Month: September 2020

Upbeat app settings

Posted on by Williams

Thanks for your patience and perseverance at the group lesson! I’ve become more acquainted with the Upbeat app. Please follow the steps to make it work better and reduce glitchiness!

Pre-class to dos:

  • Find a location with a strong WiFi signal.
  • Get the latest Chrome version at chrome://help.
  • Close all windows and internet tabs.
  • Plug in your computer during class.
  • Chromebook users, turn on Hyper-Threading:
    • Go to chrome://flags.
    • Search “Schedule Configuration.”
    • Choose “Enables Hyper-Threading on relevant CPU’s or Performance.”
    • Restart.
  • Enable Hardware Acceleration:
    • Go to chrome://settings.
    • Search “Hardware Acceleration.”
    • Toggle on “Use hardware acceleration.”
    • Restart.

Setup and Calibration (during class)

  • Enter room.
  • Plug headphones into the computer and put them on.
  • Click Setup
  • Click Get Started
  • Click Start Recording.
  • Wait for the 8 beat count-off.
  • Play or pluck on the beat.
  • Click Continue or Redo if needed.
  • Listen to playback.
  • Calibrate: slide the yellow sound file to abut the first bold green line.
  • Click Done.
  • Video instructions if you prefer:

Recording yourself (during class)

  • This info is for Cello Jellos only. Cello Phil will use a different recording method.
  • Put on and plug in headphones.
  • Click Record.
  • Click Continue.
  • My video will appear.
  • Click Start Recording.
  • Wait for count-off and start playing when I do.
  • While you play, I will be on your screen and you will hear me through the headphones. Play along with me as best as you can.
  • Click Stop Recording.
  • Click Continue or Redo if needed.
  • Calibrate: slide your yellow sound file to match with mine. Listen and slide until it matches perfectly.
  • Click Done.
  • An uploading announcement should appear.
  • Video instructions if you prefer.

Important info for 2020-21

Posted on by Williams

Welcome, or welcome back! Despite the many challenges and unknowns caused by the pandemic, I am very excited about this year of cello!

Group schedule and studio calendar

The group lesson schedule and studio calendar is here. It is also posted on the Students and Families Category.

You will notice that groups and concerts are virtual for 2020 and in-person for 2021. This is subject to change, but it is my hope. 🙂 Please take a moment to mark down all of the concert dates.

Group lessons

Group lessons begin Monday, 9/14. Below is the music we will be working on in preparation for our Fall Concert. Cello Philharmonic members, please print the attached music.

Cello Jellos:

  • Taka Taka Tee Tee
  • Twinkle Theme
  • Lightly Row
  • Allegro (92)
  • Long, Long Ago (58)
  • Rigadoon (96)

Cello Philharmonic:

  • Advanced Twinkle (at 66)
    • Cello I: BeBo, BrCz, ChBl, DrLu, HeCu, LuFr, MaTa, MaGr
    • Cello II: AmPe, ArRa, MiTa, SaPo, SeMo
    • Theme: Peter
  • King William’s March (at 84)
    • Cello I: AmPe, ArRa, BeBo, ChBl, HeCu, LuFr, MaTa, MiTa, SaPo, SeMo
    • Cello II: BrCz, DrLu, MaGr, Peter
  • Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (at 92)
    • Cello I: ArRa, BrCz, ChBl, HeCu, LuFr, MaTa, MaGr, MiTa, SeMo, SaPo
    • Cello II: AmPe, BeBo, DrLu, Peter
  • Fisher’s Hornpipe (at 108)
    • Cello I: BeBo, BrCz, DrLu, LuFr, MaGr
    • Cello II: Peter

Upbeat Music app

Groups will be virtual on a new app called Upbeat Music. Every Monday afternoon, you will be emailed a room invite. You needn’t download an app; simply join the room using a PC or iPad. The app has some cool features that will enhance learning, but it will require parent assistance at first. Please read instructions and complete steps here.

Cello X schedule

The Cello X schedule is posted on the Cello eXperiment Category. Please mark your calendars and let me know asap if you have conflicts. Members are allowed three absences per year. Our first rehearsal is this Friday, 9/18, at 6:30-8:30 (note the new time). Please bring a stand, your Cello X binder and follow the arrival procedures.

  • Members will enter and unpack one person at a time. Do not enter when you arrive, but call me at (206) 715-1272.
  • Apply hand sanitizer before entering (provided).
  • Wear a mask at all times.
  • Remain distanced during rehearsal. Chairs will be placed 6 feet apart and the space will be ventilated.
  • Apply hand sanitizer when you leave.

Tuition

Tuition is due by the 7th of each month. Please pay on time to avoid a late fee. Tuition rates are on the front page of my site here (scroll to the bottom).

  • I accept Venmo payments @Peter-Williams-111.
  • Checks may be mailed to me at 9750 4th Ave NW #A, Seattle, 98117.

Parent responsibilities

Posted on by Williams

Parent role in the lesson

  • Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your lesson.
  • If needed, assist your child with unpacking his or her cello.
  • Please sit behind your child and take complete notes, preferably with pencil and paper. Use my practice charts to take lesson notes – they help with staying organized and practicing at home.
  • This is my time to work with your child, so there should be no interruption unless asked.
  • Pay on time.
  • The parent that practices with the child at home, or the “home teacher,” should attend every lesson.

Parent role at home

  • Practice regularly with your child — 5-7 days per week.
  • Use my practice and listening charts for motivation and to stay organized and engaged in practice.
  • Choose a regular practice time — preferably in the mornings when your child is not tired.
  • On busy days, remember that a short practice is better than not practicing at all!
  • Listen to the CD daily.
  • Display an interest in your child’s practice and stay engaged!
  • Learn how to tune the cello.
  • Do not allow your child to progress beyond my speed.
  • Use specific praise, not general praise.
  • Praise the smallest progress! Playing the cello is not easy, so their perseverance depends on positive reinforcement. Remember – it is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Make it fun!