Piano - Keyboard - Voice
Violin - Viola - Cello
Electric Guitar - Accoustic Guitar - Electric Bass
Theory - Composition
Individual Projects
All levels and ages welcome!
Foothills Music Academy - To Catch a Fish!
My daughter fishing in Anchorage Alaska
Foothills Music Academy is a unique place to learn.
We use the analogy of learning to fish when describing Foothills Academy's approach to teaching.
The traditional teacher instructs the student by having them mimic or write in the note-names on the music. The student then proceeds to "memorize" and play by rote a beautiful piece of music, but only as the teacher has taught it. They are insecure in attempting to play a piece of music they have not seen before, create their own music or arrange a piece and make it uniquely their own. Much like receiving a beautiful fish but without the knowledge of where to find a good fishing hole or how to care and feed eventually it dies.
We like to teach our students how to fish, meaning they understand the logic as well as artistry behind the music and are not afraid to try new fishing holes! Not all students excel in reading music or following the theory rules, but they can all excel at creating their own music. Sometimes the fish is not the prettiest, nor the fastest, but it is the healthiest and will continue to survive years after the student has caught it.
Our goal is that each of our students will pass on the knowledge of how to fish...
-Catherine
Foothills Music Chamber Orchestra - Come Play Year Round!
Foothills Music Academy Youth Chamber Orchestra!
What is a chamber orchestra?
During the Middle-Ages, Baroque and Classical periods, friends would gather and play their favorite musical works in either their private homes or "chambers" of their employers.
( very much like "Guitar Hero" today in our bonus rooms). Thus it is often referred to as "music of friends"
Unlike school orchestra, or practicing alone in one's bedroom, chamber group encourages close friendships as well as leadership. Chamber music generally consists of 2 up to 8 musicians on a piece of music, which allows for great flexibility and fun as each musician is able to take pride in being a significant contributor to the final sound. There will also be opportunities for all the musicians to join together as one large musical family.
Throughout the year we will have numerous opportunities to play; many will be intimate settings. I have already lined-up an opportunity for the Holiday season at a local art gallery!
Story Behind Foothills Music Chamber Orchestra
In the spring of 2009 I had the opportunity to play at the Riverside Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. During my lunch break, I wandered down the hill and heard music coming from an upstair window. The name on the building: "Manhattan School of Music". I watched as young musicians walked in and out with their parents, as well as older musicians joining up with friends on the sidewalk with their instruments and music books. At one distinct moment, through an open window, I heard a teacher and student discussing a musical passage and then listened as they put it into practice playing a beautiful duet.
At that moment I knew I wanted to have a place where students of all levels, from many cities, could come together and make "music of friends".
Registration and Information: (click on image to enlarge and print)
New Friends at Piano Camp...
Another great camp! Completely different than strings, since we wrote much of our own music!
Composers hard at work on..."WWIII"
We each wrote 8 bars of music in the key of A minor (started in key of C major, but everyone naturally converted to A minor without knowing, just following their ear) in 4/4 time. We combined everyone's part in different orders, and discussed how music follows a form: Example: A B A B1 C B2 C A. Each 8 bars was different, emphasizing octave jumps, different rhythm combinations and of course, unique sounds on the keyboard.
After the piece was put together, they all decided it sounded like WWIII for each section seemed to come from a different country, and of course Dan wrote his sounding like a helicopter!
Having snack on the front porch area
Listening to The Entertainer on the Player Piano
We had just discussed Scott Joplin and how he is recorded on player piano rolls from 1917.
He was not considered a good pianist, but a pioneer in composing. We also did a little primitive Karaoke...the words are printed on the old rolls. Everyone got into it!
Many pianists are musical and play more than one instrument.
We had a bassoon and oboe join in on our ensemble pieces.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this a fun camp!
Cathy
Curtain up on Second Movement...
WELCOME!
The second movement has started and it is wonderful!
We have our own entrance and relaxing front porch and sitting area for students.
Now when you come in to the studio, you will be greeted by a counter, which allows for privacy for me and my students as well as an organized area for scheduling.
Lots more Room...
We now have a separate work area along with rehearsal rooms.
Although there are lots of new things (like a player piano!), the old beloved things are still here...the organ
... and of course
your wonderful drawings and notes are back on the wall.
Come and visit !!
Catherine
New Friends at Orchestra Camp...
We all arrived as individual musicians, and left as a group of friends who share the love of creating music.
Putting on our final day concert for the parents.
We played music from Handel, Scott Joplin, American Square Dance tunes, French folk songs, and Welsh circle dances.
Playing games, where everyone helps each other.
This teaches teamwork...which definitely is an orchestra!
The one who finishes first always loses in a group of musicians.
If someone is struggling, we all help, for the group is only as strong as its weakest player.
Mike shared about his baritone saxaphone, to show what other instruments make up a Symphony...we wrote a part for him to join in.
We had been listening to Henry Mancini music and picking out the different instruments...
Pink Panther features the saxaphone!!
We also celebrated birthdays!
Brooke played Happy Birthday on her violin as we sang.
The enthusiasm was high, and at the end of the day nobody wanted to pack their instruments to go home - including Emmy and me; especially not at the end of the week!
So, we are going to be starting a Chamber Orchestra in the fall to stay together!!!!
Keep those bows rosined and strings tuned...
Thank you to all the great musicians!
Cathy
Encore! We're adding a second movement!!
Thanks to our ever-growing musical family, our studio is a bit cramped!
July 1 we will be moving from our current 400 sq ft studio into a fabulous 1400 sq ft studio - just downstairs!
In the new studio will have rehearsal rooms as well as a stage. Now we can create an orchestra as well as perform our piano and vocal pieces in an intimate environment.
Emmy Hoech, my colleague and string instructor from the Northshore School District is joining the faculty. I am thrilled! Not only does she work with children all day, but she has her own, which makes her not only fun, but very patient and understanding. And, she loves music!!
I'll keep you posted as we get closer. Be sure and watch for upcoming camps!!
All my best,
Catherine
Young Artist Spotlight
The first Sunday of every month is Young Artist Spotlight. Musicians 18 and under can share their talent from 1:00 to 3:00. This is not just for musical groups, but classical and vocal artists as well. It is a great venue to come and experience a "gig".
It is held at Match Wine and Coffee Bar, 15705 Main St - Duvall Plaza, the same building shared with Foothills Music Academy. The atmosphere is family oriented with great food and coffee. The musicians set-up in front of the fireplace and perform in a very intimate, jazz setting.
Foothills Music provides keyboard, amp, microphone and music stands, all at no cost.
Reservations are required, but easy! Just email or phone me at Foothillsacademy@yahoo.com and let me know what instrument and how much time you would like. This way you are assured a performance time. If you require an accompanist, let me know. I'm happy to accompany for no fee since I want to make this a wonderful, professional opportunity. Especially vocalists, if you have never sung using a professional accompanist, you will experience true artist creativity and expression...plus its fun!!!
A sample of musicians who have performed in the past are: Woodinville High School Sophomore Jazz Ensembles, Junior High pianists, vocalists, cellists, Elementary pianists, High School clarinetists and bassoonists.
I look forward to hearing your talent and hard work!!!
Catherine
Holiday Recital...job well done!
Amazing what some practice does!!!
Since October, we have been practicing our Christmas/Holiday/Chanukah/Classical/Ragtime/Jazz/Improvisational music as well as ensemble groups. What a variety of music...even french horn and bassoon!!
After the recital, I found that most of the students jumped ahead in their progress...some even 2 levels! It is all about playing. I believe it does not matter what you play, as long as you play and love it...and who doesn't love Holiday music. So, we had lots of practice, including many group rehearsals for our special ensemble pieces.
Ensemble playing is not at all like solo work. You do not have the luxury to stop, slow down, speed up, or even play louder than a peer. Although I do not teach group lessons, at recital time I do put together ensembles where each student plays a different part so that they learn the importance of being prepared, listening, following a leader as well as being a good leader for the group is only as good as the least experienced/prepared musician. This is an optional performance for the students, but I have yet to find anyone who doesn't participate. In fact, they are already planning which part they want next year...and some have already seen the new ensemble music and are excited!
During one of our ensemble rehearsals at the Studio
We are all excited about our recital for next year...sure to be another job well done!
Fall off to a huge start!
Playing for fun with friends in the studio!
Many of my students are now young adults. I remember when they were just being introduced to the joy of music! It thrills me that they have kept that love. I have students who I am now teaching to conduct...it is coming full circle!
We never know what exciting, new things fall will bring!
Washington Music Educators Association Award!
Performing at the Northshore Performing Arts Center
Only 35 musical groups from around the state are invited to play at the Washington Music Educators Association convention. This year only 1 elementary orchestra was chosen...and it is my orchestra out of Northshore! This September my colleague and I were notified that we are invited to play at the President's day convention to be held in the Meydenbauer center ballroom in Bellevue. What an honor. This is the first time an elementary orchestra has been chosen. We now have lots of work to do to prepare, but it is a lot of fun!
Way to go kids!!!
Valentine's Day playing the piano! What better love?
One just never knows where a piano will lead you...this time to Yakima, Wa for the WMEA Conference.
Cascade High School's Select Women's Ensemble, Vivace, submitted the recording from their performance in Manhattan, NY, last year. I had the priviledge of playing the piano for this amazing women's vocal group on that recording, and was so proud of them when they were accepted from submittals from across Washington State to perform at the Washington Music Educators Association Conference in Yakima, Wa to represent the best of Washington State Music Ensembles.
Under the directorship of Ms. Laurie Capello, who was awarded Outstanding Washington Music Educator of the year for her region, the girls performed beautifully. They have been asked to submit a recording of this performance to submit for National Music Educator Conference, to be held in Chicago...
The Seasons Performance Center
oh my, I was given the opportunity to play on an outstanding 12-foot Steinway, alongside an outstanding French Hornist!
Theory can be fun!
Who said theory is a bore?
I think of theory as the science behind the music, and when we learn science we often do experiments and have fun "blowing" things up as an alternative form of learning.
I believe we can do the same thing with "music science", but of course, we can't be blowing things up in the studio! Therefore, we play many different types of games from listening quietly in the studio to marching loudly down the hallway.
The Candy Corn Game
This helps a student recognize the notes in 3 different ways...staff, alphabet and keyboard.
The General Music Board Game
This game the students are asked to recognize and define musical terms, musical genres, musical instruments as well as classical to contemporary composers.
Because I do not see music as a competition or a win/lose environment, there are no winners or losers in any of our games. Consequently, the students are so eager to share their knowledge and attempt at answering or helping their fellow game-player, that everyone enjoys the creative and supportive environment!
At times I overlap students so that they realize that music is not always created in a vacuum and is very fun to share! Playing a drum is a lot more fun when someone else is beating out a complimentary or competing rhythm, and without realizing it they learn to correctly notate rhythm.
Often the students are the creators of the games...they are now working on how to incorporate the overhead projector into a game. I already have received some great ideas!
Catherine
Halloween Fun!
A creepy, fun musical time was had by all on Halloween.
The old 1920 reed organ got a chance to blow off its dust and blow through its bellows!
Throughout the building one heard the Phantom of the Opera, Bach's Toccata in D and many other "creepy" original compositions, as our students all joined in playing and singing.
There was always someone "cranking" the organ, handing out candy and playing the organ!
All amongst cobwebs and plastic spiders!
We had sing-a-longs for all ages!
In total, we had nearly 900 "trick-or-treaters" come to our studio and experience music!
A Look Within the Studio...
WELCOME!
When I took piano, my lessons were given on a 9-foot Steinway at our church. I remember how my simple pieces sounded so grand! At home I practiced on a small spinet and looked forward every week to playing on that majestic piano.
Because of that experience, I wanted to create a space that students could bring their much practiced pieces and hear them in all their glory. I do not travel to homes, for unlike a violinist, oboeist...even accordionist, pianists do not have the luxury of taking their instrument with them, so a good pianist must be able to adjust to each piano which is as unique as an individual.
I have played on fine, hand-crafted instruments as well as broken-down, out-of-tune pianos at the missions in Seattle...no matter which piano, I love to play!
Front Counter
Kawai Grand Piano
White Boards/Theory Area
Rehearsal Rooms
1920 Estey Reed Organ
I played church organ in high school and college, playing for many weddings and church services. This particular organ is a 1920 Estey Reed Organ from a church in California. It is a nice change of pace to hear what a Bach piece sounds like when played on the organ. After all, Bach was an organist!
Playing organ involves very different fingering techniques than conventional piano...there is always one or more fingers or a foot holding a key at all times.
Player Piano
Remember Shakey's Pizza? I grew up going to Shakey's and listening to their Dixieland bands along with the magical piano that played by itself.
Well, I have a magical piano...and it plays all types of music. The students have the opportunity to listen to everything from Gershwin playing his own Rhapsody in Blue, Joplin playing The Entertainer and even Little Mermaid or Alladin songs. Yes, they make new rolls for these incredible machines.
Sitting/Waiting Area
Although parents and siblings are not encouraged to stay during lessons, I have an area that students can sit as they wait for their lesson.
The studio is located across the parking lot from a used bookstore, public library, ice cream parlor, downstairs from Match restaurant, and up the hill from the Snoqualmie river sandy beach, so there is much to do while your child enjoys their lesson.
Come by and visit!
Catherine
Back from the Big Apple with Gold!!!
Me and Lady Liberty!
Both pretty tired!!
There has not been a lot of activity at the academy for the last month for I was busy helping Cascade High School prepare for their choral competition in Manhattan, NY. Nearly every day for 2 weeks I drove to Everett and worked with the Choral Conductor as she prepared her 3 vocal groups for National Competition.
After much work, I am happy to report that they came away with Golds in all 3 of their categories.
We all had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at Riverside Baptist Church in Harlem, where Martin Luther King preached
We also had the opportunity to meet and listen to Westpoint.
WOW is all I can say!
A Renoir anyone?
How about some medieval armor?
To see original pianos!
Christophori's is on the left (considered the first predecessor to the modern piano)
Barely had time to see all there was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for we also had Broadway shows to take in!
Off to see "Chicago"...amazing long legs!
(and music too!!)
Surprisingly, the Broadway theatres are very intimate!
I could see every muscle and beautiful smile on the performers!
Best way to end a day is at the largest Hershey and M&M Store!
An M&M junkies paradise!
Now I am working with Timbercrest Junior High in Woodinville to participate in a similar National Competition here in Seattle, at Tillicum Village.
It still amazes me all the opportunities my piano has afforded me...never thought that while practicing all those silly songs and drills!
As I have always believed, my piano is my best friend, and I am glad it took me to the Big Apple for Gold!
Catherine
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