Brigitte

Excellent lesson today, Brigitte!! Now, practice this week as we did in the lesson today, and your cello playing will soon make a quantum leap!

Minutes to practice: 45 per day.
What to practice: The exercises in your book marked with today’s date.
How to practice it most effectively: Listening to how your bow work effects every sound you make, as well as your L.H. intonation.

Mazin

Another great lesson today, Maz. Please take Barn’s advice to heart, and slow down!! Do your best this week to learn the final page of ‘St. James’, and to start putting the piece H.T.

Minutes to practice: 45 per day.
What to practice: The four pieces noted in your notebook.
How to practice it most effectively: At a slow, steady tempo, keeping eyes glued to the page, and your ears glued to every sound you make.
How parents can support practice: Make sure Maz has enough time to practice.

Jabari

Well, Jabari, as we discussed today, your future is largely in your hands. Please, step up to the plate, for your sake, and for your mother’s!

Minutes to practice: 30 per day.
What to practice: The pieces in your book marked with today’s date.
How to practice it most effectively: At a steady tempo, keeping good posture and wrists high as you play.

Chloe

Another great lesson today, Chloe. Keep up the good work.

Minutes to practice: 30 (or more) per day.
What to practice: The pieces marked in your book with today’s date.
How to practice it most effectively: Moving to the strong beats as you play. For popcorn staccatos, remember to lift your forearm up as fast as possible — without speeding up the tempo.
How parents can support practice: Encourage and praise her!!

Hazel

Nice to teach you in your first lesson, Hazel! I hope you had fun and that piano playing is something you will become fond of.

Minutes to practice: 30 per day.
What to practice: The ‘note-naming game’, and to make sure you’re always sitting at the piano with good posture and high wrists as you play. Practice the 5-finger exercises I showed you — first one finger at a time articulating the key without moving your wrist or arm, and then ‘walking’ from finger to finger, making sure the sound connects from one key to the other.
How parents can support practice: Practice with Hazel for the first week or two, then start to let her practice on her own, observing her practice, giving advice as necessary.