Sunday, October 4, 2020 by Quesada, Jose | Students

Image of a student recording a video

Seven students of the Zion Piano Studio participated in the 2020 Fall Festival organized by the Fort Worth Music Teachers Association. The event took place online on Monday, October 12 of 2020. Students learned and recorded one five-minute composition representing the Contemporary or the Jazz styles of music. Students will receive a critique and a corresponding ribbon based on the quality of their recordings.

The students who participated in the Festival were:

• Adil B. playing Folk Dance From First Term at the Piano by Béla Bartók
• Saifullah B. playing Melody Op. 39, No. 1 by Dmitri Kabalevsy
• Brian B. playing Folk Dance From First Term at the Piano by Béla Bartók
• Omar K. playing Comptine d'un autre été (l'aprés midi) by Yann Tiersen
• Andrew T. playing Melody 1 from Mikrokosmos, vol.1, Sz.107 by Béla Bartók
• Will T. playing Marching Op. 39, No. 3 by Dmitri Kabalevsy
• Suhani T. playing Blues in the Attic by Nikki Iles

The Fall Festival is an adjudicated event in which students play one or two solo piano repertoire selections for a judge, and receive a critique with a corresponding ribbon. (There are no Honors Recitals.). The next Festival will be presented at Fall 2021.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NKJV

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Monday, September 14, 2020 by Quesada, Jose | Piano 101

Image of a Keyboard

This guide was designed to help parents and students get the appropriate materials to start piano lessons at Zion Piano Studio. 

Instrument

Students will need access to a musical instrument for daily piano practice. An acoustic piano is desired, but some digital pianos are acceptable. Families and new students should consult the Studio for advice on piano purchases. 

Textbooks

Students will need access to textbook materials for lessons and daily practice. Depending on the student's level, families may need to purchase a music literacy book, a lesson book, and a performance book.

Notebook

Families should get a notebook to write homework assignments and other important information. Students should bring their notebook to the lesson each week.

Metronome

Students should download a free metronome app to be used in daily practice sessions. Students can purchase a traditional or digital metronome if desired.

Recording Device

Students should have access to a recording device for homework assignments. Apps like iPhone's voice memo or camera are perfectly acceptable as recording devices.  

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 NKJV

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Sunday, August 23, 2020 by Quesada, Jose | Lessons

Photo Credit: Sakurako on FlickrThe COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way most people take piano lessons. More and more students are turning away from in-person lessons to take online lessons. While online lessons work as fine as in-person lessons, many people find them challenging and overwhelming. The present guide is intended to summarize our recommended actions that students can take to have a positive experience when taking online lessons. 

Take Online Lessons as You Would Take In-Person Lessons 

It is common for students to take online lessons more casually. When taking lessons, dress up accordingly and spend some time preparing. 30 minutes before the lesson begins, clean up your space, connect your devices, check your internet connection on speedtest.net, and locate all your materials. When possible, make sure you have a private and quiet place to take your lesson. If you have some time left, spend it warming up or going over your homework assignment. At the time of the lesson be ready to call or receive a call on time. During the lessons behave appropriately as you would do in an in-person lesson. 

Record Your Homework Assignments

Performing live over the internet is challenging. Teachers rely on the quality of the internet connection and the audio settings to have an accurate listening of the composition. Instead of planning to perform online, record your homework assignment and send it to your teacher beforehand. In the case of theory assignments, you can take and send pictures of your homework. 

Use Devices and Platforms That Makes You Feel Comfortable 

The ideal online lesson will have two digital pianos and two computers connected over the internet via ethernet cable. On top of that, students and teachers may enhance the audio quality with microphones and headphones or speakers. While that is the ideal setting, the setup can be stressful for the student. Being emotionally stable is more profitable than having the right equipment. A happy student with a cell phone will learn better than a stressed student with the ideal setting. Use the electronic device and the video call system that makes you feel more comfortable. 

Improve Your Connection 

If you want to go an extra mile to improve your lesson experience, know that your internet connection is the most impactful factor. Check your internet connection before each lesson using speedtest.net. Check which electronic devices get connected better to the internet. When possible get closer to your router or improve your connection with an ethernet cable or a wireless range extender. 

Improve Your Sound Quality  

It is important that students and teachers are able to hear each other clearly. Use headphones or speakers to improve the sound that comes out of your electronic device and use external microphones to improve the sound you are sending to your teacher. Depending on the video call system that you use, you may take additional steps to improve the sound quality. 

In all circumstances keep your goals at hand. If your goal is to have fun and enjoy music, keep the settings simple and enjoy each minute of your lesson. If your goal is to earn achievements or awards at a more professional level, invest in improving your audio settings and your internet connection. 

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NKJV

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