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Musical Chairs adds Dr. Cameron Smith to our Piano Staff

2011-05-20T15:32:25Z

Dr. Cameron Smith joins our team of highly qualified piano instructors as an additional resource for intermediate to advanced piano students as well as focused beginners.

The addition of Dr. Smith to our team of instructors is driven by Musical Chairs' ongoing to commitment to providing teaching resources to meet the evolving needs of our students. Musical Chairs' Mission is focused on providing highly individualized music instruction for children and adults. Whether a student is pursuing music on a recreational basis or looking toward a music focus in high school or college and beyond, we are dedicated to providing resources to support your needs.

Cameron Smith has over 20 years of experience teaching piano. He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Michigan, his Master’s of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Rice University. All of his degrees are in piano performance. Dr. Smith is currently a faculty member at Loyola University Chicago. Since moving to Chicago, he has also been a faculty member at Wunder Studios Performing Arts Conservatory in Park Ridge. In 2007 and 2008 he served as one of the judges for the Chicago Steinway Young Artist’s Competition which is known for recognizing exceptional musical talent in Chicago area youth.

Dr. Smith accepts dedicated students who are geared toward student achievement and swift progress. Regular practice is expected and necessary for the student to improve. Effective methods of practice are taught in the lessons, and specific and detailed instructions are given on how to learn music quickly and efficiently. Serious attention is given to technique including how to sit and address the keyboard properly, how to build finger strength and dexterity, and how to play with power but without excessive tension. Many of Dr. Smith’s students have received 1^st place awards in local competitions, been featured on radio and television programs as well as gone to high school and college music programs.

Extraordinary talent and hard work paid off as Mr. Smith made his debut appearance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra when he was nineteen years old. Cameron Smith has performed in France, Germany, England, Bulgaria, Brazil, and across the U.S. He has performed in Buntrock Hall at Chicago's Symphony Center, at Orchestra Hall in Detroit with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, MI, at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, at Ames Auditorium, Lighthouse International in New York City, and in recital at the Phillip's Collection in Washington D.C. He has been heard live on Detroit's WQRS 105.1 FM, Cleveland's WCLV 104.9 FM, and on "The Front Row" KUHF 88.7 FM, Houston. Cameron maintains an active concert schedule, and also provides performance opportunities in recitals for his students.

Introducing Musical Chairs' "Play Around"

2011-04-28T02:47:00Z

Musical Chairs Studio is proud to introduce Play Around beginning in June 2011- inspired by current and previous students. Play Around is a method for keeping music learning fresh and moving forward - even for the reluctant practicers.

We recognize that most children will ebb and flow with their interest in music. Play Around is designed to provide a musical education opportunity without the home practice requirement. It is perfect for students who need a break from private lessons, but don't want to lose what they have learned.

Each Play Around session is geared toward their individual level and progress. Concepts stay fresh and new skills are introduced. Ideally, when a student decides they are ready to jump back into learning an instrument, they can do so easily and without having lost what was previously learned.

Play Around is taught in a small group setting while children work at their own individual pace.
Students move through a series of stations, each focused on a specific area of music study.

Visit the Percussion Area for rhythm work.
Sight/Note Reading will be practiced on pianos and other instruments.
State of the art keyboard linked computer equipment will guide children through Theory activities and learning to be their own Composers!

Students are supervised by a music instructor and also enjoy the social component of learning in a group.
Play Around is appropriate for ages 6+ but children should have a basic music foundation in advance. For more information, visit our website at: Introducing Play Around! or email play@musicalchairsstudio.com.

Summer Programs now available for Registration!

2011-04-19T17:56:00Z

Children and Adults! Check out our extensive list of both group and private lesson options. New this summer are Group Lessons for Adults, Summer Camp for kids and Introducing our new Play Around program for children not wanting the commitment of private lessons, but still interested in learning music and playing instruments. Visit us online: Summer Programs at Musical Chairs

Students accepted to Lincoln Park HS Performing Arts Program!

2011-03-09T16:28:00Z

Congratulations to Molly and Christina - two Musical Chairs 8th graders who have been accepted to will attend Lincoln Park High School's Performing Arts Program. Under the direction of their voice instructors, Davin Youngs and Caitlyn Bodine, both girls have been training vigorously for this year's audition. Molly also auditioned for Chicago High School for the Arts. She received a call back, but has opted to pursue her education at Lincoln Park. We are very proud of you and all your hard work!

Gershwin Movie Night, Mar 11th - Age 5 and up

2011-03-07T15:11:00Z

Need not be a Musical Chairs Student to participate. All are welcome. Enjoy a grown up night out while your child learns about George Gershwin. $15.00 includes dinner. 6:00 - 8:30 pm. We will watch the American in Paris, listen to Gershwin music, learn about his impact on the music world, play games, test out instruments and have a great time! Location is Musical Chairs Studio at 2136 W Wilson in Lincoln Square.

These sessions do fill up. RSVP required to play@musicalchairsstudio.com

Upcoming Piano Performance at Northwestern

2011-02-13T16:04:00Z

Here's one not to miss! Yefim Bronfman is widely regarded as one of the most talented virtuoso pianists performing today. On Tuesday, March 1st at 7:30 he will perform at Northwestern's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. This will really be a treat for anyone who can attend.

Bronfman has been featured as a Carnegie Hall “Perspectives” artist and Lucerne Festival “Artiste Etoile” and has performed with the Juilliard and Guarneri String Quartets, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Lynn Harrell, and many others. His extensive discography includes the three Bartók piano concertos, for which he won a Grammy Award.

He will perform:

Haydn: Sonata in C Major
Schumann: Humoreske in B-flat Major, Op 20
Chopin: Twelve Etudes, Op 10

Tickets are $26 for the general public, $22 for Northwestern faculty and staff, and $12 for students. www.pickstaiger.org

No practice = no Lessons?

2011-02-08T05:03:00Z

I often hear from parents that they want to stop music lessons because their child doesn't practice. I want to say, "would you stop school because they don't want to do homework?" When the alternative is a Gameboy or Suite Life of Zach and Cody, who would want to practice...or do homework for that matter? With homework, we chase our kids around the house trying to get them to focus on their schoolwork.   Is it so uncommon that we have to do this for music practice too?   I have news for you - no, its not. Coming from a mother of three music students, my kids don't race into the house shouting..."I can't wait to practice" - few children do. Does this mean its not worth the effort to keep nudging them toward the instruments?

Children must learn how to do homework. They must learn how to study. Parents play an integral role in teaching these skills. The same is true with practicing an instrument. The process of what to do doesn't magically appear in their brains. They have to learn it through instruction with their teacher and encouragement as well as follow up from home.  One wonderful day, a child will figure out how to learn on their own. They begin to understand how to apply themselves and how to follow a process. In my experience, this starts to occur around 5th - 6th grades. So, what to do in the meantime?

Well, if music is important to you and you believe all the research that shows how musical training helps children in so many aspects of their lives....you stick to being the nagging parent. Don't let them give up. Its OK if they don't practice every day. The #1 thing you can do to help is sit with them when they practice. Show interest. Praise them when they do well.  Ask them to explain what they are learning. Sending them off to a room on their own defies what we expect them to do with their homework. Remember, they are learners in training first and musicians second. We parents have a critical role in this process - and it is to not give up!

Musical Chairs Instructor performs Jan 15th...

2011-01-15T03:26:00Z

Join Musical Chairs Drums and Guitar Instructor John Szymanski tomorrow night as his professional band "My My My" opens @ Mayne Stage for Andre Williams
This event is planned to start at 8:00 pm on Jan 15, 2011 at Mayne Stage in Chicago, IL. Good luck Johnny!

Music Teacher's smile of the day....

2011-01-03T23:35:00Z

The reluctant guitar student . . . " I'll never play in front of people " . . . . " I don't like to practice " . . . . . teacher smiles as she decides to not only perform, but to experiment on the bass guitar. Then, I find out she bought her own guitar pick maker . . . think she's hooked? Ka Chow! Teacher success! - nice job teachers John Szymanski and Paul Rodriguez. Another child loves music. BTW - we need about 20 of those guitar pick makers around here.

Winter classes begin next week!

2011-01-02T02:36:00Z

Musical Theater Classes on Saturday mornings
Group Beginner Guitar Lessons
Additional Step the Beat Classes
Limited private lesson spots are still available for:

* Piano * Drums * Voice * Violin * Guitar * Saxophone * Trumpet * Clarinet

Congrats to Performers and Friday Movie Night

2010-11-15T04:00:00Z

Congratulations to all the performers who played in the recital tonight. Your teachers are all very proud of you!

Also, a reminder of Musical Chairs Movie night this Friday Nov 19th. 6:30 - 9:00pm. Parents, drop off your children for $20 and have a date night! We'll give them dinner, watch a music oriented movie and have lots of fun. Music Man and Singing in the Rain are the movie finalists. We'll see which one I can get my hands on. Please RSVP by Thursday to play@musicalchairsstudio.com Children 5+ are welcome and need not be current students of Musical Chairs Studio.

October Newsletter now online!

2010-10-22T01:19:00Z

Musical Chairs online October Newsletter . Articles in this edition include:

Our Approach to Early Childhood Music Education.
November Family Concert and Retirement Center Recital.
Musical Theater coming in January.
Caitlyn Bodine instructor profile.

Fall Newsletter: "hot off the press!"

2010-08-23T02:02:00Z

Musical Chairs has been busy! Check out our Fall Newsletter for the latest updates, programs, new instructor information and our full FALL CALENDAR OF EVENTS so you can plan ahead and reserve your spot now!

Questions? Contact us at play@musicalchairsstudio.com

Reminder: A Day in the Baroque Period Master Class this Saturday!

2010-08-09T21:58:00Z

We will take your children back in time to the 1600’s where they will experience the Baroque period of music, "meet" composers from the era as well as be immersed in the culture, art, politics and lifestyle of that time in history. A fun filled class - not to be missed!

Saturday, August 14th from 9:30 - 11:30
2136 W Wilson studio
Cost: $25 per child Ages 5-12
RSVP by August 12 th
play@musicalchairsstudio.c om

New Music for Moms and Dads class offered this Fall

2010-08-08T13:57:00Z

Help your children with practice at home! Musical Chairs will host monthly classes for parents of music students to give you just enough information to be dangerous. It is well known that when parents become actively involved in children's practice routines, the time is far more productive. Children make faster progress and get more from their music lessons. We would like to help you learn some basic music concepts that will enable you to help with practice at home.

$20.00 per session. RSVP required. Email play@musicalchairsstudio.com or register online at Musical Chairs Studio

Fall sessions will be held from 7-8 pm on:

Thursday, September 23
Tuesday, October 19
Wednesday, November 10
Monday, December 6

August Special Events and Fall Group Classes Schedule are now posted

2010-08-01T22:34:00Z

In August, we are offering:

"Master the Masters" movie night on August 6th from 6:30 - 9:00

Live a day in the Baroque Period master class on August 14th from 9:30 - 11:30

Intro to Brass Instruments Master Class on August 16th from 6:00 - 7:30

New schedules for Step the Beat and Create the Beat Music Fundamentals classes are now posted for the Fall semester beginning September 13th. Space will be limited in these classes so register now!

Visit our Website at Musical Chairs Studio under Current Programs for complete listings and to register online.

Proud of my reluctant performer!

2010-06-17T03:56:00Z

Today I told a reluctant performer that when she plays at the recital on Monday, I will be the proudest person in the house....and I meant it! Her drive and focus continually amaze me. When she openly admitted to severe stage fright a few months ago, we decided to take the recital one step at a time. On Monday, she will perform with her father right beside her accompanying on guitar. What a better way to experience stage freight - next to your rock solid foundation! Kudos to you my dear student and all the rest of you who are working so hard and preparing for great performances!

Musical Chairs welcomes 3 new instructors!

2010-06-17T03:42:00Z

In our continual effort to provide the highest quality of music education for all ages, Musical Chairs is proud to annouce the addition of three key teaching resources. Visit our website for complete instructor bios, classes and program offerings!

Colin Scott was born and raised in the Chicago area, Colin began playing bass and guitar at the age of 14 and has been an active musician ever since. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music business from Southern Illinois University, as well as a master’s degree in jazz studies from DePaul University. Colin has been teaching bass and guitar for 10 years. In addition, he has performed and /or shared the stage with notable musicians including bassist Victor Wooten, SNL bandleader Lenny Picket, and hip-hop superstar Snoop Dogg to name a few. He is the current bassist for the longtime Chicago band Underwater People. Colin can also be seen performing on a weekly basis with his band Spare Parts, which has performed across the country as well as internationally.

Christopher Narloch graduated from Bowling Green State University in May of 2010, receiving a MM in Music Performance with a specialization in Piano Pedagogy. He also taught class piano at BGSU as a teaching assistant. He graduated from Viterbo University, earning a BM in Music Performance with a double-emphasis in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy, as well as a minor in Church Music. He maintained a studio of 20 private piano students at the Perrysburg Music Center. In addition to teaching, he accompanies musicians, plays for events, and gives solo recitals. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and was president of Bowling Green Ohio Music Teachers Association, a student branch of OMTA.

Daniel Williams obtained both a Bachelors and Masters degrees in performance for clarinet and saxophone and has been teaching both instruments for ten years. He attended Cleveland Institude of Music and then went on to University of Southern California in LA. His students have been as young as 7 and as old as 60+. He currently teaches both beginner group and private lessons at the Merit School of Music in Chicago. He also teaches in Oak Park at the high school and Fenwick High as well as Kagan and Gaines Music in Forest Park.

Summertime Blues ! ?

2010-05-27T03:48:00Z

As the voice of a parent, I want to share that you're not alone in having children who push back about music lessons this time of the year. Hang in there. My own children are resisting lessons and practice!

My advice? Keep it light - resist pushing too hard. Children are tired of structure right now and are feeling generally burned out. I choose this time to switch up the music lesson routine a bit. The goal is not to stop lessons entirely over the summer. Parents, you'll hate me for saying this...but if you are committed to music being part of your child's life - its a year round activity. Music is like a foreign language. When you cease the weekly exposure over an extended time, children take enormous steps backwards. Many of them never get back into it because its too discouraging to relearn what they know they learned before. I encourage you to resist this approach. Rather, work with your instructor to create a less routine program in the summer..one with flexibility....that is less rigid and just keeps your child interested in music. We all need a change now and then.

Don't get me wrong, breaks are important and every student should take a break periodically. I am encouraging 3 weeks off over the summer whether all at once or one week at a time. The other weeks, we'll be playing music and having fun at it. No Summertime "blues" allowed around here!

Recitals coming up!

2010-05-26T02:55:00Z

Musical Chairs is hosting their annual "spring" recitals June 21, 22, 28 and 29th at Queen of Angels Church from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. If you'd like to inspire your child to learn an instrument, this is a great venue. Each day will host a different line up of students. We will have a fabulous mix of music including piano, trumpet, guitar, violin, drums, voice and instrument ensembles. All are welcome. Admission is free.