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The Importance of Musical Interest By Louise Hung   Through my experiences so far as a music educator, I have found one core aspect that needs to exist for a student to develop as a musician: the student needs to be interested in the music they are playing. Without that interest, music lessons become a chore, especially when not every student enjoys the process of practicing from the outset.   When a student is interested in a particular piece or style of music, the practicing becomes an immersive exploration guided by the desire to successfully play the music how they want it to sound.    In taking this interest as the core aspect of a successful musician, I think the question is, for many educators and parents: how do I encourage student interest in more “classical,” historical, or musically complex styles? (Especially when these styles are what make up half or more of the music styles explored in the RCM exams.)    I have found that most students naturally gravitate towards the music they are surrounded with and listen to regularly. Pop, movie soundtracks, and video game music are usually what my students choose when they get the opportunity to choose music to play completely without interference. Their connections with these styles are deep, since they identify with the stories, characters, moods and aesthetics reflected in the music. Most students are not often exposed to “classical” or historical styles of music in their daily lives. Without that exposure, it can be difficult to develop the deep interest needed to sustain the detailed and consistent dedication and practice needed to play this music well.    Interest in a musical style does not always begin with the music itself. Much of our tastes in music are largely influenced by the aesthetics and lifestyle associated with a specific subset of music or artist. Music is a product of its environment. “Classical” and historical styles of music are no different! One of my favorite kinds of classes I teach are group or one-on-one music history, listening, and theory classes. In these classes, I can introduce students to the rich social and cultural history that “classical” and historical styles of music are rooted in detail. In exploring the stories of the world these styles of music were created in through understanding the historical events, social and cultural practices and attitudes, the lives of past composers and performers, and the theoretical building blocks composers used to build their works, “classical” and historical music can be brought to life. The music no longer stays stagnant and frozen as a relic of the past, but as a living work connecting us to the people who came before us.    In understanding how the music was made, students have the agency to make educated decisions about how to interpret and personalize the music, instead of uncritically playing what is put before them. It allows them to be active participants in the creation of the music and in their own musical learning. So far, every student I have taught history and theory to have developed a stronger interest in the “classical” music they play. As I predominantly teach purely instrumental music through piano, I have found encouraging aspects of imagery and storytelling to be important to student engagement. Most of the music that is listened to are songs where the lyrics explicitly give meaning. However, purely instrumental music can often pose a challenge for emotional connection, especially when it is unfamiliar. However, with guidance and suggestions, students can use their imagination to link the music they are playing to their own lives, to stories they are reading and watching.   We already associate certain emotions with certain styles of music, and to certain harmonies and rhythms, because they are all around in the media we consume. Movies, tv shows, plays, musicals and songs all reinforce these musical cultural associations. Whereas these examples all feature visual or textual context for the music to meld with, playing a purely instrumental piece doesn’t come with that context built in. Thus, it’s important to encourage students to use their imagination to give the music meaning. Instrumental music on its own does not have innate meaning. This does not stop music from being meaningful -despite the fact that music has similar structures and aspects to language, it is certain not one, and not a universal one at that. It needs the imagination and cultural context of the composer, performer, and listener to give it meaning. Read More About Louise All Posts Blog Posts CMC Notes Newsletters The Importance of Musical Interest: Insights from Louise Hung 2024-06-15/ The Importance of Musical Interest By Louise Hung   Through my experiences so far as a music educator, I have… Read More CMC Notes – June 2024 2024-06-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – June 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. CMC Spring Recitals 3. Summer Lessons… Read More CMC Notes – May 2024 2024-05-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – May 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Spring Recitals – Info 3. Summer… Read More The ABCs of My Many Memorable Moments at CMC – Insights from Cheng-Feng Lin 2024-04-15/ The ABCs of My Many Memorable Moments at CMC By Cheng-Feng Lin Over the years teaching at CMC, I have… Read More CMC Notes – April 2024 2024-04-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – April 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Spring Recitals – Info 3. Teachers’… Read More Musical Musings: Insights from Sonya Harper-Nyby 2024-03-15/ Musical Musings: Insights from Sonya Harper-Nyby By Sonya Harper Nyby   “Let music belong to everyone.” (Zoltán Kodály)   I’m… Read More CMC Notes – March 2024 2024-03-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – March 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 3.… Read More CMC Notes – February 2024 2024-02-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – February 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Summer Camp Registration & Discount! 3.… Read More Why You Should Study Music Theory: Advice From a Professional 2024-01-15/ Why Study Music Theory? Music theory lessons

The ABCs of My Many Memorable Moments at CMC By Cheng-Feng Lin Over the years teaching at CMC, I have had many memorable moments. These lessons are really special, where I get to know each student at a deep level, often for more than one decade. For that, I am grateful for the trust from the parents and the students.   Here I have compiled an alphabetical list, from A to Z, for certain qualities that have been consistent and present in the lessons I have been giving throughout these years at CMC. Click each row to expand! A—Affection and Appreciation The lessons are filled with a lot of affection and appreciation. We also explore ways to play with affection and appreciation, as the musical pieces demand them to communicate these affects from their inner states and through their fingers. B—Being present The process of music making requires the students to be present in the body and the breath so that they are available to serve this art form. With the presence and attentiveness, breakthrough and transformation may then take place. C—Choice The students enjoy making decisions alone or with me during the lessons for issues like, fingering choices, interpretive choices, phrasing shape choices, for example. This leads to many positive benefits, such as empowerment, autonomy, curiosity, awareness, and more. I often tell them that they will not always have a teacher in the future, and they need to know how to process the music at hand independently. D—Dialogue I always love to hear what the students would respond in our conversation about music. However, it is even more interesting to listen to the shift when they speak their inner thoughts out loud: “it’s difficult” or “ I can’t” gradually turns into, “let me try again”, or “Ah, I almost have it”. E—Energy My students’ eyes often light up when they experience the magic of the cause and effect between the input of their physical effort with a particular energy/intention and the outcome when the piano ‘sings’ back to them in that particular energy mirroring theirs. They hear it! F—Focus The lesson is definitely a fertile ground to develop the capacity to focus: to be as aligned as possible in what they feel, think, see, and do, wiring many senses together in one unified state while playing the piano. They are invited to do so without the excessive tension and stress. G—Generosity I often encourage the students to be generous with their time and effort for their learning and practicing. Instead of seeing the learning and practicing as a chore or obligation, I would discuss and help them to see it as a generous gift—the gift of possibility and competency. H—Honesty Oh, the honesty of these young children! They are direct when expressing their thoughts upon hearing the music, or upon certain tasks that I propose. They would often show me their preferred way of learning something. Teenagers are far more discreet. It comes with a little sigh or a hesitant look. With some encouragement, they do tell, “I will have many tests next week, and I am not sure if I could get to all these scales..” I—Intuition Here I am referring to the musical intuition. Intuition literally means the tuition or the guidance from within. I put in high priority in developing and encouraging this internal musical guiding force of the students. I see this happening when the student (apparently not reading the music sheet on the stand) got ‘lost’ in the middle of the phrase, but managed to ‘invent’ a sensible alternative ending within the measure without even realizing they had done so. Or when the student instinctually builds up the energy of a phrase while playing it, without noticing the crescendo sign on the page. Another illustration would be improvisation. When the student enjoys improvising on the piano and delights in exploring new melodic patterns. J—Juggle Juggling with many tasks in life is the reality of the students I meet at CMC. Good time management on their part for home practicing is crucial. Considering the length of the lesson time (short), frequency of the lesson (only 1x/week), and the amount of materials (a ton), I am still learning the art of time management of giving a lesson. K—Kindness Oh I only wish if some of the students would not be so hard on themselves. The road of learning music never ends and the going does get tough often. Being kind and compassionate to one’s own learning process is one of the secrets to the life-long musical practice. L—Learning to listen Listening is a phenomenon that engages our whole being. It is about giving care, attentiveness, awareness and discernment while listening. Easy said than done, as we can be so busy with playing and not really listening. At the lesson, we often exercise this sense by isolating certain musical segment in order to listen in a particular way while playing. We would share our reflection after listening/playing. “How was the E in the end of the phrase? How did you shape it?”, for example. M—Musicality I would like to broaden the contemplation of musicality in reference to the students’ personality and their self expression. To me, each one of them is like a piece of living music. Here are some examples: the sparkle of their eyes when they hear that alluring harmony; the little nods to the groovy beats of the pop song they would like me to teach them; the melancholy student who tells me that Bb minor is her favourite key; a sudden obsession to make sure that very quiet sound at the end sounds ‘just right’. The musicality that lives through them is intrinsic, visceral, and spontaneous. N—Nourishment Once, a student said to me, while playing Beethoven’s Für Elise, “the music sheet is like a post card from Beethoven. I get to know his thoughts from the music.” Yes, my dear! Beethoven passed away, but his messages remains with us. And one way

Musical Musings: Insights from Sonya Harper-Nyby By Sonya Harper Nyby   “Let music belong to everyone.” (Zoltán Kodály)   I’m Sonya, and I am a lifelong musician. I started learning violin in Grade 3, joined a choir in Grade 5, and never stopped making music. At Classical Music Conservatory, I teach Musical Preludes, voice lessons, and just started teaching violin lessons.   Long-time Musical Preludes Teacher, First-time Musical Preludes Parent I’ve been teaching the Musical Preludes classes since 2016. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful children while making music together, exploring the different ways we can use our voices, learning about the many instruments these little musicians can go on to play in lessons at Classical Music Conservatory, and encountering the building blocks of music such as rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, notation, and more. Every year, our Musical Preludes musicians remind me of the diversity of human experience and expression as well as the almost universal appeal of music as a means of sharing ourselves with others. Please know that all children are welcome in Musical Preludes. Since September 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to share my teacher self with my own child in our Musical Preludes Intro class. She was born in 2020 and heard a lot of online voice lessons and rehearsals as an infant. We’ve also played her a wide range of musical styles, from opera to reggae, from latin jazz to hip hop, from afrobeat to punk rock. Unsurprisingly, she seems to love singing and playing instruments. She also loves running around the classroom when we’re meant to be sitting in a circle together! I love watching and hearing her learn, but most of all, I love seeing the friendships she is building with the other children in her class. In years past, I have noticed the social connections formed in Musical Preludes classes, and now I see it as one of the most wonderful things our children can experience in this setting.   It’s also wonderful to see our Musical Preludes alumni go on to play their favourite instruments in private lessons at Classical Music Conservatory. Every week, I see children and their grown-ups in the waiting room getting ready for their lessons and I think about the first time they encountered a cello, piano, clarinet, violin, trumpet, flute, guitar, recorder, ukulele, or small percussion instruments. Sometimes I am lucky enough to hear them play in the recitals and I feel so happy for them that they have found an instrument that they love to play.   Growing up at Classical Music Conservatory A neighbourhood music school is such a valuable thing. It’s common for families to be part of our community for years or even decades. I’ve taught many voice students as they grow from childhood to young adulthood. It’s amazing to watch them becoming themselves, and gratifying to track their progress as musicians.   From the Shower to the Stage I have taught many adult voice students who have taken a break from music or who are trying music lessons for the first time. Recently, one singer told me that she gives full concerts in the shower all the time and is eager to share her singing with others. How wonderful that we can try new things or return to old activities at any point in our lives! Whether you’re a complete beginner or just feeling a bit rusty, taking music lessons as an adult can be a lot of fun and great for your brain health. If you are interested in performing, Classical Music Conservatory holds two recitals a year for our adult musicians so that you can have the opportunity to perform in a supportive atmosphere along with your peers.   Music For Everyone Classical Music Conservatory has a lot to offer musicians of all ages. If you or a child in your life is interested in learning music, take a look through the website or contact the office for more information. We would love to welcome you to our community! Read More About Sonya! Learn More About Musical Preludes! All Posts Blog Posts CMC Notes Newsletters Musical Musings: Insights from Sonya Harper-Nyby 2024-03-15/ Musical Musings: Insights from Sonya Harper-Nyby By Sonya Harper Nyby   “Let music belong to everyone.” (Zoltán Kodály)   I’m… Read More CMC Notes – March 2024 2024-03-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – March 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 3.… Read More CMC Notes – February 2024 2024-02-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – February 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Summer Camp Registration & Discount! 3.… Read More Why You Should Study Music Theory: Advice From a Professional 2024-01-15/ Why Study Music Theory? Music theory lessons can offer a variety of benefits to musicians, regardless of their skill level… Read More CMC Notes – January 2024 2024-01-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – January 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals Concluded! 3. Lost &… Read More Thinking About Starting Lessons? Here’s 10 Reasons Why You Should Choose CMC 2023-12-15/ Top Ten Advantages of Being a Part of CMC! Click each number to expand! #1. Unparalleled support  We offer unparalleled… Read More CMC Notes – December 2023 2023-12-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – December 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals – Schedule 3. Teachers… Read More The Complete Guide on How to Practice Effectively 2023-11-15/ Parents & Students: How to Practice Effectively Considerations regarding some instruments: 1. Piano, as much as it’s an easy instrument… Read More CMC Notes – November 2023 2023-11-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – November 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals – Information 3. Winter… Read More Load More End of Content.

Why Study Music Theory? Music theory lessons can offer a variety of benefits to musicians, regardless of their skill level or the type of music they enjoy.   Here are 10 reasons why learning music theory can be valuable, and see below for a message from CMC’s Executive Founding Director: Click each number to expand! #1. Understanding the Language of Music Music theory provides a systematic way to understand and communicate musical ideas. It gives you a language to discuss elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. #2. Enhancing Creativity While some might fear that theory limits creativity, it actually provides a framework that can inspire new ideas. Understanding the rules allows you to know how and when to break them for artistic expression. #3. Improving Compositional Skills For those interested in creating their own music, music theory is an invaluable tool. It helps composers and songwriters structure their compositions effectively and experiment with various musical elements. #4. Reading and Writing Sheet Music Music theory helps musicians read and write sheet music. This skill is essential for those who want to collaborate with other musicians, perform in ensembles, or work in a professional musical setting. #5. Analyzing Music Music theory enables you to analyze and understand the inner workings of a piece of music. This skill is particularly beneficial for musicians who want to interpret pieces more deeply and perform them with greater nuance. #6. Improving Performance Skills Musicians who understand music theory often have an easier time learning and memorizing pieces. They can also make more informed decisions about interpretation, phrasing, and expression. #7. Communication with Other Musicians When working with other musicians, having a shared understanding of music theory facilitates communication. It allows for efficient rehearsal and collaboration. #8. Preparing for Higher Education in Music If you plan to pursue music at a higher education level, whether in a university or conservatory setting, a solid understanding of music theory is often a prerequisite. #9. Exploring Different Genres Music theory is not limited to any particular genre. Whether you’re interested in classical, jazz, pop, or any other style, the principles of music theory can be applied across a broad range of musical genres. #10. Appreciating Music on a Deeper Level Understanding music theory allows you to appreciate the intricacies of the music you listen to. It enhances your ability to recognize patterns, appreciate skilled compositions, and engage with music in a more meaningful way. In summary, music theory lessons can provide a foundation that empowers musicians to express themselves more effectively, collaborate with others, and deepen their appreciation for the art of music. Now that you’ve read what the Artificial Intelligence (AI) has said, what would Human Intelligence from someone like me say about why one should take theory lessons –  a person who’s been learning music since she was 3 years old and who has been teaching music for almost 40 years now?    Well, if you’re already taking music lessons and have so for a little while, you or your child is already actually absorbing the knowledge of music theory while you’re playing your instrument(s). You’re already reading music, and if I have to compare that to the ability to drive, you are already driving on the road, without having learnt any of the rules of traffic etc. Yes it’s fun and enjoyable, but you’re not getting the whole picture, and you don’t know what you don’t know. Think about how much more you’ll see and enjoy by knowing everything there is to know about music, and you’ll see so much more of the beauty of music. Another analogy I can use to try to describe this is, you’ve been in a black and white world, and knowing music theory will put you in a full HD colourful world.    Also, for students who are still in school pre-university levels, you can earn up to 2 high-school credits by doing level 7 and level 8 of your instrument’s RCM exam together with the accompanying level 7 and level 8 theory RCM exams. These credits are also something that look good on your resume of accomplishments going into University/College, and later on your professional accomplishments. We all know how much it takes to do these requirements and it shows your tenacity, long term commitment and levels of skill building you have done. Basically, it shows well of your character as a young professional.   So, if you are taking music lessons in singing or instrumental, I urge you to take some music theory lessons, because I wish for you to know, see and feel the FULLEST of the beauty of music. Feel free to reach out to me and chat about this at LL@cmccanada.com   Lusiana Lukman, Executive Founding Director, Classical Music Conservatory All Posts Blog Posts CMC Notes Newsletters Why You Should Study Music Theory: Advice From a Professional 2024-01-15/ Why Study Music Theory? Music theory lessons can offer a variety of benefits to musicians, regardless of their skill level… Read More CMC Notes – January 2024 2024-01-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – January 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals Concluded! 3. Lost &… Read More Thinking About Starting Lessons? Here’s 10 Reasons Why You Should Choose CMC 2023-12-15/ Top Ten Advantages of Being a Part of CMC! Click each number to expand! #1. Unparalleled support  We offer unparalleled… Read More CMC Notes – December 2023 2023-12-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – December 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals – Schedule 3. Teachers… Read More The Complete Guide on How to Practice Effectively 2023-11-15/ Parents & Students: How to Practice Effectively Considerations regarding some instruments: 1. Piano, as much as it’s an easy instrument… Read More CMC Notes – November 2023 2023-11-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – November 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals – Information 3. Winter… Read More RCM Exams – To Do or Not To Do? 2023-10-15/ RCM EXAMS: ALL

Top Ten Advantages of Being a Part of CMC! Click each number to expand! #1. Unparalleled support  We offer unparalleled support for students, parents and teachers. We care, and we are here for you. #2. Student-teacher matching service Our Executive Founding Director personally ensures the best student-teacher match from the very beginning of your musical journey with us. Our guarantee is that you will get the best musical options at our music school as if you or your child were part of our family.   #3. We guide you to achieve your musical goals We are here to help you achieve your musical goals. Whether it’s to achieve RCM exams, obtain high school credits, learn a new instrument for fun, or for enrichment and the betterment of your being, we can help you get there.  #4. RCM exam and audition preparation For students on this route, we offer professional mock exams and mock auditions for our students to help best prepare them for their actual exam or audition, in addition to assisting with practicalities such as registration for the RCM exam.  #5. Live online or in-person lessons We offer the option of either in-person lessons at our CMC location or live online lessons – whatever works best for you! Even if you’re usually in-person and one week you need to pivot online, you can do so! #6. Community You will be part of our awesome CMC community, consisting not only of other students, teachers and administrators, but also extending to our amazing neighbourhood, steps away from other fabulous small locally run businesses on Roncesvalles!  CMC strives to be an inclusive and progressive music school where human rights are respected, We welcome and support LGBTQ2+ people and do not tolerate any form of racism or discrimination. #7. Recitals You have the option to participate in our bi-annual recitals where you can gain performance experience in a supportive environment with your fellow students and us cheering you on! We know what a big deal it is to perform in front of others, and we’re here to prepare and support you! #8. Variety of instruments, genres and levels We offer one-on-one lessons in piano, voice, acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, violin, viola, cello, double bass, recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone, theory, drum kit and trumpet (online only). We teach all levels, including audition and competition preparation, university preparation and university level coaching and extra help. #9. Team of professional teachers and administrators You will be a part of a team of professional, caring teachers – not just one – to help you grow. If your teacher has to be away, we have other CMC teachers to look after you. We believe communication is key to building relationships. We communicate daily, between students, parents, teachers and the school, and we ensure communication is fluid so that everything runs smoothly. You get to talk to a real-life, real time person within our office hours. At CMC you’re never a number; you’re a person and you’re part of our musical family. #10. Music books & violin / cello rentals We carry most books that you’ll need in our CMC office, so that you can get your music books quickly and have no interruption in your lesson progress. We also rent out violins and cellos for your convenience as well!  All Posts Blog Posts CMC Notes Newsletters Thinking About Joining CMC? Here’s 10 Reasons Why You Should 2023-12-15/ Top Ten Advantages of Being a Part of CMC! Click each number to expand! #1. Unparalleled support  We offer unparalleled… Read More CMC Notes – December 2023 2023-12-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – December 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals – Schedule 3. Teachers… Read More The Complete Guide on How to Practice Effectively 2023-11-15/ Parents & Students: How to Practice Effectively Considerations regarding some instruments: 1. Piano, as much as it’s an easy instrument… Read More CMC Notes – November 2023 2023-11-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – November 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals – Information 3. Winter… Read More RCM Exams – To Do or Not To Do? 2023-10-15/ RCM EXAMS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW What is an RCM exam?   The Royal Conservatory Music (RCM) examinations are a… Read More CMC Notes – October 2023 2023-10-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – October 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Musical Preludes 3. Teachers Upcoming Gigs… Read More CMC Notes – September 2023 2023-09-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – September 2023 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Musical Preludes 3. RCM 2015 Piano… Read More

Parents & Students: How to Practice Effectively Considerations regarding some instruments: 1. Piano, as much as it’s an easy instrument to start with, it does have its challenges to master. Many students feel like they progress so much in the beginning then they plateau, this is normal, it does take a lot more work to get from the beginner’s level to go up to the intermediate level then the the advanced level. A lot more detailed work and careful practice will need to be included in daily practice. Many piano students excel more when they have specific goals like doing the RCM exams, as there is curriculum and timeline that can be followed.   2. The violin/cello is a challenging instrument, just like any string instrument. Our own kids took violin and cello lessons, and the one on cello started when he was just  So I sat with him daily for 10-15 min. A lot more listening is required to make the sound sound good.     For very young children: A. APPROACH: Back when our son was 3 I would call it “Let’s play the cello now” instead of “practicing” in the very beginning, so that it was seen as a fun thing, which it can be! And simply go through the things that the teacher has done at the lessons too.   B. BE ENCOURAGING: I always encourage by saying “that’s good, now let’s do that a couple more times”. Even if it’s not perfect, or even if it’s perfect, the repetition will build the skills. I find that kids really need encouraging words even for the little successes like the correct bow hold for a violin or cello student – those words go a long way.   C. CONSISTENCY: The more consistent practicing is, the easier it will actually get. It’s best to set the same time each day (ex: 10 minutes before school, or right after school…etc) – just like brushing our teeth twice a day we simply do it – habits form by doing the same thing consistently, and practicing will eventually become a habit too.   Bonus things:REWARD Chart: Some kids like having a practice chart and getting a star for each day of playing their instrument. The point is to build a good daily playing habit and encourage them.   You can also ask the teacher (and/or the sub) to go through how to actually practice, so things are easy and clear.   Again, this is very common and we are here to help.     For children aged 7-10 years old: *Things to consider: Are they playing and doing the instrument they LOVE? What kind of music do they listen to? Would they rather sing or play the guitar or try another instrument? Do they have a good instrument at home? If it’s the piano, is the piano located in a good area of the house? Centralized but not full of distractions, yet they have a bit of privacy for them to focus.     Building Blocks of Musical Training:Lessons, Daily practicing, Performance practicing, Performances:Success in Music and in Life! By Lusiana Lukman © 2008 L. Lukman(ABC) & Cheng-Feng Lin (DEFG) © 2008 C.F. Lin   I. Essential Elements in Home Music practicing Sessions: A: Attention & Approach: Awareness and Focus are key to getting results in daily practice. The student can’t be practicing on auto-pilot. One needs to be aware of what the goal is that needs to be achieved. Most teachers will be writing down in your child’s dictation book (notebooks are given free here at CMC, because we want to make sure all students have them for this very purpose) what the expectations are of what can be achieved in that week. I highly recommend reading the book and showing it to the student, if they can read. Your child can read it to you even, as this empowers them and teaches them independence, which is a skill that can be applied to everything else they do in life. Approaching the practicing time as a habit and as play is always a good way to make it less of a chore for kids of any age.   B: Be Encouraging: Every student works better when they are encouraged, and when they feel empowered and know that they are getting better. So this is again an element that MUST be present at every practice session. Just a simple, “That’s good dear!” and “That sounds better already!”, along with a smile does wonders, for both you and your child. Some kids even like doing a bit of a “competitive” thing either with themselves or with you. Perhaps if you can say something like, “I bet you can finish learning that bar, or those 2 bars, before I … (you can fill in the blank here)…” or it can be as simple as before the 5 minutes is up.   C:  Continuity & Consistency: Daily practice is very much a MUST. Here are the reasons: Not only will you get the benefit of the repetition, you need to see that musical instrument playing is an Art, Science and Sport. The student, especially very young ones, will not be able to comprehend this, but as you, the parent, start to help guide them daily to include practicing as much part of the daily routine as possible, it will become a habit that they will incorporate into their lives. Cheng-Feng will talk more about how to accomplish this without complaining and fighting.     II. Beyond A, B, Cs: D:  Delight: We propose mood regulation. Preparing oneself mentally, emotionally, and physically before coming to the instruments brings more pleasure for the musical tasks at hand. Observe the children, and prepare them at least about 15 min prior to practicing and restore them to a state of equilibrium (not under or overly stimulated.) Strategies would be different if a child came out of a nap, versus if a child just came back from a

RCM EXAMS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW What is an RCM exam?   The Royal Conservatory Music (RCM) examinations are a Canadian national music exam standard for students, parents and teachers to track and measure progress and achievements.    RCM exams are great for some kids, especially those who thrive in doing tests and are encouraged by their positive results.    Having said that, they are not for everyone.    What are the benefits of doing an RCM exam?    LONG TERM GOAL BUILDING & DISCIPLINE: Preparing for and successfully completing an examination enables long term goal building and discipline for students. Unlike most children’s activities today, studying music is not an instantly gratifying activity. Learning an instrument is a marathon, and the process is actually what is most beneficial for the development of young brains.  A MORE STRUCTURED APPROACH TO MUSICAL STUDIES: Planning and preparing for an exam is a more structured approach to musical studies and it instills a good and systematic way of thinking.  TECHNICAL SKILLS: Students gain a lot of technical skills that would not usually be included in more casual fun lessons. Some RCM exam components involve testing students specifically on technical ability as well as ear training – skills that students must practice with their teachers and in their own preparation. BUILDING CONFIDENCE & A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT: When achieving good exam results, students have a very satisfying sense of accomplishment and it builds their confidence. At CMC, our RCM exam preparation is very fine tuned, so if you follow every step, your result will be excellent. ACHIEVE HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS: Students can achieve up to 2 high school credits by doing RCM music exams!   MORE about getting up to 2 High School credits:   When you work towards and achieve a Level 7 practical instrumental or voice RCM exam AND a Level 7 theory RCM exam, you receive a Grade 11 OSSD high-school credit.   When you work towards and achieve a Level 8 practical instrumental or voice RCM exam AND a Level 8 theory RCM exam, you receive a Grade 12 OSSD high-school credit.   THINGS TO NOTE:    It takes years of doing other grades below level 7 too, since there are a lot of materials and skills you need to accumulate in order to successfully achieve these levels of exams. You don’t have to do every single Level of exams below Level 7 and 8, but it is highly recommended to do at least a few of the lower grade exams so that you know what the RCM exams are like and will have enough exam-taking practical skills and experience under your belt. For the theory requirements, music theory will need to be learned much earlier than Level 7, as it’s an accumulative subject with each Level building on the previous one. You need to learn the material, but don’t necessarily need to take the exams prior to Level 7. CMC Mock Exams   Here at CMC we also offer a very thorough MOCK Exam process; we highly recommend for students to take at least 2 mock exams before each of their actual RCM exams. Our data from the last 25 years of CMC shows that students who take at least 2 mock exams do significantly better than those who only do 1 or no mock exams prior to their RCM exams.   Do they have exams for guitar, bass and drums?   For those who like classical guitar and bass pieces, the RCM does have classical guitar exams. Some students only want to do pop, rock or jazz music on piano, guitar and drums, and there is no national exams board structured in those genres. So for them, the alternative to show their musical achievements beyond their private lessons would be to join or form their own rock band in addition to lessons to learn the skills of playing in a group, which is what these instruments are meant to do. Their successes are then shown through their solo performances at our recitals etc.    In what instruments and subjects are RCM exams offered?   At CMC, we can help you prepare RCM exams in the following instruments:   Piano Voice Violin Viola Cello Double Bass Classical Guitar Clarinet Flute Saxophone Trumpet Theory – all levels, including university levels Do I have to take RCM theory?   The exam in your instrument (piano, cello, violin..etc) is called a ‘practical’ exam, and the exam for theory is simply called a ‘theory’ exam.    In order to obtain an RCM Certificate of Achievement for your exam, theory is required from Levels 5 and up. Prior to that (RCM Levels Prep A to Level 4) only the practical exam is required.    Please see Appendix A (below) for Practical Exam Certificate Requirements.   What other benefits do these exams give students?   For students who like/need structured, goal oriented lessons and exams, working towards these concrete goals is extremely helpful for them. Plus, being able to get up to 2 high school credits in Ontario is a major incentive. The amount of discipline and commitment that the exams require truly teaches students how to work in a structured long-term and organized way. Unlike other tests or exams that students do at school or other activities, the practical and theory exams have very high level demands that will equip them for real world experience in the future. Also, for some kids who may want to consider music as a career in the future, these accreditations would help them work towards their university auditions and preparations. If these exams are aligned with your musical education goals, please ask Lusiana about them, as they do take long-term planning and structured lessons as well as daily practicing towards achieving them. Most RCM level exams take at least 1 school-year of preparation, so if you wish to do an exam by June or Aug of next year, September and October is the best time to decide