iPad hits the studio

Shhh.  I have a secret.  Although I knit, sew, scrapbook and plant a garden, I am a techno-junky.   My newest acquisition is a 1st Generation iPad.  I got a great deal at Best Buy since the Gen 2 is out and it was an open box.

 

So lets review an app that I’ve found that is very useful…and free.  This the Ludwig Metronome app.  Let’s examine the features.

image imageDo you see the slightly shaded circle within the wheel?  This is where you select the tempo you want.  Just keep your finger on the circle and scroll around the dial.  The tempo and its term appear in the center of the circle.  The box with the lines at the top is a flashing indicator of the beat.  You can use the flashing light in conjunction with the ticking sound or alone.  Just select the speaker button with the x to turn the sound off and on.  To start the metronome use the Play button on the left.

 

At the bottom you will will see 4 buttons.  The one of the left shows 4/4.  This is the time signature that the metronome will tick to and give an accented down beat.  2/2, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/8, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8 are available.  To the right, you will see the options of Manual or Tap.  To use the scroll wheel ,select Manual.  To tap in the correct tempo, select tap.  This would be a great feature for kids who don’t yet understand how the numbers relate to the tempo.  They can tap in the speed they want to go and the metronome selects the tempo.  Finally, the gear button allows for customization of the features.

 

This is a great app and fun for the students to use.  Anything to keep students counting gets an A in my book.

That Doesn’t Belong There

Yesterday I was reading old blogs from The Yarn Harlot.  It was there that I ran across this one http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/03/25/forget_it_just_forget_it.html.  If you will notice, her day ended with finding a juice box in her backpack hand been impaled with a knitting needle.  No need to describe that mess.

 

You would be very surprised to know how often students bring juice boxes to their lesson in their music bag.  Who seriously thinks it is a good idea to put a Capri-Sun in the bag full of music books?  I get that kids like their after school snack, but leave the juice in the car.

 

Here’s hoping for a juice box free week of lessons.

 

capri sun

Congrats! You Did Great!

Well, I think we officially survived the large part of festival season.  On Feb. 26 my students participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs festival.  There were 19 students from my studio participating in the Solo Piano division.  Are you ready for the big news?  We had 100 % Superior ratings!  Everyone did a wonderful job.

 

Many of these students also participated in the Theory Testing that took place on the same day.  A special recognition to Taegan, Justin and Michael for getting 100 % on their theory tests.

 

On March 5, some of my more advanced students participated in the North Carolina Music Teacher’s Association Festival.  These students were required to play 3 pieces from different musical eras.  This is not a contest for the faint of heart.  The judging is fair but critical.  Yet again my students knocked it out of the park.  Congrats to Tori  who will be advancing to the state competition.  She scored a Superior in the Jr. B division.  Luna scored a Superior in the Jr. A division.  All my other entrants were rated Excellent.

 

Thank you so much for all your hard work.

 

I don’t suppose now would be the time to tell you that the NCMTA repertoire list for 2012 has already been released?  No?  In that case we can all live in denial for a few months and take a well earned vacation from festival music.  New repertoire here we come!