Alison Maira

The Role Of Parents In Practicing

Alison Maira — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:10:32 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had a really good lesson with a great student. He had clearly practiced his assignment during the week, and showed wonderful progress in all of his songs. I said to his mom afterward, as I was on my way out “Thank you for your help, he’s sounding really good. I can tell he’s been practicing the material and it shows”. She said ” Oh, I didn’t really do anything. I encourage him a little bit to play when people come over, and I think it helps that the piano is in a central location in the house”.
I went on to my next lesson and thought about what she said. I think that mom has actually done a lot to support her child’s piano studies. She created a comfortable practice environment, which is so important. And she gently encouraged her child to play and practice, which is also key. In my observation, children benefit greatly from parents who are aware and supportive of their music studies. Note, I did not say they benefit from someone who is on their case every day of their lives and criticizes their efforts to play the piano mercilessly. But a little awareness and encouragement go a long way. The most successful, engaged piano students I teach all have parents who are enthusiastic about their lessons, check in with them periodically regarding their practicing, provide a comfortable practice environment (good lighting, not too cold, central location in the house that is not isolated from everyone else, and no tv on while the student is practicing) and build piano practice into their child’s routine. Setting aside consistent, predictable practice time is a really effective way to help a child gain confidence and enjoyment from their playing and in their lessons. This in turn leads to steady progress, which leads to more enjoyment and sometimes, even more practicing. It’s a virtuous circle that if set up early in a child’s first exposure to a musical instrument may last a lifetime.
Of course it’s difficult to find the time (and sometimes, the motivation) to practice; I still struggle with this myself. Life is busy and there’s always something else that can be done first instead of sitting down at the piano. To be honest, I rarely “find” the time if it’s not scheduled.
That’s why I definitely believe that parents who set up a practice routine for their children are doing them a big favor. Procrastination and bargaining can be eliminated early on…now is piano time, it’s in the schedule. I also suspect that many kids secretly feel relieved when boundaries and expectations are set for them in this way. There is no confusion, the task is quickly done, and it feels great to accomplish and finish something.
The younger a child is, the more guidance she or he will need in establishing effective practice habits. A greater proportion of the responsibility falls on the parent to help, support, and encourage. This responsibility gradually passes from parent to child as the student grows and takes on the challenges of self directed practice. And that is a beautiful thing to witness over the years, in my experience. What’s also evident to me is that every child still appreciates parental encouragement regarding their piano playing – even the teenagers – as they grow more independent. I guess that support just takes on more subtle forms, but it’s still important.
Giving your child the ability to express themselves musically is a precious gift. It’s something that could stay with them for their entire lives and give much joy, satisfaction, and inspiration along the way. (not to mention increasing their intelligence, helping them handle stress, and allowing them to connect with others). In my opinion, a parent’s role in helping their child derive the maximum benefit from music study makes the difference between a boring,frustrating, okay experience and a rewarding, confidence building, fun, and creative one.

Filed under: Blog, Most Recent Tagged: confidence building, parents, piano practice

Mid-Term Piano Lessons Newsletter

Alison Maira — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:37:05 +0000

Hello Lovely Parents and Students,
Normally I send out a Beginning-Of-Term Newsletter, but I’m a little behind the times this year. I’m four and half months pregnant, and to my great surprise this has considerably slowed my work output. Ah, I think I hear some mothers out there chuckling at my naivete. I honestly thought I’d just proceed as normal full steam ahead until the baby is born. Alas, this has not been the case.
I digress. Here is some important information I’d like to share with you all.

* How To Practice
Attached are some suggestions for how to practice effectively. I believe the main component to successful practicing is a consistent, predictable routine. If you can build piano practice time into your (or your child’s) daily routine you will be rewarded with steady, inspiring progress. I’ve also attached a short bio describing my teaching qualifications and experience for those who may be curious.

* Performance Videos Posted

I’ve posted more student videos on my website. (www.alisonmaira.com) This batch is from June 2011 (I told you I was behind the times). There’s some lovely performances, feel free to check them out. Go to the Students section of the site, videos are organized by student name.

* Supervised Practice Sessions

Students under age 10 can really benefit from supervised practice sessions. A parent or caregiver can help the student read and follow their practice assignment and thus insure a more effective practice session.

* Piano Assignment Check-In

All school age students over age 10 can greatly benefit from a parent or caregiver listening to them go through their piano assignment – and checking to see if they are following the instructions – once a week. Bad habits or wrong guesses can be nipped in the bud, and you will get an immediate sense if your child is practicing enough, or effectively.

* General Practice Guidelines

I recommend 4 practice sessions every week – more is better, and if your child loves to play please encourage them to get on the piano at every opportunity. Session times are minimum suggestions. Longer is better, and sometimes a difficult piece will demand longer practice sessions.
Hal Leonard Program, Level 1: 15 minute sessions.
Level 2: 20 minute sessions. Level 3: 25 minute sessions. Level 4: 30 minute sessions. Level 5: 40 minute sessions.
Alfred’s Level 1 All in One: 15 minute sessions. Alfred’s Level 2: 20 minute sessions. Alfred’s Level 3: 30 minute sessions.
Alfred’s Adult All In One: 20 minute sessions. Alfred’s Adult Level 2: 30 minute sessions. Alfred’s Adult Level 3: 45 minute sessions.

* Don’t Forget

To play for fun, to listen to lots of music – familiar and new – and to go see live music when you can. The piano students who love their instrument and practice willingly are the ones who have plenty of musical inspiration.

Thanks for reading. Please contact me with any questions or comments you may have:)
Alison

www.alisonmaira.com
In-Home Piano Lessons

Filed under: Most Recent, News

Finlay

Alison Maira — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:01:23 +0000

June 2011.

Finlay

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Filed under: Students

Desiree

Alison Maira — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:00:05 +0000

June 2011.

Desiree

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Filed under: Students

Alessa

Alison Maira — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:38:37 +0000

June 2011.

Alessa

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Filed under: Students

Torn Between Two Lovers

Alison Maira — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 16:38:32 +0000

Recently I took up the guitar. For a long time I was conflicted about this. I was worried that the piano might not understand. After all, we had been together without interruption for 27 years. And it’s not that the piano isn’t exciting or satisfying anymore, it is. It’s not like I’ve mastered the piano and am ready to move on to master the guitar. There is a LONG way to go for me as a piano player.
I wasn’t expecting the guitar to come along and bash me over the head with a sense of urgency to start playing it, right now. But that’s essentially what happened. Coco and I were enjoying some precious lady time together and we were watching “This Is It”, the documentary about Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his planned comeback shows in London. We were totally gobsmacked by the amazing-ness of MJ’s band. And then this incredible woman marched out onto the catwalk to play her guitar solos with Michael. The awesome Slash rhythm part in Black and White. The awesome Eddie Van Halen solo in Beat It. I was transfixed. The guitar bashed me over the head with a sudden sense of urgency to learn how to play it.
I said to Coco “Oh my god, I want to learn how to play the electric guitar!” “You should!” she said, always supportive.
Two days later I was at Long and McQuade, renting a guitar. I found a teacher and started lessons the following week. As of yet, I do not sound like the woman in the MJ movie.
But that’s okay. It’s intoxicating to be a beginner again with a musical instrument. My guitar lessons are totally helping become a better piano teacher, and if nothing else I am newly reminded to be constantly empathetic and patient with beginners. As long as I don’t watch Strictly Ballroom again and decide to take up ballroom dancing (which my husband sneeringly refers to as “that stupid prancing”) everything should be fine.

Filed under: Blog

The Joys Of Summer

Alison Maira — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 16:07:11 +0000

Oh boy summer is almost here, and once again I’m taken straight back to childhood and the memories of all the wonderful things that this glorious season brings.
I played a lot of piano every summer when I was a kid. On rainy days, in the mornings before heading off to the beach, in the cool of the evening before bed.
I played all the songs I wasn’t allowed to play during the school year with my Royal Conservatory teacher. Going to buy songbooks of non-classical music became a happy summer tradition for me. I spent hours slowly figuring out songs I’d been listening to on the radio. I wrote my own pieces and strongarmed my piano playing friends into creating elaborate duets with me on dark stormy days.
Now I teach piano full time. And every summer I look forward to the joys of playing lots of great songs with a fair number of dedicated students who, like me, have discovered the fun of playing music more or less continuously during July and August.
Music can create such a virtuous circle in one’s life. You discover an instrument – maybe even more than one instrument – and you start practicing enough to notice your own improvement. This is incredibly exciting, you start thinking about all the songs you love and that maybe you could learn this one or that one…you practice more, and see more improvement. Material that used to be hard is now undeniably easier. You start setting your sights higher, tackling more and more repertoire. You play the songs you love over and over, they continue to get better, people say nice things about your talent, and you want to play more.
For me, this virtuous circle first appeared during long hot summers at home. Without the distraction of so many other school year activities, the hours and days stretched endlessly ahead and I ended up going to the piano every day, many times a day, playing my current song obsession and hearing it improve before my very ears. Don’t get me wrong, I spent plenty of time outside too cavorting in the sunshine.
In a way, it was the perfect work-life balance that I have yet to replicate as an adult. Devote hours to a solitary creative intellectual pursuit until restlessness sets in, run outside and devote hours to sheer physical exuberance and playing with friends, feel the pull of wondering about that song again and head back indoors to revisit it, until the next bout of restlessness. O, that the adult world allowed this way of life…I guess it does if you’re independently wealthy.
So once again I look forward to slipping into a gentle daze of playing piano and running around outside. And helping a fair number of dedicated summer piano students discover their own virtuous circle.
If you think you might like to fall in love with the piano this summer, please contact me…I can definitely help you out with that.

Filed under: Blog

Year End Newsletter And Recital Information

Alison Maira — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 15:22:33 +0000

Hello Lovely Parents and Students,
Here we are at the end of another very successful year of piano lessons and music study! There’s lots of news, and changes, and information I have for you regarding piano lessons so here goes:

Summer Piano Concert:
As you know, our year end piano recital is taking place on Saturday June 18 at 2:00pm. The location is Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 1700 Mountain Hwy in North Vancouver. Church appropriate attire for performers, please. Here is the initial draft of the concert program. Please RSVP to me if your plans have changed and you are no longer attending, if you need a different slot in the lineup, if I have accidentally overlooked someone, or misspelled your name.

1. Bronwen O’Callaghan Fur Elise
2. Finlay O’Callaghan Once A Man Was So So Mad
3. Cecilia Cooper Please No Bees
4. Megan Finch When You Wish Upon A Star
5. Trevor Donohoe Casey Jones
6. Max Faber Star Wars
7. Rebecca Knowles Rockin On the Soccer Field
8. Jacqueline Faivre-Duboz Bingo
9. Emma Zappacosta Watercolors
10. Angela Wall Popeye The Sailor Man
11. McKenna McManus Bayou Blues
12. Averi Duerichen Pachelbel Canon
13. Grace Confortin Happy Days
14. Aidan Faivre-Duboz James Bond
15. Adam Romanick She Loves You
16. Nolan Pomeroy A Day In Vienna
17. Holly Duerichen Ribbons
18. Sylvie Romanick Ob La Di Ob La Da
19. Sheavon McDougall Fifteen
20. Alessa Haas Floating
21. Michaela Gobas Waltz in G Minor
22. Emma Hughes Hello Goodbye
23. Nitara Heywood These Eyes
24. Callem McDougall Postcards From Far Away
25. Alison Maira Ray’s Blues

Deposit for Time Slot Reservation For September 2011:
If you would like to reserve your current time slot, I require a postdated cheque to pre-pay the total for September’s lessons. This deposit is non-refundable should you change your mind about continuing.

Summer Lessons:
If you would like to take piano lessons during the summer, please send me your available dates for July and August (some of you have already done this, I know). An invoice for the total amount of summer lessons will be issued to you, and in the event of cancellations I will make every effort to schedule a make-up lesson with you. No refunds or credits for missed summer lessons.
Summer lessons are my favorite, in a lot of ways. I focus on repertoire from songbooks, composition, duet playing, and music appreciation. We let go of Lesson, Technique, and Theory books temporarily and I encourage the student to choose their own songs whenever possible. It’s great to have a few ‘Summer Projects’ to work on and I find students often make wonderful progress as there is more time to relax and enjoy playing without the distraction of so many other activities. Plus, you always have an answer for a bored child on a rainy day – “Go practice some piano!”

Student Performance Videos:
I’ll be bringing my camera to lessons the week after the recital to film students playing their prepared performance song to be posted on the “Students” section of my website.

Signed Copies of Studio Policies:
This is one of a few business policy changes I will be implementing in the fall. At the first lesson in September, I will drop off 2 copies of my current studio policies (regarding cancellations, etc) that I have signed. Please go over the policies and sign them as well – this will serve as a contract of sorts that we both agree and understand the terms of our professional relationship. I will collect one copy the following week, and we will both have a signed copy that should eliminate any confusion in the future.

Phasing Out 30 Minute Lessons:
All new students will be starting with a 45 minute weekly lesson (60 minutes for adults). As my teaching experience grows, I find there are many additional topics that I wish I could cover with all my students every week but there just isn’t enough time in a 30 minute lesson. These include:
- completing theory pages in the lesson so the student doesn’t have to remember to do them during the week
- rhythm exercises (clapping, singing, etc)
- ear training (recognizing notes and patterns by listening)
- duet playing (to help develop steady beat and listening skills)
- composition
- learning songs ‘by ear’, especially the student’s current favorite songs for which there may not be sheet music, or perhaps no sheet music at the appropriate level.
- music appreciation and analysis (listening to music to introduce the student to different genres, discussing stylistic features, exploring the role of emotion and expression in music)

I have a few available slots for longer lessons. I realize that many of you will prefer to stay with your current 30 minute lesson and that is not a problem at all. But if you would like to change to a longer lesson, please contact me.

Thank you all for a great year! I really feel that this one has been exceptional. With the introduction of note-drill flashcards, the metronome, breaking down the practice sessions into 5/10/15 minute sections for the older students, and 8/10/12x sections for the younger students, I have observed definite, wonderful progress and skill development in everyone. I love my job, and I feel so grateful that you all give me the opportunity to do it, to make it better, and to keep striving to become a better teacher.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any comments, suggestions or concerns you may have.
Looking forward to Saturday,

Alison

www.alisonmaira.com
In-Home Piano And Music Theory Lessons

Filed under: News

Student Videos Posted

Alison Maira — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:42:07 +0000

Here is a very large collection of almost every single student playing a song they have recently learned. It’s really neat to see the progress that occurs from one video to the next for the more experienced students. And the beginners are especially adorable. Go to ‘Students’ and click on your student of choice by name to enjoy their performance.

Filed under: News

Sylvie

Alison Maira — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:50:17 +0000

December 2010.

Sylvie

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June 2011.

Sylvie

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Filed under: Students