The Skoog

Along my quest for work, I embarked upon a new assistive technology for SEN. Its called a Skoog, I got very excited about it all. You gotta check it out!

http://www.skoogmusic.com/

Back again!

It has been a while since I last blogged, being a mother and a wife kind of takes over! I have now passed Grade 7 and just started on Grade 8...I will get there sometime. I am now seeking employment as I face redundancy, like a lot of people at such times. Music leading and teaching is the area of focus for me. I have signed up to a part-time teaching course. I can put it in to practice at the local high school, as I have signed up as a volunteer , to work in the music department. I can't wait! Fingers crossed something comes up work wise!

My pop video!

I have uploaded my pop video to you tube, it brings back the good old days. It was recorded using Reel-to Reel and filmed using VHS. Its madness! I was studying at the local college in Omagh, N.Ireland. The guys featuring in it where my colleagues. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8ITMtpxpqM

Introducing activities to the piano lesson!

Recently, I have found a couple of my students are finding it a little difficult to stay focused throughout the piano lesson, and are not practicing at home. It must be hard having so many technologies available, i.e game consoles and the internet! So I have found a couple of music resource websites that have loads of games/activities and the option to download for free. I tried some out on my students, and they went down a storm. I think I had more fun than them to be honest. I have also introduced reward charts, which seems to keep them focused more as well. I just wish I had more time to create some of my own. It definitely brings more life to the lessons!

I PASSED!!!!

Well, I did it! I passed my piano exam. I have ordered my Grade 7, so I can get on with it. I am taking a couple of weeks off just to recuperate. I also had my last session of the year with Nottingham Community Music. Tomorrow's session with Drake will also be the last one this year. I have some work lined up for next year, funding permitted. So I will be a very busy lady!

Piano Exam

I sat my Grade 6 piano exam last Friday...what can I say the nerves got the better of me. It was an awful experience. I feel I have messed up big time. I won't find out until Friday. I cant move on or stop thinking about it until I know the outcome. In the meantime, I am still teaching and have another two possible students. So its all looking up that end, but I need to find a way of overcoming my nerves, as this is something i will have to pass on to my students. I have also been approached by Music Leader to feature in a DVD in correspondence to the article I wrote. I jumped at the chance, this will most certainly raise my profile and hopefully gain more confidence and work!

Teaching Piano

Well, I now have two students and two starting next week! Everything is going well so far, and I am continuously trying to find interactive ways to teach, so it can be fun! I am enjoying it so much, so far the feedback has been good.