Author Archives: curiouskeys

Hi everyone, At the start of the year, students were selected into teams named after some of the greatest composers of all time (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Clara Schumann, Frédéric Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven). Every month up until August there will be a new challenge to complete, and the team that wins the most challengesContinue reading “The Great Composer Battle…”

Hi everyone, As usual, this term has been a busy one, culminating with the annual Spring Recital in the Adam Concert Room at the New Zealand School of Music. This year, each performer received a certificate after their performance, featuring the many beautiful comments audience members wrote on the ‘compliment cards’. A few examples: “I hadContinue reading “Spring Recital 2016…”

Hi everyone, This term the studio has been taken over by a hoard of marauding pirates! Eager to collect gold medallions from the various island destinations (Rhythm Volcano, Listening Lagoon, Imagination Island…), students are completing a list of musical challenges and then collecting their bounty. Who will become our first pirate captain, by completing the map?Continue reading “Piano Pirates Practice Incentive…”

Hi everyone, At the studio this term students have been working on their own ‘Movie Music’ compositions. The idea was to develop a theme or background soundtrack to go along with their favourite movie (and it turns out that Harry Potter fever is still alive and well!). Once again, I was blown away by theContinue reading “Movie Music Composition Competition…”

Hi everyone, One of the most common questions I get asked is: “what is the best age to start piano lessons?” Luckily I have found this infographic which sums up my answer perfectly! It really does depend on the child so it is hard to give a definite answer, but if you go through theContinue reading “What is the best age to start piano lessons?”

Hi everyone, Every year, to celebrate the start of some warmer weather and much-needed sunshine, I hold a Spring Concert with my students. This year we were again lucky enough to get the Adam Concert Room at the New Zealand School of Music, which has a beautiful Steinway concert grand piano. After many weeks ofContinue reading “Curious Keys Spring Concert 2015…”

Hi everyone, Just thought that I would share with you a few of my favourite (mostly free!) iPad apps, from amongst an ever-growing list! These days there is literally an app for everything, and although there are some truly terrible ones, there are also some really awesome ones. Having iPad time is a fun wayContinue reading “The best music apps for iPad…”

Hi everyone, Just thought I would share a quick photo from the concert held last weekend. Everyone played beautifully, and I was so proud of all my students for performing – not letting any last-minute nerves get in the way! Happy playing, Camille

Hi everyone, Some great advice for parents from one of my favourite piano teaching blogs, TeachPianoToday.com… Happy playing, Camille

Hi everyone, This term I have been running a ‘Composition Challenge’ with my younger students, and I have to say that it has been a roaring success! I am always amazed at the imaginative abilities displayed by all my students, and seeing work like this being created from nothing is a real privilege. See forContinue reading “Composition Challenge…”