Saturday classes and some videos

Hi all and welcome back.

We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving break and we're looking forward to seeing you again at lessons this week.

We've got our last set of group classes of the semester this Saturday:

1:45pm Theory class in Laura's studio
3pm Studio class 2 downstairs at Ivy Chapel

Here's a couple of fun videos to check out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmrzVVu4FUM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8btewj_tE&feature=related

The first video is David Oistrakh (famous Soviet violinist) and his son Igor (also a successful concert violinist) playing a fun piece by the 19th century virtuoso violinst, Pablo de Sarasate. The second video is the gorgeous second movement of the Bach Double violin concerto (some of you have learned or are learning the first movement. This movement is worth learning too.)

If you're looking for good violinists to add to your budding musician's music library this Christmas, (hint, hint) you cannot go wrong with David Oistrakh. He's considered one of the greatest violinists ever and has that beautiful rich tone that we all try to get when we play. Check out his recording of the Tchaikovsky concerto too (I believe it can be found on youtube). You'll hear what a great tone he had.

Violists, cellists, and pianists, I haven't forgotten you! I'll have videos/listening suggestions for you shortly.

Listening to good quality music written for your child's instrument, in addition to listening to the pieces currently being studied is a vital part of the development of a good ear and musical expression. By hearing really fantastic musicians, students get a good musical tone in their ear which makes a big difference in their progress, not to be replaced by daily practice though of course! Feel free to talk with us if you would like suggestions for listening.

Happy listening!