Check our past E-Newsletters
E-Newsletter 18, Sept. 2024
Friday, September 1, 2023 by Andy Ng | E-Newsletters
E-NEWSLETTER 18, September, 2023
9/13/23–v8
#—New Students for Sept, 2023
#—MTAC Student Recital: 9/24/23
#—Award Recipients in Aug, 2023
#—Aug. Theory Classes Pictures
#—Sept. GROUP MAKE-UP CLASSES
#—Certificate of Distinction Exams Prep
#—KERN MTAC Recital Dress CODE
#—10 MTAC RECITALS 2023-2024
#—GEMS from pass E-Newsletters
NEW STUDENTS for SEPTEMBER, 2023
1. Scarlet P, 13, violin
2. Saoirse B, 8, cello
3. Vicky Qin, 16, piano, Payson, AZ
MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA (MTAC) Students Recital: 9/24/23, Sunday at 1:30 pm. I hope all students will participate by giving me your preferred FULL name for the recital program, the TITLE of your piece, the composer’s FULL name, length of performance in minutes & seconds, level of the piece; please give me $5.00 cash, Zelle or check by Thursday 9/7/23. Recital Venue: Mill Creek Christian Church—1660 S. St. Bakersfield 93301; see the Dress code below. Stay until end of recital. Invite friends & relatives. Please come between 1:05-1:20 PM.

#-AWARD RECIPIENTS IN AUGUST, 2023
ALEJANDRO VIGGO RIVERA, CHAMPION. PIANO DISTINCTION 144/150, 8/2/23:

AMELIA HOLLIS COBAR, CHAMPION VIOLIN DISTINCTION 135/150, 8/3/23:

DANIEL TOMAS, SUPERSTAR VIOLIN DISTINCTION 136/150 on 6/16/23. 1st SUPERSTAR (level 4) awarded by Dr Ng.

OLIVIA ANN CASABAG, SUPERSTAR PIANO 112/150, 8/17/23:

SOPHIA MARIE CABASAG, SUPERSTAR PIANO MERIT, 127/150, 8/17/23:

THEORY CLASSES AUGUST
T2. 8/1/23—6:20 pm: TEAL THEORY: George N, Pranav G: Scales, Solfège, Notes, Rests, Intervals.
T4. PURPLE THEORY: 8/3/23, 1:30 pm: Zeah L, Cohen M, Ruth D, Daniel T: Solfège, Scales: Do-WW h, WWWh., rhythms, note values.

T5. RED THEORY 8/3/23, 5:00 pm, Clyde H, Bailey V, Bernadette R, Alondra F, Letty S, Cohen M, Julian V, Jacob V: Thirds & Sixths, semi-quavers & quavers. Boys better in Alberti Bass & bass clef notes; girls better in intervals: Thirds & Sixths

T8. 8/4/23, FRI—APRICOT Theory, 4:00 pm : McKenzie R, Amelia C, Daniel T, Violet E: Solfège: Fi=Thumbs Up; Scales: D & G; Bass Clef Notes, Alberti Bass, Intervals: Cuckoo 3 vs. Froggy 6.

T1. 1st Mon., 8/7/23—5:00 pm: SILVER THEORY: Pranav G, Bernadette R, Violet E, Alondra F, Zeah L.:
Solfège, Intervals: Fifths & Thirds; quavers & semiquavers, Beethoven’s 5th.

T6. 2nd THURS, 8/10/23—5:00 pm: BLUE THEORY: Olivia C, Sophia C, Bailey V, Letty S, Manuel V, Clyde H, Cohen M; Scale format 1st Tetrachord & 2nd Tetrachords; Solfège, composition preparation with answering Rhythmic patterns, intervals differences.

T9. 8/15/23, 2nd FRI— MANGO Theory, 2:15 pm: Daniel T, McKenzie R, Mark A, Scarlet P, Violet E, Bernadette R: Solfège; Note Names, Alberti Base with bass clef on E, B, C; Intervals, 3rds vs. 5ths, 6ths.

T3. 8/16/23–3rd WED—5:00 pm: WHITE THEORY—Billie Mayer, Mark Alford, Sara Vargas(ZOOM): chord names: chords on I=Tonic, II=Supertonic, III=Mediant, IV=Subdominant, V=Dominant, VI=Submediant; VII=Leading Note. Alberti bass: 1546/do so mi so on C, F & G.

8/17/23, 3rd THURS—5:00 pm: GREEN THEORY: Pranav G, Olivia C, Clyde H, Cohen M, Sophia C, Bailey V; perfect pitch training, solfège, complex rhythmic syllables, intervals—Thirds vs. 6ths, 5ths vs. octaves, Spelling out chords & Alberti bass; composition preparation—rhythmic questions & answers.

8/24/23, 5:00, 40 min, extra Thursday
GREEN THEORY: Clyde H, Pranav G, Letty S, Zeah L, Ashley V; Scale of D Major; Notes: semibreve, minim, Crochrt, quaver, semiquaver, compose questions & Answers; Intervals: M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7:

Group VIVALDI violin/theory, 8/11/24, 10:30: Amelia, Daniel & Zeah: Minuet 1, Twinkle theme & Var A; scales structure, composing simple tunes.

8/21/23, 3rd Mon Piano group, 5:00 pm: Jacob & Julian V, Pranav G: Scales B, C, d minor: natural, harmonic, melodic minor, broken chords: root, 1st inversion , 2nd inversion; Musette—Jacob, AllegroJulian ,
Ear-training grade 2

8/23/23–11:30 am, 40 m theory, Sara & Billie: rhythm, solfège, intervals, question & answer, ear-training

GROUP Make-up Classes (sign-up, min 2)
V4-8/21/23
1st Thurs 5:45 pm—Violet Violin, 9/7/23–
2nd Thurs 5:45 pm—Orange Piano, 9/14/23–
3rd Thurs 5:45 pm—Yellow Guitar, 9/21/23–Cohen,
2nd MON—5:00 pm—Bronze Violin, 9/18/ 23–Alondra F,
3rd MON—5:00 pm—Piano group, 10/23/23–
4th MON—5:00 pm—Platinum Guitar, 10/30/23
2nd FRI—10:30 am—Vivaldi Violin, 9/15/23

Preparing for Apprentice, Musician, Champion, Superstar, Bach, Beethoven, Brahms & BARTOK tests.
V6-8/17/23
Maximum points 150; Passing 100-119; Merit 120-129; DISTINCTION 120-150
A. Three pieces, better to memorize; play on pitch, correct rhythms, good sound and interesting expression. Each piece is 30 points; 20-22 = passing, 23-26=merit; 27-30= Distinction.
B. Scales & Broken Chords (21 points) in keys of A, D and G for violin; C, G, D for piano; D, G, C for cello. From 1 octave. Total 21 points 1. Scales (ladder): 1 octave= 8 notes, from Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do. 1-2 34 5 6 78-7 6 5 43 2 1–; two half steps are Mi Fa, 34 and Ti Do, 78, the rest are five Whole steps. Arpeggios (like a harp) are Do Mi So Do So Mi Do/1 3 5 8 5 3 1. For piano—Broken chords: 135, 35i, 5 i iii i—; iii i 5, i 5 3, 531 5–.
C. Sight reading—play a few bars of new music never practiced, or compose or improvise a tune. (21 points)
D. Aural (18 points): differentiate 2-time vs. 3-time by clapping the beat; sing/echo 3 simple phrases; listen to changes in notes at beginning or end of a phrase; describe 2 elements of volume (piano vs Forte); staccato vs. legato, change from piano to forte whether gradual or sudden.
KERN BRANCH MTAC DRESS CODE GUIDELINES OPTIONAL: print out a copy to sign and give to Dr Andy Ng.

Recitals MTAC
V3–8/24/23
Dear students/parents,
Please join and prepare for as many recitals & scholarships in this list as possible. Last year, no student was awarded the high school scholarships. This year it will awarded to a high school student, which will be decided by application form and audition.
Please record the date, location, as well as the name of your solo(s) of your performances for recitals, church, nursing homes & MSSL which will be used to determine the youth awards for students in Grades K - 12.
MTAC RECITALS/EVENTS IN 2023/2024
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION/INFORMATION
1. Thursday, September 7, 2023
September Recital Registration Due $5
Due to Andy Ng
Sunday, September 24
September Recital
Mill Creek Christian Church 1:30 pm
2. Thursday, September 28
Jazz/Pop Festival Registration Due $20 (with judging & medallion?)
Due to Andy Ng
Saturday, October 14
Jazz/Pop Festival
Beale Library Auditorium ( Matthew Lewy)
3. Thursday, October 12
MSSL (Music Students Service League) Halloween Recital Registr. Registration
Due to Andy Ng (no fee)
Saturday, October 28
MSSL Halloween Recital
Beale Library Auditorium
4. Thursday, November 9
November Recital Registration Due $5
Due to Andy Ng
Sunday, November 19
November Recital
Mill Creek Christian Church
5. Thursday, November 23
MSSL Holiday Recital Registration
Due to Andy Ng (no fee)
Saturday, December 9
MSSL Holiday Recital
Edwards Theater @ Marketplace
Friday, January 12, 2024
Teacher Recital
First Presbytarian Church 6:30pm
6. Thursday, January 11, 2024
January Recital Registration Due $5
Due to Andy Ng
Sunday, January 21
January Recital
Mill Creek Christian Church
7. Thursday, January 25
Winter Festival Registration Due $20
Due to Andy Ng
Saturday, Februrary 10
Winter Festival
Beale Library Auditorium
8. Thursday, February 22
Baroque Festival Registration Due $20 to Andy Ng
Saturday, March 9
Baroque Festival
California Keyboards
9. Thursday, Feb 29
Select Student Recital Apps Due (level 6+)
Due to Tasha McJunkin after review with Andy Ng
Saturday, March 16
Select Student Recital Auditions
By Appointment
Friday, April 12
Select Student Recital(s) (min 15 mins by memory)
TBA
Monday, April 1
Scholarships (YOUTH AWARDS--UP TO $40.00; HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SELECTED BY AUDITION)
APPLICATIONS DUE FROM STUDENT (BY MAIL) Applications
Due to Alicia Ellsworth after review with Andy Ng
Saturday, April 13
Scholarship Auditions
By Appointment
10. Thursday, April 11
Honors/April Recital Registration Due $5 FOR REGULAR RECITAL. NO FEE FOR HONORS RECITAL.
Due to Andy Ng
Sunday, April 21
Honors/April Recital
Mill Creek Christian Church
11. Thursday, April 18
Showcase Recital Registration
Due to Andy Ng (no fee)
Sunday, May 5
Showcase and Awards Recital (certificates/vouchers)
Mill Creek Christian Church
GEMS from E-newsletter 3, May, 2022
Refer a friend or family member for music lessons and earn $30 music lessons rebate/discount as a referral reward for each new student who joins our family at least 3 months. They will also receive a $30 music lessons rebate/discount too on their 4th month. Thank you for your referrals.
From E-newsletter 6 & 7
WEBSITE: DrAndyNgML.mymusicstaff.com
You should receive an email with login for student or parent portal.
PLEASE LOG YOUR PRACTICE TIME on the website. Aim for 30 minutes daily Monday-Friday.
You can check for private and group lesson schedule and sign up for make-up group lessons & group theory classes. You can get lesson notes and current and past e-newsletters.
You can also sign up for automatic payment for monthly lesson fees with any credit card using stripe best of all—no convenience fees.
GEMS From E-newsletter 9-B
What you learn from Dr Andy Ng music lessons?
Cello:
1. Hold cello and bow with bow exercises for strong fingers.
2. Get the best tone by using the bow on the best sound point.
3. Play on tune with excellent pitch, proper rhythm & correct technique.
4. Read music for cello in bass, treble and tenor clefs
5. Enjoy playing simple folk tunes by memory.
Guitar & Ukelele
1. Hold the guitar or ukelele, strum & pluck the strings with right thumb and three fingers. (PIMA)
2. Play chords accompanying folk songs like Twinkle2 Little Star & popular songs.
3. Read notes and play simple scales and arpeggios.
4. Enjoy entertaining with solos pieces and accompanying others.
Piano
1. Sight read keyboard music using “Place Specific Names” as the brain actually reads music.
2. Play scales, arpeggios and easy folk songs like “Twinkle2 Little Star,” “Amazing Grace,”
3. Learn rhythmic syllables & Sol-Fa, helping you play new pieces
4. Develop perfect pitch and form chords to accompany, improvise & compose original music.
5. Sight read songs and perform for recitals and music tests.
Viola and Violin
1. Hold bow and instrument properly with warm-up exercises and bow exercises.
2. Get the best sound by using the bow on the best sound point of the string.
3. Play on tune with excellent pitch and correct technique using color patterns.
4. Read music with rhythmic syllables, Sol-Fa & “Place Specific Names.”
5. Play beautifully with vibrato and bowing “out and in” rather than “down and up.”
Bonuses:
1. Music theory group classes help perform, compose, conduct, appreciate & understand music.
2. Ear training in private & group lessons develop perfect pitch and talented performance.
3. Free make-up group lessons prepare for performing without stage-fright for recitals & auditions.
4. Lesson Notes are emailed with start & stop times, techniques, helpful mantras, to be copied in your “music for life” notebooks.
5. Motivation to practice include: monthly awards, quarterly tests with wristbands, certificates & practice buddies & stickers for music notebooks.
6. Students can learn one instrument and experiment with a different instrument to find their instrument of specialty.
7. Prepare for tests/exams to earn certificates from MTAC (Music Teachers Association of California) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music).
GEMS From E-newsletter 13-B,
Theory Study Guide 12.2, March 2023, revised 3/3/23
Part A: Solfège songs:
1. Seesaw Up & down, In the sky and on the ground—So Mi—5 3, 55 3, 55 33 55 3;
2. You Cannot Catch Me: You Cannot Catch Me- So Mi La So Mi—5 36 5 3, 55 36 5 3.
3. Happy Birthday 2: starts on SO (If C Major, starts on G) (Bold means octave higher) 3/4: 55 | 6 5 1 | 7 -, 55 | 6 5 2 | 1 -, 55 | 5 3 1 | 7 6 -, 44 | 3 1 2 | 1 - || SO SO LA SO DO* TI -, SO SO LA SO RE DO -, SO SO SO* MI* DO* TI LA -, FA* FA* MI* DO* RE* DO*-. (TIM-KA TA TA TA (3rd time TA) TWO-OO, (4 times).
4. Beethoven’s 9th; C Major, 4/4, Cut time= 2/2: 3345 | 5432 | 1123 | 3. 2 2- , |3345 | 5432 | 1123 | 2.1 1- ,| 2231 | 23431 | 23432 | 12 5 - , | 3345 | 5432 | 1123 | 2.1 1- || (Italic = octave below)
5. Wagner’s Bridal March (G Major, 4/4): 5 1. 1 1 - | 5 2. 7 1 - | 5 1. 3 4 3.2 | 1 21 7. 1 2 - | 5 1. 1 1 - | 5 2. 7 1 - | 5 1. 3 5 3. 1 | 6- 54 32 | 1 - - - ||
6. Star-Spangled Banner: (Bold means octave higher, Italic means 2 octaves higher; “Tim-ka”; A Major, 3/4: 53 | 1 3 5 | 1 - 32 | 1 3 4# | 5 - , 55 | 3 . 2 1 | 7 - 67 | 1 1 5 | 3 1 , 53 | 1 3 5 | 1 - 32 | 1 3 4# | 5 - , 55 | 3 . 2 1 | 7 - 67 | 1 1 5 | 3 1 , 33 | 3 4 5 | 5 - , 43 | 2 3 4 | 4 - , 4 | 3. 2 1 | 7 - 67 | 1 3 4# | 5 - , 5 | 1 1 1 7 | 6 6 6 | 2 43 21 | 1 7-, 55 | 1. 2 34 | 5 1 —, 12 | 3. 4 2 | 1 - ||
Part B:
1. Intervals: Major 2nd= Bumble Bee, Major 3rd = Cuckoo; Perfect 4th = Grasshopper; Perfect 5th = Quacky; Major 6th = Froggy; Major 7th = Donkey. What plus what = Octave? M2 & m7; M3 & m6; P4 & P5.
2. Scales in Thirds: 1 3, 2 4, 3 5, 4 6, 5 7, 6 1, 7 2, 1 3; 3 1, 2 7, 1 6, 7 5, 6 4, 5 3, 4 2, 3 1;
3. Scales in Fourths: 1 4, 2 5, 3 6 4 7 5 1, 6 2 7 3 1 4; 4 1, 3 7, 2 6, 1 5, 7 4, 6 3, 5 2, 4 1 .
4. Happy (H) Major 3rd or Sad (s) minor 3rd: *=octave higher:
1 3–H, DO MI, DO MAY—s
2 4– s, RE FA; RE FI—H
3 5– s, MI SO, MI SI—H
4 6– H, FA LA, FA LAY-s
5 7– H, SO TI, SO TAY-s
6 1* — s, LA DO*, LA DI*-H
7 2* —s, TI RA*, TI RI -H
1* 3* — H, DO* MI*, DO* MAY*-s
Part C—Rhythmic syllables:
1. USA vs INTERNATIONAL: whole note=Semibreve, half note=minim, quarter note=crochet, 8th note=quaver, 16th note=semiquaver.
2. Whole note=TAY-AY-AY-AY; Dotted half note=TOY-OY-OY; Half note= TWO-OO; 4 Quarter notes = TA TA TA TA; 2 Eighth Notes = TI-TI; 4 SIXTEENTH notes = TIKA TIKA;
3. Triplets/three 8th Notes= TRI-O-LA; Dotted 8th & 16th notes = TIMKA (slow fast) TiKAM (fast slow) Others: TI-TIKA, TIKA-TI, TIKA-TIKA TI-TI.
4. HOMEWORK: Write out rhythmic syllables for one of your exam pieces. For example: TA TA TA TA TA TA TWO-OO(6 times)
Extra: Happy Birthday for 1st time learners, F Major—starts on C DO:
11 | 2 1 4 (Grasshopper)| 3 -,
11 | 2 1 5 (Quacky) | 4 -, 11 |(Octave) 8 (cuckoo) 6 (cuckoo) 4 | (bumblebee) 3 (bumblebee) 2 -, (B flat) 77 | 6 4 5 | 4 -.
DO DO RE DO FA MI, DO DO RE DO SO FA, DO DO DO* LA FA MI RE, TAY TAY (not TI) LA FA SO FA.
Part 4: Meter—2/4, 3/4, 4/4=Common Time; Cut time = 2/2.
1. Happy Birthday-3/4, triple meter
2. Star-Spangled banner—3/4, triple time
3. Beethoven’s 9th—-4/4, Common time/ “C”
4. Wagner’s Bridal March—4/4, Common time/“C”
5. Seesaw Up & down—2/4, duple time
6. Twinkle—4/4
7. Lightly Row—2/4 or 4/4?
8. Song of the Wind—2/4
9. Minuet 1–3/4
10. Long2 Ago—2/4
Part 5: Copy Bach piece like Minuet OR one exam piece per month for awards.
