Are the downloadable Puppy Packet materials still available?
Last Thursday I attended a workshop here in Calgary at Donna Murray's house where she introduced music mind games to several teachers. For many years I used these games with materials I created myself from the first book "No H in Snake". I'm excited about the puppy packs and would like all of my 33 students to have one. Donna mentioned that she had purchased a down-loadable copy of these games and spent the summer creating them herself. Is this still available to purchase? Thank you for creating such a fun avenue for students to learn theory!
Musically, Andrea Kazmaier (kaznkeys@shaw.ca)
Hi Andrea –
Thanks for writing me and your interest in Music Mind Games. I’m sorry, but the print-your-own version of the Puppy Packet is no longer available now that the ready-made are finished. I use the print-your-own version of Music Mind Games materials when the materials are “almost finished”. I feel confident that they are good, but want to think about a few minor things before I commit to printing. I watch the students carefully as they use the materials to learn what’s best for them learning and interest wise. I get more ideas and they tell me things –often very obvious improvements, but sometimes something I hadn't thought of. Some materials are tested for 15-20 years this way. Soon there will be five print-your-own products at my site in this stage. Four others are being prepared for printing. Please see another post under “Michiko’s email bag” titled, I need the other materials shown in your big book for more information.
I have done my best to keep the costs as low as possible and provide a high quality product for the Puppy Packet. It includes many useful materials for students preK through high school. Seriously! From that angle, it’s a really worthwhile investment and because the materials turn into so many useful, fun games, it may help students stay in music lessons. Over the years I often had students who’s enthusiasm for piano lessons would wane. (I’ve been teaching for 35 years.) But, their parents would tell me they wouldn’t think of stopping because they loved the theory classes so much. Imagine that! They liked learning with games and being with their friends. Soon the slump would be over and they were back to practicing steadily and happily once again. As is normal, some students stay in my studio for a few years, but it’s not unusual for students to stay for 8, 10 or 12 years.
I hope this is helpful for you.
Best wishes, michiko
Dear Michiko,
Thank you for responding to my email so quickly!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you again for your wonderful games. Many years ago when I discovered your book “No H in Snake” and started creating the games on my own with materials I had on hand, it reformed my teaching. I became a bit of an outcast – I didn’t fit into the norm. I’m happy to report that in the past years the concept of incorporating games into our studios and making learning music fun is starting to take hold. Many teachers are starting to see the benefits and there have been many more inquiries about how to go about using them. Old habits are hard to break sometimes but I’m positive the change will come!
My colleague and I attended the 2008 MTNA Conference in Denver this past spring and had the pleasure of attending your workshop on the last day. Your session was the main draw for us to attend the conference. I was thrilled to see so many attendees and wished I could have the opportunity to speak to you in person. Since the conference I have been more diligent in re-using the games I had left lie dormant for a year. This year Music Mind Games will be an active and predominant part of every masterclass.
Thanks again for sharing your creativity and inspiring many teachers and students alike around the world.
Musically yours, Andrea
Hi Andrea –
Thank you for your very kind and uplifting words. I so relate to what you say about being a “bit of an outcast”. My work hasn’t quite fit in the norm in such areas as publishing. And now what you wrote about the world of education is so true.
Thank you for coming to my session at the MTNA conference. When I was walking around the hotel that morning I must admit I was disheartened to find everywhere so empty. I told Marie, a MMG teacher who came to help me, that I’d be happy if 10 teachers came, that we could have some good focused time together. Then the room begin to fill up and fill up. I’ll never forget it. In the end we estimate there were more than 125 very involved teachers. I was very pleased with the session and the feeling of everyone who came.
Best wishes! michiko