November Music Thread

Since there are quite a few parents of keen percussionists on this thread... Or actually anyone who is quite confident at rhythm... Here you go.... Please try and let me know how it went....

at the videos!
True drummers the Y4 samba drum group had some unintended consequences!

Thank you earling and drummers.

I think the teacher was saying she didn't like the way the trills happened (starting note? Or timing?). She was making some more negative comments on something else but cannot remember...

I spoke to DS about it just now and have fond out he learnt this Chopin piece a while ago! He went through some Chopin seasons earlier this year (which I do remember!) and apparently this one was covered at the time (which I'm kind of starting to remember...). He didn't go into the depth for this one in particular as it was part of many other things and eventually other pieces took over so it was a very brief study that's why it didn't stay in my memory I suppose.

He likes Chopin (he is rather, well, romantic for his age..). So it may be good to go back and learn properly. The teacher is not so rigid normally, so if he really wants I guess she would let him (but as drummers suggested we may have to contact ABRSM).

kutik that Chopin Nocturne has trills, that's for sure. Without knowing what her problem is regarding the arrangement of the trills, it's difficult to find a solution. DS Mozart sonata for g8 Trinity had slightly different notation depending on publisher and we wrote to Trinity and they approved the version we had and he was allowed to use it in the exam. It's a pity your DS can't do the piece if he likes it. I'm still to hear a Chopin piece I don't like. And it usually requires them to work hard on their expression which is very good. Maybe you could make a detailed note of your teacher's preferred version and contact ABRSM?

Piano lesson is private at our home kutik with violin and voice at school though violin is also supplemented with a more infrequent violin teacher at home (controversial but now accepted under her scholarship terms).

I do know what you mean re the different arrangements, her Chopin collection book (can't remember the publisher) seems to have the preferred arrangements, and one of the reasons why her home violin teacher doesn't touch ABRSM pieces and refers to them as butchered. Unfortunately I can't tell you much more as I do not get involved anymore, other than to pay!

Piano teacher and DD tend to select pieces based on genre balance and purely what she likes - he plays them for her and she selects. Very different to school violin selection, which are more based on what the teacher likes to teach, DD's preference not being relevant. Very different approaches and styles, but somehow they work.

drummers

earling, it sounds like miniealing has lesson at school so you don't normally see the teacher? We go to the teacher's house, but there are lessons before and after DS without any break so I don't normally have any chance to talk to her. DS liked Chopin, but the teacher was quite negative about the arrangement. She even went to find the original from her bookshelf and was showing DS the difference. She was talking about the trill bits, but I have no idea what the big deal about it. Any chance you know anything of this?

And me ( if i show ds I wonder which one he would say I am - don't think I will ask it won't be complementary!!)

drummers. And how did you find me with that clip...all of mes!

ah yes, but that is the joy of the percussion group - the noise stays there!
ha ha loose, famous last words. That's what I said when DS started his percussion group age 6... fast forward ten years

kutik

This one is not bad - perfect for this thread:

ealing good luck to mini. She won't drown, she's a swimmer

kutik. Her other pieces are the Chopin, and Sonata in B Minor. Exam is a week Tues. I am not getting involved. Weekend gone, having forgotten her music for her home lesson mid wk (she has a very forgiving piano teacher) she forgot to bring it home at the weekend also.

I got a don't worry mum, I've got it covered response, then noticed the printer going for ever. Kind boy at school had Whatsapped images of each page . Never got a complaint that it was way too small to read, and I did secretly admire her resourcefulness to avoid a run in with me!

Life as a percussionist

Very silly, I know, but DS likes those guys' silly channel... Just for a laugh!

drummers I will definitely ask for more details! You may have guessed I have no idea if there’s a technical term for it.

loose I would like to know more about this cover on the snare please ☺!

ah yes, but that is the joy of the percussion group - the noise stays there! Percussion is a huge spectrum anyway so not all really noisy. Also if you end up getting a drum kit there are electric ones with headphones to consider...
DS1 showed me the snare drum music he’s learning at the moment - he was trying to explain it to me but the rhythms look so complex I was only able to say ‘that looks complicated!’ Apparently his teacher puts a special cover on the snare to make sure the wrist action is perfect and he can’t rely on ‘bounce’. DS1 seems oddly happy about this!
Cello scales are nowhere near perfect but DS2 is now practising them and there is a definite improvement.

😁 yeah, ours is not a quiet house!

Drums! Oh dear my poor ears. But yes that would be very popular.

We may have found a children's choir, it currently clashes with swimming but either he or DD will be moving classes at some stage.
I think we'll see out the term but then I'll skip my group at the music centre till the DCs are older and can do proper lessons.

They are also good ones, Prada. Thank you!! I'll report back about g7 pieces too.

My friend's DS started 1-1 drumming lesson at 4 or 5 years old and I think he did on and off for a couple of years. He liked it but didn't practise so didn't improve much (but still liked it) so his irritated mum cancelled the lesson in the end. He might go back to music one day but at the moment he is into ice hockey and goes to international camp every school holiday and is enjoying his life in a different field.

Kutik - I came on to say 'musical life' or 'activities & achievements in music' then list what exams he has taken, results, music festivals etc plus extra curricular activities.

Re: piano mini Prada is prepping for G7 in the summer term. Easter term looks unlikely. Not sure which pieces she has chosen but I know she has made a start on two. I'll report back.

My yr 1 5yr old ds with poor coordination and dubious concentration does African drumming and loves it. It relaxed and informal but great fun. He hasn't got the concentration or focus for anything more formal. Dd started violin at his age but was very mature for her age which he most definately is not !!

drs my ds started drums at 5, he's now 7 and still loves it. I think the Main thing is to find a teacher thats comfortable with the young ones

Icould, thank you!!! I know it's the least and last thing to worry about. You can see how insecure I am with English! I don't enjoy all those 'filling-a-form activities...

Kutik how about "(name) - summary of musical activities"

I don't think the title is going to impact on his chances in any way, it's all going to be fine.

Yes I know they offer guitar at school but only for much older children.

That's a great suggestion, thanks, I'll see what's on offer.

ICould very best of luck for the auditions, I’m sure he sounds great!