This is an experiment.
I have a vision of someday creating a ministry aimed at women who are depressed and discouraged. Music will feature hugely in this ministry because it is one of God's gifts to me and I want to use it to sow hope and encouragement.
In the footsteps of the Preacher in Blue Jeans who advocates that we should discover, develop and deliver our talents, I am now at the delivery stage, trying to find ways to get my music out to those who will hear.
Hence this video.
To the techies: I'm not sure if I should adopt a talk-to-the-camera approach like what the pros do on Youtube, as the focus is meant to be on the message and the music. Your thoughts please. :-)
Be Blessed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d1MNHNS-gc
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dreams and Visions
Some gentle nudgings over the past two days...
I would love to use my musical gift to start a healing and encouraging ministry for people who are feeling disheartened, disconnected and alone.
The songs God gave me in Oct 2010 and Feb this year could serve as a starting point. They are intentionally Scripture-based. What better way to nourish and uplift a brother or sister's soul and spirit?
Think of how David ministered to a troubled King Saul with the harp, and how as humans we are naturally wired to respond to music's soothing and healing qualities.
I would love to use my musical gift to start a healing and encouraging ministry for people who are feeling disheartened, disconnected and alone.
The songs God gave me in Oct 2010 and Feb this year could serve as a starting point. They are intentionally Scripture-based. What better way to nourish and uplift a brother or sister's soul and spirit?
Think of how David ministered to a troubled King Saul with the harp, and how as humans we are naturally wired to respond to music's soothing and healing qualities.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
This morning, I had my usual dilemma: should I or should I not go to dance class.
All because hubby had a working bee at church. Which meant I would have to take Miss J to music class with me. And make sure she was quiet and meaningfully occupied throughout the 1.5 hour class.
Which also meant I wouldn't be able to do my own thing...Read. Uninterrupted.
It worked out ok in the end. Miss J behaved perfectly. The teacher seemed a bit testy today though. Barked at students who played out of turn. Barked at students who played the wrong notes.
He gave Beth a (well deserved) lecture on the state of her Minuet in G, which she has steadfastly refused to practise. Her effort made me cringe.
Her excuse? "I was practising Intrada."
To which the teacher responded: "Perhaps the Minuet is too difficult for you? Perhaps I should find you an easier piece...like Grade One?!"
Afterwards, I gave Beth a mini-lecture of my own. She grinned (!!!) and agreed that she had indeed deserved the rebuke from her teacher.
Her bo-chap attitude made me wonder how much pride she really has in doing her best.
But back to dance class.
The group was smaller than usual, and it was the nice instructor, not the strict one. Which was great cos it meant beginners like moi got more attention and encouragement than otherwise.
I actually managed to keep up with the teens, which felt great! And I finally figured out the "leap" and "turn" components of corner work. The only thing I still struggle with is the "spin", where you have to spin across the room really fast with your eyes on a fixed object. That one made me so dizzy I had to crouch down to regain my balance.
We also learned a new move today - the pirouette. Shall have fun practising it at home.
Near the end of our Janet Jackson Black Cat routine, the instructor said to me, "Well done. You nailed it."
High praise indeed.
All because hubby had a working bee at church. Which meant I would have to take Miss J to music class with me. And make sure she was quiet and meaningfully occupied throughout the 1.5 hour class.
Which also meant I wouldn't be able to do my own thing...Read. Uninterrupted.
It worked out ok in the end. Miss J behaved perfectly. The teacher seemed a bit testy today though. Barked at students who played out of turn. Barked at students who played the wrong notes.
He gave Beth a (well deserved) lecture on the state of her Minuet in G, which she has steadfastly refused to practise. Her effort made me cringe.
Her excuse? "I was practising Intrada."
To which the teacher responded: "Perhaps the Minuet is too difficult for you? Perhaps I should find you an easier piece...like Grade One?!"
Afterwards, I gave Beth a mini-lecture of my own. She grinned (!!!) and agreed that she had indeed deserved the rebuke from her teacher.
Her bo-chap attitude made me wonder how much pride she really has in doing her best.
But back to dance class.
The group was smaller than usual, and it was the nice instructor, not the strict one. Which was great cos it meant beginners like moi got more attention and encouragement than otherwise.
I actually managed to keep up with the teens, which felt great! And I finally figured out the "leap" and "turn" components of corner work. The only thing I still struggle with is the "spin", where you have to spin across the room really fast with your eyes on a fixed object. That one made me so dizzy I had to crouch down to regain my balance.
We also learned a new move today - the pirouette. Shall have fun practising it at home.
Near the end of our Janet Jackson Black Cat routine, the instructor said to me, "Well done. You nailed it."
High praise indeed.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I'm finally getting something right...I think!
This is my third attempt at teaching someone music and I feel like I've finally met a student who "gets" my style and whom I can actually help.
K is our local missionary who works with AIDS orphans in S Africa. She's back for a few months before returning to SA to further her work with the kids she has come to adore. She also happens to be a gifted worship singer and lyricist. Her dream is to be able to accompany herself on the keyboard when she leads worship, and to write songs (not just words).
While she was still in SA, we corresponded by email and she asked if I could give her lessons when she came back.
And that's how we got started.
I was pretty apprehensive about saying yes because I feel as if I ought to have a teaching qualification or be a professional pianist to be good enough to teach someone else.
Plus, I've had a couple of teaching experiences that feel like failures.
A couple of years ago, I was referred to a lady at church who wanted some piano lessons and had a set budget. I went to her place once a week, 45 min each time, for ten sessions.
But I never felt like we communicated very well (my fault I'm sure), and from her responses, I could never tell if she was really enjoying herself or if she was just being polite while privately cursing this waste of her time and money. Even now when we pass the peace at church, I daren't ask how she's going with her practising.
Then another church friend asked me to give her two young sons lessons, and I did.
By then I had learned that the market practice was 30 min for a lesson, so I reduced my lesson time accordingly.
The boys had so much going on in their lives: schoolwork, sport, social activities, and probably didn't have much motivation or time for music practice.
So their progress was probably not as quick or visible as they would have liked.
After a while, their mum tactfully suggested that we take a break until her boys were willing to be serious about their music.
My current student is my third, and so far, most ideal match in terms of motivation, commitment and willingness to learn. She knows why she's here and what she wants to get out of it.
It also helps that I'm letting God lead rather than trying to find all the answers myself. I am more willing to let the serious info take a back seat to gentle nudges and unusual suggestions from above.
And perhaps that has made all the difference.
It's beautiful to see her get excited as she works out chords and scales and begins work this week on her very first Chord Song.
In fact, the phrase Chord Song came to me only hours before our lesson, and I didn't even know what it meant or what I was supposed to do with it.
Then at some point in the lesson, my student asked: "So what's my homework this week?"
And it grew from there. I suggested she play around with the primary chords (I, IV, V) with a root of C, and see what came out of it. I even improvised to show her what she might possibly achieve, and what she could do with her LH to get a fuller sound.
Next week, she'll show me what she's come up with.
And that's the story behind the FB post.
Thank you Jesus.
Definitely.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Teaching music to an adult learner
Just finished third keyboard lesson with my student.
Am feeling...relieved? thankful?...that the lessons have gone well so far and that she's enjoying them.
Today, we worked on chord structure and inversions, and she played four simple pieces on her own for the first time: Twinkle Twinkle, Jingle Bells, Are You Sleeping, Row Row Row Your Boat.
Wow.
At the start of the lesson, my student mentioned that she'd had a massive migraine the day before.
So we prayed together, offering up her migraine as well as the day's lesson.
That's what I love about working with fellow believers: we're on the same page and share similar values, which expands our options and solutions.
Time flew by really quickly (always one of my worries: what if the lesson drags and we finish earlier than planned?) and when we next looked, 45 min had gone by and she had to go. The lesson was meant to be 30 min long.
Better that than the reverse situation any time!
Am feeling...relieved? thankful?...that the lessons have gone well so far and that she's enjoying them.
Today, we worked on chord structure and inversions, and she played four simple pieces on her own for the first time: Twinkle Twinkle, Jingle Bells, Are You Sleeping, Row Row Row Your Boat.
Wow.
At the start of the lesson, my student mentioned that she'd had a massive migraine the day before.
So we prayed together, offering up her migraine as well as the day's lesson.
That's what I love about working with fellow believers: we're on the same page and share similar values, which expands our options and solutions.
Time flew by really quickly (always one of my worries: what if the lesson drags and we finish earlier than planned?) and when we next looked, 45 min had gone by and she had to go. The lesson was meant to be 30 min long.
Better that than the reverse situation any time!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
When God leads worship
Sunday's worship was amazing, and I know I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
A couple of the Team 3 ladies (we haven't settled on a name for our team yet) who led the singing were in tears, and we agreed that God had been present in a very powerful way.
One of the ladies remarked that this is the reason why our team came together. I said jokingly to her that it was a good thing I didn't look at her or her fellow singers while I was playing, or I might have cried too!
The drummer told me I had played really well. And I know just what he meant. I thank God for His anointing, because I can feel the difference when He's there guiding my fingers.
Towards the end of the service, as the Holy Spirit took over, I had this strong urge to just let go and let my fingers do their thing without me consciously watching out for changing keys and sus chords. There was such an incredible sense of release and joy, of oneness and gratitude, of being in the moment and flowing along with the rest of the team and the singing of the congregation.
Wow.
A couple of the Team 3 ladies (we haven't settled on a name for our team yet) who led the singing were in tears, and we agreed that God had been present in a very powerful way.
One of the ladies remarked that this is the reason why our team came together. I said jokingly to her that it was a good thing I didn't look at her or her fellow singers while I was playing, or I might have cried too!
The drummer told me I had played really well. And I know just what he meant. I thank God for His anointing, because I can feel the difference when He's there guiding my fingers.
Towards the end of the service, as the Holy Spirit took over, I had this strong urge to just let go and let my fingers do their thing without me consciously watching out for changing keys and sus chords. There was such an incredible sense of release and joy, of oneness and gratitude, of being in the moment and flowing along with the rest of the team and the singing of the congregation.
Wow.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Second Song
A new song came to me from God yesterday, Wed 13 Oct 2010.
Two songs in one week! What are the odds? But with God, nothing is impossible.
I had started out by setting myself a challenge to write a song around our home group Bible study theme for the week: A Praying Church.
The study verses - Phil. 4:4-9 and Acts 4:23-31.
The Philippians song, Do Not Be Anxious, was written on 11 Oct and finalized on 12 Oct. Videos and story here.
The Acts song is called The Song of Peter and John.
I was so inspired by the courage and eloquence of Peter and John when hauled before the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law.
Their alleged offence: teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
Two uneducated blue-collar types who had been with Jesus and seen Him crucified and resurrected, going out to share boldly with anyone who would listen.
When asked in whose name they preached, they refused to back down even though they had just come out of jail and were being offered the chance to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law again and to stay below the radar.
How many of us today, if asked to pipe down on our personal beliefs and values and to stay low, would dare openly challenge the authorities?
My song is based on two particular verses:
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Strong words spoken by strong men.
Enjoy...
Song of Peter and John
Lyrics: Acts 4:12, 19-20
Composer: Serena Low (as given by The Songwriter on 13 Oct 2010)
Verse
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
Under heaven given to men
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
By which we must be saved
Chorus
Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's eyes
To obey man rather than God
For we cannot help
Speaking of what we have seen and heard
There is no other name
There is no other name
By which we're saved
Two songs in one week! What are the odds? But with God, nothing is impossible.
I had started out by setting myself a challenge to write a song around our home group Bible study theme for the week: A Praying Church.
The study verses - Phil. 4:4-9 and Acts 4:23-31.
The Philippians song, Do Not Be Anxious, was written on 11 Oct and finalized on 12 Oct. Videos and story here.
The Acts song is called The Song of Peter and John.
I was so inspired by the courage and eloquence of Peter and John when hauled before the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law.
Their alleged offence: teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
Two uneducated blue-collar types who had been with Jesus and seen Him crucified and resurrected, going out to share boldly with anyone who would listen.
When asked in whose name they preached, they refused to back down even though they had just come out of jail and were being offered the chance to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law again and to stay below the radar.
How many of us today, if asked to pipe down on our personal beliefs and values and to stay low, would dare openly challenge the authorities?
My song is based on two particular verses:
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Strong words spoken by strong men.
Enjoy...
Song of Peter and John
Lyrics: Acts 4:12, 19-20
Composer: Serena Low (as given by The Songwriter on 13 Oct 2010)
Verse
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
Under heaven given to men
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
By which we must be saved
Chorus
Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's eyes
To obey man rather than God
For we cannot help
Speaking of what we have seen and heard
There is no other name
There is no other name
By which we're saved
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A New Song
It's been 24 years since I last wrote a song.
I was very active in songwriting between Sec 2 and Sec 4 at RGS. Took part in the National Songwriting Competition for Schools and RGS Night, had my own singing group (The Amateurs!) and even won a couple of awards. Writing songs was fun, and a great way to channel some of that adolescent angst.
Then...it stopped in JC. No songs came. The inspiration just dried up. I told myself that God giveth, and God had taken away ('blessed be the Lord' was a bit harder to admit though).
Over the years, I've kept up with the piano at a recreational level, playing for church and for pleasure. I enjoy some Kevin Kern-esque moments and what some friends call tinkling (the ivories).
Then yesterday, it happened.
Just like that, the flow started.
I was reflecting on Philippians 4: 4-9 (because it was the study verse for our group bible study) and wondering if there was a way to put some of the words to music.
And this is what He gave me.
Praise be to God the creator and author of all things good!
The song starts on a minor key (to reflect the listener's current discouraged state), builds up energy at the bridge (when the writer suggests how we can handle our anxieties), then rings out triumphantly in a major key at the chorus, loops back to the verse and chorus, repeats the chorus and ends in a four-fold Amen inspired by the ending of Benediction (The Lord Whom We Love) as sung by Budak Pantai (my fave SG acapella group) on their Budakumentary album.
Here's the short version, which was the fruit of the first day's work...
And here's the full version, which was created today!
I was very active in songwriting between Sec 2 and Sec 4 at RGS. Took part in the National Songwriting Competition for Schools and RGS Night, had my own singing group (The Amateurs!) and even won a couple of awards. Writing songs was fun, and a great way to channel some of that adolescent angst.
Then...it stopped in JC. No songs came. The inspiration just dried up. I told myself that God giveth, and God had taken away ('blessed be the Lord' was a bit harder to admit though).
Over the years, I've kept up with the piano at a recreational level, playing for church and for pleasure. I enjoy some Kevin Kern-esque moments and what some friends call tinkling (the ivories).
Then yesterday, it happened.
Just like that, the flow started.
I was reflecting on Philippians 4: 4-9 (because it was the study verse for our group bible study) and wondering if there was a way to put some of the words to music.
And this is what He gave me.
Praise be to God the creator and author of all things good!
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS
Lyrics: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Music: Serena Low (as given by The Songwriter on 11 Oct 2010)
Verse
Do not be anxious about anything
Do not be anxious but in everything
By prayer and petition
With thanksgiving
Present your requests to God
Chorus
And the peace of God
And the peace of God
That surpasses all understanding
Will keep your hearts
Will keep your minds
In Jesus, in Jesus
Verse
Do not be anxious about anything
Do not be anxious but in everything
By prayer and petition
With thanksgiving
Present your requests to God
Chorus
And the peace of God
And the peace of God
That surpasses all understanding
Will keep your hearts
Will keep your minds
In Jesus, in Jesus
Repeat chorus
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
About the songThe song starts on a minor key (to reflect the listener's current discouraged state), builds up energy at the bridge (when the writer suggests how we can handle our anxieties), then rings out triumphantly in a major key at the chorus, loops back to the verse and chorus, repeats the chorus and ends in a four-fold Amen inspired by the ending of Benediction (The Lord Whom We Love) as sung by Budak Pantai (my fave SG acapella group) on their Budakumentary album.
Here's the short version, which was the fruit of the first day's work...
And here's the full version, which was created today!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Times of Refreshing
Am letting myself be spiritually refreshed listening to Michael W. Smith(MWS)'s A New Hallelujah DVD while typing this.
I love this one which he does with Israel Houghton -
He sees your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on
Help is on the way
Help is on the way
He said he'll never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He said he'll help you
Just reach out and take his hand
As a musician and an introvert, I really admire musos who play brilliantly and through their body language send out the message that they LOVE what they're doing. Like Michael our drummer at HXUCA - and MWS and his band.
Wish I could be less inhibited and more unafraid to express my joy and praise. Why am I so afraid to be myself??
I love this one which he does with Israel Houghton -
He sees your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on
Help is on the way
Help is on the way
He said he'll never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He said he'll help you
Just reach out and take his hand
As a musician and an introvert, I really admire musos who play brilliantly and through their body language send out the message that they LOVE what they're doing. Like Michael our drummer at HXUCA - and MWS and his band.
Wish I could be less inhibited and more unafraid to express my joy and praise. Why am I so afraid to be myself??
Monday, August 30, 2010
TV for believers
A dear friend from my primary school days told me about a YouTube video in which Eric Moo talks about his Christian faith - wow!
In it, he sports a new look which I thought was platinum blonde (eew!).
Until I heard him talk about growing out his white hair over a period of 3 months and how God is the best hair stylist.
The more I listened to him open up about his personal challenges and make fun of himself, the more I thought: he seems a likeable sort of guy. I must admit I've never particularly liked him even though I enjoyed some of his xinyao songs. Maybe his rather kiam-pa face and early arrogance and all that goss involving Jazreel Low have prejudiced me somewhat.
Or maybe he's a different Eric from when he started out.
In the process, I discovered a new TV channel for Christians: GoodTV. Am going to check it out often.
In it, he sports a new look which I thought was platinum blonde (eew!).
Until I heard him talk about growing out his white hair over a period of 3 months and how God is the best hair stylist.
The more I listened to him open up about his personal challenges and make fun of himself, the more I thought: he seems a likeable sort of guy. I must admit I've never particularly liked him even though I enjoyed some of his xinyao songs. Maybe his rather kiam-pa face and early arrogance and all that goss involving Jazreel Low have prejudiced me somewhat.
Or maybe he's a different Eric from when he started out.
In the process, I discovered a new TV channel for Christians: GoodTV. Am going to check it out often.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Audition
Monday's teacher audition @ Malvern was a highly interesting experience.
My first challenge was getting everyone out of the house on time so that I could make it for the 8.13 train.
I was so stressed by anxiety that I woke at 1 am and didn't get to sleep till it was almost time for the alarm to go off.
So I started the morning looking tired and disheveled.
But I did it.
Beth was the first one in her class (and the whole of her year) to reach school, and I had the luxury of staying with her for 10 min till it was time to go.
I even had 20 min to spare after getting off at Malvern station. I stood at the corner of Station Place trying to work out which direction was Glenferrie Rd. Once I got my bearings, everything went really smoothly.
What really impressed me about Malvern was the number and variety of shops near the train station. Cafes, bakeries, shoe stores, boutiques, greengrocer, Vinnie's, recycled children's clothing, hairdresser, beauty salon...
Even the locals look different from the people I encounter where I live. For one, there didn't seem to be as many elderly. And the older ones were highly mobile and in good health. No one was in a gopher or wheelchair. The younger ones looked trim and healthy as they went by, their purchases tucked under one arm or a cup of takeaway coffee in hand.
Back to the audition.
I met Robyn (senior instructor) on my way in, and she asked me to pick up an availability form and pointed me to a room where I could rehearse before the audition.
The piano was LOUD.
It took me a while to figure out how to mute it to an acceptable volume so I wouldn't interrupt the conversations that were going on all around.
Then it was time to go in.
My interviewing panel was made up of Robyn and Rose, the regional coordinator who was also MC for this year's Annual Concert.
They took pains to be friendly and really put me at ease, but there was no getting away from performance nerves.
My prepared pieces went rather badly, and I rued not having spent more time the day before polishing them. It had been a busy weekend and I had let practice time slip away from me.
The sight singing and sight playing went quite well, except my voice was thin and soft. I was also told my personality is on the quiet side. As I explained to hubby later, that's just the way I am and I can't really help my voice or my personality being the way it is. If Yamaha considers that a minus point, then too bad. He agreed with my perspective. I think he was pleasantly surprised that I'm not stressing about how my weaknesses might be taken against me.
When I first applied for the position, I had my Plan B all worked out. Meaning that if I don't get accepted for a teaching position (Plan A), I will focus my energies on my organics business. So it's not like everything is hanging on this job application. This approach has really helped me relax and be honest with my interviewers. I told them about my night vision problems, because teachers are expected to teach from 4-7.30 pm on a week night, which can be terrible in winter when it gets dark by 5. I would have to find alternative transport since I can't drive at night.
I am now waiting to hear from Yamaha. If they say "You're in!", I will have to start organizing after-school care for my child. If they say "Sorry", I'll say "No worries, mate!" and get on with my organics business and my writing.
Life is so much easier when you are clear about what you want to do.
My first challenge was getting everyone out of the house on time so that I could make it for the 8.13 train.
I was so stressed by anxiety that I woke at 1 am and didn't get to sleep till it was almost time for the alarm to go off.
So I started the morning looking tired and disheveled.
But I did it.
Beth was the first one in her class (and the whole of her year) to reach school, and I had the luxury of staying with her for 10 min till it was time to go.
I even had 20 min to spare after getting off at Malvern station. I stood at the corner of Station Place trying to work out which direction was Glenferrie Rd. Once I got my bearings, everything went really smoothly.
What really impressed me about Malvern was the number and variety of shops near the train station. Cafes, bakeries, shoe stores, boutiques, greengrocer, Vinnie's, recycled children's clothing, hairdresser, beauty salon...
Even the locals look different from the people I encounter where I live. For one, there didn't seem to be as many elderly. And the older ones were highly mobile and in good health. No one was in a gopher or wheelchair. The younger ones looked trim and healthy as they went by, their purchases tucked under one arm or a cup of takeaway coffee in hand.
Back to the audition.
I met Robyn (senior instructor) on my way in, and she asked me to pick up an availability form and pointed me to a room where I could rehearse before the audition.
The piano was LOUD.
It took me a while to figure out how to mute it to an acceptable volume so I wouldn't interrupt the conversations that were going on all around.
Then it was time to go in.
My interviewing panel was made up of Robyn and Rose, the regional coordinator who was also MC for this year's Annual Concert.
They took pains to be friendly and really put me at ease, but there was no getting away from performance nerves.
My prepared pieces went rather badly, and I rued not having spent more time the day before polishing them. It had been a busy weekend and I had let practice time slip away from me.
The sight singing and sight playing went quite well, except my voice was thin and soft. I was also told my personality is on the quiet side. As I explained to hubby later, that's just the way I am and I can't really help my voice or my personality being the way it is. If Yamaha considers that a minus point, then too bad. He agreed with my perspective. I think he was pleasantly surprised that I'm not stressing about how my weaknesses might be taken against me.
When I first applied for the position, I had my Plan B all worked out. Meaning that if I don't get accepted for a teaching position (Plan A), I will focus my energies on my organics business. So it's not like everything is hanging on this job application. This approach has really helped me relax and be honest with my interviewers. I told them about my night vision problems, because teachers are expected to teach from 4-7.30 pm on a week night, which can be terrible in winter when it gets dark by 5. I would have to find alternative transport since I can't drive at night.
I am now waiting to hear from Yamaha. If they say "You're in!", I will have to start organizing after-school care for my child. If they say "Sorry", I'll say "No worries, mate!" and get on with my organics business and my writing.
Life is so much easier when you are clear about what you want to do.
Monday, November 02, 2009
A Big Decision To Make
To teach-in-a-classroom-setting or not, that is the question.
I have now cleared the initial phone screen, the group interview and completed the two class observations for littlies and primary-school-aged children.
Now I have to decide if I want to proceed to audition stage.
If I say yes, there is much more than playing a few prepared pieces and singing my way through the 30-minute audition.
If I make it through, I have to sign an agreement, pay a training fee and attend a series of training seminars to get ready for the start of school term in 2010.
It's the seminars that make me think: this is too hard.
They're full-day, take place somewhere far from where I live, and will require efficient organization of after-school care for my kids. The very first seminar coincides with Beth's School Presentation Night and I am most reluctant to do anything that would jeopardize my attendance at this very important school function.
There's also the tricky issue of teaching on weekdays. I'll have to organize for hubby to work from home so he can pick up the girls from school and daycare. And during the three months from April-July, I'll be totally (night)blind after 5 pm and have to rely on someone (hubby, hopefully) to ferry me to and from classes.
A couple more things.
Am I comfortable being teacher/entertainer/role model to a group of kids and managing their parents?
Or would I be better sticking to private tuition?
How will I sustain teaching back-to-back classes when I can't project my voice properly and tend to go hoarse from singing from the throat?
The odds seem pretty daunting.
At the core of it, I have to ask myself whether group teaching is the best way for me to share and impart my love and knowledge of music to young children.
I have till Wed to decide.
I have now cleared the initial phone screen, the group interview and completed the two class observations for littlies and primary-school-aged children.
Now I have to decide if I want to proceed to audition stage.
If I say yes, there is much more than playing a few prepared pieces and singing my way through the 30-minute audition.
If I make it through, I have to sign an agreement, pay a training fee and attend a series of training seminars to get ready for the start of school term in 2010.
It's the seminars that make me think: this is too hard.
They're full-day, take place somewhere far from where I live, and will require efficient organization of after-school care for my kids. The very first seminar coincides with Beth's School Presentation Night and I am most reluctant to do anything that would jeopardize my attendance at this very important school function.
There's also the tricky issue of teaching on weekdays. I'll have to organize for hubby to work from home so he can pick up the girls from school and daycare. And during the three months from April-July, I'll be totally (night)blind after 5 pm and have to rely on someone (hubby, hopefully) to ferry me to and from classes.
A couple more things.
Am I comfortable being teacher/entertainer/role model to a group of kids and managing their parents?
Or would I be better sticking to private tuition?
How will I sustain teaching back-to-back classes when I can't project my voice properly and tend to go hoarse from singing from the throat?
The odds seem pretty daunting.
At the core of it, I have to ask myself whether group teaching is the best way for me to share and impart my love and knowledge of music to young children.
I have till Wed to decide.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Music Teaching - The Second Year
I have started teaching keyboard again, without actively planning for it.
I had an inquiry from a friend at church, who asked if I would coach her two boys.
I said yes, and we started on Sat after I'd assessed where they are currently in their level of musical understanding.
One is a complete beginner. The other plays the guitar, so he already knows quite a bit about chords.
I am teaching chord piano using a combination of resources by Scott "The Piano Guy" Huston and Duanne Shinn, "The Headless Piano Teacher".
It's so much more fun than learning classical piano, I tell you.
On Sunday, I had an inquiry from another family about beginner lessons for their teenage son. They're shopping for a keyboard, so once they've got that sorted, we can start lessons.
I'm so excited at being able to share my music knowledge with young people, and to be able to introduce them to the joy of playing the keyboard without the stress and hassle I endured during my time.
I had an inquiry from a friend at church, who asked if I would coach her two boys.
I said yes, and we started on Sat after I'd assessed where they are currently in their level of musical understanding.
One is a complete beginner. The other plays the guitar, so he already knows quite a bit about chords.
I am teaching chord piano using a combination of resources by Scott "The Piano Guy" Huston and Duanne Shinn, "The Headless Piano Teacher".
It's so much more fun than learning classical piano, I tell you.
On Sunday, I had an inquiry from another family about beginner lessons for their teenage son. They're shopping for a keyboard, so once they've got that sorted, we can start lessons.
I'm so excited at being able to share my music knowledge with young people, and to be able to introduce them to the joy of playing the keyboard without the stress and hassle I endured during my time.
Friday, November 07, 2008
On Using Our Gifts
After a 2-month break, I rejoined the musos for band practice last night.
It has been "easy" to skip Thu night practices. There's always one thing or another happening at home. Hubby gets home late, so I can't hand over and go for prac. Or J gets sick. Or the girls get clingy. Sometimes I just want to enjoy some family time.
It's good to be back.
I still wonder if my role as keyboardist isn't somewhat redundant when we already have an extremely versatile and gifted pianist who's also our de facto music director. Lately, the guitarist has taken on a bassist role using a separate keyboard as well.
While I've got the liberty to be as creative as I want with the organ and the keyboard that have been placed at my disposal, my skills aren't yet up to that level. So I tend to stick with what is safe and known - Pan Flute/Synth Strings for slow songs, Fantasia for fast songs. Sometimes I let go a little and experiment with different buttons just to hear the effects. Most of them work out well. Last night, I tried a button I'd never used before and the band leader went something like "Wow! How'd you do that? How do you know what button to press?"
To which the music director replied, "Cos we're musicians, that's why!"
I smiled. It's never that easy or obvious for me, so I would never dare to make such a bold statement.
My own interpretation is this. When God gives you a gift and you use it actively as an expression of who you are, you sometimes accomplish more than what you or someone else might have expected or imagined.
I do not know why God has given me the gift of music. I do not need an answer. I know I'm blessed to be a blessing, and that when I bless others, I will experience the deeper joy and fulfillment that come from living my God-given purpose.
The sense of inadequacy from not knowing enough and not being good enough may be what God uses to keep me in a right relationship with Him, so that I always remember who is the true Gift Giver, and who is the Steward.
It has been "easy" to skip Thu night practices. There's always one thing or another happening at home. Hubby gets home late, so I can't hand over and go for prac. Or J gets sick. Or the girls get clingy. Sometimes I just want to enjoy some family time.
It's good to be back.
I still wonder if my role as keyboardist isn't somewhat redundant when we already have an extremely versatile and gifted pianist who's also our de facto music director. Lately, the guitarist has taken on a bassist role using a separate keyboard as well.
While I've got the liberty to be as creative as I want with the organ and the keyboard that have been placed at my disposal, my skills aren't yet up to that level. So I tend to stick with what is safe and known - Pan Flute/Synth Strings for slow songs, Fantasia for fast songs. Sometimes I let go a little and experiment with different buttons just to hear the effects. Most of them work out well. Last night, I tried a button I'd never used before and the band leader went something like "Wow! How'd you do that? How do you know what button to press?"
To which the music director replied, "Cos we're musicians, that's why!"
I smiled. It's never that easy or obvious for me, so I would never dare to make such a bold statement.
My own interpretation is this. When God gives you a gift and you use it actively as an expression of who you are, you sometimes accomplish more than what you or someone else might have expected or imagined.
I do not know why God has given me the gift of music. I do not need an answer. I know I'm blessed to be a blessing, and that when I bless others, I will experience the deeper joy and fulfillment that come from living my God-given purpose.
The sense of inadequacy from not knowing enough and not being good enough may be what God uses to keep me in a right relationship with Him, so that I always remember who is the true Gift Giver, and who is the Steward.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Learn, Unlearn, Relearn
Being a part of the church worship team has been an incredible time of learning.
My classical training has been helpful in that I can sightread and work out chords and stuff.
Sometimes, though, it has been a bit of a hindrance, because when you are part of a team, different considerations apply.
You have to know when to play and when to hold back.
You can't play like a soloist or play the synth as if you were playing the piano.
Especially if there is another pianist involved, one who is extremely gifted and who can play anything and any genre.
The worship workshop we had 2 weekends ago has been a catalyst of positive change for the worship team.
Today was the first time we played under new leadership, and I think I'm not the only one who felt it was a change for the better.
Team morale was high.
The music flowed better, even though we had just piano, synth and bass guitar. (No drums - amazing!)
The girls sang really well, and the bit in the Hallelujah chorus when the instruments died away and it was just voices was BEAUTIFUL.
Afterwards, we had a debrief (a first!) and talked about what worked and what didn't.
I was relieved to know that the music director had some positive things to say about my playing. That's a huge encouragement, considering I'm not a seasoned keyboardist and am still feeling my way around the synth.
Thank you Lord, that however old I get, there is always something new to learn.
Keep me flexible and nimble so that I never stagnate.
Amen.
My classical training has been helpful in that I can sightread and work out chords and stuff.
Sometimes, though, it has been a bit of a hindrance, because when you are part of a team, different considerations apply.
You have to know when to play and when to hold back.
You can't play like a soloist or play the synth as if you were playing the piano.
Especially if there is another pianist involved, one who is extremely gifted and who can play anything and any genre.
The worship workshop we had 2 weekends ago has been a catalyst of positive change for the worship team.
Today was the first time we played under new leadership, and I think I'm not the only one who felt it was a change for the better.
Team morale was high.
The music flowed better, even though we had just piano, synth and bass guitar. (No drums - amazing!)
The girls sang really well, and the bit in the Hallelujah chorus when the instruments died away and it was just voices was BEAUTIFUL.
Afterwards, we had a debrief (a first!) and talked about what worked and what didn't.
I was relieved to know that the music director had some positive things to say about my playing. That's a huge encouragement, considering I'm not a seasoned keyboardist and am still feeling my way around the synth.
Thank you Lord, that however old I get, there is always something new to learn.
Keep me flexible and nimble so that I never stagnate.
Amen.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Teaching Music As A Home Based Career: The Next Phase
I've just gotten one step closer to my goal of teaching piano authentically and profitably.
For me, being authentic and being profitable are equally important in starting and sustaining a home based business.
Being authentic is about passion and principles, being true to what I believe in, and having the courage and confidence to communicate those beliefs.
It's about translating the love for music into material and methods that any beginner can relate to, get excited about and start using right away.
A Diploma in Piano Performance is a good first step, but I believe it takes so much more than a paper qualification to make the leap from musician to teacher.
At the same time, when you're in business, it obviously has to be profitable, otherwise you might as well call it a hobby.
That's taken me a long time to get my head around. I confess I'm guilty of feeling that creatives shouldn't get mixed up with money and materialistic pursuits. Weird, huh?
Recently, a good friend sent me the URL of a US-based piano teacher/TV presenter who has created his own system of teaching piano teachers how to make lessons fun, inspiring and relaxed.
I liked what I read on the site so much that I signed up for the Teacher Certification track right away and sent off for the materials.
Waiting for the package to arrive took on the dimensions of much more than another parcel from abroad. I had just taken a firm step towards my goal of teaching music as a home based career, and the parcel's arrival would help make that a reality.
I took to checking the mailbox every day.
Finally, it arrived.
As I unwrapped the package and started looking through the binders and books, my friend and I started batting ideas back and forth.
How should I use the material?
How soon can I get through the material so that I can start teaching?
How can I leverage on my experience + my knowledge + the knowledge and ideas of others to create my own successful home based music business?
Can't wait to enrol my next student. :-)
For me, being authentic and being profitable are equally important in starting and sustaining a home based business.
Being authentic is about passion and principles, being true to what I believe in, and having the courage and confidence to communicate those beliefs.
It's about translating the love for music into material and methods that any beginner can relate to, get excited about and start using right away.
A Diploma in Piano Performance is a good first step, but I believe it takes so much more than a paper qualification to make the leap from musician to teacher.
At the same time, when you're in business, it obviously has to be profitable, otherwise you might as well call it a hobby.
That's taken me a long time to get my head around. I confess I'm guilty of feeling that creatives shouldn't get mixed up with money and materialistic pursuits. Weird, huh?
Recently, a good friend sent me the URL of a US-based piano teacher/TV presenter who has created his own system of teaching piano teachers how to make lessons fun, inspiring and relaxed.
I liked what I read on the site so much that I signed up for the Teacher Certification track right away and sent off for the materials.
Waiting for the package to arrive took on the dimensions of much more than another parcel from abroad. I had just taken a firm step towards my goal of teaching music as a home based career, and the parcel's arrival would help make that a reality.
I took to checking the mailbox every day.
Finally, it arrived.
As I unwrapped the package and started looking through the binders and books, my friend and I started batting ideas back and forth.
How should I use the material?
How soon can I get through the material so that I can start teaching?
How can I leverage on my experience + my knowledge + the knowledge and ideas of others to create my own successful home based music business?
Can't wait to enrol my next student. :-)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Project Completed
Now I can say I've taught piano and I know what it's like.
I've discovered that it takes an enormous amount of mental concentration, physical energy and emotional effort to focus on one person for 45 minutes.
Hats off to all teachers and tutors everywhere! Teaching is definitely not for everyone.
At my last lesson with Gwen, we went through all the pieces we've learnt during our 10 sessions together.
I was so proud and amazed and glad at the progress she's made. I mean, we're talking about someone who's never had formal training and just wants to learn piano so she can play her favourite pieces for her own enjoyment and to entertain her family.
I thought it would be nice for Gwen to have something to remember her huge personal achievement by, so I gave her this.
But Gwen surprised me. She had something for me too!
Thanks Gwen! :-)
Giving and receiving...two sides of the same coin. The cycle's complete. What a beautiful way to mark my first experience as a music teacher.
I've discovered that it takes an enormous amount of mental concentration, physical energy and emotional effort to focus on one person for 45 minutes.
Hats off to all teachers and tutors everywhere! Teaching is definitely not for everyone.
At my last lesson with Gwen, we went through all the pieces we've learnt during our 10 sessions together.
I was so proud and amazed and glad at the progress she's made. I mean, we're talking about someone who's never had formal training and just wants to learn piano so she can play her favourite pieces for her own enjoyment and to entertain her family.
I thought it would be nice for Gwen to have something to remember her huge personal achievement by, so I gave her this.
But Gwen surprised me. She had something for me too!
Thanks Gwen! :-)
Giving and receiving...two sides of the same coin. The cycle's complete. What a beautiful way to mark my first experience as a music teacher.
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