Happy Mother's Day!--Mother's Day weekend was just a few days ago, but CMajor is wishing the best for all moms who are working hard to ensure their children have a chance at music-making.  Additionally, CMajor is encouraging moms who are getting back into music making themselves.  Go for it!--There is no time like the present.  With all of the beneftis of technology and apps that are available, you can make all of the music that you want these days.  You are the mom who took piano lessons as a child and now you want to re-capture your days of piano lessons, but with a more positive spin this time around.  You studied Fur Elise by Beethoven.  You wanted to play Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven.  You loved all of the "Charlie Brown" Christmas music you heard growing up on television.  If that sounds like you, tune in to the next CMajor Radio Show.  We'll talk about all of that and more.  That's next time.  See you then!

Practicing Music Theory Over the Summer:  How Do You Do That?  CMajor has some ideas for helping you think through your music making.  "Music is made out of fixed sounds like those produced by the keys on a keyboard.  Each key produces its own sound--a sound which is higher or lower than the sounds produced by any of the other keys--and it always produces the same sound.  Different types of instruments produce their sounds in different ways but it is easiest to understand how musical notes are arranged and named by looking at a keyboard."  Recently, CMajor ran into someone who wanted to know more about CMajor's teaching background.  I was able to share with the person the journey that had brought me to where I am today in my own music-making and helping others to stay on their music making paths.  It was an interesting conversation.  Sometimes people just want to be reassured that the efforts they've made and things they have chosen to do with music were the right things for them.  I'm always happy to reassure my students that when it comes to music-making, there is no right or wrong way to do it.  Just do it.  See you on the next episode!

CMajor has some tips to offer if you are planning to take piano lessons throughout the spring and summer months.  It's the warmest time of the year in many places throughout the world, including the United States.  So, if you live in the Greater New York City area, for instance, how are you planning to take advantage of great outside weather and grow in your piano playing?  In my experience, students and parents can work with the teacher to shift availability for the lessons.  When I was growing up, with the exception of a few workshops early on in the summer break, we took the summer off from taking piano lessons.  And, depending on where you "summer" you may or may not have a piano available to practice on.  I'm finding that many of my students want to continue taking lessons throughout the summer.  Whatever your plans are for continuing the lessons, you'll want to use the spring and summer months wisely to stay ahead in your music making.  Thank you for tuning in to The CMajor Radio Show.  See you soon!

CMajor is on a mission...to help parents understand their children's music making.  So many times parents just don't understand music theory basics.  How can you help your child and encourage your child to stick with music when you have not studied music basics yourself?  I've been talking with parents that come to me with tears in their eyes asking me to do something to motivate their child to practice.  Listen in to the next CMajor Radio Show.  CMajor will go over some music basics and will share with you some of the resources she's come across that make sense to non-musicians.  That's next time on the CMajor Radio Show.  See you soon!

If you are tuning in to this episode, you've probably thought about ways you can up your game as a musician through music theory.  There are so many great videos out there on YouTube about music theory practice.  All over the internet you can find professors and instructors who've made music theory practice their lifelong work.  They can help others discover the best way to execute their sound.  However, they may not be artists themselves.  CMajor has been watching videos of experts who make music theory practice come to life.  Making Music Theory Practice Fun and Interesting.  That's next time on The CMajor Radio Show.  See you then!

Upgrading Your Piano: Upgrading Your Sound is about investing in an instrument that will take you far in your music making.  CMajor has experience with students who are looking to buy a better piano or a better sounding instrument.  They wonder if they should purchase a real piano or if they should get a top of the line digital piano.  The difference is that one has to be tuned and the other doesn't.  You may feel biased toward one or the other.  If you are a classically trained pianist, for instance, it may be safe to say that you will always prefer a real acoustic piano over a digital one.  But, it is not impossible to find a digital piano that will give you the "digitsakadigital/finger-playing/technique" satisfaction that you seek.  Tune in to the next show to find out CMajor's opinions about what's on the market today.  See you then!

Hello and welcome to the CMajor Radio Show--CMajor is talking to you about taking a music theory exam.  In this episode she will talk mainly to adults and senior adults who have little or no experience in learning to play a musical instrument.  What is it all about?  What will you need to know?  That depends on where you are in your exam preparation.  What would you like to be tested on in terms of music theory topics? Are you comfortable with letter names of notes yet?  What about Intervals? Would you like to be tested on Performance Directions?  Which level would you like to be tested on, i.e. Grade 1, Grade 3, Grade 5?  How many formal tests are out there for you to take, you ask?  Tune in to the next CMajor Radio Show.  See you soon!

Bring out the music in you...through Music Theory Practice.  Sound good?  Or does it sound impossible?  One way you can make your music making dreams come true is to learn how to practice music theory.  Then after you learn the rules, you can break them in your own way.  Remember, the base definition of music is "organized sound".  It doesn't matter how you organize it, just get it done!  CMajor is also in the process of learning more about 'sync licensing'.  It's a hot topic!  Let's take this musical journey together, shall we?  CMajor has made some of her dreams come true already, but she keeps having more and more dreams of a bigger and stronger music life.  Are you a dreamer too?  If so, tune in to hear more on the next CMajor Radio Show.  See you then.

Are you ready to show off in a more formal event?  If so, CMajor has some tips for you.  The Recital Time episode is for teachers, students and parents.  What should you prepare to play?  How long should the pieces be?  How many pieces are typical for an event like this?  Will this take longer than one hour?  What about the recital location?  Where do I park?  How do I dress?  Can I be first on the list of performers?  What is the order of students?  What about taking a bow at the end of my performance?  These are just some of the standard questions that come to mind when I think about recital time.  So many parents are nervous for their children to perform in front of others for the first time.  Others encourage their children to perform as much as possible.  Then there may be students that are a little apprehensive about performing.  Another question to think about is what do you get out of participating in an event like this?  Will there be a certificate or a trophy given out to each student.  You don't want to miss this episode.  CMajor gets into some of the finer details of preparing for recitals.  See you soon!http://cmajorsclassroom.wordpress.com

Have you ever attended an open mic night?  Are you thinking about attending one? What are some things you can expect if you are new to performing?  Some of my students are starting to master their music making to the point of being able to share their songs with others in a public forum.  Other students are choosing to make music in front of their families and friends in a more private setting.  CMajor encourages either approach.  But, if you are thinking about going out to make music here are some things you can expect:  Expect to place your name on a public list; Expect to be in touch with the promoter or the host of the open mic night; Expect that friends and family members will be there to see the people that they are supporting; Expect to be noticed and heard by everyone; Expect that people will come up to you and say an encouraging word or two; Expect to feel scared or unsure of what you are doing on stage; Expect that the lighting will be different than when you practice at home or have your piano lesson.  These are just some of the standard things that you can expect for your open mic experience until it becomes more familiar to you.  Whatever you do, aim to enjoy a night out and have fun!  See you soon!