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"Studying music with Sally enriched my younger self in so many ways. It taught me about discipline, passion, and dedication, helped me transition into young adulthood, and, most importantly, gave me a love for the piano that just keeps getting stronger. Years later, I still carry with me the invaluable lessons I learned at Rowsell Piano Studio." Shruti Raheja
rowsellstudio@bellaliant.net
Registration for Fall 2024 is happening now, contact me to secure your spot in the studio.
2024: Congratulations to all for another successful year of piano playing and learning. For those with first class honors in RCM advanced exams, congratulations! For those preparing for June exams, best of luck. Summer lessons are by appointment only, with no regular schedule followed.
Kindly remit your registration for Fall 2024 by June 30, to allow others entry into the studio. Have a wonderful summer!
We have spent 2020/2021 successfully online, with great strides made despite the pandemic restrictions! Looking forward to more normal one on one in person lessons in the Fall!
Congratulations to Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival online participants for placing second, and third in various classes!
How did we survive the pandemic? With an online scale festival, by learning theory, and by playing concertos!! Thank you students and parents for your dedication.
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Kindly submit your registration for the fall of 2020 by June 30 . New students may contact me for a spot in the studio.
Summer lessons will happen one day a week for the summer of 2020. At this point, lessons are still running online through the summer. Please contact me for details.
The end of year June recital was held in the virtual world in 2020, through Skype and Facetime. Congratulations to all the performers, who did a fabulous job!
Congratulations to all virtual Ottawa Music Festival participants for a stellar job! When my talented 8, 9 10 11 and 14 year old students are able to make a recording by themselves to submit to the local festival during covid -19, I know I have a studio of winners! Hats off to the first, second, and third place awards in this years virtual music festival. ( 2020)
March, 2020: We are now ONLINE to stay safe during the covid-19 pandemic. Special thanks to the parents who helped make this happen!
Congratulations to Ottawa Music Festival performers for numerous first second and third placings! Well done! ( 2019)
The Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival is fast approaching, students will be performing in a variety of solo, concert group and complete work classes from mid April to May 1. Stay tuned for Performance Class notices in preparation for festival.(2019)
The end of the teaching year recital is booked for Friday June 7, 2019, at Glen Cairn United Church, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.This time slot includes a social following the recital.
December 2018: We held a very successful studio recital on Sunday December 16, with a feast of homemade chocolate chip cookies and ginger snaps for all! The highlight of the after social was the plate of ginger snaps that fell on the floor by accident for Hula ( the dog)!
My students continue to impress me with their skill and developing musicianship! As well, the outfits were to die for! It is great that everyone views the piano recital as something special, shown by the fancy dresses/attire.
Just about everyone has now registered for the Spring Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival, which we are excited about, with numerous entries in solo, complete work and concert group classes. The registration deadline is December 21 2018, don't miss it!
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November 2018: The students are practicing, practicing and practicing some more to make the fall challenge and win the Chocolate Advent Calendar up for grabs at month's end.
I am so impressed with EVERYBODY, as students showed great spirit and endeavor to accomplish practice tasks such as complete their sonatina, memorize repertoire, or work on reading and clean playing.
In fact, I decided to purchase some marshmallow and little chocolate Santas to reward all my piano students who worked so hard!
But alas, there is only one chocolate advent calendar....tough decision!
The winners of the Chocolate Advent Calendar were ( tie) Sophie Shen and Miya Suzuki
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Recital for Christmas is Sunday, December 16, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. Cookies will follow!
Last day of lessons before Christmas is Thursday, December 20, 2018, and the first day back in the New Year is Thursday, January 3, 2019.
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I am teaching one day per week on Tuesdays through the summer of 2018, please contact me for flexible lessons.
BIG CONGRATULATIONS to 8 year old student Lucille Yang for winning a GOLD MEDAL from the ROYAL CONSERVATORY of MUSIC for the HIGHEST MARK in ONTARIO for Grade One Piano, 2017 ( mark of 95). WOW, way to go Lucille!!!!!!!!
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March/April Studio Awards rowsellpiano
Most Improved Student(s)
Allan Yi
Joaquin Alarcon
Most Practice Minutes
Kevin Alt
Up And Coming Student
Raina Taylor-Hernandez
January/February 2018 Studio Results
Most Improved Student Anita Gaffury- Kasbiy
Most Outstanding Student Miya Suzuki
Up and Coming Student: Mahi Neni
Studio Results for October-December 2017
Most Improved Student: Sophie Shen
Most Outstanding Student: Charlie Sun
Most Practice Minutes: Allan Yi
Congratulations to all students for a successful term!
I am now accepting NEW STUDENTS for January 2018, and there is deal for you if you sign up now! The first lesson is free with a 6 month commitment. Piano Lessons for Christmas is a fabulous gift! Don't miss out!
The Christmas Recital is set for December 17, start time 4:00 p.m., at my house. All students will play two selections, and I plan to video tape the recital for later viewing. I look forward to hearing the students perform at this time! ( December)
The PRACTICE CONTEST is in full swing, and I am beginning to see the efforts of the students pay off! Keep up this great work everyone! (November)
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A mark of 95 on a Grade One Piano Exam? You bet! Congratulations to Lucille Yang!
2017 Year End Recognition goes to:
Ottawa Music Festival Participants:
Lucille Yang 1st place 7 and under Canadian
1st place 7 and under Modern
3rd place 7 and under own choice
Miya Suzuki 2nd place 7 and under own choice
Winston Yang 2nd place 9 and under Baroque
30 day in a row Practice Challenge: Emily Trinh, Emma Hudson
One Minute Club: Emily Trinh, Mahi Neni, Joaquin Alarcon, Reina Taylor-Hernandez
Congratulations to everyone for a successful year and a great recital!
FEBRUARY 2017 STUDIO ACTIVITIES
30 day Challenge! Practice 30 days in a row for a minimum of 10 minutes, and Join the Club!
Beginners, how fast can you name notes? Be ready to show it by month's end! Check my blog at Rowsell Piano Studio News for some fun apps to speed up that note naming!
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Make Ye Merry with the annual Christmas Recital, December 18, 2016, 5:30 p.m., Kanata. Stay to Mix and a Mingle after the performances and enjoy some cookies.
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The "O Canada" challenge 2016 was met by:
Sophia Chen
Miya Suzuki
Lucille Yang
One month, one song, learn and memorize
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First Term Student Awards 2016:
Most Improved Student: Joaquin Alarcon
Most Practice Minutes: Lucille Yang
Most Outstanding Student:(tie) Lucille Yang
Sophia Chen
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rowsellpiano STUDIO RECITAL 2016
June 5, 2016, Glen Cairn United Church, 6:30 p.m.
THIS year's studio piano recital is special, as Guest Harpist SARAH VEBER, my former Newfoundland piano student and present University of Ottawa harp student of Michelle Gott, will perform. Selections include Debussy and Tailleferre.
Don't miss this fabulous concert! All are welcome! Admission at the door.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Ottawa Music Festival Participants 2016:
Sophia Qien Chen first place in 8 and under, Classical
Sophia Qien Chen first place in 8 and under, Romantic
Lucille Yang: first place in 6 and under, Canadian
Winston Yang: second place in 8 and under, Classical
Winston Yang: third place in 8 and under, Baroque
Well done, students, on our first Ottawa Music Festival experience!
rowsellpiano.ca
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November is...Practice Month! Piano Lessons
ANNOUNCING...... Practice Month!
November is Practice Month at rowsellpiano!
Here's what you do:
1. Make a weekly chart,
http://makingmusicfun.net/pdf/practice-charts/piano-practice-chart.pdf
http://makingmusicfun.net/htm/printit-oliver-sticker-practice-chart.htm
or make your own,
2. Time yourself every day when you practice, Write it down on your chart.
3. Add up each day's practice for a weekly total.
Bring your Weekly Practice Total to your lesson, and we will display it on my blog.
At month's end, we will add up your monthly total, and the top three Practice Minutes' holders will be honored with a prize!
HAPPY PRACTICE!
http://rowsellstudio.blogspot.ca/2014/11/november-ispractice-month-piano-lessons.html
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Exam Marks as High as 93 in Ottawa! Congratulations, Students! Come Join the Studio and Create Your Own Success!
Confused about choosing a new piano teacher? This page may help you!http://dianehidy.com/how-to-choose-the-best-piano-teacher-for-your-child/
Ontario, registration is open now for Summer and September Piano Lessons. Be sure to contact me to reserve your spot for the Fall! rowsellpianostudio@bellaliant.net
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My latest review of newly released cd "Accidental Etudes" by jazz artist Milana Zilnik is available at the link below: Be sure to check it out!!!
http://rowsellstudio.blogspot.ca/2014/05/accidental-etudes-milana-zilnik.html
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WHAT'S NEW at rowsellpiano? SKYPE lessons that's what. If you are in need of long distance coaching for competition, exams or other, I am available at select times via Skype. Just send me an email, and we can go from there! rowsellstudio@bellaliant.net or rowsellstudio@rowsellpiano.ca
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I have recently had the pleasure of seeing The Sound of Music in Ottawa. Drop by my blog to see what I thought!
http://rowsellstudio.blogspot.ca/2013/12/the-sound-of-music-ottawa.html
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Hey Ottawa beginners try the Spring Lesson Sampler this March to start your journey into the world of music!
Kudos to existing students who bring a new student into my studio! You are entitled to one free extra lesson
for a positive referral!! (the student must sign up).
rowsellstudio@bellaliant.net
THEORY anyone? Start your Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Rudiments with new classes that begin in January. Theory co-requisites are necessary to receive your practical certificate.
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STUDIO NEWS:
Congrats to Joshua Veber, winner of the RCM gold medal for grade 7 piano for Atlantic Canada, 2013.
Congratulations to all RCM exam participants on your great work; marks as high as 92!
2012-2013 was filled with many great student accomplishments, to include:
RCExaminations gold medal winners Josh Veber, grade 6 piano and Sarah Veber , grade 10 piano, highest marks in Atlantic Canada.
Sarah and Josh performed at the Awards Ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the fall. They are no strangers to medals, as they have collectively won about 10 medals between them.
Josh also won an award for the best performance in his age group 13 and under at the Kiwanis Music Festival, and Sarah, runner up for the Junior Rose Bowl.
Rashmi Elangage had a successful year, with a Kiwanis Music Festival award for the highest mark in 10 and under, and was honored with a solo performance on the Stars of the Festival. She was a cash award winner at the festival.
Christopher Qiu took part in the play off for the Junior Rose Bowl, having won first place in his concert group class.
Isabelle Riche was busy all year honing her composition skills, with several new appealing vocal/piano songs to her credit. Her latest, written for a local film score, is now on Facebook.
The students were actively performing , in two studio recitals, and at the yearly Chancellor Park senior citizens complex. The residents are always thrilled with the talent of the students.
It has been a pleasure to serve St. John's NL as a pianist for the bulk of my career, but now it is time to move on to a different lifestyle.
The talent I have shaped over the years will fill a book someday. Good luck, everyone.!
February Practice Results
Most Improved Student(tie): Anna James
Christopher Qiu
Most Outstanding Student: Sarah Veber
Most Practice Minutes: Rashmi Elangage
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Royal Conservatory of Music exam registration deadlines and pending dates are as follows:
Registration Deadline:
March 5, 2013
Theory Examinations:
May 10 & 11, 2013
Practical Examinations:
June 10 - 29, 2013
Please go here to register for your exam: examinations.rcmusic.ca
January Practice Results
Most Improved Student: Ben James
Most Outstanding Student (tie) Adeline Cordova
Emily Qiu
DECEMBER PRACTICE RESULTS
Most Improved Student Lisa Bourne
Most Outstanding Student (tie) Rashmi Elangage
Sarah Veber
Most Practice Minutes Rashmi Elangage
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December 16, 2012, Sunday: Christmas Piano Recital, 7:00 p.m., Choral Room, MUN. Please bring a donation of food for the local food bank, as well as $ admission.
The last day of lessons before Christmas is December 20 2012, Thursday. There are lessons on this day. The first day back after the holidays is Thursday, January 3, 2012.
Be sure, festival performers, to have all repertoire performance ready for lessons in January. Concert Group players should plan to have all pieces memorized. Trios and duets are urged to rehearse together over the holidays.
There promises to be a performance class immediately upon returning to lessons in January. Be ready!
Bubba Bob the Practice Monkey has gone home December 12, 2012 with Julia Ling Smith. Practice Monkey Bob #2 will be going home Saturday with Christina Ogilvie week 1, then Anastasia Ogilvie week 2. Both students have great company to help them practice!
Over the holidays, Bubba Bob is visiting with Anna and Ben James, spending week 1 with Anna, and week 2 with Ben.
NOVEMBER PRACTICE RESULTS HAVE HIT THE PRESS:
Most Outstanding Student: Ella Sutherby
Most Improved Student (tie): Sophie Drover
Emily Meade
Most Practice Minutes: Rashmi Elangage
All students are doing great work; here, those who stood out for the month of November are recognized
October Practice Results
Student of the Month (tie): Rubyanne Whelan
Sarah Drover
Most Improved Student (tie): Emily Meade
Julia Ling Smith
Most Practice Minutes: Rashmi Elangage
REGISTRATION DEADLINES:
FESTIVAL CARDS are out this week and next, please watch for your child's card. The deadline for entries is Saturday October 27, 2012.
Don't be late! Cards must be delivered or posted to the address at the top by parents by the above deadline, along with the appropriate entry fee. Be sure to enter the number of all other solo classes in the correct space on each festival card. Contact me with any questions!
RCM Winter exams session online registration is now open until Nov 6! Dates of exams, Theory: Dec 14-15, 2012. Practical: Jan 14-26, 2013
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to students Joshua Veber and Sarah Veber, recipients of the 2012 Gold Medal for Grade 6 Piano and Grade 10 Piano (respectively) in Atlantic Canada.
Joshua received a 94 for his grade 6 piano exam, while Sarah received a mark of 93 in piano, grade 10.
Gold Medals are awarded each academic year by province or region, to candidates who have obtained the highest mark for practical examinations in each discipline, Grades 1 through ARCT.
The Gold Medal Awards Ceremony in Halifax this November will celebrate excellence in music with the community of Gold Medal Teachers and Medalists for this year.
Both Sarah and Joshua will be performing in Halifax on November 25 at the awards ceremony. Josh will play Ovation no 3., Vandall, and Sarah will play Toccata, by Canadian David McIntyre.
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A REMINDER to all parents and students, kindly WASH YOUR HANDS before coming to piano, to help keep everyone healthy as cold and flu season approaches.
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Practice Results for May 2012 have hit the press.................
Most Improved Student: Meghan White
Student of the Month: Meghan White
Most Practice Minutes: Lisa Bourne
Honourable Mention Most Improved Students:
Lisa Bourne
Ella Sutherby
Nell Shea
Felix Marino
Sam Newhook
Congratulations to each and every student for a fabulous year of music! I hear amazing playing in my studio on a weekly basis, and think every student has made great strides as a pianist in 2011/2012.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
pianist Meghan White
for her outstanding performance
winner of the NLRMTA Senior Scholarship Competition
and
The Dr. Andreas Barban Memorial Scholarship, $350.00
MAY 2012
April Studio Results
Most Improved Student: Sarah Drover
Student of the Month: Andrea Wen
Most Practice Minutes: Lisa Bourne
APRIL 2012
MARCH PRACTICE RESULTS ARE OUT!
Most Improved Student: Ella Sutherby
Student of the Month: Miriam Stevenson
Most Practice Minutes Lisa Bourne
Easter break runs Thursday April 5 to Monday April 16. Happy Easter! (lessons on both days).
MARCH 2012
ANNOUNCING................SCALE IDOL!
creepy, crawly, scaly things........and silly hat day!! Will you be ready to crawl through the keys?
Do you have what it takes to gain bonus points, win top prize?
Will you win best silly hat, and can you become rowsellpiano's first
SCALE IDOL?
May 26, 2012, Saturday, 5:00 p.m. $5.00 per student.
http://rowsellstudio.blogspot.com/2012/03/celebration-of-music-kiwanis-music.html
Follow the link above to read a copy of my review as it appeared in The Telegram, of "A Celebration of Music", Kiwanis Music Festival concert, March 5, 2012.
It Takes Three........ Kiwanis Music Festival of St John's, "Celebration of Music"
It Takes Three To get into Trouble as a Trio!
...........................................a piano Trio that is ...........................
Katie Steeves, Ella Sutherby, and Sarah Drover form the newest Trio in Town, a Triple Treat that had the privilege of performing on "A Celebration of Music", Kiwanis Music Festival of St John's.
rowsellpiano congratulates The Threesome on their first place festival performance, and, on their Stars of the Festival performance.
TIP OF THE HAT to Sarah Dormody of rowsellpiano as fabulous pianist for The St Bonaventure's College Jazz Band, in concert on The Celebration of Music. Way to go, Sarah!
Finally, rowsellpiano bows to piano student Lisa Bourne for her entertaining 1/3 of Celebration of Music's vocal trio. Loads of pizzazz, Lisa!
The JUNIOR ROSE BOWL takes place in St John's at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2012, at the Salvation Army Citadel.
16 year old pianist Sarah Veber , student of Sally Rowsell, is this year's piano participant in the Junior Rose Bowl. Come hear some Bach and McIntyre. Congratulations and good luck, Sarah!
FEBRUARY
rowsellpiano is closed February 29 to March 6 inclusive. No lessons Wednesday, February 29 to Tuesday March 6. Lessons resume Wednesday March 7, 2012. Enjoy the well deserved break! Parents, don't forget to register your child for exams before March 6. Students, after a break, get busy with exam pieces!
FEBRUARY STUDIO RESULTS ARE OUT!!
FEBRUARY PRACTICE RESULTS
Student of the Month: Sarah Veber
Most Improved Student: Rubyanne Whelan
Most Practice Minutes: Joshua Veber
JANUARY PRACTICE RESULTS ARE OUT!
Student of the Month: Miriam Stevenson
Most Improved Student: Sophie Drover
Most Practice Minutes: Joshua Veber
JANUARY 2012
Performance Classes will be held:
In the event of stormy conditions, please check your email on the day to be sure the performance class is going ahead.
Trio: communicate with each other, to be sure all 3 students will be attending trio rehearsals, and to be sure the rehearsal goes ahead in the event of stormy weather. Any cancellation, let me know via email.
Classes are compulsory for all festival participants.
NLRMTA Recital Saturday February, 11, 2012, 5 p.m., MUN. Deadline for entries, February 4. Let me know if you have interest in performing.
January 19, 2012: Registration for RCM June examination session is now open. Contact me for info. Go to links for RCmusic.
RCM deadline for spring examination applications, theory and piano; March 7, 2012, midnight. Deadline has been extended due to the volume of registration requests. Theory exams take place May 11 and 12, practical, June 11-30
Conservatory Canada deadline for spring examination applications theory and piano: March 8, 2012. Theory exams, May 12, practical, June 1-30.
Online application available only. Go to the respective websites for details, found at links.
DECEMBER STUDIO RESULTS:
Student of the Month: Sarah Dormody
Most Improved Student (tie): Emily Meade
Julia Ling Smith
Most Practice Minutes: Joshua Veber
In addition to private lessons, coaching is now available for soloists, art song, chamber groups, and ensembles to aid festival and performance preparation.
Out of town students may book lessons via the internet. Contact me for details.
Hey! Don't forget about that Pedagogy Course!!!! You can even take it on line from ANY location!
rowsellstudio@rowsellpiano.ca for advertising options