We're back to In-Person Lessons! Let's celebrate by making music!

 

"In summer, the song sings itself."  – William Carlos Williams June 25, 2021 Dear Students and Parents of Students, Welcome to Summer! I've seen some beautiful late nights around the solstice, and I can't say I really mind all the rain we're having right now since we need it so much! The summer schedule is finalized and I'm working on a new swap-list. However, keep in mind that over the summer, my schedule changes weekly, so it is best to confer with me before arranging a swap. Summer is also a great time to have the occasional extra lesson during the week. I have the flexibility, and you or your children have the goals! Let's make something of it! In this newsletter you will find information on returning to in person lessons, recital news, a cool survey opportunity to help research on music and language, and important dates. Additionally, I do have some families who have been impacted financially by the pandemic. While it feels like we're returning to "normal" out in the world, we are still very much feeling the impact. If you are interested in contributing, I am offering scholarship aid for dedicated students who are having difficulty continuing in lessons during this time. Contact me for more information if you're able to donate! - Aubrey   Back to In-Person Lessons! Because of the way things have been going in Illinois, CDC guidelines, and the number of families that have received the vaccination, we will be returning to in-person lessons June 29th!   One pianist and one parent may enter for in-person lessons. Parents will once again be in charge of note taking.   If you are feeling under the weather or are coughing or sneezing, please just stay comfy at home and we'll do a virtual lesson that week. We've all gotten the hang of it, and there is no need to spread germs of any kind!   Lessons will end promptly to allow for 5 minutes between students. This way nobody will be gathering in the hallway or congregating on the stoop! If you have anything you need to discuss with me, please bring it up at the beginning of lesson so we can make sure to address it and still respect the time of the next student. For those that do not feel comfortable with the above procedures, please let me know so I can do what I can to address your concerns! A friend of mine is running a very interesting study on music and language. I thought some of you with toddlers at home might be able to participate and contribute to educational and brain development science! IMPORTANT ITEMS OF NOTE Our Studio and Movie Music Recital is going to be held on Friday, July 16th at 6:30pm. This event will be on Facebook Live. The movies that students have prepared are a surprise, so please stay tuned for clues. Prizes to those who are able to guess them all correctly! And remember, the fun is in the comments, so please be sure to comment on Facebook during the recital or pass your thoughts on to me via text so I can share them with the audience. Speaking of recitals, please stay tuned for a couple of Book 1 recitals coming up! Vincent, Siri and Colin have been working hard and I can't wait for them to be able to show you! And Declan is graduated (congratulations!) and is heading off to Illinois Weslyan this fall. Please keep an eye out for the announcement of his Senior Recital! And lastly, do you have any items to donate? Adjustable benches, Suzuki Piano CDs, sheet music, parenting/pedagogical books, etc? Let me know and I'll get them passed on to someone (students and/or new teachers) who needs them!   Upcoming Dates (see website for regularly updated information)   Jun 29.         Return to In-Person Lessons Jul 10.          Twinklers Group Class 4-4:30pm Jul 16           Summer Studio and Movie Music Recital, 6:30pm Jul 17           Book 1 Group Class, 4-4:30pm Jul 24           No Lessons (National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy) Aug 15         Scheduling Requests for Fall Lessons Due Aug 21         Last Day of Summer Term Sept 7          Back to School!! Don't forget to be listening! If you have a favorite piece for piano or orchestra, send it my way. I'd love to create a playlist for all my students of their favorite piano/classical music to listen to. I'd like to have the playlist out to everyone for listening over the last two weeks before we return to lessons in the fall. Thanks for your enthusiasm and your support!