VAIOSIAO\" post_id=\"1923477\" time=\"1564301145\" user_id=\"20789:

Hi Teacher Dreamaurora,

I chanced by this thread and read through your first few post. You mentioned that piano learner should learn “5 solo pieces, 2 technical exercises, and 2 duets”.

Would you mind provide me with some recommendation on solo pieces and technical pieces appropriate for grade 3 and grade 5?

VietnameseMom:

Hi teacher Dreamaurora,


May I have your advice, please.
My son is now 4 years old and understand a little bit English (we are foreigners). I would like to send him for piano lessons and am now confusing:
(1) Do you think it is ok that I should send him to music/piano classes while he doesn't speak English much OR I should wait until his English is proficient enough?
(2) If it is ok, which is better: a one-to-one class or a group class.

Many thanks in advance.

royivybaby:

Hi Teacher Dreamaurora,


I have some questions in my mind pondering for very long and think i should post and seek your guidance:

My 4 YO girl started with a music school learning piano when she was 18 months. She loved it but as it was supposed to be a group class, ended up she was the only one (as the timing of the class falls on nap time). Eventually, the school closes her class and forced her to join the advance class and eventually she lost her confidence and we stopped music lessons with the music school. Through the music school, she can identify her keyboard notes from C to G, and can play hot cross buns and Yankee Doodle.
Then online i managed to search and found her a music appreciation teacher. I wanted her to pick up individual piano lessons but last year she was only 3 and many advised that it was too young for her to go for individual piano lessons. So since last Oct, she was with this home based music appreciation teacher, each lesson that last 45 mins and each lesson they learned about music instruments such as String family, woodwind family. They learn words like mesto, crescendo. They learn about solfege (only hand signs and the names). They learn to differentiate the music instruments of the \"Carnival of the animals\" and other songs. Now she has completely forgotten how to play on the keyboard.

Now my dilemma is when is the age to pick up piano lessons exactly?
Should she continue to keep on joining music appreciation till primary school and then pick up piano lessons? Won't it be too late?

Appreciate your guidance.
:thankyou:

Imami:

Dreamsaurora,


Will there be other considerations in choosing double lessons or lengthening the lesson to 1.5 hr, other than the child's ability to concentrate?

I don't arrange lessons longer than 1hr at a stretch but I do double lessons when needed.

waiyean:

Dreamaurora:

Also, piano teachers teach one to one rather than group like ballet. Scheduling will be a nightmare if exam taking students take double lessons for 6 months. Can't expect a piano teacher to possibly have many empty slots ready to accommodate double lessons.

Do you have any students who take double lessons on a regular basis? From your experience, any rule of thumb what is optimal/most effective frequency of lessons? Everyone seems to be taking weekly lessons, will it help to increase frequency? How many hours of home practice should be done between each lesson?

Dreamaurora:

Also, piano teachers teach one to one rather than group like ballet. Scheduling will be a nightmare if exam taking students take double lessons for 6 months. Can't expect a piano teacher to possibly have many empty slots ready to accommodate double lessons.

Oh My Gosh:

I was just thinking... for ballet, the teachers will introduce twice a week training 6 months before the exams. How come piano teachers do not have that practise for their students taking examinations? Is 45 minutes a week sufficient for a Grade 5 taking exams?

Oh My Gosh:

FantasyLandDreams:

[quote=\"Oh My Gosh\"]Er... meaning for those who have already bought their theory book, got to pay extra and buy their answer booklet? I would thought the answers should be found behind the book, just like those Ten Years Series book.

Yes got to pay extra.

Searchingyou:

Hi, any contact fo a reliable and recommended grand piano mover? TIA

FantasyLandDreams:

Oh My Gosh:

Er... meaning for those who have already bought their theory book, got to pay extra and buy their answer booklet? I would thought the answers should be found behind the book, just like those Ten Years Series book.

Yes got to pay extra.

Oh My Gosh:

Er... meaning for those who have already bought their theory book, got to pay extra and buy their answer booklet? I would thought the answers should be found behind the book, just like those Ten Years Series book.

Dreamaurora:

peanut_butter:

[quote=\"chamonix\"]Is it possible to self study Grade 5 theory? My children's previous teacher has recommended us The AB Guide to Music Theory (Part I) for self studying. Are there any other books or programs that you would recommend? We are keen to try out the theory books (for practices) available on market. But most don't come with answers, and this makes it hard for someone without music background like me.

I like Ying Ying Ng's Music Theory for Young Musicians. My late teens students use it for self-study. But I still mark their work la. If in doubt, you can get a teacher to check when you complete the book. They have explanations that link well with the exercises. Their topics flow better than Lina Ng's. It's easy for adults to comprehend. I didn't use additional material, except for mock exam papers. Some music store carries the exam answers. The only draw back is it is too colorful for many adults or teachers to accept.

Searchingyou:

my friend would like to continue her grade 5 piano after since she stopper her lesson 20 years ago. She lost her grade 5 theory certificate. any advice?