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Three piano students today!  All doing really well!

I had the 5th lesson for one student, and he was wanting to start learning Star Wars.  He could do the beginning - sort of by rote, with reading music that had letters and finger numbers written in.

Then I had two first graders who are both on the verge of playing very well!  It is so fine to see the foundation you spent time building getting ready to grow so much.  Part of this is developmental, but a willing student on their way is so much fun!

It is nearly Halloween and I love teaching minor and its contrast to major during this season.  I do have students who don't celebrate, but I simply say it is an image that helps people hear music - a Boo Ghost versus a Hi Ghost.  I also refer to Purim, if that is what they celebrate, and we talk about their costume for that time of the year.  My feeling is if everything that is not completely ecumenical is eliminated, then we won't be able to do much of anything.  I never want any students to feel bad, but they all know about Halloween and it is just costumes and candy at this point in time.

Tomorrow, more piano students.  I always use Dalcroze principles in teaching piano.  What are these?  Being sure the students hear and feel concepts, that they find excitement either through just the sounds or for dramatic reasons.  I read books at lessons like I do at class, and have the students help me accompany the story.

Some piano students just play things - they "get it".  But other students need the dramatic inspiration.  This is fun for me to engage in, and the kids love it!  Being a Dalcroze teacher I always have a story and I can make almost any book into a musical adventure.

Tomorrow - piano students!  I am always looking forward to each student and class.  I mostly work for myself or by myself so there is no red tape or politics in my daily life - or really very little.

Halloween too!