09/24 Update - Two Weeks In
Monday, September 25, 2023 | Update
We're off to a great start of the school year. I really enjoy having students back in the studio and hearing (and seeing) lots of growth and excitement. A reminder, the 1st Group Week will be in a couple weeks: October 9 - 13. I will share more about the schedule and expectations next week.
Violin Discovery Class: For any younger siblings or family friends who have shown interest in learning violin, I am launching a new group class starting in October. It's an longer format version of my Violin Discovery Workshops where we learn basic positions and musical building blocks. This is a great entry-level class for children ages 5-8. Classes will be held on Wednesdays @2:30pm at the Lakewood Seward Park Clubhouse. Feel free to share the website to learn more and register: https://www.bjviolin.com/discovery
Studio Synopsis (part 2): 2nd in a series of this reintroduction of the studio experience and expectations in a more casual and digestible format.
rhythm: studio communication
There is a rhythm and routine that comes with weekly music lessons especially after the 1st few weeks. An email is helpful when you can predict a change in your schedule. Also, I understand that the unexpected happens (illness, traffic and such). If the unexpected does happen, shoot me a text. We'll work it out.
I make it a point to communicate on a regular basis through weekly/bi-weekly "Studio Updates" These may provide a recap of a studio event, or a heads-up of upcoming one. Please take a moment to read these making note of any change in schedule particularly during a break or group week. You may have also been invited to my Studio Newsletters. These will serve a more promotional mode of communication announcing any public programming (jams, showcases, and performances) and I ask you remain subscribed as long as you are with the studio.
Welcome Back to Lessons
Monday, September 11, 2023 | Update
Welcome to the first week of the Primary Session and the first week of lessons. By now you should have a confirmed lesson time and received an invoice for this month's lessons. If you are not enrolled in Auto-Pay, monthly payments are now due and should be paid before the 1st lesson of each month. Let me know if you need help enrolling in auto-pay.
Lesson Protocol
Please read the Lesson Protocol handout. This handout sets out my expectations for students and parents before during and after each lesson. Please look over and communicate any important information to your student. Let me know if you have any questions.
Studio Synopsis
Lastly, I wanted to share some text I've been drawing up that will serve both as a reflection and an introduction to the studio for those who will be joining our community in the future. I will be sharing a bit of the "Synopsis" (for lack of a better term) over the next couple weeks. Enjoy!
Welcome to the studio and the next stop of your child's musical journey. This synopsis is more like an overview of what the studio experience might look like of and deeper understanding of how I work and teach. Consider it a casual look at my studio policies.
song title: studio mission
“My mission for this studio is to use the violin as a conduit toward building community while developing confident musicians who enjoy playing with others.”
This statement has been my guiding principle since the inception of this studio 10 years ago. It's an approach I believe that provides engagement and long-term fulfillment playing this instrument. I designed the studio this way as response to how I've come to see music as a way to build self-confidence and connect with others. Imagine your student in their late teens, 20s or 30s. Pulling out their fiddle with some other musical friends to play some tunes in the park or around a campfire.
