String Beans Studio

BOOK A FREE TRIAL LESSON

Category: studio

  • Celtic tune order

    1. DAWNING OF THE DAY
    2. MAYO MORRINS    
    3. GLENORCHY GRIZZLE 
    4. BEAR DANCE         
    5. SWALLOWTAIL JIG
    6. MAIRI’S WEDDING 
    7. SKYE BOAT SONG
    8. CAPTAIN O’KANE   
    9. MS THOMPSON’S HORNPIPE  
    10. MERRY BLACKSMITH 
    11. DROWSY MAGGIE      
    12. FIG FOR A KISS VARIATIONS
    13. FAREWELL TO ERIN  
    14. MORRISON’S JIG
    15. STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN       
    16. JULIA DELANEY/TAM LIN
    17. PACHELBEL JIG  
    18. ROAD TO LISDOONVARNA

    These tunes are here on the site – choose which ones you want to get good at!

    download/print ➜ sheet music ➜ Celtic

    reference audio ➜ Celtic

  • Upcoming Performances

    Saturday, 5/23 at 2:00 PM
    Solo Recital
    Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
    4418 Perry Ave NE, Bremerton, WA 98310

    This recital will be with a highly skilled professional accompanist, which makes it a rare chance to bring a piece to a very high level of refinement.

    Solo pieces need to be chosen this week. Students are being asked to select something they already play well so the next few months can focus on polishing, comfort, and musical depth …while still continuing to work on new material in lessons.

    Saturday, 5/30 at 3:00 PM
    Celtic Group Performance
    Otherwise Society Commons, Poulsbo

    Indoors, cozy space, seating for about 50 people – and yes, there’s a popcorn machine.

    We’ll follow it up with a celebration picnic at the Poulsbo waterfront park. Bring snacks and good vibes.

    Saturday, 6/13 at 12:00 PM
    Celtic Group Performance
    Port Orchard Farmers Market

    This one includes amplification for as many students as I can support electronically, which is a great experience to have. If you’re excited about playing with sound reinforcement, this is your moment.

    The May 30 and June 13 performances are the two Celtic dates. You don’t need to commit to both, but if you do, there will be surprise goodies. No further comment. :)

  • Review and Memorization

    Review and Memorization

    CLICK TO SEE FULL GRAPHIC

    WHAT DOES REVIEW DO FOR US?

    • MAKES NEW MATERIAL EASIER
      • many techniques we learn in early pieces will show up again later on
      • review strengthens connections in material already learned
      • being able to easily spiral back to an idea or technique previously learned will make new material easier and more natural
    • REDUCES PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
      • review helps with recall
      • memorization and muscle memory not only help to refine musicality but also reduce performance anxiety
    • PROVIDES SCAFFOLDING
      • review aids in developing techniques and skills
      • Being able to do something well, easily, and automatically is critical scaffolding for building and developing new technique
    • SHIFTS FOCUS
      • music is far more than just notes and rhythms
      • review helps us give more attention to detail
      • when we internalize the basics solidly, we can shift focus to points of expression
      • detail-orientation carries over to all other aspects of life – it’s not just about music.

  • Feedback wanted!

    As we are about to begin the new semester, I’d like to ask for a quick check-in from each student/family to make sure our work is aligned with your priorities.

    Typical lessons include scales, etudes, focused skill development in current repertoire, and new material. 
    Group classes build ensemble skills, reinforce repertoire, and include review and games. 
    We also touch on improvisation, ear training, practice strategies, and mindset when useful.

    If there’s a specific goal you’d like emphasized more this semester, or if there’s something you expect to be getting from lessons that you feel is missing, I want to hear it. Likewise, if you have any concerns or questions I haven’t addressed, please share them!

    I’d appreciate a short message with your perspective on progress and priorities. That helps me use lesson time efficiently and target what matters most to each student.

    Thank you, and happy new year!