October 22nd Recital

It's just a week until the first recital of the school year! Everyone has been polishing their pieces and working on tone through renewing our Strong Bent Thumb habits.

This recital features a focus on review, graduating students, and a reception where everyone can congratulate each other on their hard work.

Please consider something that you would like to contribute to the RECEPTION on Sunday.

Arrival time is 1:45 for a 2:00 start.

The busyness of this time of year has begun and as a result we have a few more absences than normal at this recital. Although the recital may be a tad shorter than previous years, it will definitely not be lacking in readiness. I am looking forward to seeing everyone's hard work pay off!

GROUP CLASS REMINDERS:
This Tuesday October 17th is the MANDATORY REHEARSAL for the recital.

The following Tuesday October 24th will be a Halloween Themed Group Class (costumes optional).

Tuesday October 31st there is NO GROUP - Enjoy your Halloween!

This fall is the first in 4 years that I will no be running Fiddle Class. Although I am disappointed by this, I am welcoming some time off on my Saturday afternoons to regroup and put together some great ideas for the winter. Stay tuned for winter Fiddle Class dates and other performing opportunities available as part of the December 3rd Holiday Recital!

Changes

I have so many half finish posts and projects on the go right now. So many ideas I want to share with you all but my mind seems to be in chaos since the move this summer. I live for organization and although I have accomplished all the major projects from moving, my list of little projects seems to be growing by the day. So while I work on reorganizing my life and my work, posts may continue to be minimal on the blog. I will still post reminders and important dates on here, but other works will be on hold. I hope to get back into the swing of writing soon.

I have seen some great strides in practice over these past couple weeks and students working diligently to get in daily practice. Don't forget about your STRONG BENT THUMBS! Keep working on your schedules and trying to prioritize everything that you want to accomplish in a day and I will continue to do the same as I work through all these changes.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful long weekend! 

Group Class This Week & Fiddle Registration

GROUP CLASS starts this Tuesday September 19th! Although my plans for this terms recitals are still in the works, I am so excited to start working on group projects with everyone over the next few weeks. Coming up on Tuesday will be a chance for us all to get reacquainted and to brush up on our review pieces from a possible rusty summer (although many of you had very productive summers!).

Also coming up in a few weeks is the return of the FALL FIDDLE CLASS. Fiddle Class will start after Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday October 14th. Be aware that if you have been to fiddle class before, class will now run from 1:00-2:00 at my place (as opposed to 1:30-2:30).
You may register ONLINE HERE! 

FIDDLE CLASS is a great opportunity for those playing Book 1 Etude and higher to learn more about sight reading and music theory as well as playing a different style of music that involve lots of movement and creativity. The Winter 2017 Class put on a beautiful show at Chartwell Residence and I look forward to going back there in December!

PARKING UPDATE: The driveway has still not been paved but is currently accessible. Will send out an e-mail if the driveway will be unavailable to use again. Thanks for your cooperation!

2017-2018 Lessons Begin!

All major renovations are done and I am so excited for everyone to see the new lesson space! Here are a few reminders as you make your way to the new house this week:

• There is construction currently on Glengarry Ave and driveway parking in temporarily unavailable. There is still parking available on the road but it will be congested in the evenings as school lets out. Once construction is done, you are welcome to park on the driveway and you may pull in behind my Dodge Caravan (except for MONDAY students, DO NOT block the van). Please do not pull in an block any other vehicle. Also try to leave room for a car to pull in on either side of your own car. 

• When you arrive, please come in through the side door located directly off the driveway. You will see a welcome sign so you know you are at the correct door. The entry way is very tiny, so please take your shoes off and carry them downstairs where you will find a shoe and coat rack. The washroom is also located downstairs.

• As always, plan on arriving to lesson a few minutes early so you can find a place to park, enter without rushing and take your time unpacking and getting ready for lesson. This is not only important for the little ones to feel this calm right before learning takes place, but for the parent as well. If we are calm and ready, children are more likely to be as well.

• Been thinking about Graduating? Our October 22nd recital is a great time to graduate a Suzuki Book but NOW is the time to start preparing. If you are interested in graduating, please speak to me this week so we can come up with a plan to be prepared!

• I am currently running a FREE drop in class on Thursday September 14th at 10:30 for my Small Steps Baby & Toddler Music Class. Please come by and check this class out! You can find all registration details HERE.

Registration for Small Steps Music Class Available Online

I'm reaching out to all my Suzuki families and asking for your help once again to spread the word about my Small Steps Music Class for Babies, Toddlers and Parents.

Music is such a powerful way to teach not only children, but babies. Aside from the musical skills a young child can develop from coming to a music class, more importantly is the bond that develops between parent and child and the social, physical, cognitive and emotional experiences that can blossom through class. Plus, it's a great way to get new parents and baby out of the house and doing something educational for the baby/toddler and supportive for the parent.

I am currently running a FREE drop in class on Thursday September 14th at 10:30. Please come by and check out this class. You can find all registration details HERE.

Please tell your friends and any new parents about this class!

As always, thank you so much for your time in reading these posts and for continuing to support Amy's Violin School!

Lessons start back in two weeks and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the basement will be ready to go. If you haven't been to the new house yet for a lesson, I've been temporarily set up on the main floor for teaching, but I am so excited to have the basement available to teach out of come September. Stay tuned for details!

I hope everyone has had an exciting summer and as you wind down and get ready for the new school year to start, I have one last adventure to tell you about - Ontario place is FREE this weekend in Toronto and you can catch me playing with Celtic Shift at 3:00! Click HERE for details.

And just because.... she has just learned how to clap her hands together and desperately wants to walk! We look forward to seeing you all shortly!

The craziness begins...

Summer lessons are starting and here is your fair warning that the house will be A MESS! If  you missed the announcement in the last post, I am MOVING! IN TWO WEEKS! The craziness has started and it's like the walls have exploded. Keep an eye out for details on when lessons are switching over to the new location (probably all summer lessons from July 26th and on will be at the new house).

I quickly wanted to mention some great opportunities to see some music throughout the summer.

Home County Folk Festival is coming up in London this weekend in Victoria Park.

Goderich Celtic Festival brings in amazing groups from around the world every year. Check them out the second weekend in August.

NEW this year is the Greenbridge Celtic Festival hosted by Natalie Macmaster and the Leahy's! Located near Peterbourough, it's more of a drive but a must see group of performers!

Lastly, if you are going to be in the Toronto area Labour Day Weekend, you will find me playing with Celtic Shift at Ontario Place!

Need any violin tune ups or questions about any pieces you are playing at home? Don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer. See you soon!