It's already Fall here in Fairbanks and beyond! Leaves are yellow and swirling around in the wind. Most schools in Alaska have already started, and Tartan Tundra Music is filling up with great, new students! Anyone age 5 or older is welcome, and there is no upper age limit.
Some are taking violin, some are taking viola, and there are guitar students, ukulele students, voice students, and mandolin students all having fun with music. So far there are no bodhrán students (Irish drum). Maybe that could be you?
As always, lessons are taught Mondays through Thursdays, from noon to the evening, with the last lesson starting at 6:30. Ole the Norwegian Elkhound therapy dog (with Companions, Inc.), and often Blueberry, the little "Elfhound," will be there to greet you.
When it's black ice or overly snowy, students at Tartan Tundra can take lessons from the comfort of their own homes via computer, thus saving themselves a harrowing ride into or across town. Or, if a student is ill, but not so ill they could not play (sniffles, some coughing) then being able to take a distance lesson saves energy for the sick person and yet he/she doesn't miss a lesson! This also keeps Ms. Jean from getting sick. Because if Ms. Jean gets sick, no one gets lessons! All in all, being able to take a lesson through the computer/tablet/phone is a service that Tartan Tundra gives all its students!
Students need to bring just a few things to their lessons:
- A notebook (composition or spiral) that is solely for music lessons. It should not be used for anything else. In this notebook we will write practice assignments, notes about the lesson, musical explanations/theory, and students/parents can write down questions that come up during the week. An easy method for marking down practice also goes in the book. The notebook is a super tool for getting the most out of your lessons.
- Violin and viola players will need a shoulder rest, and rosin.
- Guitar and mandolin players will use picks. Ukulele players can use special ukulele picks or just fingers.
- A humidifier is highly recommended for all instruments, even drums.
- All except drum students will need a clip-on electronic tuner. I recommend Korg and Fender. There are many brands out there and most are fine.
- A bag to put all your music books, accessories and gear in is highly recommended.
We have a Winter Recital coming up in early December. We always have a fun theme! What will it be this time?