e-Programs

The Spring Recital is tomorrow!

I have been making Spring Recital Programs for 19 years. But this year things have changed. I no longer trot off to Staples to print programs, now I email the e-program link to my piano parents the day before the concert.  I make two versions, one in black and white for those who wish to print, and one in full color for those who would rather download and view the program on a device.

My bright idea for tomorrow's concert was to add photos of my students so they could see the program order in friendly smiling faces.

I build my programs in Pages then export as a pdf. Then I place the pdf in my Dropbox, send the link to my piano families and they can take it from there. I guess I will find out tomorrow what wins...paper or tablet?

I'm looking forward to our concert tomorrow. A group of teens will be performing my complete Morning Has Broken collection in memory of my sister.

New Note Value Rhythm Blocks

I have been meaning to make a new set of note value rhythm blocks for the longest time. The beginner set has been available with my Music Discoveries material for ages, but I've had lots of requests for a printable with more advanced notes and rests.

Finito! One page for simple time signatures and another page for compound time signatures. I had these printed up the other day and they look great!

 Download the Note Value Rhythm Blocks Printable

I would recommend printing on heavy paper and then laminating. I put adhesive magnets on the back so we can manipulate the rhythms on a magnetic white board and write in the full measure counting.

This has been great for reinforcing the concept of the whole measure rests in various time signatures. I'm sure you'll think of lots of ways to use this teaching aid.

The compound time signature set is going to be very handy.

My students have a better grasp of compound time signatures already. They are learning to scoop up "baskets" of three eight note beats by adding a curved line under every group of three.

Wendy at composecreate.com has an amazing selection of rhythm worksheets. I picked out the level one sheet for compound time signatures and printed them for my students to take home and practice.

By the way, Kath from the UK sent me this photo to show how my Music Discoveries rhythm blocks inspired her to create her own twist on note value cards. Welcome to Kath's Rhythm Candy Shop. The scrabble tile holders are brilliant! Thanks Kath!

Periwinkle Twinkle

It's sunny, it was my birthday yesterday and the periwinkle flowers are in blossom. That makes me want to share a little something with you...but only for three days!

Many of you have visited my Garden Capriccio page where you can preview and listen to my collection of seven piano solos. These are fun little pieces for your tween level students and would be delightful on a spring recital program.

For the next three days you can download and print Periwinkle Twinkle for free! The link expires on Friday morning.

Download "Periwinkle Twinkle" (pdf)


And don't forget to show Buzzy to your students. Someone once suggested that we have a competition for the best Buzzy dance video. What do you think :)

Remember you can support my creative work by visiting the Pianoanne Store. Simply purchase the album to receive a quick and easy download of the entire collection, which includes the mps3 and the music e-book. 

I'm just waiting for someone to send me a performance video of "Periwinkle Twinkle" on piano with a Buzzy Gillesbee dancing bee on the side. Who's going to be the one?