February 2003 newsletter - Atlanta Area Suzuki Piano Association

Nurture
The Atlanta Area Suzuki Piano Association Journal
Nurture
“To promote Suzuki education, service and communication
among parents, students, teachers and the community.”
www.atlantasuzukipiano.org
March 2003
AASPA’s 12th Graduation!
Inside This Issue
Brian Parks with his
mom Judy Blasé
and their student,
Patricia Lin
Page:
Leah Brammer with her students
Gretchen Nordhausen and Max
Alyssa Zeiler
1
Letter from the President....……..….…...
2
Graduation………………………………..
3
Quotes from the Graduates……………...
4-5
Five Piano Concert……………………….
6
Teacher to Teacher………………………
7
Top Graduate Interviews………………...
8
Records are Retro………………………...
9
Nurture your child’s musical taste………
10
Dr. Hagberg speaks to parents!
11
AASPA Calendar…………………………
12
Nurture
Letter From The President
Nurture is a publication of the
Atlanta Area Suzuki Piano Association Inc.
This journal is published three times a year October, March, and May.
Managing Editor: Leah Brammer
Technical Editor: Maggie Sandberg
AASPA Board of Directors 2002-2004:
Lauretta Russell, AASPA President
Dear Members,
Lauretta Russell,
President
Leah Brammer,
Co-President
Kathie Sheeley, Treasurer
Cheryl Davis
Chris Tsai
This past January and February has been very busy for me as
many new families have come to join my studio. In an effort, to
educate and inspire these new families, I reread parts of Dr.
Suzuki’s “Nurtured by Love” and would like to share with you
his thoughts on a child’s ability and their environment.
Susan Hunt,
Past President
Dr. Suzuki states : “We don’t have to look for specific innate
abilities or talents. It is a superior environment that has the
greatest effect in creating superior abilities”. His belief is “that
cultural and musical aptitude does not come from within, and is
not inherited, but occurs through suitable environmental
conditions. It is only a question of sensitivity and adaptive
speed.
Therefore, to be born with excellent or superior
qualities only means to be born with an ability to adapt more
speedily and sensitively to one’s environment”.
Maggie Sandberg, Secretary
As we leave behind the cold winter months and look forward to
the coming of spring, let us reflect on ways that we can create
superior environments that produce superior abilities. As
teachers, let us strive to create an environment where children
can learn, focus, and concentrate. Also, we must educate the
parents of our students with ways to create a superior
environment.
Robin Blankenship
So parents, don’t let your Suzuki CD get dusty. Play it all the
time. Play lots of other good music all the time for your child
and for yourself. Plan to attend a concert this spring with your
family. In creating a better environment, make sure to attend
and participate in your studio recitals. Also, make plans to attend
the 5 Piano Concert on May 4th (it’s free) and the Graduation
Concerts on June 14th.
Judy Parks Blase
Membership is open to any interested person. There is special
family membership promotion of $15 dues for this year
(normally $25). Call Maggie Sandberg to become a member
678-560-6445 or visit our web site
www.atlantasuzukipiano.org
Nurture submission criteria:
• All submissions welcome
• Send article document via email to
[email protected]
• All submissions become the property of Nurture and are
subject to editing.
This spring, when you look outside and behold the flowers and
trees blooming, make a commitment to create a better
environment so the superior abilities of your students and
children may bloom too!
Sincerely,
Lauretta Russell
President, AASPA
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The Atlanta Area Suzuki Piano Association Presents
The 12th Suzuki Piano Graduation Concerts, January 19, 2003, Spivey Hall
First Concert: 1:30 p.m.:
Second Concert, 4:00 p.m.:
Graduation Level I
Oliver Ni, age 8, student of Katherine Sheeley
Jamey Russell, age 9student of Robin Blankenship
Derek Onken, age 9, student of Judy P. Blase
Katherine Merritt, age 7, student of Chris Tsai
Brandon Hou, age 7, student of Judy P. Blase
Clay Boonthanakit, age 8, student of Katherine Sheeley
Sara Efurd, age 7, student of Judy P. Blase
Emily Earhart, age 7, student of Katherine Sheeley
Drew Onken, age 11, student of Judy P. Blase
Kitt Peterson, age 9, student of Katherine Sheeley
Eimaz Khan, age 8, student of Tony Winston
Graduation Level I
Danielle Pamela Fraser, age 10, student of Robin Blankenship
Max Sandberg, age 7, student of Leah Brammer
Patricia Lin, age 6, student of Brian Parks
Hannah Silverman, age 9, student of Betty King
Gretchen Nordhausen, age 7, student of Leah Brammer
Whitney Zimmermann, age 10, student of Brian Parks
Hannah Mei Freedman, age 8, student of Chris Tsai
H. Alexander Goodwin, age 10, student of Betty King
Michael Berger, age 10, student of Mayumi Yunus
Hunter Spivey, age 11, student of Betty King
Allen Zhao, age 13, student of Mayumi Yunus
Sara Hojjatie, age 9, student of Tony Winston
Graduation Level II
Beth Anne Ake, age 9, student of Leah Brammer
Daniel Levey, age 11, student of Chris Tsai
Skip Reese, age 11, student of Tony Winston
John Patrick Tiernan, age 10, student of Mary Jane Server
Julian Saviano, age 13, student of Robin Blankenship
Melanie Kem, age 8, Student of Fanli Thongsouk
Graduation Level II
Amanda Cate Wernicke, age 14, student of Suzanne Dixon
Kristopher Bryant, age 9, student of Tony Winston
Cody Orick, age 11, student of Brian Parks
Chloe Blalock, age 14, student of Chris Tsai
Kelly Scalf, age 9, student of Tony Winston
Catherine Wallace, age 8, student of Chris Tsai
Graduation Level III
Sydney Sewell, age 10, student of Robin Blankenship
Alex Pike, age 11, student of Barbara Brown
Emily Reese, age 12, student of Tony Winston
Graduation Level III
Sarah Royster, age 14, student of Suzanne Dixon
Parissa Rabbanifard, age 11, student of Tony Winston
Rachel Creagan, age 12, student of Cathy Gittelson
Luke Apfeld, age 12, student of Robin Blankenship
Graduation Level IV
Emily Austin, age 14, student of Barbara Brown
Graduation Level IV
Hailey Darnell, age 14, student of Marché Altom
Julia Gasperson, age 14, student of Suzanne Dixon
Graduation Level V
Derek Chen, age 14, student of Chris Tsai
Kimberly Wu, age 14, student of Chris Tsai
Graduation Level V
Jordan Apfeld, age 14, student of Robin Blankenship
Graduation Level VI
Mallory Brown, age 17, student of Tony Winston
Graduation Level VII
Alyssa Lynne Zeiler, age 16, student of Pamela Smith
Graduation Level VII
Steven Chen, age 16, student of Chris Tsai
Thank You! Flowers for the stage were provided as a gift from the Atlanta Area Suzuki Association.
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Quotes from the Graduates
Kimberly Wu: “The love of music keeps me in piano, even
during the harder times. I think that playing in front of a large
audience in a concert hall is one of the very best things about
piano.”
By Kelsey Khuen
Julian
Saviano:
“While
waiting
backstage I was
very excited that I
got to perform at
such a beautiful
place as Spivey
Hall. Also, I was
not nervous since
this was my second
time performing at
Spivey Hall. After
graduating I felt very confident to know that I am advancing to
higher levels of Suzuki Piano.”
Alyssa Zeiler: “Playing at the end
of the concert makes it more
terrifying and nerve-wracking;
there’s even more pressure than
usual, but on the other hand, the
best part about studying piano is
playing in the graduation concerts
and showing everyone what you
have
accomplished.”
(Alyssa
graduated Level 7 and was the last
performer on the second concert.)
Steven Chen: “The best part
of Graduation is that you get
the experience of performing
in front of an audience.”
Rachel Creagan:
“I like the
chance to show off my pieces at the
concerts!
Amanda Wernicke: “The worst thing
about graduation is the fear that you’ll
lose your head and won’t play well,
but if you have really practiced, that
doesn’t
usually
happen.
(from
Asheville. N.C.)
Julia Gasperson:
“During the few times that
I’ve felt like I wanted to
quit, my parents have
encouraged me to keep
going. They help me stick
to it.” (from Asheville,
N.C.)
Sarah Royster: “Before a
concert, I’m always nervous
that I’m going to mess up in
front of everyone, but I
usually don’t and then I am
proud of myself.
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Jordan Apfeld:
“While backstage I felt
anxious and ready to play
my piece that I had
prepared for so long. At
the end of the concert I
felt proud and ecstatic of
all I had accomplished. I
was also thankful to all
the people who made this
opportunity possible for
me.”
Kristopher Bryant: “It was a
great experience playing in
such an incredible concert hall.
I was a little nervous, even
though I had played there once
before.”
Luke Apfeld:
“Sitting back stage I felt
nervous and excited at the same
time. Afterwards I was relieved
because all that hard work
preparing for the concert had
payed off. Now I will have
more confident during the
future recitals.”
Drew Onken: "It
was fun to play in
that beautiful hall.
I can't wait to
learn how to play
the pieces that the
older kids played!"
Derek Onken: "I
was very proud of
myself when I
finished and I look
forward to doing it
again!"
Danielle Fraser: “I loved
Suzuki Graduation, it was so
exciting.”
Parissa Rabbanifard
"I love to play and listen to
music. Lately, I have
become very interested in
classical music. The piano
has given these things to
me."
Kelly Scalf: "The recital was
fun. I can't wait to do it again.
Mr. Tony has been a great
teacher. He's been my teacher
since I was 5."
Hailey Darnell: “This is my
first graduation concert in
Atlanta, and, so far, the worst
part about it has been my
procrastination and all the extra
practice.” (Hailey is from
Alabama)
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Last, but not least, Chris and I want to thank the staff of Spivey
Hall for their gracious assistance to our program. From
backstage production, ushers and box office administrators, the
Spivey Hall staff has always been accommodating and a
pleasure to work with. We are so fortunate to utilize such a
grand facility!
Susan Hunt – Graduation Co-Director
January
2003
Graduation
Concerts Expand Horizons!
Susan Hunt, Graduation Co-Director
On a cold and blustery Sunday, this
January, the Atlanta Area Suzuki
Piano Association hosted its 12th
Graduation Concerts at Spivey Hall.
The first-timers at this event were
treated to a world-class acoustical hall
as the young musicians shared the
opportunity to perform on a premier
piano. The concerts were marvelous!
Suzuki Piano Apprenticeship Program
Presents
Five-Piano Concert
May 4, 2003
3:00 PM
Post Theatre at the Lovett School
These fine performers were an
inspiration to all that attended. Some of the musicians, their
families, and their teachers traveled the ‘extra mile’ in order to
participate in this event. For the first time, this Graduation
represented a broader community of musical learners; with
students from 3 states outside of Georgia. These students and
their teachers are:
•
•
•
•
•
Amanda Cate Wernicke, North Carolina; Suzanne Dixon, teacher
Sarah Royster, North Carolina; Suzanne Dixon, teacher
Luke Apfeld, Tennessee; Robin Blankenship, teacher
Jorden Apfeld, Tennessee; Robin Blankenship, teacher
Hailey Darnell, Alabama; Marche’ Altom, teacher
This concert will feature over 100 Suzuki piano students
performing together on five grand pianos.
The concert is part of the Suzuki Piano Apprenticeship’s teacher
training program. Teachers studying in the program and their
students are participating in this concert. Preparation includes
teacher classes in which teachers study together on five pianos,
and five weeks of student rehearsals.
These teachers with their students and families added an exciting
dimension to our program. Thank you for your participation as
well as a thank you to the wonderful Atlanta area students,
families and teachers!
Finally, the Atlanta Area Suzuki Piano Association donated the
stage flowers in celebration of the Suzuki philosophy of
education: “Every child is born with the ability.”
The Concert includes all levels of Suzuki repertoire from the
Twinkle Variations to Mozart’s Rondo alla Turca. In addition,
Rondo Capriciosso by Mendelssohn and Sonata in D for Two
Pianos by Mozart will be performed. An original composition
for five pianos, written by Brian Parks especially for this
concert, will be presented.
Thank you to volunteers
The Concert and the Apprenticeship Program directors are Leah
Brammer and Robin Blankenship.
Susan Hunt, Graduation Co-Director
Chris Tsai and I wish to thank the all the volunteers who assisted
by executing many of the Graduation needs. All of these needs
are fulfilled by a cooperative group of both teachers and parents.
The participating teachers undertook many of these tasks. These
tasks ranged from providing footstools and benches, to stage and
artistic management, to backstage coordinator, to certificate
manager; there were no unimportant jobs.
The Concert is free and open to the public. All students, their
parents and teachers are invited to attend.
Membership Directories
Please look for your Membership Directory to arrive in March.
Contact Maggie Sandberg if you do not receive your copy.
[email protected] or 678-560-6445
There are some individuals who contributed in very special
ways:
•
•
•
•
Lauretta Russell – AASPA President – responsible for stage
flowers
Cheryl Davis – AASPA Board Member – provided certificates
Mary Jane Server – trophies
Maggie Sandberg – AASPA Secretary and Web master
AASPA Welcomes new member:
Nancy Chen
9275 Prestwick Club Dr., Duluth, Ga. 30097
770-449-1292, [email protected]
Please update your Membership Directory to include the Chen
family.
We appreciate the entire teacher and parent support for these
wonderful Graduation recitals. You make it happen!
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Teacher to Teacher
Nurture
Teacher Scholarships Available
A limited number of scholarships are available for the upcoming
These
workshop with Karen Hagberg March 14-16th.
scholarships will be awarded to help those in need defray the
enrollment cost of the workshop.
Tuition for the workshop is $85.00.
Scholarships will be $35.00.
The deadline for those applying is March 10th.
Scholarship award confirmation by March 12th.
For more information please call or e-mail Lauretta Russell at:
770-992-2140 or [email protected]
Where the Fun Is!
Robin Blankenship, Teacher Education Director
Teachers got together for fun and
learning on December 6, 2002 at
Southern Keyboards for a sharing
session on teaching group classes
and theory games. Over twelve
teachers attended the session, and
ended up on the floor playing
“Musopoly” and “Blue-Jello”!
Before the meeting teachers
chatted over coffee and delicious
refreshments brought by Anita
Smith and Amanda Castillo,
provided by AASPA.
Suzuki Piano Basics with Dr. Kataoka
Summer Happenings for 2003:
Suzuki Piano Institute, University of Louisville
June 1-6, 2003,
Concert Artist-Seizo Azuma
This meeting was designed as a
follow-up to the “MUSIC MIND
GAMES” workshop with Michiko Yurko held in the summer of
2001. Teachers attending that workshop had finally gotten all
their materials and had a year’s experience of research using the
games with their students.
Bruce Boiney, Director
Phone/fax -502-896-0416
Director @ suzukipiano.org
Website: www.suzukipiano.org
Beva Robbins, a new Suzuki teacher from Fayetteville, had this
to say about the meeting:
The tone of the meeting was very casual. Each teacher brought
a theory game to share and presented it to the group. The
teachers sat Indian style on the floor and PLAYED the games. I
found this very fascinating. We did not just hear about the
games and a brief explanation but we participated in each game
to see the results and the effect on learning it would have on the
students. The “hands on” demonstration of the games made the
games more helpful.
Suzuki Piano Basics Workshop
Orange County, California, CA
June 11-15, 2003
Mei Ihara, Director
Phone: 714-997-8692
[email protected]
International 10 Piano Concert, Sacramento,
California, August 16, 2003.
I believe if you make the group classes fun, with children
playing games together, it increases their learning ability.
Trying to be the first with the answer or solution also arouses the
sense of competition. I felt the enthusiasm of the group increase
as we progressed. One teacher would get excited about what
they had to offer and then another teacher would chime in with
her idea. The group laughed and just kept having more and
more fun. It was a fun therapy but also a very important
learning experience.
The 12th International
10 Piano Concert
I hope we have other session like this. It increases teachers’
confidence and teaching skills.
November 16, 2003
Matsumoto, Japan
For Information: Linda Nakagawa-916-422-2952
G:[email protected]
The next teacher sharing session will be Friday, May 16, 10:0012:00 at Southern Keyboards. The topic will be – More Theory
Games and Creative Ideas for Summer Classes.
A group of participating teachers and students will leave the
United states on October 31, and return November 17.
All teachers are invited to observe rehearsals and attend the
concert. Student enrollment is limited.
For more information please contact Dr. Karen hagberg;
hagbergdrake@juno,com
E-mail Robin Blankenship at [email protected] with feedback
or suggestions.
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Turkish Rondo, by the time I finished high school. I’m a junior
in high school and last Sunday I accomplished my goal. I would
have to say that is the reason that I love the Turkish Rondo so
much.
Twinkling Times presents:
Interviews with the top graduates at the
January 19, 2003 Graduation Concerts.
Would you like to be known as a famous pianist someday?
Any plans for college or career?
“I accomplished my goal!”
I want to major in Music Education and possibly teach
elementary music at an elementary school in Newnan.
Interview with Alyssa Zeiler by Kathie Sheeley
How do you remain calm before a performance?
I really can’t answer that question because I am NEVER calm
before a performance. I guess to be the most calm I just have to
reassure myself and tell myself that I know this piece and that
I’m gonna go out there and play the heck out of it.
How many of the Suzuki Graduation Concerts have you
participated in and what is your favorite thing about
participating?
I participated in my 7th Suzuki Graduation Concert in January,
2003. My favorite thing about participating is getting to go on
stage in that gorgeous hall and show everyone what I’ve been
doing for the past six months or year.
Do you have any advice to students who might be having
trouble finding the balance between school, other activities
and practicing?
Alyssa and her teacher, Pam Smith
I still have that problem, especially being in high school. I guess
the best thing to do would be to just make a schedule and
manage your time. Set a certain block of time for only piano and
stick to it.
Alyssa Zeiler is a 16-year old junior at Newnan High School in
Newnan, Ga. She is a student in the piano studio of Pam Smith.
Alyssa’s dog, Sandy, is her pride and joy, and her favorite hobby
is playing the piano.
How has music been helpful or important in your life?
Music has been helpful because it relaxes me to play the piano.
For me, playing the piano is a great stress reliever.
When and why did you start piano lessons?
I started piano lessons about six years ago because I thought it
would be fun to try something different. I had always danced
before, (ballet and tap).
“The most important lesson has
been patience.”
Who is your teacher and what do you like best about her and
your lessons?
My teacher is Pam Smith. I think my favorite thing about my
teacher and my lessons would have to be the incredible amount
of fun that we have together.
Interview with Stephen
Chen by Kathie Sheeley
Steven Chen is a sixteenyear old junior in high
school. He graduated
from Level 7 at the
Graduation Concert in
January, 2003. He also
performed
in
the
Friendship Recital last
August.
He and his
brother, Derek, are both
students in the studio of
Chris Tsai.
Any thoughts about practicing - how much, any tips, etc.?
Practicing...I definitely don’t do that enough. I’m not going to
say how much, because that can be used against me, but any
advice I can give to anyone is just to give piano 1000% and you
will go very far.
What is your favorite piece you’ve played so far and why?
I would have to say that my favorite piece is the Turkish Rondo
by Mozart. When I first started taking piano with Ms. Pam, I
told her that my goal was to graduate Level 7, playing the
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Records are Retro
By Kate Thompson, age 15- Student of
Leah Brammer
What is your favorite piece so far and why? How long did it
take to learn?
Audiophiles have been saying records are
back in style. My own LP collection began a
few years ago when a couple of long-time family
friends gave me some old records and a never-used player. A
few months later, after I had hooked up the player and listened
to the albums, I saw LPs on sale at the local library book-sale for
twenty-five cents a record. In a world where the average CD
costs over ten dollars, twenty-five cents an album was an offer I
couldn’t refuse; that day, I probably bought twenty or thirty LPs.
Now I also buy records at garage sales, thrift shops and at
discount music stores.
So far, it’d be Turkish Rondo because I get really tired after
playing it, so I feel like I accomplished a lot. It took…about
year and a half to “perfect” it.
Any special graduating concert memories?
handle nerves? Any tips to stay calm?
How do you
The first concert is always memorable; unfortunately I was too
nervous to remember any of it except for staring at my fingers.
Now, I usually control my nervousness due to experience but if
anything helps me, it’s enjoying other people’s company and
trying to improve simple songs in my head.
I have also concluded
that in many ways LPs
are better than CDs.
First, once a record has
been cleaned, its sound
is
either
indistinguishable
or
better than that of a
CD. In many cases, the
LP makes you feel like
you’re less than two
feet away from the
artist, and every note
and every background
noise is audible and
clear in an “unremastered, original” form. Second, LPs are amazingly cheaper
than CDs since most of the records sold today are used and at
least fifteen or twenty years old. Third, there are many albums
sold on vinyl that are unavailable on CD. If these songs and
artists are available on CD, they’re either expensive because
they’re rare or they’re expensive because they can only be found
on compilation albums. Consequently, I’ve even had some
friends ask me to copy pieces that they’re learning off my LPs
since they can’t find the same copy on CD.
Favorite Composer?
Vivaldi, simply because he didn’t have innate skills from birth.
He earned them all.
When and why did you start lessons?
I started lessons at 6, and it was because piano was the best way
to help cure my inability to sit still.
What do you like about your teacher and your lessons?
I’ve known Mrs. Tsai for so long that she has to be my favorite
teacher. The unique thing about her is probably her direct, frank
approach in correcting any problems. Without that, I’d still be
thinking that I ruled in piano.
Do you have any practice tips for other students?
One tip would be, if you’re having trouble getting something
done, get up, jump around and get a drink, then try again.
How has your mom (or dad) influenced you as a pianist?
In the beginning, they were the sole reason I played piano;
fortunately, that’s an unneeded influence now.
If you are interested in buying records, shop at garage sales and
thrift stores. Find artists and songs that you’ve heard of or like.
While some records are cheap for a reason, keep in mind that a
lot of small scratches and almost all dust can be removed with a
good cleaner, and new jackets are available at stores like Radio
Shack. Records are not only special because they’re highquality, old and cheap, but they’re “fun” since you can come
across real gems (like Ravel plays Ravel, or classic recordings
by Horowitz and Rubinstein), or real “interesting” ones (like the
Louissier jazz trio with the Royal Philharmonic playing Bach’s
Brandenburg Concertos), whose pasts are unknown and slightly
mysterious, since you don’t know if another copy of this same
album even exists anymore.
How have music and piano lessons been helpful in your life?
The most important lesson has been patience, and music in
general has taught me that I am more of a creative person as
opposed to logical.
Any thoughts on college or career choices?
There are many good colleges out there, but I know I’ll most
likely avoid a technical college. I’m hoping to work in the area
of law in the future.
Some interesting LPs’ I have found:
• Beethoven’s “Moonlight” sonata and Paderewski’s
Minuet performed by Paderewski
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•
•
•
•
www.BarnesandNoble.com
are good because they give
information about the disc. Many times you can listen to
samples online as well. Researching discs by specific artists is
also a great way to buy discs. Listed at the end of this article are
a few of the best pianists.
Beethoven’s “Moonlight,” “Appassionata,” and
Pathetique” sonatas performed by Glenn Gould
Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” and
Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 7 performed by Sviatoslav
Richter
Ravel’s Toccata, Pavane pour une Infante Defunte, and
other pieces performed by Ravel
Tchasikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by
Artur Rubinstein with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Another way to collect discs is to buy a specific disc to prepare
for live performances. This makes the live performance much
more enjoyable and valuable. A student’s parent recently told
me that she had taken her three boys to see the Atlanta
Symphony Orchestra perform Holts’ “The Planets.” The mother
bought the disc and played it in the car several weeks ahead.
During the performance, her son Max would turn to his head and
whisper "Mars!" "Mercury!"...
Nurture Your Child’s Musical Taste
Leah Brammer
I am always so happy when a student comes to the lesson and
announces a piece they have heard and want to learn.
Sometimes they find another pianist on a piece they are learning.
They develop the ability to hear subtle details and make
decisions about good interpretations. Then, the music becomes
truly their own.
When
were
my children
young
I
remember
encouraging them to
try new foods. I knew
that
they
would
probably like fried
foods
and
candy
without any help, but
also knew that getting
them to appreciate
high quality whole
foods was going to
take persistence. The
same principle is true with music. Children need parents to take
care of their musical environment in order for their taste to
mature.
Last, when listening to new music, remember the “three bite
rule.” Just trying one or two bites is not enough. Repetition of
high quality music is an important factor in acquiring good
musical sensibility.
Recommended Pianists
Alicia de Larrocha, Artur Rubenstein, Glenn Gould, Vladimir
Horowitz, Martha Argerich, Frederich Gulda, and Murray
Perrahia
Our memories from childhood often come from our senses- our
grandmother’s perfume, the feeling of sand between our fingers
at the beach, the glimmer of Christmas tree lights, or the taste of
a particular food being associated with a holiday.
Friends of AASPA
Thanks to all our supporters this year and in years past that have
enabled us to provide the quality education and events for the
Atlanta Community.
When children are growing up, having music on in the house
creates a feeling that they will remember even when they are
older. Recently, I picked up my teen-age daughter from school.
When she got in the car she said, “Oh, it is so nice to hear
classical music.” I asked her, “ Why? Were you listening to pop
songs while you were running track?” “No” she replied, “It’s
just been a difficult day.” So, music is not just a luxury. Good
music is important for our emotional well-being in the same way
good food is necessary for our physical well-being.
$501 - $1000: Dr. Haruko Kataoka, Nordson Corporation
$101 – $500: Cheryl Davis, The Loo Family, Gayle & Kevin
Mahon, UPS Corporation, The Chen Family
$26 – $100: Teresa & Foster Finley, The Gandy
Family, Lori & Allan Levey, Old Toy Store
$10 – $25: Kristine Apfeld, Lucas & Marilyn Banks, Barbara Brown,
Amanda Castillo, The Cheung Family, Cecelia & Jack Crofton, Molly
& Richard Fraher, Claire Lee, Lisa & Larry Schreier, Anita Smith,
Ndugu & Alice T'Ofori-Atta, Cathy and Allan Zeiler
Young students need many repetitions of the highest quality
music. It is not necessary to own many discs, just the best ones.
Any person, family, or corporation can become a Friend of
AASPA. This program helps support:
• January and June Graduation Concerts at Spivey Hall
• Master class workshops and student lessons with
master teachers
• Children’s Scholarship Fund
• Tri-yearly Newsletter
Researching and buying new music is fun for older children as
well as for parents who are developing their musical taste. A
trip to the music/book store can be a great educational outing.
Many stores have headphones with samples of discs. Students
can look for discs with compositions by the composers that they
are studying in their Suzuki piano repertoire. Buying one disc
that is carefully chosen is a great motivation. Websites like
www.Amazon.com,
www.Towerrecords.com
,
and
For application visit www.atlantasuzukipiano.org
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Nurture
SPECIAL AASPA EVENTS FOR ALL SUZUKI PARENTS!
Saturday, March 15, 2002
COFFEE BUFFET FOR TEACHERS & PARENTS
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
“PIANO LESSONS – LESSONS FOR LIFE”
lecture by Dr. Karen Hagberg, Master Suzuki Teacher
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
“HOW PIANOS ARE MADE”
presentation by Silas Lyon, Southern Keyboards
11:30 – 12:15
Southern Keyboards
1898 Leland Drive
Marietta, Georgia
(at I-75 and Windy Hill)
770-953-0938
(No childcare will be provided during the parent lectures. The parent lecture by Dr. Hagberg is free for
AASPA members and $10 for non-members. Mr. Lyon’s lecture is open to the public)
We are pleased to have Dr. Karen Hagberg as our guest
lecturer during our annual Suzuki Piano Weekend
Workshop, March 13 through March 16, 2003. She will be
giving a special lecture on Saturday, March 15th for parents
titled: “PIANO LESSONS – LESSONS FOR LIFE.” Dr.
Hagberg has just completed her most recent book entitles,
“Stage Presence from Head to Toe: a Manual for
Musicians.” Dr. Hagberg has been the master teacher
evaluator of all the student graduation video applications
since the inception of the AASPA Graduation Program 6
years ago. We have been fortunate to be able to have her as
our master teacher for a weekend workshop with students
and local teachers annually as part of our program to help
prepare teachers and students for the Graduation Program.
11
Nurture
The Atlanta Area Suzuki Piano Association Journal
Calendar
2003 School Year
Update
March 1
Studio Participation Form Submission for June 2003 Graduation
March 14-16
March 15
Piano Basics Workshop with Dr. Karen Hagberg
AASPA morning for Parents and Teachers
10:00 coffee and buffet
10:30-11:30 am - Lecture by Dr. Karen Hagberg
11:30-12:15 -Lecture by Silas Lyon: “How pianos are made”
March 19
9:30 AM AASPA Board Meeting
March 21
AASPA Journal submission deadline
April 4
Graduation Teacher Meeting
Atlanta Music Center School in Dunwoody – 10:00am
*Mandatory for participating teachers
April 12, 2003
12:00 PM Student videotape, application and fee deadline
Atlanta Music Center in Dunwoody
May 4, 2003
Notification to teachers and students by this date for participation in the
June 2003 Graduation
May 4, 2003
3:00PM Suzuki Piano Apprenticeship Program Multi-Piano Concert at the Lovett School
May 7, 2003
9:30 AASPA Board Meeting
11:00 AM -AASPA General membership meeting
June 13, 2003
Graduation Concert dress rehearsals
June 14, 2003
Graduation Concerts
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