The Songs in My Life ~ I Need Thee Every Hour

How wonderful when my "work life" coincides with my personal life.  You want to learn how to play "I Need Thee Every Hour"?  Why, yes, let's do that!  I can't think of a song I sing more because..."I need Thee every hour...!"

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Enjoy this version... by Fernando Ortego  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIMDcgrF-Q&list=RDtZIMDcgrF-Q&index=1

I need Thee every hour,

Most gracious Lord.

No tender voice like thine,

Can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh I need Thee

Every hour I need Thee!

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee!

I need Thee every hour,

Stay thou nearby.

Temptations lose their pow'r

When thou are nigh.

I need Thee, oh I need Thee

Every hour I need Thee!

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee!

I need Thee every hour,

In joy or pain.

Come quickly and abide,

Or life is vain.

I need Thee, oh I need Thee

Every hour I need Thee!

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee!

Thank you for visiting ~ Reia

Piano Lessons ~ There's a Song for Everyone!

I've taught Piano for over 35 years now.  I've lost count of the precious people (really young to not so young) that have passed my way.  Thanks to Facebook I'm able to follow a lot of them.

My disclaimer is - I teach the way I wish I'd been taught so many may not agree with my methods or my thoughts.  I'm okay with that.  I teach to create music lovers as well as piano players.

As the years roll by I've collected some really great memories.  I've also developed some "tricks of the trade" that have worked for me.

Here are a few to pass along - the ideas can be used for other areas of learning as well.

Photo by Rachel Loughman on Unsplash

1)  If you wouldn't enjoy doing it during the week, your student sure won't.  Find something that will hold their attention for their assignment.

2)  It doesn't have to be performed perfectly.  Sometimes "good enough" is just right.

3)  There are hidden gems inside each of us.  Spend the time to help the student find it and develop it.  You'll never regret it!

4)  Skipping ahead is often the best path in learning.  I've learned to follow my students' passions.  Some like Church music, some like Jazz and some like Disney.  Go with it - they're developing their skills and you look really great in their eyes!

5)  After studying various series of learning (John Thompson, Piano Adventures, Alfred's, etc.), there's no perfect time to teach certain aspects.  So let the student learn what they're interested in.  There have been plenty of times we've skipped sections of a book because a student wanted to learn a certain song.  It's okay - learning is learning & there isn't a perfect time to figure out sharps, flats, etc.

6)  Use today's technology - I've had great success with online lessons (Skype, Oovoo, FaceTime, etc.).  Give it a whirl - it may work for you also.

7)  It's not just about teaching piano.  Sometimes you're the "Aunt", "Gramma", "Ear" they need - listen to their hearts and their words.  As a teacher we have a lot to offer.  Be there for your student.  It's worth the time!

I'm sure there's more I can say but I'll leave it here for today.  I'm a teacher - I teach.  If someone has a question, I help them figure it out.  It just comes natural.  If I can help you, please contact me.

Thanks for visiting ~ Reia

It's Been a Week!

Some weeks float by and some weeks stampede you like a herd of elephants just ran over you.  I'm doing my best to make good use of the last few days we have before school begins again.

My career path often means periods of little if any income so to think that school will begin soon makes me smile & think we'll be able to keep our bills paid.  That said - I'm thankful for the money I saved up for Summer & the down time I have to get things ready for my "busy season".

Choir wise - I was able to create a "Rehearsal cd" for my choirs and for others that want to learn the songs that I'm incorporating into our portfolio of songs.  I don't know if I have a favorite but this song keeps going through my head & I keep singing it.

  If God Is For Us

Piano student wise - I've been finding new songs, etc. for my students.  I've want to keep them motivated and excited about adding new skills, etc.

I hope your week was smooth & you're ready for a fantastic week ahead!

Thanks for visiting! ~ Reia