By: Renee Bordner
NWE Music Studio Director

One of the frequently asked questions from parents and instructors, is about how much a child should practice their music assignments.

I prefer to have students start with a simple formula. Each student is asked to play each assigned piece four times throughout the week. I encourage students to make their goal of playing each piece a total of twenty times in between the weekly lessons.  Students are usually successful if they make tally marks on the music or in their assignment notebooks.  This visible tracking system creates an easy opportunity for us to discuss how the practice went throughout the week with the student, parents, caregiver and myself.

In order to keep the practice interesting for our beginner students, I ask them to focus on one element each of the four times they play each piece.  The first time, students are encouraged to play the piece through focusing on the correct notes. The second time they are asked to focus on the rhythm and counting out loud or with a metronome (an app can be used). I ask students to focus on dynamics and any articulations the third time through.  The fourth time can be a lot of fun for some students and that is when I ask students to sing along while playing.  If the piece does not have lyrics, I encourage students to create them!

This system works well with beginner students who need structure in getting started with a solid practice routine.  Once a student can consistently achieve the above recommendations, then it is simple to increase the frequency and length of each practice session.  The process helps students break down the various elements of music into smaller steps.  When a student is in the habit of breaking the music into sections, it is very easy for a student to independently analyze what he or she should practice in a piece.

If your student or you have any questions about setting up a solid practice routine, please feel free to contact me for additional ideas.

Best wishes and have fun practicing!

By: Renee Bordner
​NWE Music Studio Director

​2021 is finally here!  I think the entire world is thrilled that 2020 is behind us!  

Originally, I had envisioned my word of the year for 2020 to be "grace" or "present" which I truly tried to adopt as my focus.  However in mid March "grace" and "being present" were replaced with "survival", "pivot" "perseverance" and "enough already"!

For 2021, what will our word of the year be?  Will it be "empower", "evolve", "resilience" or something else?  I am not sure yet.  I do know that whatever 2021 ends up being known for globally, there will be music.  There is music all around us all of the time.  Knowing that we will always have music is comforting and encouraging.  

As you start your 2021 New Year Resolutions be sure to include music in some way.  Best wishes to you and yours in the new year!

By: Renee Bordner
NWE Music Studio Director

No really, what is on your music stand?  If you are a musician or the parent of a musician, this is an important question.  A musician should be working on at least one piece of music that the musician selected to work on.  Yes it is very important for student musicians to work on warm ups, scales, method books, technique drills, etc..  If a musician has a recital, audition or competition then of course the musician should be working on preparing for the pieces specific to the event.  However, if a musician is not preparing for a major event it is also important for a student musician to explore a wide variety of music that is interesting to him or her!  There should be a balance for every music student of what is interesting, motivating and appealing to the student AND what the instructor believes will help the student continue to progress as a well rounded musician.  IF you believe that there is not a balance in your student musician's assignments, talk to your instructor and or myself.  I am always willing to help find new and creative ways to inspire a student musician.  In fact, here are a few of the piano pieces I have learned recently in order to prepare for my students' lessons... A Medley from the Halo 3 Video Games, The theme from the television show The Office, multiple pieces from Frozen 2 and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns & Roses.  These pieces were very fun to learn since my students were excited by them.

So, ask yourself and your musician "What's on your music stand?" and consider adding more music that is appealing to your student musician.

By: Renee Bordner
​NWE Music Studio Director

​As the studio owner, as a piano teacher and as a mom I am often asked when is a good time for someone to start music lessons.  I am often asked if a child is too young or a senior citizen is too old.  I am happy to address this question here but if you have additional questions, please contact me directly.  I am happy to discuss your specific situation and help guide you in deciding what is best.

For me, the answer is very simple. If someone is excited and interested in learning then that is the perfect time or age to learn.  Students are never too old!  Sometimes students are too young for private one on one lessons and may be more appropriate for a group music and movement setting.  I do suggest starting very young students off with shorter lessons and an instructor who specializes in working with beginner students.

We do not have set semesters and required numbers of lessons for students for these very reasons.  Not all students' needs and interests fit neatly into semesters and lesson packages. I feel it is best for a student to start lessons when they are ready and interested even if it is in the middle of an academic grading period.

Another question I am often asked is how long of a lesson should my student have.  I typically recommend a half hour lesson for a beginner student and then increase the lesson time after a student shows signs of readiness.  To me signs of readiness include when a student says things like, "But wait I want to show you this!", when a student is still asking more questions that are relevant to the lesson even after the lesson is over or when a student simply does not have enough material to practice throughout the week.  In our Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, you can also see our team's recommendations on lengths of lessons.  http://www.note-worthyexperiences.com/faqs.html  these recommendations are truly recommendations and not set rules for our students. I always suggest discussing increasing lesson lengths with your instructor to weigh the benefits and discuss expectations.  

I am also always happy to discuss lesson plans, lesson readiness and goals for students at any time.  Feel free to reach out to me to chat further.