Stevenson Ranch Neighbors Publication, April 2015 issue
By Mindy Cabral, Expert Contributor
In the fall of 2013, just few months after her sixth birthday, Erica Chan started to learn how to play the piano. “I told my mom I wanted to learn how to play piano because I enjoy music.”
Erica started her music lessons in a group music class called Music for Little Mozarts at Little School of Music (LSM) in Valencia. She learned to play the piano but also a little guitar, recorder and percussion instruments; plus, she developed her singing and ear training skills.In the spring of 2015, Erica graduated from the Music for Little Mozarts’ Level 4 class, the highest level of the course. She is now in private piano lessons at LSM. “I chose to play the piano because I have one at home and I’m best at it,” said Erica. She added, “I love LSM! I look forward to going there every week!”
Erica is truly a model student. She is organized, polite, prepared and always attends her weekly lessons. “I practice piano every day for about 20 minutes, depending how well I know my assignments. I play scales and homework music. Sometimes I make up my own songs or try to play my favorite tunes by memory. I enjoy how the music sounds once I’ve learned the notes.”
All her consistent practicing between weekly lessons at LSM led Erica to now have the ability to read music on the grand staff, play songs with both hands at the same time with melody and chords, and she understands what she is doing. The practice time pays off on stage, too. “I participated in recitals while taking the Little Mozarts class at LSM. I wore pretty dresses and felt nervous and excited when I performed. I felt proud because I always did well.”
Erica’s school has a music class that teaches students about composers and notes. Next year in third grade, she will get to revisit playing the recorder – something she is looking forward to very much. “Every student in my class will learn to play recorder. It’s different because I only have music class at my school about every other week, and I’m sharing it with lots of other kids.”
Erica is a sweet, talented girl who loves Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Disneyland. What advice does she have for her friends who want to learn music? “It may seem easy, but it takes hard work to do well. Do not give up even though it can get frustrating sometimes.” What Erica enjoys most about playing music is “knowing I’m good at doing something on my own.”
For more information on how to get started in music lessons just like Erica, or to enroll for Music Summer Camps, visit us online at LittleSchoolofMusic.com, or call our friendly staff at 661-222-2239.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Mindy Cabral, Owner/Instructor
Little School of Music