Learning corner
The Influence of Concert and Competition Performances on a Child's Character Development.
Public performances are an integral part of a musician's life. For a child, it is not just playing in front of an audience but an important stage in the formation of their character. Concerts and competitions are a school of life that provides invaluable experience and helps develop important qualities.
1. Overcoming Fear. The first performance is always stressful. Stage fright is a normal phenomenon that every musician faces. However, by overcoming this fear, a child learns to manage their emotions, cope with nervousness, and step out of their comfort zone. This experience will help them in the future in any stressful situation, whether it's a public speech or an important school exam.
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2. Developing Self-Confidence. A successful performance, even in front of a small audience, increases self-esteem and confidence. The child sees that their hard work is not in vain, and that they can achieve success. Applause and praise are the best rewards and motivate them to practice even harder.
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3. Discipline and Responsibility. Preparing for a concert or competition requires immense discipline. It is necessary to practice regularly, repeat the material, and perfect it. This teaches the child to take responsibility for their results. They understand that success depends only on their efforts.
4. Evaluation and Self-Analysis. Competitions are an opportunity to get an objective assessment of your work from professionals. Criticism, even if not always pleasant, helps to identify strengths and weaknesses that need to be worked on. This teaches a child to adequately perceive criticism, analyze their mistakes, and draw conclusions.
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5. Learning How to Lose. Things don't always go according to plan. Failure in a competition is not the end of the world. It is important to teach a child to lose gracefully, learn from the experience, and move forward. This develops resilience, the ability to fight, and not give up in the face of difficulties.
6. Social Skills. Concerts and competitions are an opportunity to meet other musicians, exchange experiences, and make new friends. This teaches a child to communicate, work in a team, and feel part of a large creative community.
In conclusion, concert and competition performances are not just a test of musical skills but a powerful tool for shaping a strong, confident, and determined personality.
The Importance of Correct Hand Position in Beginning Piano Lessons.
Correct hand position on the piano is the foundation upon which all future playing is built. An incorrect position at the beginning can lead to tension, muscle pain, and, as a result, frustration and quitting lessons. Conversely, a correct position provides freedom, ease, and the ability to express oneself through music.
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1. Relaxation and Freedom. The main rule is a complete absence of tension. The hands should be relaxed, and the movements should be free. The shoulders, forearms, elbows, and wrists should work as a single, flexible mechanism. A tense wrist or clamped elbows prevent the achievement of a deep and beautiful sound. Sit straight, drop your shoulders, and place your hands on the keyboard so that your wrists are level with your elbows.
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2. The "Dome" and the "Bridge." Imagine your hands are arches. The palm should be rounded, as if you are holding a small ball. The fingers should be together but not tense. A "bridge" is formed between the thumb and index finger, which allows the fingers to move independently.
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3. "Rounded" Fingers. Fingers should not be straight or hyper-extended. They should be slightly bent, forming a semicircle, and touch the keys with the pads. The fingertips should be firm and resilient so that the sound is clean and clear.
4. Playing from the Shoulder. It is incorrect to play only with your fingers. The movement should originate from the shoulder, pass through the elbow, wrist, and finally to the finger. This allows you to use the weight of the entire arm to create sound, making it fuller and richer.
5. Injury Prevention. Incorrect posture can lead to serious injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
A correct position, on the other hand, helps prevent strain and pain, making music lessons comfortable and safe.
6. Health Care. Correct hand position is not just about music; it's about health. It helps to form good posture and strengthen the muscles of the back and neck. This is an important aspect that the teacher must constantly monitor. Don't be shy about correcting your child or asking them to show you the "dome" again and again. It is the key to their future success and health.
Tips for Preparing for ABRSM Exams
The international ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) exams are a recognized system for assessing musical knowledge and skills that opens up new opportunities for students. Preparing for them is a serious and responsible process that requires not only hard work but also the right strategy. Here are a few tips to help you pass the exam successfully.
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1. Start Early. Don't leave preparation until the last minute. Begin studying the exam program several months, or even better, six months in advance. This will give you enough time to learn all the pieces, practice scales, sight-reading, and aural skills. Regular practice, even in small amounts, is much more effective than intense but chaotic "marathons" right before the exam.
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2. Break Down Pieces into Sections. Don't try to play the whole piece at once. Divide it into small, difficult fragments and work on each one separately. Play them slowly, aiming for clean sound and accurate rhythm. Then, gradually increase the tempo. Only after all the fragments have been practiced should you connect them into a single whole.
3. Pay Attention to Scales and Arpeggios. Scales and arpeggios are not just boring exercises. They are the foundation of technique that helps develop finger strength, flexibility, and speed. Dedicate time to them in every lesson. Play them with different strokes and at different tempos. This will not only improve your technique but also increase your grade on the exam.
4. Don't Forget About Sight-Reading. Many students neglect this important skill, but they shouldn't.
Sight-reading shows how freely and confidently you handle the instrument. Practice daily, even if you only have 5-10 minutes. Take unfamiliar pieces and try to play them without stopping, even if you make a mistake. The main thing is to not lose the rhythm.
5. Train Your Aural Skills (Aural Tests). Aural tests are an integral part of the ABRSM exam. They test a student's ability to hear and analyze music. Practice with your teacher, use special apps, or simply listen to music and try to identify intervals, chords, and rhythm.
6. Learn to Perform. The experience of public performance helps to cope with stage fright. Play for friends or family, and record your performance on video. This will help you feel more confident and identify areas that still need work. Remember that the examiner is not your enemy but your ally.
They want to see a talented musician in you and appreciate your efforts.
Five Reasons to Start Playing the Violin
The violin is one of the most beautiful, complex, and noble instruments. Its sound can convey the most delicate shades of emotion, from gentle sadness to unbridled joy. However, besides the aesthetic pleasure, playing the violin offers other, equally important benefits. Here are five reasons why you should choose this instrument for your child.
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1. Development of Fine Motor Skills and Coordination. Playing the violin requires incredible precision and coordinated movement of both hands. One hand holds the bow, controlling pressure and speed, while the other presses the strings, finding the exact location for each note. This synchronized work engages both brain hemispheres, which promotes the development of neural connections. Fine motor skills, in turn, are directly linked to the development of speech and memory. It's no wonder that in some countries, violin lessons are included in preschool education.
2. Cultivation of Musical Ear. The violin is an instrument with no fixed pitch, unlike the piano.
Each note is not played by pressing a key, but by the precise placement of a finger on a string. This forces the student to develop a very sensitive musical ear from the very beginning to find the correct intonation. Such aural skill development helps not only in playing the violin but also in understanding music in general.
3. Building Patience and Discipline. Mastering the violin is a long and painstaking process. A beginner violinist will face difficulties and will need immense patience to overcome them. The lessons instill discipline, develop perseverance, and the ability to achieve a goal. These are important qualities that will be useful in any area of life.
4. A Path to Perfection. The violin has no limit to perfection. Every time you think you've mastered a new technique, something new appears that can be studied and refined. It is a constant challenge that keeps you on your toes and prevents you from resting on your laurels. It is an exciting and endless journey that brings the joy of creativity and self-expression.
5. Part of a Big Orchestra. The violin is the main voice of the orchestra. By playing the violin, a child gets the opportunity to become part of a large and harmonious group. Playing together teaches teamwork, listening to other musicians, and feeling part of a single entity. This is an invaluable experience that develops social skills and a sense of belonging.
How to Choose the Right Musical Instrument for a Child
Choosing a child's first musical instrument is not just a purchase; it's the start of an exciting journey.
Instead of simply picking an instrument at a store, our job as educators and parents is to help a child find the one that will become their faithful companion for years to come. If you're looking for music lessons for kids, this process is arguably the most important. After all, it’s about deep personal development, not just acquiring a skill.
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Dialogue with Music: Discovering the World of Sounds
Before making any decision, it’s crucial to give your child the opportunity to experience music in all its diversity. Attend concerts, listen to classical and modern works, and watch videos of various musicians performing. Pay close attention to your child's reaction: which instrument sparks their greatest interest? The sound of which instrument makes their heart beat faster? Perhaps it's the powerful and deep tones of cello and violin, or the expressive timbre of the beautiful voice?
At Madison Academy of Music in Singapore, we currently offer unique trial sessions in violin, cello, voice and piano.
These specially designed methods interactive immersion where a child can truly feel the instrument, hold it in their hands, and hear how it sounds when they play it.
Individuality: The Key to a Successful Choice
Success in music education is directly related to how well the instrument matches a child's temperament, their physical characteristics.
Ask yourself these questions:
• Temperament: A patient and focused child might response well to piano/violin/cello lessons, where every sound requires thoughtful practice. An energetic and outgoing child might thrive with wind and percussion instruments, or voice where they can see the immediate result of their efforts.
• Physiology: Hand size, finger length, and build all matter. A small violin or flute , or piano might be ideal for a young child, while larger instruments require a certain physical readiness. An experienced teacher can help determine which instrument will be comfortable for the child and won't cause discomfort.
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By choosing pindividual music lessons, you ensure a personalized approach where the teacher can carefully analyze all these factors and provide recommendations based on professional experience.
Tips for Preparing to Learn
Once a choice is made, the most exciting part begins: the learning. But here, too, proper preparation is key. Before buying an expensive instrument, consider renting one for the initial period. This allows the child to get used to it and helps you confirm that it's the right choice.
At Madison academy of Music we believe that choosing an instrument is a conscious, collaborative process involving the child, parents, and teacher. We help children not just learn to play, but to find their unique musical voice that will accompany them throughout their lives.