hannahannika

Music lessons in the time of COVID-19

Our world has been forever altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus began to spread around the world, teachers have had to adjust their teaching methods. I have tried Google Hangouts, FaceTime, and Zoom, but my preferred platform is Zoom.

Composer of the month – Dennis Alexander

The composer for August is …Dennis Alexander! Background I have been playing Dennis Alexander’s music for over 10 years. From his Christmas music arrangements to his Alfred’s method books, I’ve enjoying playing his vast range of educational piano pieces. Mr. Alexander was born in 1947 in Dodge City, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas.Continue reading “Composer of the month – Dennis Alexander”

Composer of the month – David L. McIntyre

The composer for July is …David L. McIntyre! Background I was first introduced to David McIntyre‘s piano music in the 2015 Piano Syllabus from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Although I am familiar with his piano compositions, he also writes extensively for orchestra, chamber ensembles, strings, voice, brass, and woodwinds (flute, bassoon, oboe, clarinet). Mr.Continue reading “Composer of the month – David L. McIntyre”

Composer of the month – Nancy Telfer

This month’s composer is Nancy Telfer! Background Nancy Telfer is a Canadian composer from Bracebridge, Ontario. She studied piano, voice, composition and education at the University of Western Ontario. Ms. Telfer has composed over 350 works for orchestras, choirs, chamber ensembles, and soloists. I met Ms. Telfer at the Contemporary Showcase Festival held in Toronto,Continue reading “Composer of the month – Nancy Telfer”

4 Ways Becoming A Parent Changed My Teaching

It is beginning of 2019 and I have been reflecting on my teaching career of 12+ years before becoming a parent last year. Even before parenthood, my teaching has changed dramatically from when I started teaching my first student, without formal pedagogy training. However, as I gradually went back to work after the birth ofContinue reading “4 Ways Becoming A Parent Changed My Teaching”

Composer of the month – Helen Marlais

The composer for June is…Helen Marlais! Background Dr. Helen Marlais is an author, composer, teacher and clinician. She is well-known for her popular piano method book, “Succeeding at the Piano”. Dr. Marlais is also the Director of Keyboard Publications for the Frank J Hackinson (FJH) Music Company, a leading name in the music publishing world. She isContinue reading “Composer of the month – Helen Marlais”

Composer of the month – Elissa Milne

The composer of the month of May is…Elissa Milne! Background Elissa Milne is a versatile teacher, composer, and clinician from Sydney, Australia. She has written music for the piano, organ, choir, as well as for musicals and chamber ensembles. She is most well-known for her educational piano pieces, and her compositions can be found inContinue reading “Composer of the month – Elissa Milne”

Public Performance Tips

On the last Sunday of April, I attended ORMTA Central Toronto Branch’s biannual scholarship recitals. There were three separate recitals based on level (Junior level 1-4, Intermediate level 5-8, Senior level 9+). Performers from each recital were eligible for various scholarships (money!) based on their performance. Although there weren’t “first, second third” place prizes, thereContinue reading “Public Performance Tips”