Monday, August 18, 2008

Music enriches our lives for music sake. But there are other benefits too:

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Summertime Ensembles and Recital


With school out I encouraged my students to work in groups doing ensembles and duets. We had so much fun playing together! The recital in July that we had to celebrate and share what the students had accomplished was a great success. Students dressed up to show what their duet was all about which added an extra element of fun!

How to Register for Lessons

New Students: Registration fills on a first come basis. Please let me know ASAP what time/day of the week is best for your schedule. Returning students have priority in scheduling if registered early!
Contact via email: jnewtonpianostudio@gmail.com
Phone: 989-698-1511

Location-My Piano Studio

My Piano Studio is equipped with a beautiful grand piano and music library to enhance learning. It is located in Midland, Michigan. For directions please email jnewtonpianostudio@gmail.com

Why choose Jedda Newton's Piano Studio-what other parents have said:


Some comments from other parents of students in my studio:
"Jedda Newton is a fabulous teacher.  I have recommended her to many other friends who are looking for a quality piano teacher.  Jedda is able to teach beginners as well as very advanced students.  My daughter, Kathryn, was motivated to work hard to perfect her pieces as she worked towards recitals and festivals.  Jedda also had her practicing easier pieces so that she could practice her sight reading.  Kathryn was taught to work on scales and techniques as well as fun songs and classical pieces.  Jedda is able to find a very good balance between being strict and being easy going.  Jedda is good at seeing what level you play on week one, so that you can start progressing right away, rather than weeks of evaluation.  She has an amazing ability to motivate and help you progress.  Jedda sets high standards for herself as well as her students."
--L. Hansen

"My 8-year-old daughter has taken piano lessons from Ms. Newton for 2 1/2 years.  She really enjoyed her as a teacher and so did I.  Ms. Newton is very patient and soft spoken so my daughter never felt talked down to.  I think Ms. Newton does a really good with knowing how to say the right things or asking the right questions to get the student(s) to think, learn, and answer.  If there was a week of "not too many" practice days or not a lot of progress in playing a certain piece, Ms. Newton would not make my daughter feel bad but would ask the right questions to help her understand the importance of practicing and encouraging progress for the following week.
Ms. Newton takes the time to encourage my daughter to enhance her music understanding by listening to classical radio stations or CDs and informing her of concerts or professional piano concerts we can attend to motivate her to become an even better piano student.  She is very well rounded in her curriculum making sure to teach sight reading, theory, how to write notes (copying lines of music), and adding additional music of classical, duets, and even fun songs that are age specific.  She encourages festival performances where my daughter has had the opportunity to be critiqued on her performance and holds recitals and master classes where the group met together for a chance to play for one another.  Ms. Newton is very encouraging and always positive."  
--P. Sintay



Jedda Newton: Experience as a Pianist and Teacher

*Performed internationally at age 16 in China for 2 weeks with the group Young Pianists International
*Gina Bachauer Five Piano competitor in 1998
*Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy
*Performed in many venues
*10 Years of Teaching Experience 



Teaching and Performance Background:
I studied at BYU’s School of Music and received my degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. I also received minors in Business Management and Folk Dance from BYU. I operated my own dance studio for 13 years and have taught piano lessons for 10 years. I have had a lot of experience teaching situations of many kinds. I love to encourage the success of my students at every level. Making music is a journey that can be enjoyed every step of the way.

I work hard to provide a well-rounded musical experience. My ultimate goal for my students is that they are able to learn new music without a teacher. By that, I mean that I teach my students how to learn music, not just how to play the piano. I nourish their desire to learn and enjoy music that lasts a lifetime, not just during the years of lessons.

Studio Curriculum and Policies

For a complete copy of Studio Policies please email: jnewtonpianostudio@gmail.com

My Curriculum:
I was trained and received my degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy (the art of teaching). My curriculum covers all aspects of musical development including: repertoire, music theory, technique, sight reading, composition, and music history. I know that students love to learn music they are familiar with. I encourage students to study a variety of different musical styles including Classical, jazz, religious, and popluar tunes.
My curriculum includes performance training so that my students are capable and comfortable sharing their talent with others and feeling the joy that comes from completing a successful performance experience.
I believe students are inspired to greater learning by listening and attending concerts and listening to recordings of great artists. Students are encouraged to listen to good music by attending concerts, listening to recordings, and enjoying performances on on the radio or via internet recordings.

Performance Opportunities:
Performances and Recitals are a way of celebrating the achievements of what students have been accomplished during lessons and practicing.
I belive that learning to perform is a skill in the same way that learning to read music is a skill. Without proper training, students feel uncomfortable in a performance setting. My curriculum includes performance training so that my students are capable and comfortable sharing their talent with others and feeling the joy that comes from completing a successful performance experience.
I have performed regularly and have givin multiple Solo Recitals, including a performance tour in China. Studio Recitals are scheduled regularly. Students are also encouraged to participate in Festivals and competitions throughout the year and perform and share talents whenever possible.