Here at SCMT we are waiting with anticipation for this Saturday’s ‘The Voice’. Our very own piano and bass teacher Jonathan Dear (pictured) will be playing bass for Avril Lavigne’s performance….. Good Luck Jonathan we’ll be tuned in!
Author: Susanna Cassam
Concert Success – June
Here at SCMT we would like to say a huge well done to all of our students who took part in the Summer Concert over the weekend. It was great to see so many of you performing, and the standard was just fantastic…Well done everybody!
Don’t forget next weekend is the first ever SCMT Youth Competition. Even if you are not competing it would be great to see you there. We have a guest performer on the Sunday, 4.30-5.30pm and also during this time the mayor will be there to draw the raffle. We are trying to raise money for Bell Tree Music Therapy Centre so please get in touch if you would like to buy raffle tickets. Tickets are £1 each… or a book of 5 tickets for £4 and you can get them either direct from your tutor or from Susanna ([email protected] or 07720 771053/01273 504505). Hopefully see you there…
SCMT is live on Radio Reverb tomorrow!
SCMT is live on Radio Reverb this coming Thursday 6th June, between 5 and 6pm. We’ll be talking about the upcoming Summer Concerts this weekend, plus the SCMT Youth Music Competitions the weekend after (15th/16th June). We’ll also be talking about ‘Music Therapy Week’ and the Belltree Music Therapy Centre who we’ll be supporting over both events… with the help of our sponsors at Ackerman Music (thank you Ackerman!). It’s going to be a great couple of weeks! Tune in on Thursday to hear more… and hopefully see you at St Nicholas Church in Brighton at some point too… 8th/9th/15th/16th June 2013.
Less than a week till SCMT’S Summer Concert….
We can’t wait! The SCMT summer concert will be held over 2 days this weekend, Saturday 8th June and Sunday 9th June at St Nicholas Church, Dyke Rd, Brighton. This is just a week before the SCMT Youth Music Competitions and it is the same venue!
We can’t wait to hear what all of our students have in store for us, they will be practicing hard as we speak. Look out for more news blogs to follow with tips for concert, competition and exam (we also have lots of students taking exams at the end of June!) preparation.
You can see Chris Woods, guest performer at the SCMT Youth Music Competition, on YouTube…
Chris Woods is a brilliant Percussive guitarist and here at SCMT we are lucky enough to have him come and play for us at the SCMT Youth Music competitions.
Here are a couple of links to see some of his work…
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc2M1sN5rS8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYHzEU9h9g8
So don’t forget he will be playing on day 2 of the SCMT Youth Music Competition, Sunday 16th June at 4.30pm, St Nicholas Church, Brighton.
Another prize added to the SCMT raffle!
SCMT are delighted to announce another fantastic prize has been added to the SCMT raffle that will be drawn on the second day of our Youth Music Competition, Sunday 16th July. Thanks to Nicole Carman, up for grabs from the Brighton based fine art photographer is a limited edition print!
Tickets are £1 each… or a book of 5 tickets for £4and you can get them either direct from your tutor or from Susanna ([email protected] or 07720 771053/01273 504505).
So the list of prizes to be won is now as follows:
Nicole Carman. limited edition print
Stagecoach Brighton. Summer workshop place to one child aged between 6-16 on Summer Glee Workshop (July 29th-1st August).
Wowo. 2 nights in a luxury yurt worth £280.
John Hamilton. An outdoor photoshoot with john Hamilton worth £150.
Adaptatrap. A box of small percussion instruments.
‘She bakes’. A bespoke kids birthday cake.
SCMT. 45 min music lesson on an instrument of your choice.
SCMT. A selection of new and barely used music books.
SCMT. 2 x £15 ackerman vouchers.
Toby Price. 2 bottles of wine in a bag.
Alice Bell. Luxury natural body creams.
Joss Peach. A place on the djembe course at Evolution.
Timber-Tones. Luxury guitar plectrum gift pack.
Craig Warnock. 2 hour studio recording session.
Josie Peach. Jazz piano/sax/clarinet lesson.
New Tutor Alert!
Here at SCMT we are delighted to say we have another Tutor joining us! Her name is Rosanna Schwarzacher and she is a piano and cello teacher. Below is a little more information about the lovely Rosanna:
Rosanna is a classically trained pianist and cellist from Austria. She has studied cello in France under Denis Jeannet and has lived in Ireland for many years, where she has been teaching and working with various artists as session musician for recordings and performances. She holds a Dip ABRSM in Instrumental Teaching and is very passionate about teaching pupils of all ages and levels. Rosanna is currently a member of the Brighton Film Quartet and is invloved in many other musical projects in Brighton.
If you would like to have lessons with Rosanna please contact Susanna Cassam direct on 07720 771053 or email us at [email protected].
All of our teachers can be found on our website on the teachers page https://www.cassam.co.uk/music-teachers-brighton
A new prize added to the SCMT raffle…
As you will know there will be a raffle at the SCMT Youth Music Competition and we have another prize to add to the already brilliant prize list.
Stagecoach Brighton. Summer workshop place to one child aged between 6-16 on Summer Glee Workshop (July 29th-1st August). Worth £110!
So don’t forget…Tickets are £1 each… or a book of 5 tickets for £4and you can get them either direct from your tutor or from Susanna ([email protected] or 07720 771053/01273 504505).
Other raffle prizes so far!
Wowo. 2 nights in a luxury yurt worth £280.
John Hamilton. An outdoor photoshoot with john Hamilton worth £150.
Adaptatrap. A box of small percussion instruments.
‘She bakes’. A bespoke kids birthday cake.
SCMT. 45 min music lesson on an instrument of your choice.
SCMT. A selection of new and barely used music books.
SCMT. 2 x £15 ackerman vouchers.
Toby Price. 2 bottles of wine in a bag.
Alice Bell. Luxury natural body creams.
Joss Peach. A place on the djembe course at Evolution.
Timber-Tones. Luxury guitar plectrum gift pack.
Craig Warnock. 2 hour studio recording session.
Josie Peach. Jazz piano/sax/clarinet lesson.
SCMT Raffle tickets available from today (17th May). See below for details and a list of amazing prizes to be won…
Here at SCMT we are getting so excited about the upcoming competitions. We confirmed our raffle prizes at last and tickets are available from TODAY (Friday, 17th May). It’s all for a very worthwhile cause (Belltree Music Therapy Centre, www.belltree.org.uk) and the prizes will be drawn by the Mayor (after the special guest performance) on the 2nd day of our Competitions, Sunday 16th June, at St Nicholas Church in Brighton. Please see below for all the details:
Ticket options: Tickets £1 each… or a book of 5 tickets for £4!
Available from: TODAY (Friday 17th May), either direct from your tutor or from Susanna ([email protected] or 07720 771053/01273 504505).
Raffle prizes list so far!
Wowo. 2 nights in a luxury yurt worth £280.
John Hamilton. An outdoor photoshoot with john Hamilton worth £150.
Adaptatrap. A box of small percussion instruments.
‘She bakes’. A bespoke kids birthday cake.
SCMT. 45 min music lesson on an instrument of your choice.
SCMT. A selection of new and barely used music books.
SCMT. 2 x £15 ackerman vouchers.
Toby Price. 2 bottles of wine in a bag.
Alice Bell. Luxury natural body creams.
Joss Peach. A place on the djembe course at Evolution.
Timber-Tones. Luxury guitar plectrum gift pack.
Craig Warnock. 2 hour studio recording session.
Josie Peach. Jazz piano/sax/clarinet lesson.
Some thoughts from Susanna this week… Music lives…to be let out!
Next Month, Susanna Cassam Music Tuition will hold another ‘Children’s Music Concert’. I know from experience that although most of our performers will arrive on stage looking very small… they will leave having made a big impression. Some will shuffle to the front nervous of the crowd whilst others will virtually trip over their own feet desperate to show off their skills. Some will dress as though they’re expecting to be knighted, others might literally try to skateboard up the Isle. In every case they will have, by the end of the afternoon, either played for the first time in public, or played something that a year ago was way beyond their capabilities. So everyone achieves something big. The teachers will be there, encouraging their pupils, settling nerves. The parents will be there, holding their cameras aloft, clapping and cheering after their child’s performance.
It is in the weeks before a concert that every teacher notices a marked acceleration in a pupil’s progress… It’s no wonder, they are playing their instrument more than they are playing on the Wii! Parents tend to become more involved, encouraging extra practise before or after school. The practise charts suddenly re-appear, covered in stickers awarded for all the hard work. When the teacher arrives for the lesson, they are bombarded with details of the levels of practise down to the last second. ‘I did 12 and a half minutes before my bath Susanna! I did my scales and I don’t even need them for the concert!’
You may think an upcoming performance would be a time for a child to feel pressure and nerves, but if the teacher applies generous amounts of encouragement, praise and structure in equal proportions, it is the very time everyone is enjoying their music the most.
One of the parents emailed me in response to the concert entry deadline…
‘Emily would love to play in the concert but I’m worried that John (husband) wants to do a duet with her. Please encourage a solo at the next lesson, hopefully saving her from the father/daughter rendition that her older brother will no doubt post on YouTube.’
Emily eventually decided on not one but two duets and they’re both almost ready for the big day. ‘Mum’ has now decided it’s a great idea and she even admits to feeling a little envious… and has decided she is the best person to film it. Even better than that, Emily is constantly playing the piano.
Nothing works better as an incentive when it comes to learning a musical instrument, than the chance to perform. Hooray for the little ones playing their tunes!
More info on Chris Woods our brilliant guest performer at the SCMT Youth music Competition…
As announced on Monday, here at SCMT we are so pleased that there will be a guest performer at the SCMT Youth Music Competitions! So here is a little more information about the fantastic Chris Woods from his website www.chriswoodsgroove.co.uk
‘Chris Woods is one of the UK’s most exciting instrumentalists. His performances are a blend of endearing stories with ear bending drop tuned grooves. Displaying dazzling creativity and skill, by mixing emotive and imaginative sounds with stunning technique. You wont forget what you hear.’
It is safe to say we can’t wait to see him perform, he really is a great crowd pleaser, a must see!
So don’t forget he will be playing on day 2 of the SCMT Youth Music Competition, Sunday 16th June at 4.30pm, St Nicholas Church, Brighton.
There will be 2 VIPs attending the SCMT Youth Music Competitions!
Here at SCMT we are delighted to announce that the Mayor of Brighton has decided to join us on ‘day 2’ of our competitions (Sunday 16th June). We’ve also managed to book a brilliant guest performer, the fantastic Chris Woods, percussive guitarist.
If you want to catch Chris Wood’s performance it starts at 4.30pm on Sunday 16th June (day 2 of the competitions) this will be followed by the Mayor drawing our raffle. We’ll also be congratulating our competition winners and of course enjoying some refreshments.
So although your £3 gains you access to the whole weekend here are the details regarding the best time to pop down:
Venue: St Nicholas Church, Brighton. BN1 3LJ
Date and time: Sunday 16th June, 4.30 – 5.30pm (1 hour)
Price: £3 cash on the door (children free). Access all weekend.
Refreshments: Soft drinks, tea and coffee, cake and biscuits… provided throughout.
DEADLINE DAY TODAY!
All entries for the SCMT Youth Music Competitions and the SCMT Summer Concert must be with Susanna by the end of today (Friday 10th May).
If you have any queries please contact Susanna Cassam direct on 07720 771053 or email us at [email protected].
Entry deadline for SCMT Youth Music Competitions is TOMORROW!
Don’t forget the entry deadline for the SCMT Youth Music Competitions is tomorrow, Friday 10th May, all entry forms must be completed in full and with Susanna by then.
If you do not have an entry form there is still time, just contact Susanna on 07720 771053 and she can send you an entry pack, which will contain the entry form, and it can be scanned and emailed straight to Susanna at [email protected].
All entry fees must be paid no later than Friday 17th May.
We have plenty more to announce including some brilliant raffle prizes that can be won over the competition weekend, so watch this space!
p.s To all our SCMT students don’t forget tomorrow is also the entry deadline for the Summer Concert…..
Only 1 week till the entry deadline for the SCMT Youth Competitons and SCMT’s Summer Concert…
The entry deadline for both the SCMT Youth Music Competition and SCMT’s Summer Concert is now only a week away. Don’t forget all entries must be submitted by Friday 10th May. The Youth music Competitions are open to anyone 18 years old and under, however, the Summer Concert is only open to SCMT students.
If you or your child would like to enter the SCMT Youth Music Competition, please contact Susanna Cassam direct on 07720 771053 or email us at [email protected]. Following this you will be sent an information pack containing an entry form which must be completed and sent to us no later than the 10th May.
If you are a SCMT student and would like to play in our Summer Concert you can let either your tutor know or Susanna herself using the details above.
June is going to be such an exciting month for SCMT and we really hope you can join us!
Some thoughts from Susanna this week…..Practice makes perfect
When young children begin to learn a musical instrument, there is a question on the tip of every parent’s tongue…
‘How much practice should my child be doing… And how can I help to ensure that they do it?’
If a child is to progress on a musical instrument, regular practice needs to be encouraged right from the start and a teacher will generally set practice each lesson (only a tiny bit for very young children). Generally speaking great things occur if a family member regularly guides a child in their practice, offering encouragement and praise. So, I’ve come up with some tried and tested tips and tricks to help you out, whether you are planning to sit down with your child, or encourage from afar:
Establish a set time for practice each day that doesn’t clash with other distraction. Make sure your child is alert and doesn’t have too many other things to think about (football to follow, just back from swimming).
Have a plan in place before you start, so that when your child is in the ‘practice zone’, it is focused and moving forward… this keeps them on the ball.
If there is more than one thing to practice, divide the time into bite-sized chunks of only a few minutes, so that practice is fresh and ever changing.
Occasionally, select a small section of music and work on it thoroughly in one practice session, your child will see a more marked improvement and be encouraged.
Often a child may become frustrated if they can’t play things straight away. Slow right down for practice, only playing something ‘at speed’ once the notes are mastered… that way mistakes are fewer and tasks more manageable.
Arrange ‘performance time’ in the home for a few weeks time. Choose a piece or exercise that your child can demonstrate for the family… And applaud loudly on the day. This one works every time!
When relevant, discuss opportunities with your child’s teacher with regards to small public performances, assessments and exams. The satisfaction of achievement will power them forward.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, INCENTIVES… a parent’s best friend. Get stuck in straight away with a nice big, bright practice chart. Award stickers (your teacher will lend you plenty!) for targets achieved… perhaps extra stickers or a small prize if practice has occurred every day.
If a teacher has a fun, engaging manner alongside a structured approach to achievement, then the battle if half won. A child learning music with a good teacher will automatically be motivated to acquire the skills, understanding and ability required to enable them to enjoy music through playing and listening. However, you can help too by actively encouraging them at the start of their musical adventure… It really is a gift to last a lifetime.
More SCMT Youth Competition info…
Don’t forget the SCMT Youth Music Competitions are taking place on the 15th and 16th June and they are being held at St Nicholas Church on Dyke Road. There are 4 categories with 1st prizes reaching up to £70 and runner up prizes in each category. Each category is judged by experts and each competitor will receive written comments and a certificate. It is a great experience for any young musician with the added bonus of prizes to be won!
Don’t forget the entry deadline is the 10th May…. what will you play?
Don’t forget SCMT are looking for more piano teachers…..
Candidates must be enthused, inspiring, great with kids (and adults!) and be available longterm to teach flexible hours within Brighton and Hove.
If you can teach from your own premises and have a car, this would be a great help but isn’t essential.
Please contact Susanna Cassam direct on 07720 771053 or email us at [email protected].
Follow SCMT on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Linkedin!!!
You can now follow SCMT on all major social media sites! We post regular updates, news, local events, videos and much more. We also love it when people interact with us, so feel free to leave comments, like and share on our pages! Here’s where you can find us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susannacassammusictuition?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusannaCassam
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cassammusictuition
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=127890398&trk=tab_pro
Don’t forget the entry deadline for SCMT Youth Music competitions and the SCMT Summer Concert is the 10th May!
Hopefully by now you will have heard that this year SCMT are holding their first ever Youth Music Competitions on the 15th and 16th June and also the week before this, 8th and 9th June, will be the SCMT Summer Concert. It’s going to be a busy few weeks, here at SCMT we are very excited! Just to remind you that the entry deadline for both is Friday 10th May. The competitions are open to anyone under the age of 18, all details can be found on our concert and events page. The concert is only open to SCMT students, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this term!