Four years ago, my husband expressed an interest in doing a jigsaw puzzle with me. It is the perfect activity to keep the aging brain healthy. Even though I had limited experience with putting puzzles together, I eagerly agreed. The first puzzle was so complex. It took several weeks to complete, but in the end, I was hooked! My husband and I end most days by working together on the newest picture.
With every puzzle, there is a point where I ask, "Why do we do this to ourselves?" I have realized that putting together a puzzle is exactly like learning to play a new song, which is why I love it so much! In my teaching, a student will frequently ask me why a song they are practicing doesn't sound like music, and out comes the puzzle illustration!
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9/30/2021 0 Comments MY KID JUST JOINED THE BAND AT SCHOOL (and I know NOTHING about music) HOW CAN I HELP?YOU ARE NOT ALONE
The majority of people are in the same boat. Here are some things you can do. YOUR CHILD IS SO EXCITED ABOUT THEIR CHOSEN INSTRUMENT Often, that excitement will fade quickly within four to six weeks. The child may say that they no longer want to play the instrument. In reality, they realize that it is work and causes frustration. ESTABLISH A REGULAR PRACTICE HABIT At this point, parents need to set up guidelines for practicing. Small amounts of practice time over many days are the best approach. For example, 10 minutes every day for 7 days will produce more fruit than two 35-minute sessions in one week. BUILD IN A REWARD FOR GOOD PRACTICING Children cannot see the long-range benefits of learning to play an instrument. Plan an event or activity that they enjoy for a good week or month of practicing. FIND A KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON TO HELP That is what teachers at KDF Music Connections can do! Some students find it easy to play an instrument and need a more significant challenge. Other students have trouble keeping up with the band class and private lessons are the extra boost they need to succeed. CONTACT US TODAY AND START LESSONS TOMORROW We offer private lessons in band and string instruments as well as guitar, piano, drums and voice. If you prefer, our teachers can teach lessons online. Start your musical journey now! 8/31/2021 0 Comments The First InstrumentIt was September of 1970. I was beginning 5th grade, and it was my opportunity to start learning an instrument with the school band program. My sister and brother were seven and five years older than me, and both had joined the band when they were in 5th grade and were still playing! My parents and I listened to every band concert, sat on the sidelines of numerous parades, and cheered for the halftime show at home football games. It was finally my chance! I clearly remember going to school one evening so that parents could learn about renting instruments. Soon after, the new band students went to the auditorium to see the stacks and stacks of instrument cases. One of them was mine, a pretty and shiny flute. The teacher instructed us to put it together (I must not have listened well. I put it together wrong for a week!). One memory that is etched in my brain forever - that flute never left my hands the first day that I had it. It felt so wonderful to touch the instrument. Over 50 years ago, that pretty and shiny flute began my musical journey. I have had many incredible musical experiences. Even now, I am opening a music studio with other great teachers of music. They all have a unique musical journey to share with you. It is never, never, never too late to learn to play a musical instrument! My oldest student was 81 years old when he started. The teachers at KDF Music Connections are ready to help you start on your unique musical journey. We are currently offering private lessons online. Soon we will be opening our doors to resume in-person classes also. Now is your chance to hold that instrument that you have only dreamed to play. Let your journey begin today! |
AuthorKay Darby Finch has been teaching music since moving to Southern Maryland in 1985. Her passion is working one-on-one with students of all ages. In addition to private teaching, Kay has led several church music ministries and owned a St. Mary’s County music store with her late husband, Harry Darby. Archives
February 2023
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