Blitz News - December 2008

By Samantha Coates

Greetings music teachers!

Here we are, at the end of another year already, and what an exciting year it has been! I am especially delighted to inform you of the release of two new books and a series of exciting summer workshops.

Blitz Your Practical Exams with Two New Books

HOW TO BLITZ! SIGHT-READING

Piano teachers, this will knock your socks off! Have you ever heard your student say "I'd like to do sightreading now" during a lesson? Well times are about to change!

An exciting new book for piano students (co-written with my friend and colleague Michelle Madder), "How to Blitz! Sight-Reading" provides a clear, structured approach to sight-reading practice with clear goals and rewards. It breaks down the elements of sight-reading in a way that no other book on the market does.

Most importantly though... it is fun!

It is packed with goodies which will make it irresistible for your students. Available at all good music stores for the great value of $29.95

HOW TO BLITZ! GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

An essential book for all instrumental teachers, this is the first book ever written to help students and teachers Blitz those last minutes of their practical exam. Co-written with another dear friend and colleague of mine Abe Cytrynowski, author of the Scalecard system, "How to Blitz! General Knowledge" will assist students in avoiding that last-minute stress of learning lots of information just before the exam. The book is packed with useful material such as form, titles, styles, information on composers, definitions of foreign-language terms and a guide on how to prepare for the exam. Don't miss out! Get it from your music retailer for only $29.95

Summer Workshops: Everything But The Pieces!

If you only get to one workshop this year, this should be it! Together with Abe Cytrynowski (yes—two presenters!), I will present a fresh approach to teaching ‘everything but the pieces’: SCALES, SIGHT-READING, AURAL AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. Call a retailer listed below to reserve your spot for this unmissable workshop!

AMEB News: Changes to Set Works

The changes to AMEB set works for 2009 include new folk songs in Grades 1-4 and new chamber and vocal works in Grade 5. Visit www.blitzbooks.com.au. for the following information:
• Full details of the changes to the Theory and Musician-ship syllabuses
• Analyses of the new works
• Replacement pages of the set works section in ‘How to Blitz! Grade 5 Musicianship’
• Suggested answers for replacement pages

How to Improve Aural Skills

When it comes to a good ear, it seems that some students ‘just have it’ and others do not. However, there are some tips and techniques which are useful for everyone, especially those students who find the aural aspect of music a bit harder. Like any physical sport, aural skills cannot be crammed, but should rather be developed with time and that magic word... practise. I am planning to talk about all of this and more in the upcoming workshops. Not only this, all workshop attendees receive a free booklet on aural test teaching tips! See page 2 (opposite) for 2009 Summer workshop details. I hope to see you there!