September 2023 Studio Newsletter

Back to the Books!

A season of change is again upon us. We get to look back on amazing summer memories made and look forward to new experiences, new routines and new learning!

ALL STUDENTS//PARENTS…..Please read this ENTIRE newsletter carefully! There are NEW PROTOCOLS, PAYMENT INFO (a bonus if you pay for full term in advance), and tips for HOW TO PREPARE…

Studio Protocols:

1. Sickness - please do not come sick!! Please monitor your health and symptoms and if you aren’t feeling well then contact me and we can make arrangements for an online lesson or an alternate lesson time. Thank you!!!!

2. Please use the washroom at home before you come for your lesson. This saves us time! There is one available for student use if necessary.

3. Hand Hygiene: I also ask that each student wash their hands in the washroom beside my studio before their lesson starts.

4. Please clip your nails! Short nails are necessary for finger dexterity and proper form.

5. REFRESH YOUR GEAR! - take a look at your piano lesson stuff…your binder, piano books, notebook. Tidy it up and organize for a fresh start to the new term. Throw out old papers you do not wish to keep (keep old music though!) * SEE DETAILS BELOW for what to bring to your lesson and how to organize your binder tabs.

6. Please use a reusable/cloth bag to keep everything together. You may leave your practice kit at home.

7. Drop off/Pick ups - Please arrive no more than 5 mins before your lesson and arrange for prompt pick up.

8. THANK YOU for your COOPERATION and CONSIDERATION!
   

UPDATED Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When do lessons start? September 12 / 13, 2023. I have already contacted you with your lesson time and will include a schedule in my first Fall email. Summer Challenge sheets due at first lesson back.

2. When do lessons end? I do not require contracts but I do ask for a term commitment. The Fall term will run from September to mid-December. The Winter term will be from January - March and the Spring term will be April & May. I do not usually teach my full schedule of students in June as many are off to outdoor pursuits during that time.

3. How do I access my ONLINE lesson? You will get a zoom link sent to you before your first lesson. Please save the information for easy weekly access.

4. How can I PREPARE for my lessons? RETURNING STUDENTS Summer is full of family fun and this might mean that the student(s) in your home may not have been practicing as much as they do during the rest of the year. This is understandable! I can promise, however, that returning to lessons will be more exciting and smooth for the student that feels prepared and ready to learn…. Setting up a practice schedule for the weeks leading up to the return of lessons is a great idea! NEW STUDENTS - If you haven’t already, please complete my “IN A MILLION WORDS OR LESS” document for each new student in your household before the first lesson. It’s just a way for me to be the best teacher I can be for you! https://forms.gle/9GEzFgzLBTrt8geC7 (returning students can complete this again as well to give me any updates)

5. What do I need for my lesson?

   • music books

   • A lined notebook for lesson notes and assigned homework

   • One 1"+ binder with 4 dividers (please label them: Sheet Music, Theory, Technique/Notes, and Practice.)

   • A Reusable bag to keep everything in when coming to lesson.

   • PLEASE LEAVE YOUR “Practice Kit” at home…less chance for you to lose the pieces!

This coming month in the studio:

• ***Prizes for SUMMER CHALLENGE** (returning students) - Completed sheet due at first lesson back.

• Intro lessons

• Review fun!

• Fun Fall Music Theory worksheets in class

• NEW GAMES and new music!

- in person and online lessons offered.

More to come this term!

• Composing

• Landmark Note Review

• Games!

• Practice Initiatives!

I have plenty of NEW MUSIC, NEW MUSIC GAMES and NEW STUDIO EVENTS And INITIATIVES planned for this year! I’m so excited to begin again!

Please link to my website and scroll down to the Frequently Asked Questions for more information or contact me. I can’t wait to reconnect with you soon and I look forward to hearing all about your summer fun! - Andrea Elzinga