"This is cool" . . . In the zone with black key Improv!

This afternoon during the 2:00 adult RMM class, we were improvising with voices chosen by the students. One of the ladies in class always groans when we get ready to improvise. After a few minutes, I suggested we try some voices: shamisen, koto, pan flute, shakuhachi and harp. I said, "Let's listen carefully to each voice and decide how each of our instruments fits into the orchestra." The shakuhachi (a toned bamboo instrument) kept the beat. The harp plucked 2 notes at a time and played occasional glissandos. The pan flute played long sustained tones. We were all transported to a different place - we were in the zone. This improv sounded like a soundtrack from a movie. As I was observing smiling faces, obviously caught up in the moment, totally enjoying themselves, I happened to glance at the lady who usually complains about improvising. She caught my eye and I read her lips, she whispered, "This is cool." Did I mention, I love my work!

The RMM Journey for Facilitators

I just returned from MTNA National Convention at Disneyland. We were so fortunate to have had a dedicated track for RMM on Pedagogy Saturday. It was wonderful to hear inspiring and heartwarming stories of how music had changed the lives of students. And how the experience of facilitating RMM classes had changed the lives of teachers. As I visited with many talented professionals who had been touched by the message of Recreational Music Making, I was reminded of my own journey. The transformation doesn't happen instantly for most. It seems to start with a resonating message; music has the power to change lives. Did I want to invest my life teaching people to play the piano or did I want to be involved in changing lives. My philosophical evolution took several years - and RMM facilitating has now become my mission. If you're an RMM facilitator on 'the journey', be patient with yourself. There are thousands of people who are just waiting for someone like you to give them permission to play the piano.

Redefining Success! Successful Students - Successful Facilitators

Our classes for kids, teens and adults follow a "Participation" model of Recreational Music Making (RMM). Each class is an independent, non-sequential musical experience. Our objectives: 1) Students will have FUN! 2) Students will be engaged in motivating, musical activities, and, 3) Students will take ownership of their class, as a group. These objectives are measurable! Are students laughing? Are students focused? Are students offering ideas for tunes they want to play or tunes they want to learn next? These objectives are carefully considered as we strive to meet our Studios Mission Policy: It is our mission to encourage independent, life-long music makers by encouraging a love for music and a passion for music making, allowing students to play music they choose at any level of proficiency. If our mission statement is accomplished for our students, then, our students are SUCCESSFUL! And if we, as RMM facilitators, have helped our students get to this place, we are SUCCESSFUL! Happy Teaching! Happy Playing!

In RMM you can't get behind - It's not a race!

We're back in full swing with classes! Thursday night one of our adult students, who has been out of class since before Christmas break, was back in class. After class, she mentioned that she'd been apprehensive about returning . . . afraid that she would be too far behind to catch up. She was pleasantly relieved to find that she was able to play with the class and have a good time. Debra Perez used to say something like, "RMM (Recreational Music Making) is not a race - you can't get behind." This student's comments were a reminder as an RMM facilitator to continue spiraling back and to always be mindful of a comfortable pace for each student and for the class as a whole. Happy New Year Everyone! Happy Teaching!

WillBailyPianoTunes.com is now on Facebook

Just a quick invite - Check out our new Facebook page! While we'll continue to share video and thoughts about traditional and RMM teaching here on this Blog. The Facebook page will be easier for teachers to share ideas and comment about posts. The forum is completely open. Also, some free music and sound files are available on the website. Check us out at WillBailyPianoTunes.com and don't forget to click 'like' if you like. Happy New Year!!!

Brielle plays "Ukrainian Bell Carol" from WillBailyPianoTunes.com

Abbie and Talera play "Dragon Fly Ballet" side-by-side from Way Cool Keyboarding 4 Kids - Book 2