Merry X'Mas - Seasons Greetings!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!! Busy to prepare Xmas Gifts for the music students!

Happy smiley faces below when receiving the Xmas gifts from Ms Yap as their Teacher cum Santa Claus this year!!!!~~ Cheers!!

OMG so many gifts to be distributed!! Happy Holidays to all dearest students!!

Merry Christmas!!!!! 

Children just love to play the Xmas balls in the classroom while waiting for parents to fetch them up!!

Music School in Hong Kong

Visit one of my friend's music school in central area, Mongkok, Hong Kong. Her partners and herself are teaching western music instrument such as Piano, Cello and Double Bass.

Her music school was located in Mongkok which is very near to the MTR station (HK called it as MTR). Walking distance to her school about 5 minutes. Security quite strict here for safety purposes. Got permission only I'm able to get up to the 1st floor. 

First sight looking at the school, a reception table there. Others, Wow, most of it similar to Malaysia and Singapore music schools. But very limited space in Hong Kong here. The toilet, it seems like available for the THIN person only. Even the thin person very difficult to get in and close up the door. You have to squeeze yourself in~~ Slightly bigger size person also unable to fit in. 

The piano room, also very limited space too! But they equip with good and high quality piano inside. Same with the cello and double bass room, fully equip! Waiting area, small little bench provided, also for thin and light person only. However, there is a single seat sofa placing there, bigger size parent can sit there and wait. 

Even though the space is small here, but is fully equipped! 麻雀虽小，五脏俱全! For your information, the equipment and teaching method are far more important than the space! So the space isn't the issue!! 

So, we Malaysians and Singaporeans, appreciate what you have now ==> SPACE!! We all have so much space, bigger space to do whatever you want in your house, your primary/secondary school etc to run and able to turn your body around in the "toilet" too! Do appreciate it!! ^.^

Noticeboard~

Corner to place some items~

Very happy to meet my friend, after so many years~ We discussed some Piano stuff in her room, equipped with a Yamaha Grand Piano~ Hooray~ Such a great grand piano~ However, space also a bit inconvenient for me in the room (no window) since it was quite small too after placing a grand piano there! ^.^ 

小提琴~爱因斯坦 Violin-Einstein

Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955), the German born theoreical physicist who developed the general theory of relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. 

He, also played the violin too and in love with music!

爱因斯坦，也是音乐爱好者哦~

Einstein played the Violin too~

Trio~

How to Be Interesting when studying History of Western Music?

When students have reach certain levels/grades, students have to start approaching the History of Western Music. 

Some students will feel scare or bore when heard the word of "History" or "Sejarah". Some will be excited too~

Ideas to Study History of Western Music (for teenagers or adults):
Example:
Franz Liszt (1811 - 1886), famous Hungarian music composer and greatest virtuoso pianist.

Franz Liszt~ Handsome and famous composer and Pianist~

Malaysia Timeline during mid of 1800s
Yap Ah Loy (1837 - 1885), the Founding father of modern Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia. 

You can think of Liszt's achievement and stories life time. Whereas what happened here during that period in Malaysia?? That is --> Yap Ah Loy has developed Kuala Lumpur as a commercial and mining centre during the mid-19th century.

Yap Ah Loy~The Founding Father of Modern Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
He born in HuiZhou, Guangdong, China

Interesting!
Now got to know both successor were from the same period of time, different countries. Cool~ Other than studying music history only, you got to know more about Kuala Lumpur too! ^.^ In other words, piano playing skills has reached virtuosity in Europe countries whereas KL just started being developed. 

Other ways of having interesting ideas to learn History of Western Music for kids would be games, colourful story telling etc. 

Students/Parents-Be Responsible!

I believe the following cases are facing by many home tuition music teachers, and issues they would like to express/highlight to to all music students/parents about:

Usually no way for teachers to express it to the students/parents, only during discussion between teachers! Therefore is best to write down in a Blog~~ Some of them might inform their students not to repeat such mistakes anymore, however, since some students/parents are always forgetful and selfish, well, you know.....

There are some students with transportation issue or prefer to have piano/violin class in their comfort home. So they requested music teachers to conduct music classes their house. Unfortunately, there are some students/parents show irresponsible behaviour to their music teachers.

Issues caused by Irresponsible Students/Parents

Case 1: Class cancellation - Forget to inform the teacher

Students/parents don't inform the teacher when they are not in the house, something to do, gone back hometown during holidays, travelling etc. They don't inform, how the teacher gonna know?? 

Alright, she started her journey to students house, reach there, press the door bell, end up nobody at home. So teacher call up students/parents, not picking up the phone. So nobody at home, what to do? Teacher left their house definitely. 

Case 2: Communication problem between the parents and students caused inconveniences to the home tuition teachers

Students still in the school and haven't reach home yet, schedule being confirmed by parents, end up the teacher is waiting in the student's house for nothing, music teachers are not free to wait until you reach home then teach you because after your class, they still have other students as well. You are not the only student ya! Times up and the teacher have to leave during this moment and rush for the next lesson.

Case 3: Students without Discipline

Teacher reach student's house. Student in their room (upstairs) not coming down for class, just let the teacher wait downstairs, if the teacher don't call her she don't even know she has got music lesson today!

Case 4: Teachers press door bell, students Cant hear!

10am class start! Teacher will be reached around student's house early 5-10 mins sometimes. Is very difficult to estimate to reach students house sharp on 10am! Press door bell, nobody response, end up call students/parents phone only open the door because that time they are listening to Great & Loud Music with ear phone, so they can't hear that door bell rings, but phones call can hear!! 

You should be aware during this time the teacher will arrive your house anytime. Be alert!

Case 5: Last Minute Informing!

Teachers already on the way to students house. Then students/parents called up that time, "Teacher are you on your way? Sorry for the inconveniences caused. I forget to inform you that we are not in today!"

Teacher has to make a U-Turn back to his/her place now. The sms "Sorry for the inconveniences caused" apologise everything! Speechless!!

However, once upon a time this could be happened because of emergencies, this can be forgived by most of the teachers for sure!! 

Case 6: Forget to inform till the teacher sms her/him
"Hi, are you in your house tomorrow?Is the piano class on tomorrow?" sms from music teacher to the students, no reply, then sms to the mother, she replied "Hi thanks..sorry to inform u tht we r now at my hometown. I forgot to inform u"

Luckily teacher spend a little cost to ask are there classes held tomorrow? Or else he/she gonna waste to travel again! Yeah!!!!!! How smart and the teacher is!!! He/She knows everything already about his/her students, not ordinary human beings! Maybe the teacher is having CCTV in students house, how sarcasm is this! 

Even though the teacher has tried to warn and advice the students/parents remember to inform when they are not in, but, it seems they are forgetful and irresponsible and thinking only on themselves, so selfish huh!!

Because of you, for not informing, the following are the consequences:

Consequences

Students/Parents have WASTED the things below that belongs to the Music Teachers:

1. Time 

Total travelling time WASTED (45 mins - 1 hour) for going to your house and returning back from your house. 
Do you know that 1 hour time so many things can be completed?? Time already gone can ask it to come back? Definitely not!! Sometimes traffic jam on the road, extra time being wasted too!!

2. Telephone expenses

To call you up why you are not at home, why you are not informing etc. 

3. Energy & Concentration

Do you need energy and concentration to drive?? Yes of course, else you met accident who will bear it? The students & parents? No way!! Driving is tire especially long journey!
4. Inconveniences
If students/parents can inform early, teachers can arrange what to finish/complete to fully utilise the time of your class cancellation. 
eg. I can utilise the time to prepare students' lesson plan
eg. I can choose some music books for you or other students in a bookshop
eg. I can renew my passport/license/IC in government department
eg. I can settle my bill in the bank/post office
eg. I can have breakfast/lunch/dinner with my lovely family members!
eg. I can fetch my family members-the elder one to hospital for check up/take medicines
eg. I can make an appointment with my doctor for medical check up
etc.

5. Petrol

6. Lesson plan on that day delay/postpone (students slow down in progress)
7. Unfair for teachers and also yourself too!
You pay for the lesson, you miss it, you don't inform, therefore confirm no replacement.

Sorry No Cure~

Your apologies and "sorry" one word is unable to pay back to the teachers especially on the Time and Energy such intangible things! Can I charge you for the telephone expenses? Of course not, if I insist, you can't do anything, but of course I don't do it!

Conclusion:
To avoid the above cases happen is Pretty Simple! 
1. Remember to inform your teacher and bear in mind always! 
2. Be a responsible person and show some respect to him/her!!

Usually you have a lot of time for your to inform especially when you are travelling. There are low percentage of last minute travelling. Sure you have minimum of 1-2 days to inform. SMS or call, is so simple with that few words only!

Good Attitude Students/Parents - Thumbs Up!!
Teachers are happy to teach you/your children!!

Of course there are still many students/parents posses Good Attitude and show full respect to their home tuition music teachers. 

They are really responsible and caring person! They understand at the point of view of a music teacher who often travel to their house. They always bear in mind that myself/my children are having music class with the music teacher! Any schedule changes I will inform him/her!! 

Facing such kind students/parents, no doubt the teachers confirm will have great smiley faces, very happy to teach the students!! 

They appreciate the effort being paid out from the Teachers!
Some other they will serve a cup of orange juice, mango juice, guava juice, ice lemon tea, cold/hot tea, mostly plain water to the teachers! Because teachers are Guests too to their house! They appreciate their teachers to come and teach! They know teachers are paying so much effort to teach the children. Sometimes children themselves are the one who serve the teacher a glass of water. Good teaching from the parents! well done!!


A cup of hot lemon + lime tea without sugar!
Also, one day a teacher sore throat, temporary lose her voice, but still teaching with low and whispering tone up to 2 hours over there. The student's mother is very caring and understanding, gave her a cup of hot lemon + lime tea without sugar for a better throat! Even though her throat was not cure immediately, still, the teacher can feel the warmness from the mother deep from the heart, she thank the parent a lot!! ^.^

For some home tuition without a glass of water being served, usually teacher will prepare  themselves a water bottle. 

Respectful Quotes for Students to Teachers:

Give your teachers the respect they deserve, because they are the ones who can help you get where you need to go. - Richard Howard

Education is what you learn in books, and nobody knows you know it but your teacher. - Unknown quotes

Music Theory-The Strings Family

Music Theory ABRSM syllabus - Grade 1 to 8, so many things to post here. One of it would be: There is a chapter regarding Performance Directions of Orchestra Instruments - Strings Family in Grade 4 & 5 Music Theory. 

Performance Direction:

arco                  : play with the bow

pizzicato           : pluck the strings

con sordini         : with mutes

senza sordini      : without mutes

sul G                  : play on the G string

sul ponticello      : play near the bridge

 : Down bow

: Up bow

& others etc.

This part of music theory, especially Piano students, will feel empty/brain blank on that. Yes, they know the name of the instruments very well. But, when they see the performance direction above, usually will just have a look then turn away can't remember anymore. The reason is: they don't understand it! As a teacher, i need to guide them what is it?!

How to understand? First of all, I would like to place them in the position of a Violinist, for instance. Ask them to imagine: when you are playing in the orchestra, you will need to understand the above performance direction. Even though you are not orchestra member, you are just a piano student, you will still need to understand all the signs & symbols for grade 5 theory, composing melody & rhythm for the orchestra instruments that chapter too! 

Learn it! Your knowledge is your own asset!

Other than theory & exam syllabus, I would like my students to learn what is going on in the orchestra! They have watched before my live concert orchestras playing especially my piano students. So they have good memories and interested on the Strings Family and what is an "orchestra" about!

Books printed con sordini means with mute, senza sordini means without mute. But what is a mute? what is with/without? For what? Sul Ponticello: play near the bridge. What is a "bridge"? For what? Drive and flyover huh?? Sul G: play on the G string, what it means? "Play on the G string lorrrrrr~" Yes, you are right, but the in depth meaning? 

To answer them, I don't read according to the book, but I show them the real mute, the real bridge on the violin, the functions of these stuff! Ask them touch it, feel it, try it, since it is visible & tangible. Not enough to guide if only base on books and picture drawings. Make it simple and interesting! 

Build Confidence~Destroy Fear!

Read a book named "The Magic of Thinking Big", more than 4 million of copies were sold. I like the title of "Build Confidence~Destroy Fear!" written in the book! It is a positive and good advice for students especially for those who are going for music exam or any other type of exams. No matter you are students from primary/secondary school, college/university, even working adults, can read through this.

Many students are afraid of doing badly or failing an examination. You have time to worry, but why not putting more effort on studying or practicing more on your musical instrument? To familiarise and prepare well! Stop worrying as worrying too much is a waste of time. It doesn't change anything! Be confident~~

Reference: Author: David. J. Schwartz. "The Magic of Thinking Big" (1959,1965), pg. 50, Prentice Hall.

Sharing Information~ *Thumbs Up* from Parents!

Total 1 hour travelling time to my house
I have some students came so far away from Puchong to have music lesson with me every week. I have asked the mother before, why she doesn't mind to travel to my area here just to have that 30 mins beginner lesson?? Total travelling time = 1 hour. Seriously I'm curious about it.

Some teachers/administrator in music school don't bother her at all

She answered me that, they have make inquiries on piano/violin lesson for her daughter in so many music schools, they are not having full details at all either from the teachers or administrator in the schools. Only telling details of fees, schedule and holiday term break. Some staff in the music school don't even wanna bother them at all. Parents will have other question to ask, but many of them know nothing at all in music, totally blank don't know what to ask! Until she met me.

Which instrument to play? Piano or Violin?

At first she was wondering which instrument gonna let her daughter to start on?? Violin or Piano?? She believes that I will be a teacher who will teach with patience and detail guidance to my students after I have share tonnes of information to her about piano and violin. Conclusion, she decided to let her daughter to have piano lesson with me. (Thank you for the praise, my dear parent!) She said: Can't you remember that you told me all the details where I don't know how to ask at all?? I answered: Hmmm.. I share this relevant info to everyone when they called me up... She smiles.. :D

Beethoven's quote: "Only the pure in heart can make good soup".  I told the parent: I just knew that, I need to share this information out to all of you out there who are totally empty and blank on the details of learning piano/violin especially advice and details on owning your own instrument etc etc. 

Check it out here for beginners: Inquiries Piano / Violin Instrument

http://missyapmusic.blogspot.com/2012/10/inquiries-about-piano-violin-instrument.html

Wall Stickers

Wall Stickers~~ I'm following the latest trend~~

Great decors!

My Student~Piano Exam-Special Case!

One of my student in overseas, Ejh Tan, 7 years old, the grandson of current President of a Country. He came from a very rich family background. 

Ejh complained his male ex piano teacher stress him a lot before exam to his parents. He also got mad dream of this piano teacher when he was sleeping at night. Cried a lot and wanted to change piano teacher. His mother met me finally! Once again, another case of left final 2-3 months from the exam date they switch to other teachers, that's me!

1st piano class, her mother sat in the piano class with Ejh and discussed a lot about Ejh's issue to me. Then I requested him to play the exam songs and show his performance to me. He was really good in playing, he was enjoying the music. He had a good sense of music, music reading notes is extremely fast. Such a distinction student. 

Final 2-3 months piano training under my guidance
His target was to obtain Distinction in his music exam. I never stress him at all, just requested him to play all the details I taught and encouraged him a lot in a friendly. However, he had a weird personality. Once, when he was unable to play a particular part, he felt tension then cried, tears out from his eyes even though nobody scold him. His mum consoled him to stop crying anymore and must score distinction, they will buy him whatever he requested as a gift etc etc.

I was silent this moment and I understand that is not the previous piano teacher's fault. Is actually the Stress came from his family, such a rich family with great reputation and caused the kid unable to handle pressure..

Well, I don't bother about what kind of family he came from, I teach with my own methods, all the details of songs, scales, aural etc and still, end up he scored a Distinction in the exam!

Form 5 girl~ Violin Exam-Special Case!

Final 3 months!
One of my student, Shin, form 5 this year. Got her call that she wants to switch to me as her violin teacher from a music school located at Kota Damansara to my private music classroom here before her exam,  3 months left only from her exam date!!

Ok, class started then! 1st class I listened to her violin playing on the scales and exam pieces. OMG!! Left 3 months only, she has not studied ALL the music exam requirements in the school. The 3rd song was the most difficult piece to play according to Shin's current status. 

The basic Rhythm counting also not focusing! I can't even practice with her with the piano (required for music exam for me to be her pianist accompaniment). Base on her current status, she would really fail her exam!

This is really challenging task for me as her new violin teacher, haha! I decided to pull her from Fail to Pass category. Pass is better than fail of course. Within these 3 months, all details and requirement being taught in scales, exam songs, sight reading, aural and etc. I told her that "You must follow my guidance, if you don't listen, your exam might fail, you decide it!". I was so strict to her during these 3 months!

Lucky Stars surrounding her:
1. Good Student with Good Attitude 
Luckily she is not that kind of stubborn students who wan to work on their way without strong basics at all, she slowly managed the tasks I assigned!

2. Choir Singing
Luckily she joined Choir singing in her Pin Hwa secondary school in Klang, 滨华独中 previously. Singing do help her in her Aural music exam here!!! 

3. Personal Appearance / Respect the Examiner
Before her exam, I told her, don't wear jeans or slippers to the exam please! So that day she wore this adorable dress + high heel shoes to exam. 
The music examiner (male) seem like her very much from his facial expression & gesture. He helped her to adjust the music stand according to her height, how gentlemen this Mat Salleh examiner! For some other examiners, just wait yourself to do it won't give you a hand at all.

While waiting in the exam venue!

1 Month Later after Exam!

Her result was released! She called me up for 3 times, finally I got to answer her call in the evening when I was so busy. She felt very happy and excited and said over the phone, "Teacher! my violin finally pass already, YEAH!!!!!!!" Hoho! The wonderful moment we had! Congratulations to her!!

All exam category were SUCCESSFULLY being from pull up from Fail to Pass category compare to her 1st class with me 3 months ago. Her aural exam got Full Marks! Examiner commented and praise her excellent presentation in this category!

Evidence here show: Go sing Karaoke or join Choir singing in your school often! ^.^

Now Shin gonna face SPM soon!

Even though SPM exam is around the corner, she still continue her violin class with me, attend every week without absence! Her experiences and journey of learning violin was really great motivation and courage for her to further her violin studies with me!

Once again! 100% passing rates exam@2012!!

The piano and violin exam results 2012 are released recently!! Once again got 100% passing rates for all music students since many years ago, that's AWESOME!! 

All students did well in the exam! No matter what score you got (Pass, Higher Pass, Merit or Distinction), you are the BEST!! well done my students!

All students are entitled a mystery FREE GIFT from Ms Yap as their teacher!! Keep it up your effort and good work!! Hooray~~


Next Batch Exam@2013 Students:
Get Ready, be prepare and run for your life! ^.^

Selamat Hari Raya~

Selamat Hari Raya to all especially my students. Thanks to Hanan's parents invited me to their open house in Shah Alam last Sunday. Unfortunately, I was not free to attend, I gave her mum a small little "green packet" as my gift to them. ^.^

The following week her mum served me a piece of chocolate cake + orange juice. The chocolate cake was so delicious! :D She also gave me some cupcakes and chocolate to bring home. Thank you once again to her mum! 

Delicious chocolate cake + orang juice!! The plate is unique ~~

Hanan, requested to take a pic of her, end up covered her face by a book! Cute girl! ^^

Lovely cupcakes and chocolate candies from Hanan's mum~ ^.^

活到老，学到老~ Don't Laugh at Others!

One day, a form 2 Chinese girl told me that she saw my next student after her class is an adult (woman)!! She was so excited and said sarcastically: "So old already still learning violin?? My father also saw her that day and keep laughing, my mum heard what we discussed also keep laughing, very funny!!" 

When I heard these words out from her mouth that day, I felt quite sad and disappointed on her attitude, also her parents. They don't understand the Chinese term of "活到老，学到老".

I asked her: "Why can't adult learn to play violin? Is there any problem??". I told her that lady is my student, she has strong musical background, she is a fast learner! Just came for 1-2 months already learn to play up to your level, almost finish the book too! She has great listening skills, she knows whether she played correctly or not, either in tune or out tune!! Her rhythm and count with accuracy!! She know how to play piano and other instruments as well.

This form 2 girl with zero musical background, silent when I talk about my adult student's background. Hope she will feel guilty on what she talk about.   

I would like to say, I'm teaching many adult students, female/male, some even from top companies in the world with high position, with/without musical background. There is a retiree playing too! One thing I would like to confirm: Their learning skills during my class really superb compare to teenagers/children!! Therefore, stop laughing on their hobby of playing violin.

My advice to youngster or parents, educate your love ones and people from different ages, kindly do not laugh at someone who has great passion to learn, either learning to play music instrument or anything else that is worth to learn. We respect such positive learning attitude! 

DON'T LAUGH AT OTHERS, BUT LAUGH AT YOURSELF!

Adult student point of view: The world consist of different kind of people, just ignore what people comment, just be brave, be passion to learn, nothing will be your obstacle! You learn something and that is your own knowledge benefited for whole life! 

Fantastic Scenery!

Such a Beautiful Scenery with strings instrument!! Love it!