Scientific Research Supports Music Study

Time Invested In Practicing Pays Off For Young Musicians, Research Shows

ScienceDaily (2008-11-05) -- A new study has found that children who study a musical instrument for at least three years outperform children with no instrumental training -- not only in tests of auditory discrimination and finger dexterity (skills honed by the study of a musical instrument), but also on tests measuring verbal ability and visual pattern completion (skills not normally associated with music). ... > read full article

TOP TEN for February 2011

#1 - Mariah 1940 points
#2 - Sam 1520 points
#3 - Andrew 1305 points
#4 - Alexandra 1215 points
#5 - Micah 1065 points
#6 - Joey 950 points
#7 - Ryan 925 points
#8 - Gavin 920 points
#9 - Holland 890 points
#10 - Julia 830 points
Remember, you can earn more than 1 composer statue! 1,000 points - 1 statue.

Top Ten Point-Scorers for January 2011

I am amazed at how many of my students are working hard for points. It really isn't super hard . . . a few magazine points, listening at the listening center . . . good practicing! You will notice that 4 of these below have reached the 1,000 point goal and are starting over (they'll receive 2 statues if they reach 1,000 twice!)

Here are the top ten for January (there are some ties!)
#1 - Mariah - 1235 points
#2 - Sam - 1220
#3 - Andrew - 1125
#4 - Alexandra - 1125
#5 - Gavin & Joey - 860
#6 - Holland - 810
#7 - Tavis - 800
#8 - Micah - 785
#9 - Ryan - 735
#10 - Lydia, Carlie, Julia - 700

Students who are around 600 points right now are "on track" for reaching the goal of 1,000 points by April 30.

Here are some ways to earn points:
- fill out assignment page completely
- meet practice goal
- exceed practice goal - for bonus points!
- do Theory book and workbook and exercise pages if assigned
- do any Bonus pages in your assignment notebook you want to do
- do Piano Explorer magazine work - it's easy to get 40 or 50 points and you can get over 100 points with just a little more work!
- listen to music provided at the Listening Center in my studio (write down what you hear and get points).

Barnes & Noble Playathon Nov. 2010

Here are a few pictures from the Barnes and Noble Playathon. Sorry I didn't take more pictures!

Theory Classes - December 2010

We had fun at Theory Class in December. A gift exchange, goodies and a game - - drawing a snowman with a blindfold on! Here are pictures of the "masterpieces"!