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Upcoming Recital, June 1st at Michelle’s Piano in PDX

Join Us for a Musical Celebration: The Musicality Network’s Upcoming Recital on June 1st

We are thrilled to announce an exciting event that will showcase the talents of our students and celebrate their musical journey. The Musicality Network is hosting a recital on June 1st at 1:00 PM, and you’re invited to join us at Michelle’s Piano in Portland, Oregon.

This recital promises to be a memorable occasion filled with beautiful music and heartfelt performances. It’s an opportunity for our students to share their progress and passion for music with friends, family, and fellow music enthusiasts. Teachers perform at our recitals as well, to inspire their students.

We want to emphasize that attendance at the recital is entirely optional and not mandatory. However, we believe that participating in recitals can greatly benefit students in their musical development. Studies have shown that recitals provide valuable performance experience, boost confidence, and inspire greater dedication to lessons. Plus, they offer a chance for students to connect with each other and form a supportive musical community.

Best of all, there is no cost to attend the recital. We welcome everyone to join us for an afternoon of music and celebration.

Don’t miss out on this special event! Mark your calendars for June 1st at 1:00 PM and join us at Michelle’s Piano in Portland for an unforgettable recital experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

Questions or Comments? Call/text 971-227-4222, or email [email protected]

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The Harmonious Harmony: How Music Lessons Enhance Academic Performance in Kids

Introduction: In the symphony of a child’s development, music education plays a crucial role in tuning their academic performance. Beyond just learning to play an instrument, engaging in piano, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, or voice lessons can orchestrate a myriad of cognitive benefits that resonate far beyond the studio walls. Let’s explore how the rhythm of music can harmonize with academic success in young learners.

Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Learning to play an instrument demands focus, discipline, and memory retention, skills that are transferrable to academic pursuits. Studies have shown that children who receive music lessons exhibit improved cognitive abilities, including enhanced memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s mastering scales on the piano or mastering chords on the guitar, the mental gymnastics involved in music practice can fine-tune a child’s brain for academic excellence.

Boosted Academic Performance: The melody of music can strike a chord in academic achievement. Research suggests that children who engage in music lessons tend to perform better in subjects such as mathematics, language arts, and science. This correlation can be attributed to the cross-disciplinary nature of music education, which involves mathematical concepts in rhythm, linguistic elements in song lyrics, and scientific principles in sound production. By honing their musical abilities, children develop a holistic set of skills that fortify their academic foundation.

Improved Discipline and Time Management: Learning an instrument requires dedication and perseverance. From adhering to a practice schedule to mastering complex compositions, music lessons instill valuable life skills such as discipline and time management. By establishing a routine for practice and setting goals for improvement, children learn the importance of consistent effort—a lesson that extends far beyond the realm of music into their academic endeavors.

Enhanced Social Skills: Music lessons also provide opportunities for collaboration and social interaction. Whether it’s playing in a band or participating in a choir, children learn to communicate, cooperate, and compromise with their peers. These interpersonal skills are invaluable not only in musical settings but also in academic environments, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that enhances learning and personal development.

Conclusion: In the symphony of a child’s education, music lessons play a pivotal role in composing a harmonious melody of academic success. Whether it’s piano, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, or voice lessons, the benefits extend far beyond musical proficiency, enriching cognitive abilities, boosting academic performance, and nurturing essential life skills. If you’re ready to strike the right chord for your child’s future, reach out to us at Musicality Network for a complimentary lesson with one of our experienced music teachers. Call/text us at 971-227-4222 or email [email protected] to schedule your child’s first step towards a harmonious journey of learning and growth. Let’s orchestrate success together!

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The Transformative Power of Music

The Transformative Power of Music: Exploring Its Benefits with The Musicality Network

In addition to the intrinsic benefits of music, accessing quality music education can amplify these advantages. Enter The Musicality Network, a hub for exceptional music lessons designed to unlock your musical potential and reap the rewards of musical engagement.

Why Choose The Musicality Network?

At The Musicality Network, we believe in the transformative power of music education. Our team of experienced instructors is dedicated to providing personalized music lessons tailored to your individual goals and aspirations. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn an instrument or an advanced musician aiming to refine your skills, our comprehensive curriculum caters to learners of all levels and interests.

Experience the Benefits Firsthand

By enrolling in lessons at The Musicality Network, you’ll not only cultivate musical proficiency but also enjoy the myriad benefits associated with musical engagement. From enhancing cognitive function and emotional well-being to fostering social connections and providing a creative outlet, music lessons offer a holistic approach to personal growth and fulfillment.

Contact Us Today

Ready to embark on your musical journey? Reach out today to schedule your free first lesson. You can contact us by calling or texting 971-227-4222, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Our friendly staff will be delighted to assist you in finding the perfect teacher to suit your needs.

Join us at The Musicality Network and discover the transformative power of music for yourself. Let’s embark on this musical adventure together!

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Piano Lessons for Kids and Adults

Discover Piano Lessons in Portland with a Music Teacher from Musicality Network

Welcome to Musicality Network, your premier destination for piano lessons in Portland, Oregon. Our dedicated team of music teachers brings years of experience and a passion for teaching to every lesson, ensuring that students of all levels receive personalized instruction tailored to their individual learning styles and goals.

Why Choose Musicality Network?

  1. Expert Instruction: Our instructors are seasoned musicians with a wealth of knowledge in piano theory, technique, and repertoire. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, our teachers will guide you every step of the way.
  2. Customized Curriculum: We understand that every student is unique. That’s why we offer a tailored curriculum designed to meet your specific needs and aspirations, covering a diverse range of musical genres and styles.
  3. Community Engagement: Join our vibrant community of musicians and participate in recitals, ensemble performances, and workshops. Connect with fellow pianists and gain valuable performance experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.
  4. Innovative Learning: Embrace the latest technology with interactive learning tools and multimedia resources. Whether you prefer in-person or online lessons, we offer a dynamic and engaging approach to piano instruction.
  5. Affordability: Our prices are reasonable, and we accept Credit Cards in addition to Venmo, Ca$hApp and Google Pay.

Unlock Your Musical Potential with Musicality Network

Experience the difference of learning from the best. Sign up for piano lessons with a music teacher from Musicality Network and embark on a journey towards musical excellence. Contact us today to schedule your first lesson!

971-227-4222 (call or text), [email protected]

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The Making of a Grand Piano

Steinway Piano - the making of a grand piano

You may enjoy playing or listening to the piano, but did you ever think about the making of a grand piano? The piano is a hybrid between a string and percussion instrument. The sounds are made with strings, but the strings only makes sounds when something hits them. To amplify the sound, there is a large piece of wood mounted underneath the strings called the soundboard. When the strings vibrate, the soundboard vibrates in resonance. In addition, the lid of the piano helps the sound reflect out toward the listener.

Parts of a Grand Piano

Parts of a Grand Piano

The Unique Construction of Steinway Grand Pianos

Each piano is unique, but Steinway pianos have been recognized as some of the best pianos in the world. While they have the same parts as other pianos, it is their materials, craftsmanship, and piano construction that help Steinways sound the way they do.

Below is a video tour of the Steinway factory that shows the making of a grand piano from start to finish:

Working with the Wood

85% of a piano is wood, and Steinway inspects each piece of lumber to make sure it is the top grade. The lumber is air dried for up to one year and then kiln dried to remove any tendencies for warping or cracking. The wood used is straight grain, hard wrought maple that is laminated and glued together in flat grain sets. This process enhances the vibrational characteristics of the wood. The sets of maple are about 20 feet long and are carried by a team who clamps them into position on the press by hand.

Steinway has a custom press that was designed and patented in 1880 by Theodore Steinway. This shapes the outer edges of the piano – known as the rim – into the curved piano shape we’re all familiar with and after the wood is shaped in the press it is stored upright in a conditioning room for several months, depending on size.

Bending the rim at the Steinway FactoryWorkers at the Steinway factory attach a large piece of hard wrought maple to a specially designed press. 

 

Inside the Grand Piano’s “Belly”

The soundboard is made from slow grown Sitka Spruce, a tall evergreen from the Northwest and Alaska. The bridge is made from vertical laminated maple, just like the rim. The bridge transmits vibrational energies from the strings to the soundboard. The iron plate, cast from one piece of iron, is placed on in the “belly” of the piano after the soundboard and bridge are in place. The job title for the person who installs the soundboard, bridge, and iron plate is called the “belly man.”

Grand Piano Plate and Strings

The soundboard, plate, and strings are installed in the belly of the piano by a worker called the “belly man.”

Final Parts and Testing

After the “belly” of the piano is assembled, the strings are added by hand and felt hammers are created. Keys are then carefully tested. When the piano is complete, it is moved to a soundproof room where a mechanical device breaks in the action over the entire scale of the keyboard. Finally, the tone is perfected by testing and fine tuning the hammers, felts and dampers by hand.

The hammers are carefully installed and tested.

The hammers are carefully installed and tested.

 

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Kora performances by teacher Will Dudley

Hey ya’ll,

I’ll be performing this Sunday, 1/25, with the wonderful cellist Zachary Banks at The Waypost.  We’ll be sharing the ticket with the knowledgeable and gifted Kora player Sean Gaskell, who will be joined by percussionist Bret Benraven.  It’s going to be a good old fashion Kora throw-down!   Tickets are $2-5.  The food and drinks are slammin’
Also, you’re invited to witness life through an African lens at the 25th annual Cascade Festival of African Films, February 6th through March 8th.  There will be dozens of truly rare and spectacular cinema to be seen. I’ll be playing for the Kickoff Gala dinner on February 5th.  Learn more at   https://www.africanfilmfestival.org/
Finally, come check me out at Petite Provence – 1824 NE Alberta Street – on the second Saturday and fourth Friday of each month!  Seriously though, this might be my favorite food in Portland.
Hope to see you soon,
Will
WillDudleyKora.com
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Musical African Adventure with Musicality Network teacher Will!

The following blog post is from Will, one of our music teachers, who recently traveled to Africa to receive advanced training in the Kora, a stringed instrument you can read more about by clicking here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kora_%28instrument%29

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Six weeks in to my twelve week journey, it’s been a wild ride. I should’ve e-mailed sooner, and now I’m a bit overwhelmed with the task of communicating my experiences.  Let’s see….
Brikama is my home base.  A dusty town of concrete compounds with tin roofs clinking in the wind.  Roads of sand, swarming markets of color, diesel fumes and honking.  I can now get around on my own confidently, though not confidentially; white people, or “toubabs” have a celebrity status here that can be quite exhausting.  I’ve followed the family band to naming ceremonies, where they are ambushed by donators eager to demonstrate their generosity.  I’ve spent several afternoons in the bush, practicing new tunes until sunset.

Will 1 (1632 x 1224)

I’ve also spent weeks on the coast, near a small village called Kartong. My first week there, I was consumed by violent food poisoning – 4 days of nightmares and diarrhea.  After emerging, my teacher Moriba and I traveled to the southern border – the Halahin river – to stay with a group of sabar drummers from England.  We set up camp and head to the river front, where a group of bar owners greeted us with a performance.  “Weeelcome, Will weellcoome” they sang, as one plucked an mbira, one drummed, and another rattled.  After a painful few days, it was just the lift I needed.
The next weekend, the annual Kartong music festival.  Thousands circle a giant sand pit at the local elementary school to watch drummers, dancers, magicians, men on stilts and in traditional garb bang and swirl. Unfortunately, each night the best acts were scheduled last (around 1 am), and by the time they came on, I was more exhausted than entranced.

Will 2 (1632 x 1224)

Such slight disappointment was quickly ameliorated by more intimate performances at Modu’s lodge (also in Kartong).  One night featured a djembe, don-don quintet…  Polyrythms weave around the fire, drawing in small groups of dancers who stomp til satisfaction.  The lead singer is a young man with an old mans voice – a raspy, aching soul.A few days later, Modu hosts a sabar drumming performance.  Eight pairs of sticks and hands fill the air with excitement.  Most players are stationary, while a few come forward to converse with dancers.  Jagged and smooth, powerful yet inviting.  Another evening of ecstatic movement; I now understand the English group’s obsession with sabar drumming.

Feb 18th, all of the Brits head home, save an elderly woman named Jane, who sticks around for the next few weeks to learn kora. Speaking of which…
Lots and lots of kora.  I’ve learned a ton.  New songs, styles, tunings, techniques.  Moriba is great player and an ok teacher – a bit more focused on money than music, in my opinion – but I have dragged a lot out of him. He also is overprotective of me, seeing as I am his key financial asset at the moment, and gets very jealous when I hang out with or learn from other kora players.  In spite of this, I have found another teacher – Bunja Konte, who is more articulate, passionate, albeit less experienced.  We’ve spent many long afternoons in the bush working out new rhythms and melodies.  Just when I’m grasping my current material, a new song or variation throws me back into the grinder.  It’s wonderful…

A few days ago, Moriba and I went on an epic journey to see a great kora legend, Jeli Madi Suso.  An hour and a half bike ride into the wind with flat tires and broken pedals, Madi Susso’s performance is well worth it.  We sit in a small, well lit room in the corner of his compound.  His kora bursts with color as he plays into the sunset…

Beauty and struggle is a common juxtaposition here.  Tight community bonds and profound traditional music, amidst ubiquitous sexism, genital mutilation, pollution, and poverty. The Gambia is a complicated place.
Will 3 (1632 x 1224)

Much love to you all, I hope everything is going well in the wild west.  I’ve attached a few pics of my trip. 🙂

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Here is a link to Will’s profile: http://www.musicalitynetwork.com/teachers/will/

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Piano Lessons in Portland

piano1 (1200 x 857)

At the Musicality Network, we are proud of the piano lessons we offer through our awesome piano teachers. We have lots of piano teachers all over the Portland metro area who offer piano lessons – either in-home or studio lessons. These teachers are friendly, knowledgeable,  likeable, and can really help you or your kids get excited about learning to play the piano! The piano is a beautiful member of the percussion family, one of the most popular instruments for personal enjoyment and art. It is a unique and majestic instrument.

http://www.musicalitynetwork.com/music-lessons/piano-lessons-portland/

Are you looking for piano lessons for kids of yours? Or maybe for yourself? In Portland we have piano teachers all over – from Aloha to Gresham, and from Vancouver to Woodburn. Our teachers can travel to your house for the piano lessons, or you can go to their studio for your piano lessons. Either way you are going to love your piano teacher! We are so confident in this that we will give you a completely free, no obligation first lesson. If after that lesson you are not absolutely happy with your piano teacher, we will offer you an additional free lesson with a different piano teacher, until we find the one that’s a perfect fit. We rarely have this problem, because we have the best piano teachers in Portland!

Looking for piano lessons in Portland? We are your resource.

Call: 971-227-4222

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for piano lessons in Portland today!

Here are some of our awesome piano teachers: http://www.musicalitynetwork.com/teachers-category/piano/

Piano Lessons in Portland

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