Our Art and Music Camp is coming soon!  

Be prepared for some amazing creativity.  Here's the simple supplies you will need:  

FIRST:  Collect some plastic lids from containers - two or three various sizes.  Also - collect some random items from your recycle bin to make a collage.  This can be ANYTHING that can be cut an glued onto paper.  Examples: old magazines, egg cartons, cardboard, different colors of paper or envelopes. 

SECOND - check around your house for these items:  art paper, glue or glue sticks, scissors, crayons, washable markers, sharpies, pencils, colored pencils.  If you have these - GREAT!  Don't buy anything from the links below.

THIRD - fill in with any of the links below. You might want to add in the tempura paint sticks OR the Pentel Oil Pastels.  (not both- see info and links below)

Art paper - 9 x 12

amzn.to/43cO16N 

OR - Art paper - 11 x 14 

https://amzn.to/43cO16N

Glue sticks or glue 

amzn.to/3MBc6wS 


scissors for younger kids here:

amzn.to/3OUovyy 


Construction paper:

amzn.to/3NdvKkh 



Pentel Oil Pastels (Only for older kids or under supervision!  Can stain clothing).

amzn.to/43fdVqv 


Tempura paint sticks (get these for younger kids.  Washable!)

amzn.to/45EtklS

Art smocks for ages 2-7:

amzn.to/3MJzS9W
​

These are my Amazon affiliate links.  I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Feel free to experiment with what works best for your child!

​

I am so excited to offer a Virtual Drum Circle class! 

To participate - you need to have a rhythm instrument.  Here are some DIY instruments you can make from home!

Tin Can Drum:  be careful of sharp edges!

www.minieco.co.uk/balloon-bongo-rice-shaker-guiro/ 

Paper Plate Tambourine:

kidscraftroom.com/rainbow-paper-plate-tambourine-craft/ 

Bucket Drum:

www.wikihow.com/Bucket-Drum 


If you are not crafty - or maybe want something a bit more durable - check out these Amazon links:  (these are my affiliate links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you)

Egg Shakers

amzn.to/3oAZjT5



Cute African Drum

​amzn.to/3Ndhhot 


Bucket:

amzn.to/43wUhWz​


Grab one of these instruments and let's have a blast at the Virtual Drum Circle!

My students are already LOVING these books from Amazon! 

I am passing on the links in the hope that others will spread the love of music.

***As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  It doesn't cost you anything extra!***


Famous and Fun Pop 1 - always a favorite by Carol Matz.

amzn.to/3ULm2rl

Disney  tunes - level 1 - great arrangements by the Fabers!

amzn.to/3L5nzW0

Famous and Fun Pop Duets - book 1 - another great one by Carol Matz

amzn.to/3MQbnJS

Did you know I have an Amazon wish list for my piano students?

It covers so many things that are helpful for piano lessons.  I love to send along recommendations for ipad holders, stickers, erasable pencils, and more!

My Amazon book - "Dino Notes - an Interactive Music Notebook for Kids" is also a super fun way for young kids to learn to write their own music.

When shopping off of this list - please look at the "notes" section for each item.  This will help you determine if that item is appropriate for your child. 



Here's the link for the fabulous wish list! 

www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ZZ4CUD4DKZ96/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

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!

Thanks to Musicology App, and some AMAZING kids - our summer online studio is going strong!  Here are some highlights so far:

1. 105 Lessons Taught in the month of June!
2. 3 group classes, and 1 advanced theory class - with loads of fun.
3. 3 students entered the KMTA Summerfest! 

It's been fabulous to connect with kids over the summer.  Many happy sounds are the result!  

​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.  

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

My 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.

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

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

link 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

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!  

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.

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 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!