A week from now, my children will be taking the Trinity Guildhall Piano Exams. They have been practicing for 45 minutes a day for weeks now and that will double up starting today. Both Vibrant Bea and Fuzzy are studying Fifth Level.

They used to have two teachers Ms. Leslie and Ms. Nilani Vas. The first time we enrolled the kids with Ms Leslie 3 years ago, she insisted that they return to Level One while my kids were already doing Level Two back in the Philippines. Apparently, she wants all children new to her to go back to square one regardless of what level they have completed. The kids didn't like her, but I do, she is so thorough. For some reason, we dropped out of her roll a year after. Partly because I have to bring the kids to her place which was quite inconvenient and she was always sick. I heard she retired not long after. Since then, the children are tutored at home weekly by Ms Vas, who is more confident with their abilities that she accelerated them twice. From Grade One to Grade Three and now, Grade 5.

The Trinity Guldhall Exam for us somehow culminates the busy weeks ahead. Last year, right after the exams, I remember struggling how to keep the homeschool front going - it was a few weeks before we started packing again for our year-end break which is usually a few days in Singapore before flying off to Manila for a longer stay. Right now, this very moment as I tap the keys, I can feel the pressure building up but I will delve into that some other time.

I just want to mention the pieces they have been practicing over and over and over.. I have been telling them that they are getting mechanical these days, quite unfeeling, more like a video game midi at times, but not always. Is it because we listen to the same pieces over and over everyday? Ms. Vas says they are simply tired and ready to take on new challenges.. new music to learn.

I have been attempting to record their practice on video but they are such camera-shy creatures of "kinderkind" when they are on the piano. They are not Mozarts or Chopins but I love listening to them and I am a proud mom.. so, another time when I can sneak a camera unnoticed.

Here are some of  the pieces, by the way.

Polonaise in F by Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach

Sonatina by Dmitri Kabalevski

Chasing Rainbows by Ray Lemond

1st Movement from Sonatina in C, op. 36 no. 3byMuzio Clementi

Kinder-Sonate in G n.1 of Drei Klavier Sonaten fur die Jugend op. 118 by Robert Schumann

Here are some classical music sites for kids. We always enjoy having a background music while busy with chores or hands on activities.A great way to start Composer or Hymn study is to tune in to these sites.

Classics for Kids Great site for introducing classical music and composers to young children. Features a monthly composer for study. This month's featured composer is Ludwig van Beethoven. You may subscribe to a monthly podcast which kids will surely enjoy.

The Classical Archives  The largest classical  music site on the web. Audio streaming and no-commercial classical radio. I have my laptop radio set on this station frequently and most of my ning pages, too.