts

Hello everyone, and welcome to our blog!

Once a month, our team will be contributing posts on various topics pertaining to music education, Music Therapy, and psychotherapy.

 

From Tamara —

 

I have always enjoyed the beginning of the school year. I love the feeling of a fresh start! We welcome our new students/clients, resume lessons/sessions with our returning students/clients who take the summer off, and continue on with our students/clients who were seen through the summer months. It’s a time to set new goals, get back into routine, and anticipate all the progress and fun ahead!

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