Latest News

New Tutor Alert!

Rosanna_pianophotoHere at SCMT we are delighted to say we have another Tutor joining us! Her name is Rosanna Schwarzacher  and she is a piano and cello teacher. Below is a little more information about the lovely Rosanna:

Rosanna is a classically trained pianist and cellist from Austria. She has studied cello in France under Denis Jeannet and has lived in Ireland for many years, where she has been teaching and working with various artists as session musician for recordings and performances. She holds a Dip ABRSM in Instrumental Teaching and is very passionate about teaching pupils of all ages and levels. Rosanna is currently a member of the Brighton Film Quartet and is invloved in many other musical projects in Brighton.

If you would like to have lessons with Rosanna please contact Susanna Cassam direct on 07720 771053 or email us at [email protected].

All of our teachers can be found on our website on the teachers page https://www.cassam.co.uk/music-teachers-brighton

Latest News

A new prize added to the SCMT raffle…

IMG_2537As you will know there will be a raffle at the SCMT Youth Music Competition and we have another prize to add to the already brilliant prize list.

Stagecoach Brighton. Summer workshop place to one child aged between 6-16 on Summer Glee Workshop (July 29th-1st August). Worth £110!

So don’t forget…Tickets are £1 each… or  a book of 5 tickets for £4and you can get them either direct from your tutor or from Susanna ([email protected] or 07720 771053/01273 504505).

 

Other raffle prizes so far!

Wowo.  2 nights in a luxury yurt worth £280.

John Hamilton.  An outdoor photoshoot with john Hamilton worth £150.

Adaptatrap.  A box of small percussion instruments.

‘She bakes’.  A bespoke kids birthday cake.

SCMT.  45 min music lesson on an instrument of your choice.

SCMT.  A selection of new and barely used music books.

SCMT.  2 x £15 ackerman vouchers.

Toby Price.  2 bottles of wine in a bag.

Alice Bell.  Luxury natural body creams.

Joss Peach.  A place on the djembe course at Evolution.

Timber-Tones.  Luxury guitar plectrum gift pack.

Craig Warnock.  2 hour studio recording session.

Josie Peach.  Jazz piano/sax/clarinet lesson.

Latest News

SCMT Raffle tickets available from today (17th May). See below for details and a list of amazing prizes to be won…

IMG_2537Here at SCMT we are getting so excited about the upcoming competitions.  We confirmed our raffle prizes at last and tickets are available from TODAY (Friday, 17th May).  It’s all for a very worthwhile cause (Belltree Music Therapy Centre, www.belltree.org.uk) and the prizes will be drawn by the Mayor (after the special guest performance) on the 2nd day of our Competitions, Sunday 16th June, at St Nicholas Church in Brighton.  Please see below for all the details:

 

 

 

Ticket options:  Tickets £1 each… or  a book of 5 tickets for £4!

Available from:  TODAY (Friday 17th May), either direct from your tutor or from Susanna ([email protected] or 07720 771053/01273 504505).

Raffle prizes list so far!

Wowo.  2 nights in a luxury yurt worth £280.

John Hamilton.  An outdoor photoshoot with john Hamilton worth £150.

Adaptatrap.  A box of small percussion instruments.

‘She bakes’.  A bespoke kids birthday cake.

SCMT.  45 min music lesson on an instrument of your choice.

SCMT.  A selection of new and barely used music books.

SCMT.  2 x £15 ackerman vouchers.

Toby Price.  2 bottles of wine in a bag.

Alice Bell.  Luxury natural body creams.

Joss Peach.  A place on the djembe course at Evolution.

Timber-Tones.  Luxury guitar plectrum gift pack.

Craig Warnock.  2 hour studio recording session.

Josie Peach.  Jazz piano/sax/clarinet lesson.

Susanna's blog

Some thoughts from Susanna this week… Music lives…to be let out!

Next Month, Susanna Cassam Music Tuition will hold another ‘Children’s Music Concert’.  I know from experience that although most of our performers will arrive on stage looking very small… they will leave having made a big impression.  Some will shuffle to the front nervous of the crowd whilst others will virtually trip over their own feet desperate to show off their skills.  Some will dress as though they’re expecting to be knighted, others might literally try to skateboard up the Isle.  In every case they will have, by the end of the afternoon, either played for the first time in public, or played something that a year ago was way beyond their capabilities.  So everyone achieves something big.   The teachers will be there, encouraging their pupils, settling nerves.  The parents will be there, holding their cameras aloft, clapping and cheering after their child’s performance.

It is in the weeks before a concert that every teacher notices a marked acceleration in a pupil’s progress… It’s no wonder, they are playing their instrument more than they are playing on the Wii!  Parents tend to become more involved, encouraging extra practise before or after school. The practise charts suddenly re-appear, covered in stickers awarded for all the hard work. When the teacher arrives for the lesson, they are bombarded with details of the levels of practise down to the last second.  ‘I did 12 and a half minutes before my bath Susanna!  I did my scales and I don’t even need them for the concert!’

You may think an upcoming performance would be a time for a child to feel pressure and nerves, but if the teacher applies generous amounts of encouragement, praise and structure in equal proportions, it is the very time everyone is enjoying their music the most.

One of the parents emailed me in response to the concert entry deadline…

‘Emily would love to play in the concert but I’m worried that John (husband) wants to do a duet with her.  Please encourage a solo at the next lesson, hopefully saving her from the father/daughter rendition that her older brother will no doubt post on YouTube.’

Emily eventually decided on not one but two duets and they’re both almost ready for the big day.  ‘Mum’ has now decided it’s a great idea and she even admits to feeling a little envious… and has decided she is the best person to film it.  Even better than that, Emily is constantly playing the piano.

Nothing works better as an incentive when it comes to learning a musical instrument, than the chance to perform.  Hooray for the little ones playing their tunes!

Latest News

More info on Chris Woods our brilliant guest performer at the SCMT Youth music Competition…

IMG_2537As announced on Monday, here at SCMT we are so pleased that there will be a guest performer at the SCMT Youth Music Competitions! So here is a little more information about  the fantastic Chris Woods from his website www.chriswoodsgroove.co.uk

‘Chris Woods is one of the UK’s most exciting instrumentalists. His performances are a blend of endearing stories with ear bending drop tuned grooves. Displaying dazzling creativity and skill, by mixing emotive and imaginative sounds with stunning technique. You wont forget what you hear.’

It is safe to say we can’t wait to see him perform, he really is a great crowd pleaser, a must see!

So don’t forget he will be playing on day 2 of the SCMT Youth Music Competition, Sunday 16th June at 4.30pm, St Nicholas Church, Brighton.

Latest News

There will be 2 VIPs attending the SCMT Youth Music Competitions!

IMG_2537Here at SCMT we are delighted to announce that the Mayor of Brighton has decided to join us on ‘day 2’ of our competitions (Sunday 16th June).  We’ve also managed to book a brilliant guest performer, the fantastic Chris Woods, percussive guitarist.

If you want to catch Chris Wood’s performance it starts at 4.30pm on Sunday 16th June (day 2 of the competitions)  this will be followed by the Mayor drawing our raffle. We’ll also be congratulating our competition winners and of course enjoying some refreshments.

So although your £3 gains you access to the whole weekend here are the details regarding the best time to pop down:

Venue:  St Nicholas Church, Brighton.  BN1 3LJ

Date and time:  Sunday 16th June, 4.30 – 5.30pm (1 hour)

Price:  £3 cash on the door (children free).  Access all weekend.

Refreshments:  Soft drinks, tea and coffee, cake and biscuits… provided throughout.

Latest News

Entry deadline for SCMT Youth Music Competitions is TOMORROW!

IMG_2537Don’t forget the entry deadline for the SCMT Youth Music Competitions is tomorrow, Friday 10th May, all entry forms must be completed in full and with Susanna by then.

If you do not have an entry form there is still time, just contact Susanna on 07720 771053 and she can send you an entry pack, which will contain the entry form, and it can be scanned and emailed straight to Susanna at  [email protected].

All entry fees must be paid no later than Friday 17th May.

We have plenty more to announce including some brilliant raffle prizes that can be won over the competition weekend, so watch this space!

p.s To all our SCMT students don’t forget tomorrow is also the entry deadline for the Summer Concert…..

Latest News

Only 1 week till the entry deadline for the SCMT Youth Competitons and SCMT’s Summer Concert…

IMG_2537The entry deadline for both the SCMT Youth Music Competition and SCMT’s Summer Concert is now only a week away. Don’t forget all entries must be submitted by Friday 10th May. The Youth music Competitions are open to anyone 18 years old and under, however, the Summer Concert is only open to SCMT students.

If you or your child would like to enter the SCMT Youth Music Competition, please contact Susanna Cassam direct on 07720 771053 or email us at  [email protected]. Following this you will be sent an information pack containing an entry form which must be completed and sent to us no later than the 10th May.

If you are a SCMT student and would like to play in our Summer Concert you can let either your tutor know or Susanna herself using the details above.

June is going to be such an exciting month for SCMT and we really hope you can join us!

Susanna's blog

Some thoughts from Susanna this week…..Practice makes perfect

When young children begin to learn a musical instrument, there is a question on the tip of every parent’s tongue…

‘How much practice should my child be doing… And how can I help to ensure that they do it?’

If a child is to progress on a musical instrument, regular practice needs to be encouraged right from the start and a teacher will generally set practice each lesson (only a tiny bit for very young children).  Generally speaking great things occur if a family member regularly guides a child in their practice, offering encouragement and praise.   So, I’ve come up with some tried and tested tips and tricks to help you out, whether you are planning to sit down with your child, or encourage from afar:

Establish a set time for practice each day that doesn’t clash with other distraction.  Make sure your child is alert and doesn’t have too many other things to think about (football to follow, just back from swimming).

Have a plan in place before you start, so that when your child is in the ‘practice zone’, it is focused and moving forward… this keeps them on the ball.

If there is more than one thing to practice, divide the time into bite-sized chunks of only a few minutes, so that practice is fresh and ever changing.

Occasionally, select a small section of music and work on it thoroughly in one practice session, your child will see a more marked improvement and be encouraged.

Often a child may become frustrated if they can’t play things straight away.  Slow right down for practice, only playing something ‘at speed’ once the notes are mastered… that way mistakes are fewer and tasks more manageable.

Arrange ‘performance time’ in the home for a few weeks time.  Choose a piece or exercise that your child can demonstrate for the family… And applaud loudly on the day.  This one works every time!

When relevant, discuss opportunities with your child’s teacher with regards to small public performances, assessments and exams.  The satisfaction of achievement will power them forward.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, INCENTIVES…  a parent’s best friend.  Get stuck in straight away with a nice big, bright practice chart.  Award stickers (your teacher will lend you plenty!) for targets achieved… perhaps extra stickers or a small prize if practice has occurred every day.

If a teacher has a fun, engaging manner alongside a structured approach to achievement, then the battle if half won.  A child learning music with a good teacher will automatically be motivated to acquire the skills, understanding and ability required to enable them to enjoy music through playing and listening.  However, you can help too by actively encouraging them at the start of their musical adventure…  It really is a gift to last a lifetime.

Latest News

More SCMT Youth Competition info…

IMG_2537Don’t forget the  SCMT Youth Music Competitions are taking place on the 15th and 16th June and they are being held at St Nicholas Church on Dyke Road. There are 4 categories with 1st prizes reaching up to £70 and runner up prizes in each category. Each category is judged by experts and each competitor will receive written comments and a certificate. It is a great experience for any young musician with the added bonus of prizes to be won!

Don’t forget the entry deadline is the 10th May…. what will you play?

Latest News

Follow SCMT on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Linkedin!!!

susannaYou can now follow SCMT on all major social media sites! We post regular updates, news, local events, videos and much more. We also love it when people interact with us, so feel free to leave comments, like and share on our pages! Here’s where you can find us:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susannacassammusictuition?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusannaCassam

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cassammusictuition

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=127890398&trk=tab_pro

 

Latest News

Don’t forget the entry deadline for SCMT Youth Music competitions and the SCMT Summer Concert is the 10th May!

IMG_2537Hopefully by now you will have heard that this year SCMT are holding their first ever Youth Music Competitions on the 15th and 16th June and also the week before this, 8th and 9th June, will be the SCMT Summer Concert. It’s going to be a busy few weeks, here at SCMT we are very excited! Just to remind you that the entry deadline for both is Friday 10th May. The competitions are open to anyone under the age of 18, all details can be found on our concert and events page. The concert is only open to SCMT students, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this term!

Susanna's blog

Some thoughts from Susanna this week…..Musical memories

6 months ago I took a risk with my young musicians.  I asked them directly for an opinion.  I was keen to find out what they thought of me and the other music tutors.   Some of the comments were put on the website, others were stored in my memory for use at dinner parties.
 
When you introduce yourself to a child you are greeted with complete honesty.  They are either openly delighted to meet you, a little nervous or completely bemused.  When I was younger I made decisions about ‘grown ups’ the second I laid eyes on them and my opinions of those people now that I’m an adult have not shifted far from my first impressions.  I still think my first piano teacher has the largest eyes I’ve ever seen and looks much as though she’s about to cry even when she’s enjoying herself.  I liked her because she was quirky and for some reason, even at 5 years old, I was intrigued by what she had to say.  She also made me laugh, and that was very important.  She once wrote in my practise book ‘Susanna is a very talented Musician’ which amused my mother, considering I had yet to master ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ played hands together.
 
Nowadays, when I tell someone that I teach piano it immediately conjures up a memory. ‘Oh really!  I learned piano as a child.  My teacher had an enormous be-hive and constantly blew her nose.  She wore yellow shoes every day for 7 years and gave me a Kit Kat every Christmas.  Music teachers are a certain breed and it would seem we remember them with either complete revulsion or adoration.  I rarely come across people who thought their music teachers ‘normal’.   Mine were all a little extrovert, at least 106 years old wore brightly coloured tights and cardigans.
 
The image of a stereotypical music teacher has changed dramatically since then.  Most I meet in the Brighton and Hove area are polar opposites of how I remember my teachers to be.  They play in bands, stretch their repertoire over numerous styles and perform as much as they teach.  They write their own material, have opinions about everything musical and cant wait to share the skills they’ve been blessed with.  I’m sure mine did too, but for some reason they never thought to tell me about it.
 
There were some very amusing testimonial slips returned from the youngsters. Some quite obviously thought they would gain extra gold stars for their flattery.  One young lady referred to my being sad when she didn’t do her practise. One said I pulled a very wonky face when I played ‘War Drums’ from book 2.  Another said I put them off when I sang along to their pieces.   My personal favourite was as follows:
 
Susanna doesn’t have any pets at all!  We have a rabbit and 2 guinea pigs.  I love my piano because I play my favourite songs but sometimes I need more stickers.
 
It is heart-warming to hear feedback from your pupils. To set a child on a musical path that they enjoy whilst instilling a desire to improve and progress, ensures that whatever they say once they have grown up (about your hair, your rules, your wonky face), they’ll be looking back as musicians with fond memories.  Everyone’s a winner!

Latest News

SCMT Youth Competitions are proudly supporting Belltree Music Therapy Centre!

155137_118053478262157_3446192_aThe SCMT Youth Competitions are not far away so here at SCMT we thought we would give you some info on the charity we will be supporting, Belltree Music Therapy Centre, Woodingdean.

Belltree provides music therapy for people of all ages who find it difficult to use words to express themselves, mainly due to illness or disability. The majority of Belltree’s work is currently with children and young people with a learning disability or autism, many of whom are extremely emotionally isolated due to their difficulties. Music therapy gives them a meaningful way of communicating and connecting with others without words, greatly enhancing their quality of life.

Music therapy uses the qualities of music and sound as a foundation for sharing emotions and enabling communication to take place non-verbally. It is based on shared-music making in which the therapist responds to a persons’ natural rhythms and sounds and helps them to build their own musical language – they can use this to discover new things about themselves and as a bridge for sharing experiences which are difficult to describe with words.

We are raising funds to help Belltree achieve some of the following desperately needed services and equipment:

• A subsidy fund to support families in need who cannot afford the full fee.
• Free assessments to help families access funding from charities.
• A music technology station to help some of the older children with emotional issues to create and record their own music.
• Some camcorders to assist the music therapists in their work and help us share the value of music therapy to local organisations.

Latest News

SCMT Summer Concert Announcement!

susannaHere at SCMT we are very pleased to announce that the SCMT Summer Concert will be taking place on Saturday 8th June and Sunday 9th June (the week before the SCMT Youth Competition) at St Nicholas Church, Dyke Road, Brighton.

Once again the Saturday Concert will be for the adults and there will be 4 concerts on the Sunday for all of our younger students.

We will be releasing more information over the next few weeks. But for now get thinking about what pieces you might want to play, remember your tutor is always there to help.

We can’t wait to see you all there and look forward to hearing you play!!

 

 

Latest News

Happy Easter!!! But don’t forget, not long till the SCMT competition entry deadline!

IMG_2537SCMT would like to wish you all a very happy easter!!! But don’t forget about the SCMT Youth competitions. They will be taking place on the 15th and 16th of June, the deadline for entries is Friday 10th May 2013 at the latest! There are 4 categories, they are listed below:

Category 1:  Grades 1 and 2.   Maximum age 12 years.   Time limit:  3 mins.
Category 2:  Grades 3 and 4.   Maximum age 16 years. Time limit:  4 mins.
Category 3:  Grade 5.  Maximum age 16 years. Time limit:  6 mins.
Category 4:  Grade 6 and up.  Maximum age 18 years.   Time limit:  8 mins