By Cynthia VanLandingham
Piano lessons are a great activity for children. They encourage creative thinking, develop math and reading skills, and improve students' overall educational progress, as well as building a fun life-long skill. As a result, over six million children in the United States take piano lessons! One of the choices that parents have when their child is beginning piano lessons is whether to enroll their son or daughter in a private or group lesson. Parents often have misperceptions, or at least several questions, in making this choice.
Q: What is the difference between private and group lessons?
A: Individual lessons are usually thirty minutes in length, with the piano teacher working one-on-one with a student. Individual lessons provide a high degree of personal attention for a student. Group lessons are generally 45-minutes to an hour in length, and consist of between two and four students working with their piano teacher. During group lessons, each student plays their own piano or keyboard and receives both individual and group instruction. Students are introduced to new skills in the group every week and are then given individual playing assignments. They practice these assignments using earphones and the teacher rotates among the students to check on their progress and provide additional instruction.
Q: Don't children learn more in a private lesson?
A: Not necessarily, and it depends very much on the student. Some children thrive with individual instruction. However, private lessons can also create a dependence that students may have a hard time overcoming, as some children grow to feel that they cannot learn on their own without their piano teacher repeatedly showing them every new thing. To prevent this, successful piano teachers create supportive learning environments that let children know that they are responsible for their own success. This helps children learn how to set goals and that their own effort makes a difference. That's why, even in a private lesson, students need some time to work independently.
Group lessons are a great way for children to learn, and many children learn faster in a group setting than in individual lessons. Group lessons create a fun and supportive environment, and students learn both from the teacher's instruction and from each other. It also helps many children to know that other students are learning the same skills.
I encourage most new students who are seven years of age or older to start out in group lessons. However, I have found that private lessons typically work best for two groups of students. First, they can provide a solid learning foundation to very young students (ages 5 to 7) who need one-on-one instruction to help get started. Parents of these very young children sometimes stay with them during their lessons. When children get a little older and have the basics, they usually can transfer to a group lesson. Second, private lessons are appropriate for late intermediate to advanced students who are looking to apply music theory and advanced playing techniques requiring intense instruction and dedicated home study.
Q: Can't group lessons be intimidating for students due to peer pressure and competition?
A: While some parents may initially be concerned that group lessons create peer pressure and competition, the lessons actually help students feel more independent and confident in piano. Students play the pieces they've just had instruction on before they leave the lesson, which helps them feel secure about playing the songs at home. As students often play their songs for each other during lessons, it helps avoid the performance anxiety that students taking individual lessons can feel before recitals. Plus, students generally find that working together with other students increases creativity and fun! Over time, experience has shown that most children learn more in small group lessons because these lessons encourage independence and build confidence, which is a strong foundation for success not only in piano lessons but in the other areas of student's lives.
Copyright 2005, Cynthia Marie VanLandingham
My Piano Bears Musical Storybooks are a great way to introduce children to piano lessons. Children love stories, and they are a great way to teach important lessons and motivate young girls and boys. Most young students who are starting music lessons have lots of questions, and all beginning students must learn how to develop good practice habits. Piano Bears Musical Storybooks provide a wonderful way to inspire young piano students and help them succeed. These books use the characters of Little Bear, who is just starting to take piano lessons, his friends and family, and Mrs. Treble Beary, his teacher. In the stories, Little Bear, with the help of his family and friends, learns how to overcome his worries and set positive goals to achieve his musical dream. Visit PianoBears.com to learn more and preview these powerful resources for children ages 6 to 11.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_VanLandingham
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
8/31/2008
How to Download Music Online without Hurting Your Wallets
By Davion Wong
Let us face it. Music lovers normally own many CDs, download music online and will not stop buying music. That is why the music industry has always been vibrant and new singers are born, and new songs are written. The trouble is music lovers have an insatiable desire for new music all the time and it can be really painful on the wallets and the credit cards if you are building a music library. Ask a teen how many songs he or she has in the collection and chances are there are at least a few hundreds and they are still downloading music online everyday. Imagine paying $1 for each piece of music they download online. Is there a way to download music online without hurting your wallet?
There are tons of music online stores nowadays. Ever since music becomes downloadable online, more and more are going to these stores to download music online. Trouble is many kids and teens are downloading music from free places. It is great news for parents who are paying the bills for our kids’ needs every month. But there is no free lunch really.
Downloading from free sites would expose your computer to unnecessary harmful attacks by viruses and malware like adware and spyware. The damage may be light and only your computer speed is slowed down because of the drain the malware is putting on your computer resources. In worst case scenarios, your computer hardware suffers from permanent damage and you lose all your important documents and information.
For those who are downloading music online from free resources, be prepared for slow download speeds as well. Some of the online sites that offer free music downloads crash quite often or hang up on you because there are way too many freebie seekers downloading at the same time. Save yourselves the trouble and frustration by using online music download sites that offer paid services.
Music stores like Rhapsody and AOL are great places to download music online since they offer monthly subscription packages which are cheaper than those pay-per-download stores. If that is still too expensive for you, why not consider the new batch of online music download sites that offer unlimited music downloads for a lifetime fee? In other words, for a one time membership fee, you get to download unlimited music and songs from the music site as long as you wish even if it is 3 in the morning.
Such online music download stores offer a wide selection of the latest music from record labels and also keep a good stock of oldies. So it does not matter what brand of music you are looking for, as there is a high chance you can find it. If you are unsure, check with the music site. For a price that ranges from $30 to $50, you can download all the music media files in the collection which is in the range of millions. Teens and young adults love this since they are a tech-savvy lot who want more options without having to pay big bucks.
While it sounds great to download music online from these sites, there are many factors you have to consider when selecting the ideal site for unlimited music downloads. If this looks complicated, find out how you can simplify the whole process as you learn more from my music blog.
Davion is a music addict and carry do without them. Find out about hot and limited offers for unlimited music downloads. Also read his wildly popular article for unlimited music downloads tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davion_Wong
8/28/2008
Music Review of The Moola Mantra by Deva Premal
By Steve Ryals
Deva Premal sings with the voice of an angel, the heart of one who has known love and loss, and the soul of an enlightened Master. I have had the distinct pleasure of following Deva and life partner Miten's music for several years, since reviewing their album Embrace back in early 2003. I can also highly recommend their other titles, including The Essence and Love is Space. With the forthcoming The Moola Mantra (release date August 28, 2007), I'm delighted to return to this duo's exquisite brand of devotional chant music that has garnered fans all over the world, with total CD sales surpassing half a million.
The Moola Mantra is perhaps their finest album yet, gracefully weaving Deva's transcendently pure voice, sitar, bansuri flute, dotar, tabla, piano, string quartet and ambient electronica into a richly layered tapestry of sacred chants that honor all traditions, religions, creeds and spiritual paths. Joined by superb musicians including Jai Uttal, Benjy Wertheimer, Manos and Kit Walker, Deva and Miten transport the listener into a world of blissful grace. For nearly 20 years they have traveled all over the world, offering themselves as living examples of male/female energy balance, sharing their music as a sacred tool for healing and intimacy.
I'm happy to tell you that Deva and Miten will be on a concert tour. From August 31 through mid-December throughout the United States, with a stop in Calgary and the Bahamas. They'll be in Santa Rosa California on September 29. I hope to see some of you there. Even after repeated listenings, I find that The Moola Mantra feeds my soul in ways that only my heart understands, and receives my highest recommendation.
Steve Ryals has been writing music reviews since 1994, and to date has published more than 1200. Steve specializes in World Beat, Native American, New Age, Meditation, Contemporary Instrumental, Chanting, Devotional Singing, and more. He currently writes two music reviews every month as part of his Drunk with Wonder Newsletter. To sign up for his FREE newsletter go to http://www.drunkwithwonder.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Ryals
Deva Premal sings with the voice of an angel, the heart of one who has known love and loss, and the soul of an enlightened Master. I have had the distinct pleasure of following Deva and life partner Miten's music for several years, since reviewing their album Embrace back in early 2003. I can also highly recommend their other titles, including The Essence and Love is Space. With the forthcoming The Moola Mantra (release date August 28, 2007), I'm delighted to return to this duo's exquisite brand of devotional chant music that has garnered fans all over the world, with total CD sales surpassing half a million.
The Moola Mantra is perhaps their finest album yet, gracefully weaving Deva's transcendently pure voice, sitar, bansuri flute, dotar, tabla, piano, string quartet and ambient electronica into a richly layered tapestry of sacred chants that honor all traditions, religions, creeds and spiritual paths. Joined by superb musicians including Jai Uttal, Benjy Wertheimer, Manos and Kit Walker, Deva and Miten transport the listener into a world of blissful grace. For nearly 20 years they have traveled all over the world, offering themselves as living examples of male/female energy balance, sharing their music as a sacred tool for healing and intimacy.
I'm happy to tell you that Deva and Miten will be on a concert tour. From August 31 through mid-December throughout the United States, with a stop in Calgary and the Bahamas. They'll be in Santa Rosa California on September 29. I hope to see some of you there. Even after repeated listenings, I find that The Moola Mantra feeds my soul in ways that only my heart understands, and receives my highest recommendation.
Steve Ryals has been writing music reviews since 1994, and to date has published more than 1200. Steve specializes in World Beat, Native American, New Age, Meditation, Contemporary Instrumental, Chanting, Devotional Singing, and more. He currently writes two music reviews every month as part of his Drunk with Wonder Newsletter. To sign up for his FREE newsletter go to http://www.drunkwithwonder.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Ryals
8/11/2008
Music Review of The Moola Mantra by Deva Premal
By Steve Ryals
Deva Premal sings with the voice of an angel, the heart of one who has known love and loss, and the soul of an enlightened Master. I have had the distinct pleasure of following Deva and life partner Miten's music for several years, since reviewing their album Embrace back in early 2003. I can also highly recommend their other titles, including The Essence and Love is Space. With the forthcoming The Moola Mantra (release date August 28, 2007), I'm delighted to return to this duo's exquisite brand of devotional chant music that has garnered fans all over the world, with total CD sales surpassing half a million.
The Moola Mantra is perhaps their finest album yet, gracefully weaving Deva's transcendently pure voice, sitar, bansuri flute, dotar, tabla, piano, string quartet and ambient electronica into a richly layered tapestry of sacred chants that honor all traditions, religions, creeds and spiritual paths. Joined by superb musicians including Jai Uttal, Benjy Wertheimer, Manos and Kit Walker, Deva and Miten transport the listener into a world of blissful grace. For nearly 20 years they have traveled all over the world, offering themselves as living examples of male/female energy balance, sharing their music as a sacred tool for healing and intimacy.
I'm happy to tell you that Deva and Miten will be on a concert tour. From August 31 through mid-December throughout the United States, with a stop in Calgary and the Bahamas. They'll be in Santa Rosa California on September 29. I hope to see some of you there. Even after repeated listenings, I find that The Moola Mantra feeds my soul in ways that only my heart understands, and receives my highest recommendation.
Steve Ryals has been writing music reviews since 1994, and to date has published more than 1200. Steve specializes in World Beat, Native American, New Age, Meditation, Contemporary Instrumental, Chanting, Devotional Singing, and more. He currently writes two music reviews every month as part of his Drunk with Wonder Newsletter. To sign up for his FREE newsletter go to http://www.drunkwithwonder.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Ryals
Deva Premal sings with the voice of an angel, the heart of one who has known love and loss, and the soul of an enlightened Master. I have had the distinct pleasure of following Deva and life partner Miten's music for several years, since reviewing their album Embrace back in early 2003. I can also highly recommend their other titles, including The Essence and Love is Space. With the forthcoming The Moola Mantra (release date August 28, 2007), I'm delighted to return to this duo's exquisite brand of devotional chant music that has garnered fans all over the world, with total CD sales surpassing half a million.
The Moola Mantra is perhaps their finest album yet, gracefully weaving Deva's transcendently pure voice, sitar, bansuri flute, dotar, tabla, piano, string quartet and ambient electronica into a richly layered tapestry of sacred chants that honor all traditions, religions, creeds and spiritual paths. Joined by superb musicians including Jai Uttal, Benjy Wertheimer, Manos and Kit Walker, Deva and Miten transport the listener into a world of blissful grace. For nearly 20 years they have traveled all over the world, offering themselves as living examples of male/female energy balance, sharing their music as a sacred tool for healing and intimacy.
I'm happy to tell you that Deva and Miten will be on a concert tour. From August 31 through mid-December throughout the United States, with a stop in Calgary and the Bahamas. They'll be in Santa Rosa California on September 29. I hope to see some of you there. Even after repeated listenings, I find that The Moola Mantra feeds my soul in ways that only my heart understands, and receives my highest recommendation.
Steve Ryals has been writing music reviews since 1994, and to date has published more than 1200. Steve specializes in World Beat, Native American, New Age, Meditation, Contemporary Instrumental, Chanting, Devotional Singing, and more. He currently writes two music reviews every month as part of his Drunk with Wonder Newsletter. To sign up for his FREE newsletter go to http://www.drunkwithwonder.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Ryals
3/14/2008
iPhone Music Downloads - 7 Tips to Find the Top Service for iPhone Music
By Davion Wong
iPhone owners are getting excited about loading their new gizmos with iPhone music downloads. After all, the phone-cum-digital portable media player can store up to 100 songs easily and allow a playtime of up to 24 hours of audio. This article will show you 7 hot tips to find the top service befitting of your new toy when it comes to iPhone music downloads.
1. Free or Paid
Freebie seekers probably would argue with me on this. There is nothing wrong with wanting free iPhone music downloads. Who doesn't anyway? But the trouble is that free websites that give you music for free are often associated with exposure to viruses, spyware and adware when downloading media files there. Our phones are too new and precious and to risk exposing them to these harmful elements is a No No.
How about downloading each iPhone song for $0.99 or more at online music services like HMV, iTunes and so on? People wouldn't mind if it is only one or two song. But if we are going to load up at least a 100 songs or soundtracks, this is going to be expensive.
There are now services that offer a lifetime membership for a flat fee of lower than $49.95 to access unlimited iPhone music downloads. These are the real gems!
2. Variety & Size of iPhone Music Library
Music lovers probably have their preferred music. You may not like pop but to another, pop may really sound heavenly. If you love all kinds of music, go with the services that offer multiple genres from Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Classical to many unheard music genre. Several top sites now offer over 100 million media files including music videos, TV shows and even movies and games.
3. Download Interface
This is a key feature that must not be overlooked. For easy navigation, the interface must be simple to use and does not take long to search and find your music files. One way to get a rough idea is to see how professionally done the site is and to read comments of existing users.
4. Software Applications for Download and Conversion
Several of the more established services are providing free software applications required to download iPhone music as well as movie and video files. They also provide the conversion software needed to convert movies and music file formats into iPhone-compatible formats. The top services also offer you a free DVD conversion software that transfer movies from DVDs to your iPhone.
5. Fast Downloading Speeds
Make sure that the download speeds are fast. Music file sizes are about 3-4 MB per song. Assuming you are downloading 20 songs at a go, the service must not limit your bandwidth usage by slowing down the speed. This is what some poorly run B-grade services do.
6. Safe Download Environment
Some services do not provide good secured environment with a high level of security and safety when you download iPhone music downloads. The last thing you want to worry about is adware, spyware and viruses that could make their way to your computer because the music store refuses to buck up on its system architecture.
7. After-sales Customer Care and Support
Many services just want to make more money. While they promise a 24/7 technical support to entice you to join them, they are hardly around when you need them to help troubleshoot when you face difficulties. Thankfully, there are a few reputable ones who can deliver an excellent level of after-sales service.
Look around and use these tips to find a good service for your iPhone music downloads. Want to know which services score well in every aspect mentioned? Read up my iPhone blog.
Davion is an ardent lover of techno gizmos. He runs a hugely popular iPhone review blog where he reveals where you can find unlimited iPhone downloads for pennies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davion_Wong
iPhone owners are getting excited about loading their new gizmos with iPhone music downloads. After all, the phone-cum-digital portable media player can store up to 100 songs easily and allow a playtime of up to 24 hours of audio. This article will show you 7 hot tips to find the top service befitting of your new toy when it comes to iPhone music downloads.
1. Free or Paid
Freebie seekers probably would argue with me on this. There is nothing wrong with wanting free iPhone music downloads. Who doesn't anyway? But the trouble is that free websites that give you music for free are often associated with exposure to viruses, spyware and adware when downloading media files there. Our phones are too new and precious and to risk exposing them to these harmful elements is a No No.
How about downloading each iPhone song for $0.99 or more at online music services like HMV, iTunes and so on? People wouldn't mind if it is only one or two song. But if we are going to load up at least a 100 songs or soundtracks, this is going to be expensive.
There are now services that offer a lifetime membership for a flat fee of lower than $49.95 to access unlimited iPhone music downloads. These are the real gems!
2. Variety & Size of iPhone Music Library
Music lovers probably have their preferred music. You may not like pop but to another, pop may really sound heavenly. If you love all kinds of music, go with the services that offer multiple genres from Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Classical to many unheard music genre. Several top sites now offer over 100 million media files including music videos, TV shows and even movies and games.
3. Download Interface
This is a key feature that must not be overlooked. For easy navigation, the interface must be simple to use and does not take long to search and find your music files. One way to get a rough idea is to see how professionally done the site is and to read comments of existing users.
4. Software Applications for Download and Conversion
Several of the more established services are providing free software applications required to download iPhone music as well as movie and video files. They also provide the conversion software needed to convert movies and music file formats into iPhone-compatible formats. The top services also offer you a free DVD conversion software that transfer movies from DVDs to your iPhone.
5. Fast Downloading Speeds
Make sure that the download speeds are fast. Music file sizes are about 3-4 MB per song. Assuming you are downloading 20 songs at a go, the service must not limit your bandwidth usage by slowing down the speed. This is what some poorly run B-grade services do.
6. Safe Download Environment
Some services do not provide good secured environment with a high level of security and safety when you download iPhone music downloads. The last thing you want to worry about is adware, spyware and viruses that could make their way to your computer because the music store refuses to buck up on its system architecture.
7. After-sales Customer Care and Support
Many services just want to make more money. While they promise a 24/7 technical support to entice you to join them, they are hardly around when you need them to help troubleshoot when you face difficulties. Thankfully, there are a few reputable ones who can deliver an excellent level of after-sales service.
Look around and use these tips to find a good service for your iPhone music downloads. Want to know which services score well in every aspect mentioned? Read up my iPhone blog.
Davion is an ardent lover of techno gizmos. He runs a hugely popular iPhone review blog where he reveals where you can find unlimited iPhone downloads for pennies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davion_Wong
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