I am very excited to announce that I am now able to accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Cards for lesson payments. These payments do come with a small fee of 2.65-3.4% depending on whether we swipe or manually input your credit card. 

If you'd like to set up your monthly lesson payments to be paid using a credit card, please contact me with your credit card information.

Hopefully this new payment option will make things easier for students and parents! Please let me know what you think or if you have any questions.

Amanda

Hello all!

Here is my final post summarizing the amazing workshop I attended a few weeks ago, put on by the Royal Conservatory of Music and presented by two of their fantastic Examiners. This post includes the advice, tips and recommendations from those two presenting Examiners on what to expect in your exam and how best to prepare. Let's start with a basic breakdown of the exam components and how much each section is worth:

Repertoire - 56%
Studies - 12%
Technique - 12% (Scales, arpeggios and other technical exercises)
Ear Tests - 10%
Sight Reading - 10%

The first recommendation the Examiners gave is to know the exam requirements and you have prepared the correct number of studies, chosen your repertoire pieces from the correct lists, and prepared your scales and arpeggios with the correct articulation patterns. They are not able to give you full marks if these requirements are not met and sadly, they quite frequently come across students who perform well, but have not prepared all the necessary elements. 

Next they listed the basic technical and musical elements that they look for when marking an exam. 

Another element they look for is less easy to put into words. They listen for the "it" of the piece. Is the main concept communicated? Do you understand what the music is trying to say?

For more advice and general tips from the Examiners, here is a quick list:

• Treat the Examiner like an audience member. If you prepare for the exam as a performance, you will be able to create a more musical, personal spark that allows them to see you as a musician and not just a student during a test.
  
• Manage your recovery. Mistakes are to be expected during any exam, but the way you move on after a mistake occurs really shows the Examiner your skills as a performer.
• Play Technical Requirements like MUSIC. It may seem silly to say, but how often do we forget that our scales, arpeggios and other technical exercises are actually pieces of music and should be treated as such with phrasing, melodic shape, good tone and expression. The students who use musical elements during their technical exercises stand out far above those who treat scales as just boring drills and are far more pleasing to listen to during an exam.
• Remember your Intonation. Given the technology we have today with electronic tuners that can be used right outside the exam room, Examiners feel that even beginning students should have good intonation during their exam. Always check your pitch before entering an exam and make sure to tune with the piano before performing your accompanied pieces.
• Be prepared for Not-Your-Teacher. The Examiner has no idea how you prepared for this exam nor what is the best way to ask you for certain components. Sometimes this can throw students who are so used to the way their private teachers ask for scales or describe Ear Training exercises. Practice a different approach by having people other than your teacher test you on your material. 
• Show Stylistic Contrast. The reason Examiners ask for pieces from two different lists is they are looking to see if you are able to perform in a variety of styles. Make sure to emphasize the different styles of your pieces and studies by using rhythm, articulation and melodic expression so the Examiner can tell that you know the difference between an upbeat, aggressive march and a slow, lyrical, legato etude. 
• Be aware of presentation. As long as you are performing well, Examiners may ignore things like clothing choices or posture. However, if poor posture is affecting your tone or technique, it may be commented on in your Examiner feedback. An appropriate clothing choice shows the Examiner that you take the exam seriously and are professional. Sweatpants and hoodies may suggest a lack of respect and could lose you the half mark the Examiner is debating giving you.

Next, the Examiners wanted to give new students and impression of what an exam will be like. After months of preparation, the quick 15 minutes can seem rushed, cold and unfriendly. The Examiners will try and keep things pleasant but will keep their comments neutral and short mainly to allow the students some time to think. Due to the short time of the examination, they may be writing or typing throughout your performance and may continue after you've finished. Do not expect comments other than a short "thank you" before they ask you to begin your next piece. Again, your best bet is to pretend the Examiner is just another member of the audience so they can appreciate your performance that much more. 

Lastly, the presenting Examiners gave four basic tips to prepare yourself for a successful exam:

1. Create a Timeline. Know when you want to have certain elements of your material prepared.
2. Focus on all Components. Sometimes, students can ignore Ear Training or Technical Exercises during their preparation, only to then lose 10-22% on their Exams.
3. Practice Performing. Everyone gets nervous and the only way to prepare for this is to practice your performance for others and practice being nervous! No one around to listen to you? Sometimes I practice being nervous by doing 20 Jumping Jacks to get my heart rate going before performing so I know what I will feel like when I'm nervous in an exam.
4. Prepare the Order of Materials. Make sure you know what order you'd like to play your requirements in. A lot of students prefer doing their accompanied pieces first so their pianist is in the room to support them for the beginning of the exam. 

And that is it! That is a lot of information so if you are a student preparing for an exam, make sure to leave lots of time to think about all these ideas before your examination date. Any other questions? Have some feedback or advice to add? Leave a message for me in the "add comment" section on this blog!

Good luck to all exam students and I look forward to working with you towards this exciting goal.

Amanda

Hello again!

Here is my second post summarizing the fantastic workshop I attended a few weeks ago, put on by the Royal Conservatory of Music and presented by two RCM Examiners. 

In order to prepare for your exam, it is helpful to know more about the people you will be taking the exam from: your Examiners. Here are some short insights into the background of your Examiners and what they are thinking as you perform your exam.

Examiners at the Royal Conservatory of Music must complete a rigorous training program that includes lectures, workshops, demonstrations and three sessions of shadowing with a Mentor Examiner. In order to even be accepted into the training program, potential examiners must have: 

• A Bachelor of Music or equivalent degree/diploma
  
• Five years professional teaching experience after completion of undergraduate degree
  
• Adjudicating experience at festivals/competitions
  
• Knowledge of the The Royal Conservatory Examinations curriculum through student participation in examinations
  
• Strong organizational and time management skills
  
• Membership in a professional teacher association such as CFMTA or MTNA

After completing the training program, Examiners must still attend annual conferences and meetings to discuss marks and results with other examiners across the country. As well they are consistently reviewed by the Royal Conservatory's Chief Examiners. Their marks and feedback comments are constantly checked in order to assure top-quality, unbiased examination results. If you feel an Examiner marked you unfairly, keep in mind they have several people marking them in order to make sure all students are evaluated impartially.

Given the strict time limit on exams, Examiners cannot sit back and relax during your performance, but are constantly writing and evaluating. Luckily, they are trained in listening while writing so that they can evaluate your performance as they are marking down their comments. Through their comments, they attempt to give the student's teacher a snapshot of what happened during the exam. They understand, like most teachers, that positive feedback and encouragement will motivate students to continue on their instrument and so are not attempting to negatively judge or discourage a student's abilities. However, unless they receive 100%, Examiners feel each student deserves to know why they lost marks in certain areas. Therefore, they provide not only the mark breakdown, but also written feedback with advice on how to improve the techniques that need work. They are very conscientious and one mark over another does matter to them. After the exam, they re-read their comments, re-mark the exam, and make sure the comments, marks and re-marks are consistent and match. 

The two Examiners presenting the workshop also discussed how at the annual meetings, often Examiners will argue over a half-mark that should or should not have been given to a performing student. They are so dedicated to providing an accurate representation of a student's abilities, that one mark here or there will cause hour long discussions. 

So, keep in mind, potential exam participants, you are in safe hands with your Examiners. They will do their best to mark you fairly, encourage your continued growth, recognize your strengths and advise you on the best ways to improve your weaknesses. They are 100% on your side and are ready and willing to give you full marks for an outstanding performance. 

In my next post, I will share some advice direct from the Examiners on how best to prepare for your exam. That outstanding performance may only be a few steps away.

Hello everyone!

It has been an awfully long time since I wrote a blog post but I finally have a great topic for discussion! I was lucky enough to attend a workshop last week put on by the Royal Conservatory of Music that gave some great advice on how to prepare for their musical examinations. I have summarized what I learned from that three-hour workshop into a 3-part post starting with the benefits of taking the examinations. Later on I will write posts 2 and 3 on tips and advice on what to expect during your exam and a brief look into the mind of an RCM Examiner. I hope it is helpful and that more students will sign up for exams next Fall!

RCM Exam Benefits: Why should you sign up for a Music Exam?

I know it seems backwards to think that an exam for music would be beneficial when music is such an emotional, expressive and subjective thing. But, in order to be an emotional and expressive player we have to practice and learn how to properly convey such intangible feelings through a very tangible and - somewhat temperamental - instrument. Here is a brief, point-form list of the many benefits of completing a Royal Conservatory Examination. 

• It is an unbiased assessment from someone other than your regular music teacher. It is important to have new people hear you play because they can give you a new perspective on your abilities.
• It highlights your progress from year to year. If you complete more than one examination, your marks, as well as the examiner comments, can give you an idea of how you have improved since your last exam.
• It encourages short and long-term goal setting. Completing an exam takes planning, preparation and discipline. This is excellent practice for setting goals in school, other extra-curricular activities, and in life!
• It motivates the pursuit of excellence. These are some pretty fancy words, but there is a valuable reward in hearing you earned "First Class Honours" on your music exam. When hard work and preparation pay off, students are more willing to put in the hard work for their next goal.
• It fosters the development of life skills. I think this has already been said in the last two points, but I will include it again. Completing an exam is terrific preparation for learning how to plan and accomplish your goals. It also challenges you to take a risk in your performing and to do something you don't normally do! This will help build confidence and make school exams, swim competitions and any other activities that might seem intimidating become more manageable.
• It provides a balanced written assessment for future musical development. The feedback comments you get from the examiner are an excellent keepsake to keep you on track in future years. Nothing is better than looking back at old comments and saying, "Aha! I don't have those problems any more!"
• It sets an international standard for cross-boundary study. Are you looking to take your musical talents abroad someday? The RCM Exams provide a good scale to measure your skills for the playing requirements on international programs.
• You learn a broad selection of repertoire. This is fantastic preparation for future musical endeavours. Not only do you learn how to prepare a piece, but you learn the ins and outs of chalenging repertoire that is standard for your instrument. These pieces are reviewed every 7 years to ensure a broad scope of historical and contemporary works by both Canadian and Internationally renowned composers.
• It ensures well-rounded musical training. Probably the most important point: Not only are you required to prepare pieces and studies for your exam, but scales and other technical exercises, ear training and sight reading. This comprehensive overview is unique to the Royal Conservatory and improves musicianship, the development of score reading, and increases the understanding of harmony, structure and different musical styles. This makes you not only a better instrumentalist but a better MUSICIAN!

I hope that helps give students out there some motivation to sign up for an exam. I know they can seem intimidating and like a lot of work, but they are definitely worth it! Please feel free to contact me at 403-200-9655 or [email protected] for more information on registration and exam dates. 

Good luck!

Amanda

Hello everyone!

I want to congratulate all my students on a fantastic recital on Saturday night! Everyone did a great job and it was a very fun and memorable evening. It has been such a wonderful year so far and hearing all the beautiful performances was the perfect way to finish up the fall season.

Just a reminder that there will be no lessons between Friday, December 13th and Monday, January 6th, as I will be on holiday for the Christmas season. I will contact everyone to confirm January lesson times once I am back from my trip.

Thank you for all your hard work this year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, relaxing holiday break and I look forward to starting up lessons again in the New Year!

Amanda

Hello everyone!

I have posted my Tip-of-the-Week #6 to my Facebook Page, this week discussing Master Classes. Take a look to see why Master Classes are important and how they can help you prepare for a performance. 

Some of my students will need to start preparing for a performance at my upcoming Student Recital on December 7th at 7pm. This Recital will again take place at St. John's Music and all students are welcome and encouraged to participate. Family and friends are invited to attend and, as always, after the performances, there will be cookies and juice for everyone.

If you're interested in performing at the Recital, please confirm with me before the end of October so that we can pick an appropriate piece and begin preparing. Parents can email me at [email protected] or telephone at 403-200-9655 to discuss how the Recital will work and confirm student participation. 

Thank you and I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Amanda

Hello everyone,

My Tip-of-the-Week #5 is up on my Facebook page! This week's tip is about the Royal Conservatory Examinations and how they can help you to feel successful on your instrument. 

For more information on the Royal Conservatory, check out their website at http://www.rcmusic.ca

Sign up for the next exams ends November 5th so let me know ASAP if you'd like to take your exam this January. 

Also, make sure you check out their High School Accreditation page to find out which exams give you credit towards your High School diploma!

Have another great week everyone!

Amanda

Hello all,

Hello everyone!

I am very excited to announce that I will be putting on a workshop for beginner clarinet and saxophone students on October 5th, 2013 at St. John's Music. This workshop is for those brand new instrumentalists who are in the process of learning their instruments and will provide them with tips and tricks to help them get started. 

There are two separate workshops - one for clarinet students at 10am, Saturday morning, and one for saxophone students at 12pm on Saturday afternoon. 

If there is anyone you know who may be interested in attending, please pass along the information. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend! And remember, this is a free clinic! All you need to do is show up!

Topics to be covered include:
- how to put your instrument together properly
- correct cleaning and maintenance of your instrument
- what additional supplies you may need for your instrument
- how to hold your instrument
- how to blow and form your embouchure
- how to play your first notes
- how to play your first scale (if time!)

Additionally, I will discuss the value of private music lessons and be on hand afterward to answer any questions from students and parents. If students do not have an instrument, the amazing staff at St. John's Music will be available to discuss rentals and purchases.

This is a fantastic opportunity for new students to get a jump on learning their band instruments for the year. Feel free to print and share the poster below with your friends, family and students!

Hello again,

If you haven't already taken a look, check out my 2nd Tip-of-the-Week on my Facebook Page: 
https://www.facebook.com/AmandasMusicLessons

This week's Tip is another bit of practicing advice - how to practice WITHOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT!

Stay tuned for next week's tip and make sure to Like my Facebook page so you don't miss any updates.

Happy Practicing!

Amanda