Expressions Music Academy's online newsletter for July 2017
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Melody The Monthly
NOVI LOCATION: 43370 West 10 Mile Rd Novi, MI 48375 TROY LOCATION: 4000 Livernois Rd Troy, MI 48098 PLYMOUTH-CANTON: 9357 General Drive Suite 101 Plymouth, MI 48170
MY LONG ROAD TO THE IVORY KEYS The Story of My Musical Journey (Part 1)
Every musician, whether young or old, professional or brand-new, has a unique story of their journey into the world of music. At Expressions, we encounter every narrative imaginable, especially from our instructors and adult students. There are the kids raised by helicopter parents who loathed the hours they were forced to hunker down in front of the family Steinway, until they returned to the instrument years later. There are the persevering strugglers, who started bowing at their violins at age three, and though they were met with constant obstacles and self- doubt, continued to practice nearly every free moment. My own musical journey started off a little bumpy, but eventually resulted in music permeating every aspect of my life in the best possible way. My first experience of the hypnotic power of music, and likely one of my first conscious encounters with true beauty, came when I was a precocious little 6-year-old. We were at a Christmas party with most of my extended family. From my knee-height vantage, I stared at all the adults milling around, snacking, laughing, and chatting. My great uncle broke away from the crowd, slowly sat down on the wooden bench in front of the organ, and began to play. The conversation muted for some minutes as we listened to the warm tones of the instrument. Eventually, though, everyone began to wander off again, back to their chatting and chomping. Everyone except me, that is — I was standing right there next to my great uncle, mesmerized by his musicianship. I remember, he just kept playing and playing and playing, and I remained there, completely amazed. It took some time before I would put my own fingers on the keys. A couple years later, I was given a little 66-key toy Casio keyboard as a present. I played around on it all the time, but I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Eventually, I began to figure out little melodies by ear and tried to find their appropriate harmonies. I remember once, after hours and hours, cracking the melody to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” along with the harmonies in thirds. When I showed it to my dad, he was impressed and encouraging, but he couldn’t help asking “Where’s the left hand? Where’s the accompaniment?”
Later, though I don’t remember how it started, I began clarinet lessons at my mother’s behest, at the Faith Lutheran Center for the Performing Arts. I dutifully practiced, but, to be honest, clarinet was just okay to me. I didn’t like it very much. When I was 11, I got braces and told my instructor Paul McCaffrey that they were making it hard to play (this was a lie). He paused for a moment, then pulled a beginners’ piano method book out of his briefcase.“How would you feel about trying piano today?” he asked. My eyes lit up. An entire realm of possibility was suddenly opened to me. Little did I know that this moment was the beginning of a life dedicated to the art of music — a story I can’t wait to tell you about next month.
Thanks to everyone who have been so invested in my monthly newsletter. I hope you love reading along as much as I enjoy writing it!
- Jessica Schatz
Novi Location: 248-773-8364 | Troy Location: 248-845-4611 | Plymouth-Canton Location: 248-480-9108 | 1
A mentally sedentary summer can cause your child’s learning to stagnate and backslide, erasing the equivalent of as much as two months of in-school learning. But you can have fun with your kid this summer and help them learn at the same time. Try this project from sciencebob.com, which demonstrates how geodes are formed and gives a primer on the science of crystals. The results are stunning! All you need are some clean eggshells, water, several different soluble materials (salt, sugar, baking soda, borax, cream of tartar), coffee cups, spoons, food coloring, and egg cartons. First, crack the eggs as close to the narrow end as possible. Then, clean the eggshells in hot water, which allows you to pull the skin out of the inside. Place the shells in an egg carton lined with wax paper to hold them upright. Boil the water and pour half a cup into each coffee mug, followed by ¼ cup of one of the soluble materials, stirring until it dissolves. Keep adding the solid slowly until the water is supersaturated — this simply means that the water has absorbed all it can and any additional solid won’t dissolve. KEEP YOUR CHILD’S MIND ACTIVE WITH THIS FUN SUMMER EXPERIMENT! Carefully pour the solution into an eggshell, filling it as full as you can without the solution overflowing or the egg tipping over. As the water evaporates (be patient!) crystals will begin to form inside the eggshells. But how? As the water is heated, it expands, allowing more space for the dissolved solution. When it cools and evaporates, that space goes away, and the solids are forced to become solid again. See, science is fun and educational! Check out further science experiments on sciencebob.com, sciencekids.co.nz, or redtri.com/ classic-science-experiments! Grow Crystals With Your Kids Then, add food coloring to the solutions. See what creative color combinations your child can come up with.
SUCCESS STORIES
ABIGAIL G.
GORDY O.
“My daughter LOVES her show choir classes. She started out with Tiny Expressions and has really shown progress now that she is in the Expressions of Glee group! She just loves to sing and dance, so giving her this opportunity has been such a rewarding experience! Thank you, Expressions Music Academy, for offering this up-and-coming program for my daughter and for other “Expressions is a great place to learn music no matter your age. I am one of the senior citizens who began guitar lessons with Michael earlier this year. Unlike most of his younger students, I am hard of hearing and have some arthritis in my fingers, which makes learning the guitar a little more challenging. Nevertheless, Michael has been very patient and calm during all my lessons, promising that one day I will actually be able to play the guitar. I keep telling him I don’t have as much time as most of his students, but he is confident that the day will come (maybe by next year’s recital?). All the staff at Expressions are friendly and helpful, especially the front desk folks, and of course Jess and Mark Schatz.” –Gordy O. parents around the area!” –Sheila (Mother of Abby G.)
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How Much Practice
IS ENOUGH?
Parents are always asking us,“How much should my child practice at home?” The answer is largely dependent on how much emphasis you place on music in the big picture of your child’s education. It’s true that the more your child practices, the faster they will progress, but it’s important to not force the issue too hard and cause them to burn out. As a baseline, we recommend 10-plus minutes per day for ages 5 to 7; 15-plus minutes per day for ages 8 to 10; 20-plus minutes per day for ages 11 to 13; and 30- plus minutes per day for ages 13 and up. Most importantly, it’s vital that you keep practice consistent. If your child practices an hour on Sunday, and doesn’t touch the instrument again until Friday, they’re going to lose a lot of the progress made in the previous practice session. It would be better to spread those 60 minutes evenly over the week. That way
their mind and muscles stay primed and no time is wasted relearning old techniques.
The more practicing becomes a part of a child’s routine, the less it will seem like work. Designate a certain time of day as music practice time. They may fight it for a few weeks, but eventually resistance will subside and it will just be another part of their day. Really, though, the best practice doesn’t result from a timer, but from the tangible setting and meeting of goals within the session. Instructors agree that the length of practice is less important than the measurable amount of progress. Break down the week’s practice assignments with your child, and help them decide which tasks should be accomplished during practice each day. When they meet those goals, they have the satisfaction of a job well-done!
Laugh Break
Recipe of the Month: SUMMERTIME FROZEN YOGURT PIE
Looking for a summer dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in? Try this easy, low-fat frozen treat!
Ingredients
• • •
1 premade graham cracker pie crust 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip
1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries) 3 (6-ounce) containers regular yogurt (berry flavors work best)
•
Instructions
1. Combine Cool Whip, mixed berries, and yogurt in a bowl. Mix with a spatula until well-blended. 2. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust. 3. Cover pie with foil or plastic lid. 4. Store in freezer for at least 3 hours, or until frozen through. 5. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.
Recipe inspired by bonappetit.com.
Novi Location: 248-773-8364 | Troy Location: 248-845-4611 | Plymouth-Canton Location: 248-480-9108 | 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
43370 West 10 Mile Rd Novi, MI 48375
Inside
pg. 1
My Long Road to the Ivory Keys
Grow Crystals With Your Kids Success Stories
pg. 2
How Much Practice Is Enough? Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie
pg. 3
pg. 4
The World’s Happiest Vacations
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VISIT THE HAPPIEST PLACES IN THE WORLD — IT’S CONTAGIOUS
Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local population that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals. The Happiest States in the U.S. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny beaches, rich culture, and perfect weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long.
Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature. The Happiest Country in the World Denmark has long been the standard bearer in this category. This year, it relinquished the title to its Scandinavian sister. Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on earth, most notably its western fjords like the world- famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th-century waterfront.
daydream-worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation.
Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and
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