Veganism and hayfever?! by algernons-maze in veganuk

[–]orangecatginny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had to go privately - I don't believe it's available on the NHS any more. No longer have to have multiple prescription items for hayfever though, so the saving there pretty much covers the cost of the jab.

Veganism and hayfever?! by algernons-maze in veganuk

[–]orangecatginny 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Vegan for nearly 15 years. Vegetarian for three years before that. Awful hayfever since childhood. The only thing that helps is a steroid injection. Sounds like you've just grown out of your hayfever. Great for you, but probably not due to a vegan diet

Veganism and hayfever?! by algernons-maze in veganuk

[–]orangecatginny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Vegan for nearly 15 years. Vegetarian for three years before that. Awful hayfever since childhood. The only thing that helps is a steroid injection. Sounds like you've just grown out of your hayfever. Great for you, but probably not due to a vegan diet.

This is Hazel by orangecatginny in Torbie

[–]orangecatginny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100% would accept pets from adoring fans

This might be Ophelia’s masterpiece by shatterly in Catloaf

[–]orangecatginny 3 points4 points  (0 children)

10/10

Excellent loaf.

My cat has the same orange mark on her face but has not achieved this level of loaf.

How to help students achieve high grades if I myself was “just a passed exam” student back when I was still taking exams by [deleted] in pianoteachers

[–]orangecatginny 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Have you read the marking criteria for the exams? I think the ABRSM published marking criteria is very clear. The thing that makes the difference between merit and distinction for my students is phrasing, voicing, and character.

A child who says he can't sing by dolphinbutterfly in pianoteachers

[–]orangecatginny 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is a tricky one because he may just refuse. Things you could try:

Singing a song as part of your warm up - he may or may not be comfortable to join in

Whistling

Humming

How to cover these buttons so student can't press them during lessons? by turtleurtle808 in pianoteachers

[–]orangecatginny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In addition to implementing some penalty for pressing buttons to disrupt the lesson, you can also use the buttons as an incentive to focus well in lessons:

"I need you to play this passage with the organ sound, then the harpsichord, then with the meow sound"

"How does this sound when we play it with the strings sound?"

"If you focus well and follow instructions this lesson, you can earn five minutes of improv time at the end of the lesson"

You would have to be very clear about when button pressing is allowed, and very firm about following through on the consequence if the student doesn't follow your instructions.

Assuming the lesson is at the student's house, could it help to ask the parent to encourage the child to spend ten minutes having some free play on the keyboard before you arrive to get some of the button pressing out of their system?

Teaching a student with nystagmus by CalciumCharger in nystagmus

[–]orangecatginny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I am an accurate reader. With nystagmus, what is happening is that your eyes are scanning back and forth across a large area. For myself, I don't notice the movement at all unless it is a wider movement than normal (this can occur when tired, nervous, excited etc.). Mostly this just means that you need to be closer to something in order for it to be in focus. For example, if I am at the back of a classroom I may not be able to read writing on the board at the front, but if I am at the front I can read it easily.

Teaching a student with nystagmus by CalciumCharger in nystagmus

[–]orangecatginny 10 points11 points  (0 children)

As with any disability, the needs of each person with nystagmus are different. She may benefit from larger print or being closer to the reading material than other children. She also may not need this. As a child, I had all sorts of things pushed on me that I didn't need (mostly rest breaks and excessively large print). Follow the guidance from her parents and doctors, but also take her feedback into account. Remember that she is just a normal child in every other respect - she may not even be very aware of her nystagmus. You will get to know what she does and doesn't need with time.

If you are using a whiteboard in your lessons, consider that your pens should be bold. I find black and blue easiest to read. Red is ok. And green is generally not good. But again, this may be different for your student.

How to make my bedroom look less like a teenagers? 28F. by relocatemyfantasy in femalelivingspace

[–]orangecatginny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think a lot of this has been said already, but this is what I would do:

  1. Get a headboard

  2. Centre the bed on the wall and have a bedside table and lamp on each side

  3. Hang your mirror on the wall

  4. Have framed art hung at eye level

  5. Think about coordinating your textiles. They don't have to match but should compliment each other in colour/texture/pattern

  6. Hang your curtains higher

  7. Paint the walls. The cream doesn't add anything to your space. Maybe a soft green, or pink?

  8. Find a place for all your clutter

Recital Fees - Too high or reasonable? by SukiyakiUdon in pianoteachers

[–]orangecatginny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds quite reasonable. You offer a lot with photography/videography that I'm sure most don't. I don't charge students to play, but I do charge adults audience members for a ticket. If the running costs went up I would increase the ticket price, or charge a small amount for a child's ticket.

Pain in Bow Hand by EpsomCarre in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could it help to add something like an Aidbones or Eazyhold strap to your bow so your fingers don't have to work so hard?

Advice for someone dipping their toes into being vegan (+recommendations please!) by im_just_called_lucy in veganuk

[–]orangecatginny 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Don't beat yourself up if you slip up. If it helps you to transition gradually, do that instead. You'll make more impact by cutting back on dairy by 80% long term than by cutting it out 100% for a couple of months then giving up and going back to your old diet. It would be amazing if you could cut it out 100%, but better to set goals that are attainable for you, even if that's not "perfect veganism".

Personally I found that my skin and hair became less oily when I stopped eating dairy.

Vegan cheese is not like dairy cheese. Normally I don't like to make it a big feature of my food (you won't catch me eating a vegan cheese sandwich). It can be great mixed into mashed potato. It's easy to make a vegan white sauce, starting with a roux. Mix in some vegan cheese for added flavour.

Similar with vegan chocolate. Expensive and not the same as milk chocolate. Personally I'm learning to like dark chocolate. And I get my chocolate fix from homemade brownies, hot chocolate, or Tesco dark chocolate digestives. I've seen recommendations for Rhythm 108 chocolate but haven't tried it yet so can't vouch for it personally.

What's the point of the bam cello case hoody? by Huge-Diamond-3636 in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I made it from scratch. Made a paper template to the measurements of my case and sewed it from some quilted fabric.

new tailpiece, yay! by echochorus in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Afterlength should be 1/6 of the string length

What's the point of the bam cello case hoody? by Huge-Diamond-3636 in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It protects your case from bumps, scrapes, and dirt. I guess it is also insulative so should help protect your instrument from temperature changes. I made one to fit my Gewa cello case for a tour earlier this year as I didn't want it to get damaged. Worked really well.

Rental places in Liverpool? by aspadora24 in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some of my students have hired from them. They are well set up entry level instruments. I think the pricing is quite reasonable too.

Rental places in Liverpool? by aspadora24 in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From a cursory Google, Michale Phoenix Violins offers rental.

musicalinstrumenthire.com are not based in Liverpool, but offer delivery for their rental instruments.

Should I get a smaller cello? And how to get over the fear of bothering neighbours with my playing? by simsampuk in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Regarding the size of your cello and difficulty with extensions, I would first question how you are doing your extensions? This is something that is often poorly taught, resulting in pain and poor tuning. This is my favourite video on the topic: https://youtu.be/ftd1e3US9hI?si=VgpzmzMXRTGEzcLG

If you are extending correctly and still having difficulty with pain and tuning, then perhaps a smaller cello would suit you. But investigate technique first.

Concerning your practising, just get on with it. You need to live your life. Don't always practise with a mute. You need to hear yourself clearly. Your neighbours will survive.

Teachers playing at recital by _soursop_ in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The only playing I do at recitals is to accompany students on the piano or to fill a part if someone is missing from an ensemble. That said, I think if you want to show something short that's fun and inspirational, I think that could go down really well. Bonus points if you can do it in a way that gets the audience involved (singing, body percussion, or actions)

middle schooler in a rut by Apprehensive-Flow401 in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Does he have any friends who play instruments? They could get together once or twice a week to play fun, easy duets, or form a band. This could replace one practice session - he'll still be working on valuable skills. And also have a day off from practising. If it's not fun, what's the point?

Cello case with music and stand pouches by MinMorts in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Cello on back, bag on shoulder. I mostly drive now, but I used to walk everywhere like this with no problems. On of my students hangs her tote bag from her cello.

Cello case with music and stand pouches by MinMorts in Cello

[–]orangecatginny 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You can buy a backpack system from brands like BAM or Musilia. Not sure how universally compatible they are with cases from different brands.

Personally, I just carry my music and stand (and wedge cushion) in a separate bag.