Tuesday, March 18, 2025 by Debra B Heald | Uncategorized

Saturday, 5 April is the date for the Lincoln Area Federation Festival. Like last year, my colleague and I will host a festival in Lincoln. So the "Live" festival will be at Antelope Park Church of the Brethren, 3645 Sumner Street in Lincoln on April 5. (The back of the church faces Normal Blvd.)

I am planning for most of my students to perform for the judge and also take the Theory Test. Every performer will play TWO pieces. If you can't perform in person for any reason, you can record a video. Theory test may be taken online or in the studio if you are not attending the Festival.

If your name is listed below, I am planning to have you participate in some way! Most students are already working on repertoire to perform that day. There is also a theory test taken the same day. To facilitate your planning, I have included a list of students at the bottom of this email regarding theory, memorized solos, and not memorized solos and duets.

Please note that some students are entering more than one performance entry.

Parents and other friends or family are invited to watch your performance! You will be in a small group with other students, so the performance is not long, and very low stress as there is not a big crowd. 

You may come and take the test any time that day between approximately 8:30am and 12:00 noon, or approximately 1:00 to 4:00pm

Entry fees are:

Solos - $20.00

Duet - $40.00

Theory - $12.00

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask me!

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  Monday, July 8, 2024 by Debra B Heald | Uncategorized

Scheduling for fall will be similar to last year. Lessons will be consolidated to FOUR days a week. Because of this, I am not accepting any new students other than siblings at this time. I do have a long waiting list for new students, and so this is why I ask for a firm commitment from returning students to register for the 2024-25 "piano year". Lessons will not be regularly scheduled on Tuesdays. My "unscheduled day" may occasionally be used for a rescheduled lesson, or for me to travel to Omaha/Ft. Calhoun for in person lessons.  
 
What does everyone need to do?

• Sign up on the calendar on July 31 (registration)
• Send me an email if you already know what day/time you are available (or if you want to keep your day/time from 2023-24)
• Pay first tuition installment. 
• Monthly tuition paid before August 1 will give you a $50 credit on June 2025 installment. Semester or yearly payments will be discounted by $100 for the year ($50 per semester).
• Encore Studio Tuition for more information

Also, ALL students must be prepared to have at least an occasional online lesson, due to either student or teacher minor illness, scheduling conflict, or teacher travel away from studio.

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Friday, March 31, 2023 by Debra B Heald | Uncategorized

Some Festival participants are submitting recorded entries! So here are some tips for recording:

• Keep it simple, use what you have. Almost every phone/tablet has the option of a video recording. Choose a high quality recording if option is available. For best results, Mom, Dad, sibling, or other person helps start and stop recording.
• If possible, use a similar view to what we use for lessons. Student's face, hands, and as much of the keyboard as possible should be in the frame. If pedal is used, the foot on the pedal should be visible in the same frame. For memorized piano solos, make sure the music rack WITH NO MUSIC is visible in the frame. (So that it's clear you are playing by memory.)
• Please record VERTICALLY if at all possible. (This may be a change from your normal lesson setup. If you are using pedal, this may be the only way your feet can be in the view.)
• It will be best if the recording device is stationary - on the stand or music stand you normally use for lessons, rather than handheld. HOWEVER, if you can't get the above frame from your normal location, have the person taking the video hold in their hand if needed.
• Wear decent clothes (no short shorts, t-shirts with graphics, tank tops, flip-flops etc) and if you want, you can dress up. Keep in mind you will want to wear the same clothes for multiple "takes" so that both pieces appear "live".
• Please announce your name, your event/level (i.e. "Piano Solo" and "Primary 3") and the name of the piece. I will be sending individual emails/messages with your level information.
• Please record the pieces separately - this helps everyone with quicker upload/download.
• Here's a rough idea of how you want your view (It could be lower and more to the side):

If possible, please upload to youtube as "unlisted" and send me the links. Here is a short video on how to do that: upload unlisted video to youtube. If that is a problem for you, hang onto your "best" performances and I will let you know in a few days where to upload your final recordings.

Thanks!
Debra

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