Category: Just For Fun

Posts under this category are just for fun

New Christmas Books

Posted on by Heather Brunner

As a piano teacher, I spend a lot of time playing music that isn’t mine.  It’s rare that I get to play the piano for pure enjoyment of the music and it not be a project of some variety.  Well, it’s that time of year again.  It’s time for Christmas music!  I love piano Christmas music.  If you saw my music library you would probably think I’m a little crazy.  So when I was at Music and Arts 2 weeks ago and saw new Christmas piano books, that was it.  I had to have some new books.

First up is Simply Christmas by Jerry Ray. Now you have to understand.  Christmas with Style by Jerry Ray is just about my favorite Christmas book to play from.  The arrangements are great and not overly difficult.  So when I was Simply Christmas it was meant to be. I was not disappointed.  This is a great book.

The second book I picked up was O Come, Let Us Adore Him by the publisher Lillenas.  Lillenas published my favorite hymn arrange book so I thought this was a pretty sure bet.  This book was obviously made for church pianists.  It includes transitions between every song.  The arrangements are pretty and very playable.

So there you go, I am already playing and teaching Christmas piano music.  The recital is only a month away. I should go practice.

Calling Pianists, Vocalists, and Oboists To Guest Blog

Posted on by Heather Brunner

In trying to make things more interesting this year, I want to have some guest bloggers on the website.  If you think you have a topic that is important, funny, or relevant, send me an email.  Include your proposal and little bit about yourself.  All proposals will be considered and the best will be asked to write a full blog post.

 

If you are a local piano, voice or oboe teacher in Charlotte, NC I would love to hear about your experiences in our city.

Voices of Liberty

Posted on by Heather Brunner

Here is the next update of my Disney Music blog series.  This is a video of the Voice of Liberty in the American Pavilion at Epcot.  These might be my very favorite entertainers in all of WDW.  I spoke with the group leader and he indicated that not all of the singers have professional training but many of them do. 

 

I will be posting more vidoes throughout the week.  The woman in the light blue dress is my favorite performer.  She is a fantastic soprano with excellent technique. 

Music at Disney-Part I

Posted on by Heather Brunner

I just got home from a few days out of town.  Disney World is great this time of year, but it wasn’t just for relaxing.  I want to show you some of the ways music is integrated into the Disney experience.  First up was the hotel.  Since this was a last minute trip we stayed at the All Star Music Resort.  This is a value resort.  The rooms are quite small but are still themed really well.  These pictures are not mine since I forgot to take photos in the room, and it was pouring rain 3 of 4 days.

It is a little hard to tell from these pictures but the border around the room is music themed and the print on the wall is Mickey Mouse conducting an orchestra. 

The resort itself is totally decked out in music décor. 

 

I will be updating this blog series throughout the week.  I am very excited for fall lessons to get started back here at Brunner Studios in Charlotte, NC.  Brunner Studios offers piano, voice and oboe lessons.  At Disney World, I saw piano and vocal performances and heard many selections of oboe music.  It’s funny how much you notice different instruments in scores when you are listening for them. 

Clearing Out the Shelves

Posted on by Heather Brunner

Last week I had a little bit of a snap.  My studio book cases are so full and there is literature on there that I just don’t use.  A few hours of work later, there was a huge stack of music that someone might like.  So this week I am having a music sale.  The students can pick whatever they want and the prices are 50 cents to $1. 

My book cases look a lot better now and it is much easier to find what I need.  Getting new music is always fun and getting new music cheap is even better.  How have you gotten rid of excess music or grown your collection in an inexpensive manner?

The Little Engine That Could

Posted on by Heather Brunner

You know what is great?  When you get a student who just works at a steady pace.  The child isn’t doing anything spectacular or anything out of the ordinary, but is just doing the work.  The next thing you know, the student has zipped through 3 levels of books in less than a year. 

Keeping working! 

A Funny Student Story

Posted on by Heather Brunner

A few years ago, I had this cute little boy as a student.  He was about 4 years old and totally not interested in playing the piano.  Every week he would come into his lesson and sigh.  Then he would look at me and say “I miss my Daddy.”  Of course I would ask where his dad was and the little boy would say “Working.”  So for months, I just assumed that the dad worked up town and that he and the little boy were just really close.

 

In the spring, the little boy bounced into the studio one day.  “My daddy is coming home, My daddy is coming home.”  A few weeks later he came back in to his lesson and said “My daddy had to go back to work.”  I finally decided to ask where his dad worked.  The student replied “Utah.”  Really?  OK that’s a little odd, but sure.  I figured the kid was pulling my leg. 

 

A few more weeks go by and the little boy comes to another lesson and says “My mommy and daddy are both in Utah.  It’s important at work.”  My curiosity got the better of me and I asked the student “Well, what does your daddy do for work?”  His answer-

 

“My daddy plays basketball.”

 

Yep, the student’s dad played for the Utah Jazz.  He was so excited when the season was over and his dad could bring him to lessons.  He didn’t like piano any better, but it was just better all around because “My daddy’s bringing me to my lessons now.  He doesn’t have to work until later.”

NCMTA Festival Charlotte

Posted on by Heather Brunner

Congrats to all the students who participated yesterday in the NCMTA Festival for the Charlotte area.

A big thank you to all the teachers who ‘volunteered’ and helped the day run smoothly.  Is it really volunteering if participation is mandatory? 

See everyone again next year.

Following Up on Adele

Posted on by Heather Brunner

Earlier this week, I posted about Adele and her vocal issues.  Last night I watch the clip of her 2012 performance at the Brit Awards.  All things considered, she sounds 100%  improved.  There seems to be some technical improvement as far as how she is approaching the higher notes.  More of a head voice instead of a a belting approach goes a long way to alleviating strain.  There also was a restraint to the overall performance.  It could be that she is just taking it easier and letting the mic do more of the work or she could be really working on learning better technique.  Which ever it is I completely applaud her efforts.