Amelia- January Student of the Month!

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Miller Music would like to congratulate Amelia M on being January Student of the Month! Amelia comes well-prepared to lessons. She is diligent in details such as dynamics, metronome rhythms, and articulation. Keep at it Amelia!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-Four years of piano

 2. What is your favorite activity?

-Reading

 3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-Teacher/Librarian

 4. What do you like most about playing music?

-Leaning how to put different notes together to make music

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

-Soccer, Girls Scouts, Math Olympiad, School Chorus.

 6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

-Fourth, Newcastle Elementary

Welcome Ms. Stephanie!

We are very excited to welcome our wonderful voice/piano teacher, Stephanie!

Stephanie will be teaching voice and piano at our Renton studio. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her! Here is her Bio below:

Stephanie Pfundt is a kind and professional music teacher. As a Vocal Performance student at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), Stephanie has been teaching since high school.  

Originally from Southeast Alaska, Stephanie qualified for several honor choirs during high school, including NAfME All-Northwest Honor Choir and NAfME All-National Honor Choir. As an accompanist for her own high school choir as well as a church musician, she knew she wanted to pursue a music degree and is happy to be doing so in the Pacific Northwest.

Stephanie performs frequently as a vocal soloist in her choir and in recitals at PLU. Her teachers for voice have included Jennifer Cross, Dr. Cherie Hughes, Dr. Janene Nelson and Cyndia Sieden. She has also studied piano with Dr. Myrna Capp at Seattle Pacific University and Dr. Oksana Ezhokina at PLU.  

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys learning new dance choreography and going hiking. She loves traveling and even spent a gap year between high school and college teaching music and English in mainland China. 

Gideon- December Student of the Month

December Student of the Month is Gideon! Gideon is working on his Grade 2 with the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. He keeps very busy playing three instruments, piano, voice and viola! Keep up the great dedication and work, Gideon!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-5 years of piano and 2 years of voice

 2. What is your favorite activity?

-Video games

 3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-Programmer

 4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

-My dog Tex, is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. He came with us to the US from Australia.

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

-Martial Arts, tennis and play the viola for the school orchestra.

 6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to (Optional)?

-5th grade, Enatai Elementary School

 

Vihaan- November Student of the Month!

A big congrats to Vihaan, our November Student of the Month! Vihaan does a superb job focusing on his music and paying close attention to detail. He is motivated and excited to learn new songs and techniques. At his lessons, he comes ready with metronome tempos and counting practice. Keep up the great work Vihaan!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

 About 5 months

2. What is your favorite activity?

Playing board games with my dad and cooking with my mom

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Naturalist

4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

I have done a walk in the night in the forest to see animals

5. What other activities do you participate in?

Karate

6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

2nd grade and New Castle Elementary School.

Christmas Piano Recital 2016 Scheduled!

Come join us for the 2016 Christmas Recital! We are excited to showcase our student talent and recognize students who have passed their practical and theory exams, and students who have also earned Student of the Month. Let's support our local, young musicians!

Who: Miller Music Students

When: December 9th @ 6:30pm

Where: Calvary Baptist Church- 1032 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056

Bring: Music and a plate of refreshments to share (Please bring snacks that are not too messy so we keep the foyer clean.)

Wear: Formal attire for performers

October Student of the Month: Joshuah O.

October Student of the Month is Joshuah! He started taking piano recently and has been progressing at an incredibly quick pace- already going through a few piano levels! He pays close attention to details such as articulation, dynamics and consistent tempo. Keep it up, Joshuah!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-I started in May.

 2. What is your favorite activity?

-Basketball.

 3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-Medical Doctor.

 4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

-I enjoy reading the Harry Potter series.

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

-Math Club and reading.

 6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

-6th grade Rose Hill Middle School

 

September Student of the Month: Daphne

September Student of the Month is Daphne B! She works diligently each week on her pieces with her parents and is progressing quickly through her books. She is able to learn through slipups and is always excited to try new songs! Way to go, Daphne!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-Since January

 2. What is your favorite activity?

-Dance

 3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-Ballet and musical theater teacher

 4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

-No

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

-Swimming, musical theater, (home)studio, painting and coloring

 6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

-First grade, homeschooled

August Student of the Month: Rachel S.

August Student of the Month is Rachel S! She has been playing the piano for 6 years consistently and is currently working on her Level 5 and Theory Exam in the Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program. Outside of piano she also swims competitively on her swim team! She is a kind-hearted girl who works very hard. Great job Rachel!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-I started 6 years ago.

 2. What is your favorite activity?

-I like to read.

 3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-I have no idea.

 4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

-I can speak Chinese.

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

-I’m on a swim team.

 6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

-I’m going into 7th grade at Ottle Middle School

 

June Student of the Month: Rebecca

Rebecca has been taking lessons for six years and also added violin about a year ago. She has been progressing at a quick and steady pace. She recently passed the level 5 of the Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program and is slated to take her Theory exam this summer. She is also in her school band! Congrats Rebecca, you are a young lady of MANY talents- keep it up!

1.How Long have you been playing you instrument?

About six years for the piano and about 1 year for the violin.

2. What is your favorite activity?

Reading books and watching YouTube videos.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I'm not sure, but I would like to help people from poor/disadvantaged countries. Probably work for a non-profit organization.

4. Any fun fact you would like to share?

I'm reading a 700+ page biography about Alexander Hamilton. I want to go see the play soon!

5. What other activities do you participate in?

I play in my school band. I do art- I love to draw. Also gardening. 

6. What grade are you in?

I'm in 7th grade and I go to McKnight middle school.

 

May Student of the Month: Mizan

Congrats to Mizan! He always has a "can-do" attitude and is very motivated to learn and pass off his songs. He loves to play bonus pieces along with his usual assignments. Keep up the great work Mizan!

1.How Long have you been playing you instrument?

4 months

2. What is your favorite activity?

Reading

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

An impossible engineer

4. Any fun fact you would like to share?

I have built 7 expert level lego sets.

5. What other activities do you participate in?

I do Tae Kwon Do and I am a Cub Scout.

6. What grade are you in?

I am in 1st grade.

April Student of the Month: Jenny & Nancy

Congrats to Jenny and Nancy (cousins!) who were chosen for April Student(s!) of the Month!! These young ladies have been playing the piano close to a year and have been going through their books quickly. They even bring extra pieces to their lessons that they've been practicing at home during the week. That's dedication! Way to go girls!

1.How Long have you been playing you instrument?

J-I've been taking lessons for about 9 months. N- I've been taking lessons for about 7 months.

2. What is your favorite activity?

J-Swimming and drawing. N- Swimming and dancing.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

J- I'm not sure yet. N-I'm not sure either.

4. Any fun fact you would like to share?

J-My favorite color is green. I also speak Chinese! N- I like to dance and I also speak Chinese.

5. What other activities do you participate in?

J- Practicing piano, and dancing. N- Practicing piano, dance and homework.

6. What grade are you in?

J- I'm in the 5th grade at Kennydale. N- I'm in the 3rd grade at Kennydale

 

Upcoming Spring 2016 Student Recital

 

All students, parents, family/friends are invited to support our musicians as they showcase their pieces at our semiannual recital! Please bring a plate of cookies (or any favorite treats) to share following the performances.

Where- Calvary Baptist Church, 1032 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056

Time- 6:30pm

When- Friday, May 6th

Bring- Music (even if memorized. Sometimes memory slips can happen). Refreshment to share (cookies, fruit, veggie/dip, crackers, etc.)

 

Composition Masterclass Success!

Thank you to all of our private piano/violin students who were able to attend and perform at our February Composition Masterclass! All students were able to perform pieces they have recently completed. We also learned a few of the compositional techniques that Beethoven employed in his 5th Symphony. Then, as a group, everyone worked together to write out two unique melodies that were performed by a student. Great job everyone!

March Student of the Month- Guhan K!

March Student of the Month

Congrats Guhan K! He comes to lessons prepared well with a happy and willing attitude. He occasionally brings extra pieces or theory above and beyond his regular assignments. Last fall he took the Violin Practical Level 1 assessment and earned the highest ranking with a First Class Honors with Distinction! He is preparing to take his Level 2 in May. Way to go Guhan!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

I've been playing violin for five years.

2. What is your favorite activity?

I like playing with legos, watching Sonic the Hedgehog videos, and reading books.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be an automotive designer. However, my interest might change as I grow up.

4. Any fun fact you would like to share about yourself?

I really enjoy reading the "Pendragon" series.

5. What other activities do you participate in?

At school, I participate in "Running Club'' and sometimes soccer.

6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to (Optional)?

I'm in third grade, and I go to Blackwell Elementary.

 

NEW Professional Grand Piano

We are excited to announce that we have added a new Baldwin grand piano to our studio! Students will greatly benefit from this professional instrument by the improved touch-quality and amazing sound. We want to provide top-notch lessons for students and this grand piano helps!

We will continue to have the Yamaha Arius available for students to practice on before and after lessons. Come on over to check out the new studio set-up!

November Recital 2015

Hello Musical Families!

Just a quick reminder for our recital this Friday! You are more than welcome to invite friends and family. This is a time to have fun and showcase our students’ hard work this year. Also- a big shout out to all of the dedicated parents who’ve been consistently encouraging and getting their kids prepared.

  • Where: Northwest Pianos, 13310 Bel Red Rd, #100, Bellevue, WA 98005

    Time: Friday, November 13th at 6:30pm

    Bring: Music (Even if memorized), “clean” snack/refreshments to share.*

    Wear: Nice clothes! This is our formal recital that happens twice per year.

     

    *Northwest Pianos has allowed us to bring some refreshments. They only ask that we bring food that doesn’t easily make messes or crumbs.

     

    Reminders:

    -Please arrive 5 minutes early to pick you seat (and tune for violins).

    -Students will each receive a program to see the performance order. When it is your turn, come to the stage, announce your name and pieces. After playing, take a bow and it’s the next students turn.

    -Audience, we keep the applause until the end of each student performance.

    -Cameras: Feel free to bring your camera and capture your child’s moment. Just be aware of other audience members.

    -Rides: Occasionally students need rides to the recital and I am more than happy to help if you don’t mind riding with a cute toddler and baby! Just let me know!

     

    See you all on Friday! Happy Practicing!