Only you, Kate, showed up today, so I will get straight to the point!
Kate
Much improvement in technique and sound production this past week, even though you weren’t able to start memorizing your pieces. What we’ve been talking about seems to be starting to sink in. Good job!! Remember to make sure your core muscles are ALWAYS engaged to one extent or another — tensing up most on the strong beats, and/or when you play louder, and when extreme technical coordination is required. ALWAYS make sure (by sensing) that your shoulders are relaxed, though this doesn’t seem to be an issue for you. Your thumbs, especially your left one, need to be more ACTIVE and sensitized like your other fingers. ELECTRIFY more ALL of your fingers and muscles in your hands when fine tone-shaping of the notes you’re playing is needed, especially for the melody.