Hello students and families! The school year is officially rolling and all of our activities, including piano lessons, are in full swing. Here is your October newsletter in a slightly new format for those with limited time to read:
· In the month of September, the studio welcomed several transfer students. It can be hard to start lessons with a new teacher so it’s awesome to see each of you working hard, enjoying piano and succeeding. It’s great to have everyone, keep up the great effort!
· The first master class was a great kick-off to the year. Our featured performers were Zach S. (first-time performer—Great Job, Zach!), Colby, Emma R. and Nate. We held a “true” master class where students took turns demonstrating various skills at the piano. Everyone survived, and thank you to those who willingly (or unwillingly) “volunteered” for the task! There is a great attitude towards trying new things in the studio.
· Our next master class is schedule for October 25th (just a few days away already). My brainstorming for this master class has pointed to a focus on rhythm in various formats: reading, writing, dictation, swing rhythms, on the piano, using various counting methods, etc. We’ll have performers, a presentation, at least one game and hopefully a video. I really look forward to master classes, and this one is no exception!!
· Guild Auditions will be held this spring in Rochester, NY. If I haven’t spoken with you about them or have only had a chance to speak with your child: Guild is an annual adjudication for piano players. Never a competition, simply an opportunity for personal challenge; the auditions afford an opportunity to perform prepared music and scales before a Guild “judge” (another piano teacher). The event usually takes place during the school day and so parents are a big part of the day, picking up their child from school and transporting them to the location. I’m about ready to send in an unofficial count (no names needed yet) for how many students will be participating from our studio. If you’re interested—even if you’re kind of interested, let me know so I can let Guild know! This will be an excellent experience for all who decide to attend.
· On December 13th, our studio holiday party and master class are set to take place (same time as usual: 10-noon). Most students have received their Christmas music for performance on that class. Since drawing up the calendar, I’ve had the idea of taking that afternoon to perform our holiday and other prepared music at a local retirement home. It would be a great opportunity to bless some special people and a low-key way to perform at a larger venue. Please check your calendars and let me know if this will be a possibility for you on December 13th in the early- to mid-afternoon. Thanks!
· In the month of September, the studio welcomed several transfer students. It can be hard to start lessons with a new teacher so it’s awesome to see each of you working hard, enjoying piano and succeeding. It’s great to have everyone, keep up the great effort!
· The first master class was a great kick-off to the year. Our featured performers were Zach S. (first-time performer—Great Job, Zach!), Colby, Emma R. and Nate. We held a “true” master class where students took turns demonstrating various skills at the piano. Everyone survived, and thank you to those who willingly (or unwillingly) “volunteered” for the task! There is a great attitude towards trying new things in the studio.
· Our next master class is schedule for October 25th (just a few days away already). My brainstorming for this master class has pointed to a focus on rhythm in various formats: reading, writing, dictation, swing rhythms, on the piano, using various counting methods, etc. We’ll have performers, a presentation, at least one game and hopefully a video. I really look forward to master classes, and this one is no exception!!
· Guild Auditions will be held this spring in Rochester, NY. If I haven’t spoken with you about them or have only had a chance to speak with your child: Guild is an annual adjudication for piano players. Never a competition, simply an opportunity for personal challenge; the auditions afford an opportunity to perform prepared music and scales before a Guild “judge” (another piano teacher). The event usually takes place during the school day and so parents are a big part of the day, picking up their child from school and transporting them to the location. I’m about ready to send in an unofficial count (no names needed yet) for how many students will be participating from our studio. If you’re interested—even if you’re kind of interested, let me know so I can let Guild know! This will be an excellent experience for all who decide to attend.
· On December 13th, our studio holiday party and master class are set to take place (same time as usual: 10-noon). Most students have received their Christmas music for performance on that class. Since drawing up the calendar, I’ve had the idea of taking that afternoon to perform our holiday and other prepared music at a local retirement home. It would be a great opportunity to bless some special people and a low-key way to perform at a larger venue. Please check your calendars and let me know if this will be a possibility for you on December 13th in the early- to mid-afternoon. Thanks!