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I have been experimenting with online group lessons over the last few years. Here are some of the ways we currently use online groups: *****Fun online group theory classes (typically held in summer.). These classes really gave a boost to our kids last summer! What a fun way to learn and enjoy engaging activities with kids from all over the country! *****Performance classes! We have held online group performance classes for just kids. Like an "open mic" format, kids are relaxed as they share music. *****Online group camps! One of the most fun times we had was a Musical STEM camp. It was completely online! We did experiments, played a new piano song, and had so much fun together. Here's a video with highlights from that camp: I would LOVE to host a weekly online group experience for younger children. Stay tuned, see what we come up with next!
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 From brand-new beginners to intermediate students.....We've got piano playing going on ALL summer long!Thanks to Musicology App, and some AMAZING kids - our summer online studio is going strong! Here are some highlights so far:
Students have been learning Disney tunes, pop songs, and best of all, composing their OWN music!It's been fabulous to connect with kids over the summer. Many happy sounds are the result!
Many parents like the size, convenience, and portability of digital pianos.Updated: March 2022:These additional models from Amazon may be more available and convenient for you: Roland RP 102: www.amazon.com/Roland-Digital-Piano-Black-RP102/dp/B075ZZ6PGH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1P4J8LA8VVCJJ&keywords=roland+rp102+88-key+digital+piano&qid=1647974918&sprefix=Roland+RP102%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-5 Roland RP 501R: Buyer beware! Some companies use marketing ploys that sound great to the average consumer, but can create a long list of problems for the young piano student.  We have recommendations that are affordable, and easy. All under $1,000- pre-tax.I have curated the best instruments, at the lowest possible price, to recommend to parents. Here's the basics on what we are looking for: 1. 88 keys (gotta have this) 2. graded hammer action (be careful - this is where some companies are selling something that SOUNDS like it would work, but often the quality is shoddy. 3. decent sound 4. a setup that is sturdy, won't fall over, and promotes good posture and hand position. 5. a three pedal kit (gotta have this - don't get anything less) As of this writing (7/30/21) digital pianos are in high demand, and families will have to pre-order and may have to wait months. Perhaps a better alternative could be an acoustic? See this post for details: piano-opportunities-rentals-from-houston-piano-co.html Top Three Digital Pianos - with Furniture stand and pedal kit, and benchesMy studio requires these things of digital piano owners: Use one of these brands (or have something you own approved by me), have a furniture stand, a three pedal kit, and a sturdy bench. Kawaii ES 110 Here's the link for the piano: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ES110--kawai-es110-88-key-digital-piano-with-speakers-gloss-black Kawai furniture stand: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HML1stand--kawai-hml-1-stand-black-for-es100 Kawai pedals: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/F350pedal--kawai-f-350-triple-pedal-for-es100 Roland FP30X - my favorite!Here's the link to piano: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FP30XBK--roland-fp-30x-digital-piano-with-speakers-black link to furniture stand: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KSC70BK--roland-ksc-70-black link to triple pedals: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KPD70BK--roland-kpd-70-black Yamaha P-125link to piano: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P125BK--yamaha-p-125-88-key-weighted-action-digital-piano-black link to stand: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/L125BK--yamaha-l125-piano-stand-black link to triple pedal: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LP1BK--yamaha-lp1-3-pedal-unit-black Let me know if you have any questions. I am glad to help your student get started!Buying an instrument can be intimidating - but there is friendly help available.Are you ready to consider an acoustic piano for your child? Renting is an affordable, and sustainable way to provide a piano for your family, with little up-front cost.  These pianos not only provide a good foundation for your child, they are beautiful in your home as well! Even better, grand pianos give a fantastic experience for your child, and they make a grand statement to any room. As of this writing (7/30/21), the vertical pianos start out renting at $35 and up per month. The grands (depending on brand and size) start at around $100 per month. All rental payments go 100% towards an upgrade with Houston Piano Company. To get started - contact Larry Harms at larry@houstonpianocompany.com.Larry is a piano teacher, and also highly knowledgeable in both digital and acoustic pianos. Check out the company website here: www.houstonpianocompany.com/
I finally took the plunge - I joined WW to lose a few of my "pandemic pounds." I am learning a lot! First thing - start tracking my food, sleep, mindset and activity. When I measure these things, it's eye-opening! I see areas where I can improve. Next, I set goals. The app helps me keep accountable every day, I get tools and encouragement. The biggest lesson I am learning is flexibility. The weight watchers program is designed to help people live their every day lives. Some days it's easier to stick to healthy eating. Other days, I want to celebrate, or I just get off track. With the plan, it's no big deal! If I get off track, I always have a workaround. It's actually very similar to piano. Some days are easy to practice, others not. The key is to keep going, keep measuring, and keep positive!   Fun with Scale playing is Coming!I can't WAIT until we start our scale challenge. It will be an EPIC journey! Each student will learn 12 scales as they "travel" through the solar system. After learning three scales, they will "orbit" around a planet. When they have learned all 12 scales, they report to Mission Control (that's me!
I think we will all be amazed at the cool piano playing we will see at the end of this challenge. Stay tuned for more details! Preschoolers are rocking our Wunderkeys video lessons!Who would've thought that little kids, who love manipulatives and social interaction - would THRIVE with our preschool video lessons? Why? The answer is: our Wunderkeys program provides so many tactile activities - and we still can have social engagement, through our video chat times. How does it work?Parents can sign up for video lessons only; or they can opt for teacher-supported video lessons. Simply use our sign up form, and we will get you started! You will have immediate access to all ten lessons in the preschool level that is appropriate for your child. We provide an Amazon link for you to conveniently buy the book. As a parent, you have the control on when, where, and how the lessons are played at home. Our lessons are short, and there are appropriate times to pause the video, try out the piano, and come back to our lesson when you are ready. If you choose the teacher-support option, simply send a video of your child, or ask a question. I respond to each and every request from parents. Some parents opt to use the Marco Polo app, for quick video chat between parent, teacher, and even the child. Your child will feel special and accomplished when they complete the ten lessons, and get a certificate from you! For more info - and the sign up form - click on the link here: Sign Up for Preschool Piano! Let me know if you have any questions at all. I'm happy to help:) Let the Music Begin!We have two virtual events this month! Check out our calendar below - and keep close to our Facebook (Kay Lowry Piano) for more details. We are super proud of our students! They just don't give up. What a life lesson:)  Ready for some music learning that's fun for kids, and easy-peasy for parents? It's time for Flip-Its!Flip-Its are small, easy projects that kids love! If you are a parent, give your child the link to a Flip-Its - and they are off to LOTS of learning fun - all on their own. So fun and engaging! If you are a teacher, you will love how Flip-Its is a versatile resource, either for assigning BEFORE the lesson, or using DURING the lesson. Here's a video of a piano kid who has just viewed the video on how to explore intervals. Watch his explanation! Flip-Its for beginners will be available soon at www.leilaviss.comWe can't WAIT to see what our piano students will be able to do - after using Flip-Its! Look for lots of music fun and creativity coming your way:)  |