We’re about to begin another year of piano lessons, and I think it’s going to be the best one yet! It’s just two weeks until the September Surprise, so I thought I’d give you a little something to do before then. Here’s how it works:

1. Look at the image above.

2. Write a short description of what you think the theme this year is all about based on the above image.

3. Leave your description in the comments section of this post.

4. At the September Surprise, I’ll read all the submitted descriptions and award prizes for the one that is the funniest, the one that is the most clever, and the one that is the closest to the real thing.

5. Have fun (as always)!

It’s always exciting to start a New Year and think of all the possibilities for improvement and progress in piano studies. I just came across this great article titled, 10 Ways to Improve Your Musicianship in 2010.  I encourage you to read it and think about what ideas you want to implement for yourselves. In fact, if you leave your favorite idea from Chris Foley’s article in the comments below, I’ll give you a bonus of 10 points at your next lesson!

My favorite is 5. Go on a diet – of listening. I really want to make a point to listen to more quality piano performances this year – both in person and via recordings. If you come across any great recordings, post a link here or let me know!

I just participated in an interesting survey for music teachers, and I figured I would actually ask you all to get your perspective on this question! If you leave your answer in the comments section below, I’ll give you 10 extra points at your next lesson! Here’s the question:

What factors motivate you to be engaged [involved] in music? (you can give or add as many answers as apply to you)

1. Playing music naturally excites you.

2. You enjoy gaining recognition for your skills.

3. You hope to use music to help get into college.

4. Your parents urge you to continue playing music.

5. Nothing. You’re  not really motivated to study music.

6. Other (please specify) ___________________________________

Our September Surprise was marked with lots of great music, fun, and games! Here are a couple of video clips from the event:

This is a sampling from our Tappers and Listeners game. I was impressed at how well everyone did tapping the rhythms and how quickly some of you figured out the corresponding tunes!

I loved seeing all the emotions and personalities that came through in this game. I’m thinking maybe I should keep this on the agenda for every Briefing Session this year!

Get ready to blast off into one of the most exciting years of piano lessons yet! I’ve spent lots of time this month planning for the year ahead and I know you all are going to love our theme! It’s called:

We’ll have our first Briefing Session at the September Surprise on Thursday, September 10, 2009. You’ll find out what it takes to become a Stellar Student, get a sneak preview of some of the Cosmic Challenges you’ll face this year, learn how to score high on your Mission Rating, and discover how to help your team earn SPLOG Rights! I can hardly wait to divulge all the details for the exciting year that awaits us! See you soon!

For by [Jesus] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth…all things were created by him, and for him. ~ Colossians 1:16