Cooked Butter is Delicious

Dear Child of Mine, 

One thing you'll learn quickly is your mom likes loves to bake cookies and concoct cakes and create candies. (At least I hope you'll find this out relatively early in your life...but maybe not, because from what I hear raising kids takes a LOT of time. Baking may take a back burner. pun intended.) The oven was on from 10am to 5pm today, as I was busy making sweets for my piano studio Christmas Concert which is coming up Friday.

I already have multiple batches of Homemade Spritz Cookies and Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies in the freezer, but I today I added Chocolate Covered Butter Toffee sprinkled with sea salt to the list.



Seriously, child, this candy is like a miracle in your mouth. It's THAT good. Who knew a pound of butter could turn into something so delicious? (I try not to think about the pound of butter become pounds on my hips. I truly believe indulging in your favorite foods is totally part of living fully. We just have to have the self-control to not cross the line into gluttony. But that's another sermon for another day.)

I hope my piano students and their parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends will enjoy my sweet little Christmas gifts to them. Their support is continually an encouragement to me and to my business and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to thank them. 

Are you going to have a sweet tooth, I wonder? 

Will you be playing in a piano recital one day? 

Time will tell.

Love you,

Mama




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Piano Recital [Year 2]

Though I started teaching piano in September 2009, June 2012 was my very first piano recital as a teacher. I hosted a second recital at Christmastime at a local assisted living establishment. This year, I was excited to have 16 students performing in the recital (doubling my 8 from last year.) They all did a tremendous job.

I played duets with many of my students! Fun!

laughter is key

It made my heart sing to see our church sanctuary filled with at least 100 people in the audience, many were friends and family of my students and some were there as my beloved support system. (If you came just to support me and listen to some lovely music, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.)

My mom, grandma and Chuck made the drive from Ohio to encourage me and they did much more than that. Grandma played a 20 minute prelude while families found their seats, and did a fantastic job of entertaining our ears and calming some nerves along the way. Both Mom and Grams helped tremendously by keeping the cookie and punch reception flowing and plates filled. Thanks!!

Kevin was my faithful photographer and captured hundreds of phenomenal photos to remember the occasion. And yes, he even played a four handed duet of The Entertainer with Matilda, one of my Middle School students.



One very thoughtful florist from our church learned of my recital and coordinated the Sunday floral arrangements with my piano studio colors, and even made pipe cleaner music notes and "Eccles Studio" letters to accent each bouquet. So wonderful!



I was thrilled to present two special students with the Annual Awards of Excellence for Most Accomplished and Most Improved Pianists. It was a very hard decision as many of my students showed noteworthy progress and have used their piano skills in more than just personal practice time.

After presenting those unique awards, I gave first year (with me) students a music tote bag with my Eccles Piano Studio logo, and to my second year students, I presented these sweet new tshirts. (I wore mine yesterday and already had someone ask about piano lessons! Score!)

Way to go, everyone! I look forward to another year of lessons with you (and some newbies, to total 23 students in the Fall...and growing! Yay!)




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The Preview of Beauty and the Beast

It's show week again for the local high school's spring musical. I can hardly believe it's been an entire year since my first experience in the pit orchestra. (Last year was The Sound of Music, remember?) I was honored to be asked to participate as one of 4 adult instrumentalists in a 25 member orchestra. The connection I have with the band director and show director has been awesome. They are fantastic leaders and a lot of fun to work with. Because of these weeks and months of practicing, I also have great relationships with many of the students, which, you may imagine, is definitely a focus for Melanie-the-youth-leader. Now, when I attend other school functions (sporting events, concerts, etc), I can point out many students by name. What a gift!

 

The music in my synth strings score is much easier than last year's Sound of Music parts, so I have put in far less practice time. This is partially laziness, I admit, and partially because I have learned the unique art of playing one small part in the mix of a large ensemble. My music just doesn't work without all the other instruments. It's actually quite boring to play all by itself, but man, put it with the full orchestra and suddenly it's a beautiful thing!

 

Awww the joys of band.

 

This week includes nightly rehearsals from 4-8pm and a midweek "preview" for the students in the elementary, middle and high school. Tomorrow's preview will go in 30 minute increments - we will perform straight through the show, pausing every 30 minutes for a new class to fill the auditorium.

 

AND, my mom is driving in for a visit and to see the show! It's going to be a busy, awesome weekend!

 

 

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The Start of My New School Year

It all began at 3:30 yesterday afternoon when 2nd grader, Zach, walked though my front door. Piano lessons are back in full swing now! Yesterday, five new students had their very first lessons with me and I love each of them already. I can tell this is going to be a fantastic year. 

And to think, I was somewhat nervous about lessons starting again. "Nervous about what?" you ask. That the hours would be too long (teaching till 7pm), that I wouldn't remember new students' names, that I might now have too many students, and the ever-present worry-whisper--that I wouldn't be a good enough teacher. 

But all of those fears subsided after each student filed in, took their seat at the piano, and opened the first pages of their lesson books. I feel excited, confident, and in love with piano teaching all over again.

My first student for Wednesday will be here any minute. I'd better bring out that plate of fresh baked chocolate chip banana mini muffins!  

--

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The One with 5 Minutes [Connect]

Today over at Lisa-Jo's blog, the Five Minute Friday prompt is Connect. My mind went all sort of places before hitting the "start" button on my timer, but I'm so thankful I rested with this topic. It's been resonanting with me all week, as I've received call after call, email after email, and welcomed in many new students to my fall schedule of piano lessons. I am blessed. And I'm seeing the connection.

Here goes:

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I never thought that all those years of piano lessons would connect to any other part of my life--besides my love of music and the occassional "special" for the church offering. But here I am, after 13 years of weekly piano lessons, having cried multiple times over failures, having heard the needed criticisms, having messed up the song I had "perfectly" in front of the recital audience...and I am teaching piano lessons. Me?! Yes, Melanie, YOU. 

Because not all of those 30 minute lessons were grievous. No, in fact, they were exciting, constructive, and life transforming. Both of my teachers spoke into my life as a mentor and spiritual role model. They encouraged me and pushed me toward the full capacity of my abilities which they knew God has planted within me. 

I know my parents never would have thought that their financial commitment to my piano lessons would ever result in a source of income for me, a joyous livelihood. But I am so thankful, mom and dad, for making me go to lessons all of those years, for making me practice when I hated it, for continually encouraging me to keep on, believing I would achieve something. 

And now, I see how it's all connected. God was preparing me musically and spiritually to be a teacher to many students just like me. He has gifted me and filled me with his Spirit and I am thankful to be investing in the lives of my students. And something must have clicked--because my students LOVE to practice! Can you believe it?!

The One with the Second First Piano Recital

In May 1995, with shaky hands and butterflies in my stomach, I played at my very first piano recital--a piece by John Thompson, Fairy's Harp. (I know all of these details because my awesome mom saved every single one of my recital programs--all 15 of them--in a neatly organized file folder. Thanks, mom.) 

Seventeen years and one month later, I hosted my very first piano studio recital with 8 wonderful students and 30 of their friends and family members. 

I am a piano teacher. wait, let me say that again. I am a piano teacher. 

After nearly 4 years of teaching, the reality has finally begin to sink in. I teach students how to play the piano and they have learned and proven themselves as musicians, no matter the level. Wow. I have been continually overwhelmed by this thought since my recital on Saturday afternoon. I am praising God for the gifts He has given me, the musical education I have received through Mrs. Colvin, Mrs. Heydenburg, Mr. Kirby, and Dr. Livesay, and the encouragement and tools I have been given from my husband, my grandma-in-law, and my Grams. Oh! And not to forget the beautiful Baldwin piano passed on to us by Kevin's parents after we were married! What a gift! 

Ok, ok, enough sentiment! on to the recital! 

I had a hair-brained idea to put a fun twist on the traditional formal recital. What if we held the recital at a more relaxed, cozy venue like a coffee house, and invited the guest to chat and mingle throughout the event--making it less stressful on students and more enjoyable for all in attendance?

Thanks to a friend/piano studio parent/coffee house owner, the idea worked beautifully! We set up tables of lesson information and lovely color programs (thanks to another parent!), an assortment of snacks including confetti sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, pizzelles, and hummus (all made by yours truly), and an original designed cake congratulating our students (homemade by a studio parent). 

program cover

isn't this cake awesome?! Thanks again, M! 

Moments before the recital began, I gathered my students in the front of the coffee house to lighten the mood, calm their nerves, and pray together. It was a blessed time.

And then they were off! I sat beside the piano after introducing each student and having them share the title of their piece(s). I am almost certain I was more nervous for them than they were for themselves. :) The audience enjoyed each song, and I was proud watching them perform well! I even had a couple opportunities to play duets with my students--always fun. 

V and I played The Beatles I Want to Hold Your Hand

T and I played a fun arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In

The Crowd Applauding

After the students finished playing, it was my turn. (Thankfully, my nerves had been all used up while watching my students play, so I wasn't nervous at all. :D) Because of the numerous requests I received to perform at the recital and since many of the studio families had never heard me play, I thought it would be a nice surprise. I picked out my piece with a few particular studio moms and daughters in mind, as they are fellow-fans of a BBC/PBS tv show Downton Abbey. I was so excited to be playing the theme song to this riveting 1900s drama, and it seemed that everyone loved it.

After taking a break for snacks and conversation, it was time to present the awards and gifts. I created two awards that will be presented each year--Most Improved Pianist and Most Accomplished Pianist. My hope is that these awards will be highly sought after each school year, motivating students to receive top honors in the studio. In addition to those specific certificates, I recognized each student for an area in which they were excelling.

Most Dedicated to Practice. Passion for Perfection. Most Elegant Musicianship. Strong Theory Comprehension. Most Accepting of Challenges. Expressive Piano Compositions. 

And finally, I was excited to give each student a gift--one that I hoped would be useful as well as enjoyed. These personalized music tote bags accomplished both with great success, and they proudly display Eccles Piano Studio on the side. I love them! 

And before we knew it, the first Eccles Piano Studio recital (and a first recital for 6 out of 8 students) had come to an end. WHAT A SUCCESS! 

Like I say on my website, I have a lot of FUN with my students! :D

Special thanks to my husband for photographing the event, and to my dad for making the 3 hour drive to be with me on my second-first piano recital. It was a joy having you there, Daddy! 

The One with the Sound of Music

After 3 months of practicing, 30 hours of dress rehearsals, and 13 live-show hours The Sound of Music production weekend is over. And honestly, I'm kinda sad to see it go. The show was phenomenal! You would not believe the quality of student actors and musicians--tremendous!

Being in the pit meant a front row seat to the action, the sounds, the expressions, the hilarity, the night-by-night variations in dialogue that kept us on our toes. Each night was just a *little* bit different from the others as the cast members came into their roles and felt the energy from the audience.

My husband sat in the balcony and took some fantastic pictures of the action. The costumes, the set, and the action are all beautiful. Enjoy!

The Nuns Choir sounded beautiful and looked authentic
(and check out those mountains and the pit down below.)

The "kids" were adorable as they met Maria and sang "Do Re Mi"

Liesl VonTrapp (one of my students/teens, Lydia) & Rolph
in their secret gazebo dance to "I am 16, Going on 17"

The Von Trapp Kids warmly welcome Maria's return

Caught in the action: Maria & Captain Von Trapp dance the Landler at the Gala 

The children perform "So Long, Farewell" for the Gala Guests

"Goodbye...Goodbye....GOODBYE!"
The Children say goodnight at the top of the steps (awesome set, huh?)

The Family Von Trapp Performing at the National Festival
on the same night the Captain is commissioned by the Nazi forces

And a quick shot of the keyboardist (Look at that posture, will ya!? LOL)

There were moments in some musical numbers that I wanted to shout "NAILED IT!" You know those parts that you practice over and over AND OVER again and you still struggle to get right? Well all three shows in a row, I played those parts perfectly. I was thrilled! Hours of practicing pays off (You hear that, students?! :D)

I have seen and heard great responses about the show and I'm so pleased to have been a part of it. One gentleman posted on the orchestra director's Facebook and said, "I have to say, Mike.... I've been to every High School musical since 1997 (not kidding), and that was the best pit orchestra I've heard. Great work from everyone." Wow! So cool, right?

And today I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. I've erased all of the pencil marks in my 140 pages of music and will return the book tomorrow. The show has come and gone, and I have accomplished something I honestly doubted possible back in January. Thank you, Jesus, for the opportunity to participate in the community like this, to use my gifts for your glory, to minister in whatever ways you allowed. 

The One with the View from the Pit

For the past 10 weeks, I have been hard at work learning the keyboard/synthesizer strings part of the full score to The Sound of Music. (Hence my absence this week--it's show week, people. LOTS of rehearsals.) I was asked to be an adult member of the high school production's pit orchestra, and it has been an unforgettable experience. The show opens TONIGHT and I couldn't be more excited. With that in mind, I thought I'd share my...

Observations from the Pit {Orchestra}

1. It takes all of my self control to keep my eyes on the conductor, NOT THE STAGE. 

2. You miss out on a lot of awesomeness when you're playing the background music for any given song or dance. 

3. Getting a "front row" seat to the action is pretty awesome though (for those few moments when we can just sit back and watch.) 

4. Listening to the vocals as you accompany them is an amazing experience. 

5. Finally coming to that moment of confidence, when you can say to yourself, "Hey, I've got this!" is invigorating. It means you can HAVE FUN playing your part.

6.  Being a part of something so much bigger that you is a really neat experience. Knowing that your music is just a layer of support--but one that is essential--is so cool. 

7. Those moments when it's ALL YOU (or no music is heard) is a *little* bit intimidating. I'd better go practice again. 

8. Seeing those hours and hours and hours of practice time pay off is extremely rewarding. I needed a reason to practice. 

9. I don't even mind having these songs in my head. It's just good music. The hills are alive...I am sixteen...how do you solve a problem like a Maria...Edelweiss...Do a deer...

10. Getting to know the teens better--and getting to meet their friends--and goof off together is a fantastic opportunity. 

I never would have imagined that just 8 months into our newly-transplanted Western New York lives, I would have the privilege to be an integral part of the community, the schools. I've made some great connections, met lots of new friends, expanded my musical abilities, and gained some serious confidence. 

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The One with the Love for Piano

Piano has played a part in my life since that first piano lesson in 1995. 

My relationship with this instrument (and the inseparable component of music) has ebbed and flowed over the years. There were months (maybe years, even) when I didn't want to practice, the music was too hard, and I never played well at my lessons. 

I distinctly remember learning the music to Belle's "Little Town" song from Beauty and the Beast. I loved that song and practiced it in earnest, day after day. It was challenging. (As a teacher now, I understand how much more difficult it is to learn to play those first few "contemporary" songs, particularly those that have lyrics to go along with them. The rhythms are drastically different from all of those lesson books' contents.) And after all of my committed work, I would go to my lesson and play so terribly that my teacher was convinced I hadn't even practiced. I don't blame her. I really didn't prove anything with my playing. But after months of working, I finally had it down and I played it at recital. My hard work had paid off! (Although, to be honest, I only remember one recital out of 18 when I played the song perfectly. Darn nerves.)

In the past 8 years, my piano repertoire has broadened, my knowledge of theory has deepened, and my love for music has blossomed. In the back of my mind, I always knew music would be used in my life, I just wasn't sure how essential it would become.

For the past 3 years, I've been learning to teach piano. I never would have dreamed that I would be good enough or knowledgeable enough to instruct others. But thanks to the encouragement and words of wisdom I've received from people like my husband, my Grams (a lifelong church pianist), Kevin's grandma (a 25 year teaching vet), and many more, here I am teaching. And I LOVE it. It is a joy for me to instruct students--both beginner or advanced--and see them catch that joy for music. To play, to practice, because they LOVE it. 

And all that to say, my piano playing has now become useful on a weekly basis--and even beyond the walls of the Sunday morning church sanctuary. I was asked by the high school band director to play in the pit orchestra for The Sound of Music. Woah! How cool is that? I'm playing the keyboard synthesizer strings (so I'm playing the violin, viola, and cello parts via piano). I was totally intimidated by the responsibility, but the past few Mondays, as I've joined in with the 20+ member orchestra and played my heart out, I couldn't be happier. And WHAT FUN!? Even my daily hour or two of practicing is enjoyable. (crazy, right?) I can't wait to see everything come together--stage and pit--next week.

And just last night I was asked to accompany two friends as they sing The Prayer at their college talent show this Saturday. A few years back, I don't think I could have said yes on such short notice. But here I am, playing it well and eager to have their voices join in. 

I am so thankful for these talents God has given me. And I truly believe that He is pleased with my using them for His glory. May I continue to serve Him in my music.  

What talents has God entrusted to you? Are you using them or hiding them away like the servants in Matthew 25?

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The One with the Week's Excitement

Top {TEN} Things I'm *Super* Excited About 

(or, to be grammatically correct--"Top ten things about which I'm super excited." You're welcome.) 

1} getting to go running this morning. 5 miles in the brisk winter air with my awesome new  cold gear Under Armour is pretty much awesome. 

2} seeing my face on the home page of TastyKitchen.com! YAHOOOO!!! I am over-the-moon-excited to be the Featured Member! Thank you, Pioneer Woman and TK! I've been a member of this amazing recipe collection site since it's debut in 2009 and being featured has always been a dream of mine. (And this came just a week after my Light and Crispy Waffles were added to the front page of Favorite Recipes. Remember?)

3}having Kevin's family here for the holiday! (and visiting mine soon after.) 

4} giving my husband his Christmas gifts (though I have to try awfully hard to keep him from shaking every box under the tree. Sheesh.) 

5} all of the lovely gifts we bought from Etsy sellers. 

6} adding my SEVENTH piano student to my roster! I have been doing my best to expand my studio through various advertising venues--something I'm not naturally good at. But I would love to have my studio continue to grow and the best way to do that is to keep spreading the word. 

7} meeting a mom of one our teens at our Christmas party and having her say --"Oh! You're the one the S. Family is taking piano lessons from. They talk so highly of you!" and then having her practically ask for a business card. woot!

8}our Christmas Eve service. I love Christmas Eve services! 

9} ooooh! and I am honored to be the one leading the singing at that Candlelight service! how fun! 

10}the moment when the grass is completely covered with inches of snow. I LOVE snow. (and I'm totally bummed we're not going to have a White Christmas. Come on, people. This is Western New York!!)

What are YOU excited about this week?

linking up with Top Ten Tuesday. 

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The One with the Official Music Studio

Friday afternoon brought a flurry of activity to our house. After having a super relaxing morning and afternoon, my brain warped into super-productive-ultra-creative-let's-get-stuff-done mode. I'm sure my husband could have done without said mood, but he lovingly obliged. 

We had been dreaming about rearranging our living room, moving the piano, and making a more usable space out of our front "bedroom." I honestly wasn't sure this was ever actually going to happen. It would be a lot of work. Plus, who knew if the piano would even fit through the doorway or be too big for the space.

But I persevered. I found my trusty measuring tape and began the process of "staging." I found that the piano would fit through the doorway--by barely an inch--and it would be the perfect size for the wall in the front room. Awesome. 

Now I had to tackle the other front-room-issues. This room had become a dumping ground for all things miscellaneous since our move. There was a large 80s style stereo system (complete with two 4-foot speakers), a stationary exercise bike, and a dresser that was functioning as my linen closet. Hmm. Think, Mel, think. 

I did some more measuring and discovered that the dresser would just barely (slash perfectly) fit into the space at the foot of the twin bed in the spare room upstairs. I immediately unloaded the drawers and transported them up to the second floor. It was at this point that I approached Kevin for help. 

I said, "I have a small job I would like your help with, and a big job that I hope you're willing to help with." He had no clue what he was getting himself into, but he jumped up ready to help. I was impressed. Brownie points awarded, good sir. 

The two of us hauled the dresser up our steep flight of stairs and managed to work up a bit of a sweat. It was harder than I thought it would be. Before taking the time to make the dresser feel at home in its new room, I hustled back downstairs to work with my husband before he decided he was done. :) 

We weren't sure it was good idea to move the piano just the two of us, but we decided to give it a go. We carefully rolled it over to the front room, being careful to support the front legs. As we lined it up in the doorway, we realized how crooked our house really is. At the bottom of the door, there was at least an inch of space between the frame and the piano. At the top of the door, the piano was a quarter inch too wide. We needed one of us to lift and one of us to tilt the piano forward, while still supporting those front legs, in order to fanangle the instrument through the terribly-designed door. 

I climbed over the piano and lifted the back half while Kevin maneuvered the end. It worked! We were in! 

I finished the necessary wood-floor-dusting process and Kevin left me to "nest." I spent the next 3 hours worked my tail off. I moved the sound system to the basement, the stationary bike to the kitchen. (Yeah, it looks kinda weird, but it doesn't take up needed space, so that's where it's staying.) I hung up a full length mirror in the upstairs bedroom and made the dresser feel "at home." I went to town with my drill, hanging up curtains in that bedroom and in the new music studio. I used a cute cloth shower curtain and rod to make a "door" for the upstairs bedroom closet. 

My new music studio was coming together. With drapes hung, floor swept, space cleared, guitars displayed, piano in place, music posters hung, magazines laid, kid basket set, it was officially complete. And I am IN LOVE with this space! There are so many benefits to this arrangement. 

1) I have a music studio. 

2) Students and parents will feel like they are in a piano studio rather than in someone's living room. 

3) Kevin won't have to tip toe around his house during lesson times (nor walk through a lesson to get to the bathroom.) 

4) The two of us have our instruments side by side for jam sessions. Maybe he'll play his guitar(s) more frequently now.

5) I finally found the perfect space to hang my music posters. They weren't quite "living room" appropriate, but they're perfect for this space! 

6) I have an empty wall in the living room to fill with a new loveseat or chairs--more seating in our living room!

7) The futon in the music studio is perfect for waiting parents/siblings and can still be opened into a bed for guests.

8) I have space to lay out reading material for those waiting parents as well as display a basket of fun activities for patient siblings. 

It's perfect!!

Next on our list is finding that perfect loveseat or chairs for the living room, and procuring an official "teaching chair" (nothing fancy--old dining room chair would work) for the music studio.  

If you're local and know of anyone interested in lessons, send them my way! 

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The One with an Appreciation of the Crispness of Fall

Today I am thankful for...

...the chill in the air, the smell of fallen leaves, the sunny blue sky mixed with deep blue weather-filled clouds. 

...pounds and pounds of Empire apples for only $0.39 a pound. My kitchen is overflowing with apples and I love it. 

...the opportunity to help my sister build an awesome resume to score the job she dreams of and deserves!

...three (maybe four) new piano students to add to my studio schedule. That means my studio has doubled just this week! Praise Jesus.

...last minute Friday night visits with a friend--and being totally cool showing up unannounced in lounge pants and a bowl of popcorn. 

...little girls who shout, "MELANIE!" every time they see me. and hold my hand, and hug my neck, and attach themselves to my leg. 

...cute new glasses that my husband loves. (Now, I just really need to get them adjusted so they don't dig into my scalp.)

...Apples. did I already mention apples? 

...my newly acquired actual crochet skills. I am totally rocking the triple crochet. Thanks, Mom-in-law! (Now I must hunt down additional skeins of the same yarn I bought 2 years ago. Oi.)

What are you thankful for this fall weekend?

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The One with a Teaching Bonus

Yet another Wednesday of piano lessons, and I still can't get over how much I love teaching. For most of my life, people have been telling me I should be a teacher. I always begged to differ. I knew from a very young age that I wasn't meant to daily instruct and wrangle a large group of young people. You see, I suffer from chronic headaches. Particularly "stress headaches" or "neck headaches." And being the sole leader of 25 kids for 8 hours day, 5 days a week, 9 months of the year just wasn't what I was cut out for. 

But this whole piano teacher gig is perfecto mundo (as my mom would say.) I have the freedom to set my own schedule, expand as desired. And I get to spend 30 minutes each week with one individual student, catering my teaching style to suit each one's needs. I especially love getting to know every one of my students on a personal level, focusing on the individual pursuing their musical education. I believe it's the best way to teach effectively.

It is a joy to watch a student progress in their knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of music all while growing increasingly comfortable with me as their teacher. Sometimes they share fun parts of their day or laugh about mistakes in their music. We create a unique relationship--one that I wouldn't trade for anything. Our ever-growing connection allows me to find the best way to teach them, to bring music alive, to help it make sense to them. I might have one student make their own flashcards, another sing to their music, and another tap their foot or nod their head to keep the beat. Every student is different, and we take this musical journey together. The more we get to know one another, the better lessons become--they know what I expect, I know how to teach them. Relationships are the best part of my life, and without them, my work would be void of meaning. 

I look forward to growing my studio and getting to truly invest my life into others--contributing to my students' musical growth while impacting their personal lives along the way. 

I think Jesus would have wanted it that way.   

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Do YOU know someone in the Western NY area who is interested in piano lessons? I'd love to connect with them. Find my studio info at facebook.com/ecclespianostudio.

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The One with New Music

I may have gotten myself into big trouble. 

So to speak. 

The other day I was searching Amazon.com (pretty much my favorite place to shop ever) in order to find a new set of piano lesson books for my brand new student. (My third in three weeks!! Can I get a woot, woot?!) I easily found what I was looking for, added to my cart, and continued browsing. 

That's when I found it. The perfect supplementary book for another one of my students. She already owns a full score of  Taylor Swift music, but the music itself was a bit beyond her current level. When I saw the Easy Piano version of Taylor Swift: Fearless I knew I had to tell her mom right away. I'm so glad I did! R's mom was just as excited as I was about this great find, and ended up purchasing a second easy piano book as well. I can't wait to start working on these fun songs with Miss R. (They might need to keep close tabs on the more advanced Taylor Swift book. I might just borrow it for an extended period of time. Ok, ok, I'm an honest person. But for real--they're letting me borrow it. :D) 

This music book revelation of mine opened a whole other can of worms. I began searching for a great supplementary book for a brand new student--Miss C. I sent her a list of what I had found and she eagerly choose the Glee big note music collection. 

Wow! How fun are piano lessons going to be!? 

Now, I want to start ordering fun new books for myself. I haven't had a new music book to play in far too long, and as much as I adore my worship music and Christian wedding music books, something as awesome as Francesca Battestelli or LOTR Fellowship of the Ring or Phantom of the Opera would be AMAZING and so much fun! It's scary how fast and easy it would be to click BUY NOW, BUY NOW and spend a bazillion dollars. 

Luckily I have great self control in my spending. Otherwise, we might have a problem. 

What music suggestions do you have for me? (Either that you've played or music you love to listen to and think I would enjoy playing)

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The One with the Week in Review

This past week I've taught my first piano lesson in my new town, receiving quite an exciting review. And I quote, 

If the giggling after the lesson and practicing at 8pm without being asked are any indication of teaching style..... I recommend Melanie and Eccles Piano Studio.

Besides working on to improve upon my studio policies and creating an application system, my mind has been on some brilliant brainstorms for enhancing my piano studio. I've developed a Student Profile form which includes fun facts like favorite music, cookies, snacks, and school subject, and more serious things like food allergies and emergency contact information. (I mean, I wouldn't want to bake a bunch of peanut butter cookies and find out the hard way that a student is crazy allergic!) 

I also came up with a Student History form which gives me a way to track when they started lessons and what books they are working on when. It's incredibly important to keep track of individual progress and what materials they've studied.  

PLUS, I put together an entertainment basket for those while-you-are-waiting moments. Filled with coloring books, crayons, Nate the Great books, Where's Waldo books, after school activity books, and more! For younger siblings or early students waiting patiently, I think this is a great resource to have on hand. Heck, I might color myself a picture and find Waldo one of these days. :)

I created a great portable filing system (you all know how much I love filing. and systems.)--complete with file folders for individual student records, folders with copies of policies or student histories or applications, and a full copy of the weekly lesson schedule.  

And finally, I designed this totally sweet logo for the newly-created piano studio Facebook group. I think I'm well on my way to establishing a successful piano studio in our new town. I'm praying for the right students at the right time, and I appreciate any word-of-mouth recommendations you may share. 

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The One with the Lifelong Piano Student

Since I finally started teaching piano lessons again this fall, I have been reminiscing about my own history of piano. 

Maybe this is in an effort to recall lessons I learned for the sake of keeping ahead of my students. 

Or maybe it's just because this grand and glorious instrument has always had a place in my life. 

I remember hopping up on the piano bench next to my momma or my grams. 

I thought my playing was superb.

They, of course, agreed.

I began taking piano lessons at age 8. 

This subject matter did not come easily for me--

most likely because math was (is) not my forte.

Yeah, can you believe it?? Music--the right brained freedom of artful expression is rooted in the left brained specifics of mathematics and logic. 

Grrr. 

I loved playing the piano.

I just hated practicing. 

My mother can attest to this. 

However, I always very strongly disliked having anyone play my piano better than me. 

Whenever my mom or a friend sat down to play, I was certain they were doing it to shame me. 

I realize now that this was likely not the case, 

but it did manage to kick my rear into gear a time or two. 

Though the ability was not natural, my musical ear was. 

I easily felt the right tempo and knew immediately if a wrong note had been played. 

This helped, but also frustrated me along the way. 

KNOWING I was wrong and not being able to play it better was just plain frustrating. 

Just six months after starting piano lessons, I began taking voice lessons from the same teacher. 

These came SO MUCH easier. 

There was nothing to it, really. 

The ease at which I learned to sing was only adding to my snail's pace advancement in piano.

Eventually, I pushed myself to improve and by senior year of high school, I was able to do a bit of accompanying for my school choir. 

I auditioned for a piano scholarship at Spring Arbor University (against my will--I knew I wasn't up to snuff).

I received a small scholarship and spent the next four years being challenged way beyond my comfort zone. 

My new instructor was loving and gifted, but was always pushing. 

For every semester's recital, I had to have my piece memorized. 

NOT a skill I had honed previously. 

I remember practicing in one of the many non-sound-proofed piano rooms and being ashamed at my playing in comparison with those piano students performing around me. 

I hoped no one would know it was me. :)

My sophomore year, I tackled Debussy's Clair de Lune and performed it from memory at the recital. 

That was my moment of glory. 

I was proud. so proud. 

Though my skills in classical music may not have heightened since my last lesson over 2 years ago, 

I have been reaping the benefits of those 14 years of piano lessons ever since. 

Each Sunday I play piano/keyboard along with the worship team for church. 

I have learned to improv from chords. 

I have been forced to understand key signatures to a greater degree.

My sight reading abilities have sky rocketed. 

I have to be ready and willing to play whatever, whenever.

And I look forward to continuing to teach students who are excited to learn. 

Teaching reinforces my knowledge of music to such an extent that I learn it twice as well as I had before. 

My students sometimes challenge my understanding and my memory and while it's a bit freaky it's also really great "exercise."

I don't know where I'll be--musically--in 10 or 20 years--but I pray I continue to use my abilities to glorify Jesus Christ. 

Because He's the whole point.