Barnes Piano Studio

I adore my students and had the time of my life with them this weekend!!! Wish that I had taken more photos of their performances, but I was too busy getting into it (the performances), and concentrating on the theory portion of the class that I was teaching. Think I'll need to ask parents to take photos and upload them for me.

A special shout-out to all of my students and their parents. You are all such an inspiration to me, and I am grateful for your love and friendship. There are a few of my students that practiced so hard to join us, however, they have been down with the virus that is going around in our area. Know that Ms Jacqui ((((loves you)))) and is thinking of you. Hope that you get better soon so that I can see your beautiful smiling faces again.

Many thanks to Dr. Sarah Mowry and Family for their generosity in allowing us to use their home and piano for this fun event! Dr. Mowry is and outstanding student!! I find so much joy in working with her! She is also such a kind and warm hostess!

The practice beads (photo on right) are examples that I made to share with students. I was inspired by a wonderful master teacher, named Karmalita Bawar, while attending the Suzuki Institute at the University of Louisville. She lovingly made these for students attending her master classes. I thank her for her love and wisdom, and pass on the things I have learned from the Suzuki Institute to students in my studio. The piano charm, on the bottom strand, I made using polymer clay. Here is a tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I2p7bDbfQA

Turtle Mania!
(Mascot, Practice Beads and Rubber Stamp)

Our Turtle Nail Clipper

(Photo left) I often refer to the turtle in teaching students. First of all, I want them to understand that piano study and excellence in performing it takes time. "Slow and steady wins the race." In terms of their tempo during practice, I want them to play "turtle speed".....taking their time, enabling them to "think" properly and pay attention to details. Performance speed/tempo comes later, when all things are done correctly within the piece at turtle speed. When it comes to technique, I teach students to envision that the back of their hand is a turtle shell. It keeps its beautiful form, and the knuckles should not sink or cave in during a performance. (See glass turtle in photo-left. The green dots remind them of their knuckles beautifully exposed and not sinking.) I ask them to imagine that their fingers move gracefully under the shell like feet....stroking the keys horizontally (joints moving and not stiff), keeping their wrists "above" the keyboard, not dropping below. If their thumb sticks outward during their practice (causing tension and a division of energy), I ask them to gently tuck their turtle head slightly under the shell.

In each of the bags pictured, there is a turtle among additional beads for students to make their practice bead. The turtle bead is moved "first" on the strand when practicing to serve as a reminder. I started the bags w/5 beads. Each of the students brought additional beads to have a bead exchange with other students.