Posted by Maggie Fung on Wednesday, December 13, 2023,
Hi everyone,
As you can tell, I am not a huge blogger but I feel the urge to write something as another year wraps up. This year, there has been ups and downs, but I think my family did very well overall.
In terms of piano teaching, I have been steady at around 30 wonderful students and each of them showed tremendous progress, in terms of growing in confidence, and seeing the way students support each other during group classes and it is very heart warming. Most families are getting back to t...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Wednesday, June 22, 2022,
We were excited to have an in person recital at a local church in June 2022. The recital setting was intimate and inviting for new and returning students. We even had some performances in video recordings for those who couldn’t attend. Every student put in 100% effort and it really showed in their performances.
I also want to give some ideas to enjoy music/piano this summer:
Attend an outdoor music performance
Google a composer and listen to a few of his/her tunes on Youtube
Play memory with...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Monday, April 4, 2022,
Since March 2022, my studio has re-opened and we are back to mostly in person lessons. It is so nice to see the smiling faces and it is much more engaging to have hands on activities such as rhythm stories and games. The technology is still there to allow students to remotely attend class if they are not feeling well, or even when they are travelling. So, the online teaching experience is still very valuable as we all adjust to the new normal. I look forward to an in person recital as wel...
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Online piano lessons started in March and it has been going very well. My students adapted so quickly with lessons through zoom and we didn't skip a bit. Introverted students actually blossomed even more during this time with distant learning. We even had an online recital as each student recorded their piano performance and we held a live session and watched it altogether.
My studio adaptation including adopting new technology and equipment for video lessons with ease. I am equipped wit...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Tuesday, January 2, 2018,
Hi everyone,
Hope you all have a happy and prosperous 2018!
This year, I have some exciting things in the works for my piano students.
- 100 Day Practice Incentive for students
- Strong focus on Music Composition Contest in January and February
- Teach music improvisation and playing more duets incorporated during private lessons
I also found some good resolution ideas for piano students. Have a look at the link below
Let's have a fresh s...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Thursday, July 6, 2017,
Keeping up with piano practicing
over summer!
This year, I have set up a
Summer Piano Challenge for my students to encourage them to play 30 new songs
from any books they encounter from the bookstore or library and they can come
back to receive a prize at the end of summer.
What are my summer practice
tips?
- Set a
new routine – ie. Before we go to the park, let’s practice for 15 minutes
- Bring a
portable keyboard with you to an outdoor space.
(backyard, campground, cabin etc.) Thi...
Posted by Maggie Fung on Wednesday, May 17, 2017,
In :
RCM
I recently completed my Royal
Conservatory of Music Elementary Piano Specialist Course and I have been enlightened
in creative ways to teach kids to play more expressively. One way I am going to try is to ask them to
paint a picture of the song in their own interpretation. Ie. If the Song was
called “Spring”, they will draw it out and then set it beside them while they
play the piano. It does help make them
play more expressively and I will be also showcasing their artwork at their upco...
Posted by Maggie Fung on Monday, October 10, 2016,
Today and every day, I am most thankful for my family and opportunities God has given me. I am thankful for being able to teach music to my children and I enjoy the bonding time as I listen to them practice. I encourage you to devote some time today to music around your family gathering. Listen to or play a heart felt song on your favourite instrument and enjoy your thanksgiving day!
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Saturday, February 7, 2015,
In :
Movitation
We had so much fun in music class today. It was Backwards Day as we are learning about what Retrograde means in the word of music composition. We put on our shirts backwards, we sang and played songs backwards. Some even walked backwards (that was impressive!!!) It was a change to the normal routine and the feedback has been positive. Sometimes a small change is all it takes to help us get back on track with a fresh start. I think I learned something myself as I think about all the repe...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Friday, January 9, 2015,
In our fast-paced society, receiving instant responses has
become the norm. We expect our computer tablets to respond with no delay as we
touch the screen, we get impatient waiting on the phone for the next available
customer agent. Are these expectations somehow transferring over to our
children as they learn everything from watching us? Are kids now used to
instant success and are less motivated to work hard to achieve something?
In my opinion, piano education is almost like going again...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Thursday, August 28, 2014,
I actually checked my last post and it was from 2012? O my! I had my baby girl September 2012. so with 2 kids and music teaching, I actually haven't had time to write my blog at all. Now that my little one is turning two, I think I can devote more time again to my piano studio. Since the last time I wrote, I also fully completed my Music For Young Children training - level 3 which means I am now able to teach all the levels of the program. I recently went to a teacher conference and I am...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Sunday, October 7, 2012,
I am so grateful this year for having the arrival of my daughter in September to spend thanksgiving with us and thankful for having all my wonderful piano students this year. I have more than doubled class sizes this year and I look forward to a wonderful year in making music together with each of them. I hope all of you will enjoy spending time family and loved ones this weekend.
Cheers,
Maggie
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Friday, August 17, 2012,
It' approaching end of summer and it's time to Register our kids into programs and activities for the upcoming school year. I am running Music for Young Children classes this year for kids 5-9. Weekends and Evening Classes available. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated.
Group
lessons help students develop the positive attitudes and skills needed
for collaboration, leadership and peer acceptance. Need a few more
reasons to try out an MYC class? Read this article from BBC about gro...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Wednesday, July 4, 2012,
In :
Recital
My piano students had their first public piano recital at Extendicare - Eaux Claires Senior Centre on June 30, 2012. There were about 20 seniors who enjoyed our performance and our company. Each student did a great job performing and they handed out an origami bird to each senior. I was told by a family relative that seniors really enjoy listening to music, even if they don't remember the name of the song, the familiar tunes soothes them and brings back good memories. I hope this was a me...
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Tuesday, June 12, 2012,
We have almost completed lessons for the year. My students have improved so much and now they are getting ready for their year end recital at the end of the month. I have chosen to do something a little different this year. We are going to be performing at a senior home in my community. I am hoping this will make my students interested in doing volunteer work in the future. Wish us luck!
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Thursday, January 26, 2012,
Time has gone by so fast and now we are into 2012 and year of the Dragon. I am so happy to watch my students progress in the music knowledge and I am so looking forward to our recital this weekend. I wish everyone good health and good luck in 2012.
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Thursday, October 6, 2011,
In :
Student Info
"Did you know that the government of Canada has Canadian Children’s Arts Tax Credit (CATC) available for classes like MYC? Many programs that focus on artistic and cultural activities would qualify for the tax credit. And now the time of the year to think about enrolling our children in extracurricular activities for the upcoming school year. Please visit the Canada Revenue website for more information.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa01-eng.html"
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Posted by Maggie Fung on Thursday, October 6, 2011,
