Author Archives: Susan
ReviewMay 2011
‘Soundplay‘ was reviewed by ORMTA Notes Magazine.
“Soundplay by Susan Griesdale, is a set of eight short, one page character pieces for solo violin. Each piece features a double stop from the unison to the octave and each is based on a different scale or mode – whole tone, chromatic, blues, octatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Pentatonic. For easy reference, as set of scale samples is found at the back of the book.
The result is a charming collection of works for violin students in the RCM Grade 5 to 8 range, offering contemporary yet tonal compositions that convey many musical moods.
The pieces are very accessible, mostly in the 1st and 3rd positions, but including spots in the 2nd and 4th positions, and ‘Water Sprites’ reaches the 5th position. The pieces have bowing and fingering suggestions, but there is ample room for students and teachers to add their own choices. The ‘Highland Fanfare’ with its catchy Scottish flavor offers an unusual challenge using fifths: ‘Banter’ features a good workout in octaves, tempo changes and dialogue; ‘I Remember’ and ‘As I Wander’ are more contemplative in nature. ‘Will You?’ requires nimble fingers; ‘Stomp’ is energetic and colorful giving good practice switching between 5/8, 4/8 and 3/8 time signatures; the ‘Jolly Rondo’ with its spirited rhythm is especially suited to the violin and will quickly become a favorite!”
On the RoadSept 2010
My colleague, Martha Hill Duncan and I had a fun time in Red Deer Alberta at the APTA (Alberta Piano Teachers Association) Convention.
Here we are at the trade show and also the airport where Martha took a picture of us waiting to board. This picture was initially upside down (must have held the iphone the wrong way!). That was a sign of our few days to come as we experienced first, a lost credit card, then, a lost cheque, and finally lost car keys! 
But the convention was simply wonderful and the people of APTA were very gracious
and welcoming. We would love to go back!
On the RoadSeptember 2003
‘Gentle Dissonance for the Student‘ – I gave a presentation to the members of the Etobicoke-Mississauga branch of ORMTA, introducing a variety of pieces from all levels and discussing the pedagogy behind the music. These miniatures are written to give the student the opportunity to explore new sounds as they tackle technical challenges.
ReviewNovember 2005
My three newly released collections are reviewed by CFMTA’s The Canadian Music Teacher Magazine. “A very modern sounding collection, these works come with a description of the intended sound of each piece.”
“Her goal in composing ‘ Little Hands, Big Pieces‘ was to create music that “is easily learned, easy to teach but sounds difficult.” A good way to work with major triads, Griesdale has built these pieces almost entirely of them.”
‘Piano Mime‘ is a collection of character pieces designed to introduce students to a new sound and delve into greater technical challenges
‘Out of the Box‘ is another collection of character pieces that is both cheery and quirky. Works in this 8 piece collection include Carousel, Bounce, Rattle’n Squeak, Shhhhh, The Jitters, Spriggans, among others.
New Book Release!June 2010
New Release! My new flute collection ‘Voices from the Earth‘ – Seven evocative pieces for solo flute that offer a fresh and unique sound experience. Look for sound and score samples on the Compositions Solo Instrumental page.
News!April 2010
I have been chosen as the featured Composer for Junior Piano Classes for the NYCO Music Festival in Toronto. Larisa Kuzmenko is the featured Composer for the Senior Piano Classes. The Music Festival takes place in late April, 2010.
On the RoadJuly 2010
Some pictures taken at the Summer Sizzle Convention in Mount Forest. Fellow Red Leafers Martha Hill Duncan, Janet Gieck and myself with Christopher Norton during a quiet moment at the Trade show.
AdjudicatingApril 2011
The first weekend in April was spent adjudicating for the Newmarket ORMTA Branch this year. A wonderful group of students and the standard was impressive!
New Book Release!March 2011
‘Soundplay‘ is a collection of eight solos for violin. You can see score samples and hear sound samples on the Composition Solo Instrumental page.
PerformanceMarch 2011
The Artists-in-Concert at The Music Gallery in Toronto saw a performance of five of my violin pieces from the ‘Soundplay‘ collection for solo violin performed by Violinist Susan Spier.
ReviewFebruary 2011
This month reviews of my ‘Let’s Pretend‘ music book and my ‘Rhythm Practice‘ book were written up in the LaDona blog. Take a look!
http://ladonasmusicstudio.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/rhythm-practice/
http://ladonasmusicstudio.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/lets-pretend/
ReviewWinter Issue 2010
My ‘Let’s Pretend‘ book was reviewed by the New Brunswick RMTA Quarter Note publication in their fall issue as part of their review of Red Leaf Pianoworks. http://www.nbrmta.com/
“‘Let’s Pretend‘ – Susan Griesdale (Grades 1-4) Great pieces for those students with big imaginations.
‘I am the King!!‘(2) includes the fanfare trumpets and fun dotted rhythms;
‘I’m Invisible’ (1/2) is very original and sure to please many. The first 2 lines start with the same music and the music gradually disappears, one beat at a time, until the end.”