Emoji AUG. 26, 2024

Hello Everyone!

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer to the fullest and that you’re getting settled into the new school year! We’re finishing up piano “summer” lessons this week and will start the Fall Schedule on Mon. Sept. 9
 
Here is some important piano news, so please take a quick look over this newsletter - thanks! You will also be able to find this information on my website, and pertinent dates are always listed on the LH side of each page under “Dates & Misc.”
 
SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE
Piano lessons for the school year will start on Mon. Sept. 9, 2024.
 
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
We follow the St. Vrain School District calendar for the following days off:
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25 - Nov. 29, 2024
Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025
Spring Break: March 17 - March 21, 2025
 
*MONDAY Students: We do have lessons scheduled on all of the Monday holidays (i.e. President’s Day, etc.).
*THURSDAY Students: Halloween falls on a Thurs. this year, so we may want to change lessons that week.

All students will have the same amount of lessons for the school year no matter what day your lesson is scheduled on.

RECITALS: TBA (one in Dec. & one in May)
 
GROUP LESSONS:  will be held the week of Dec. 16-20, 2024 and May 19-23, 2025. The scheduling forms will be emailed 1-2 weeks ahead of time and the groups will be scheduled at that time. 
 
MULTIPLE PIANO FESTIVAL:
Multiple Piano Festival will be held on Sat. Nov. 23, 2024 at Niwot High School.

Auditions will be held Nov. 9 (throughout the county) and rehearsals will be held Nov. 15 or 16 and Nov. 22 & 23. Students are required to be at all rehearsals. If you are interested in participating and we haven't started duets yet, please let me know so that we can get those going right away.

The student's registration fee will probably be $35.00 (that was the fee last year) and will be due to me with your Oct. payment (I will then write out one check to BAMTA for all of my students). Students can start rehearsing with the recordings at BAMTA.org once they are up to speed. It’s a great concert and a wonderful performing opportunity!
 
PRACTICING:
Now that school is back in session, this is a great time to establish a regular piano practicing routine at home (5 days of practice is good). Consistent practice is truly the key to success! Here is a basic chart of how much practice can really produce great results!

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS: 10-20 minutes a day

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS: 20-30 minutes a day

THIRD YEAR AND EARLY INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: 30 minutes a day

LATE INTERMEDIATE+  STUDENTS: 45+ minutes a day

Access to a metronome is also really important. You can download free metronomes for phones & iPads or you can find battery operated ones for about $30. (let me know if you need recommendations for those)

 
Thank you for your support of your children’s lessons, for music & for my studio! Looking forward to another terrific musical year!

Thanks! ~Karen Emoji




Emoji AUG. 4, 2024
Hello Everyone!
It’s hard to believe that we’re already in Aug. and that school will be starting soon for everyone! I hope that you all have had some fun activities, trips and relaxation this summer!
 
This is just a quick piano lesson check-in. I will send out a detailed Fall Newsletter later this month.
 
“Piano Summer” continues through the end of August, so there are 4 more weeks left to schedule piano lessons for your summer term. 
 
The Fall Term will start on Mon. Sept. 9, 2024. Unless you’ve talked to me, your lesson day and time from last year will be the same for you this school year. Please let me know right away if you need any changes.
 
Please catch your account up to date if needed. The only charge in August (unless of course there are sheet music charges) is the $20.00 yearly materials fee per student.
 
Tuition fees will remain the same for this fall.
 
Just a heads-up, I won’t be available the week of Labor Day (Sept. 2-6).
 
We’ve had some great music making this summer and I’m looking forward to more wonderful music making & learning this month!!
 
Thanks,
~Karen
 


Emoji MAY 27,  2024
Hello Everyone!
I hope that you've enjoyed the holiday weekend! It is hard to believe that school is out and we're headed into summer!
Summer lessons can start on June 3rd or after as I'll be out of town for the rest of this week.
Here is some important piano information for you. Please read through (or at least scan all of it :-) to get all of the pertinent info.
 
Emoji SUMMER SESSION PIANO LESSONS 
    1.The Summer Session consists of 8 regular length lessons or 6 longer length lessons (see below).            
    2. There is a payment due by June 7th & one by July 7th (regardless of when you schedule your lessons). 
    3. In August, your account will only be charged the $20. materials fee for the upcoming school year.
    4. If you'd like additional lessons, they can be added "a la carte."
 
The Piano "Summer" session is anytime in June, July & August. I most likely won't be teaching the week before Labor Day.
 
I usually suggest that you opt for the 6 longer lessons - it seems to work best with everyone's activity schedule, but if you're around a lot this summer and would like to do the 8 regular lesson times, that's fine too. I will keep track of the lessons scheduled, but you'll probably want to as well to fit them into your schedule. After summer ends, there won't be any make-ups for missed or unscheduled summer lessons.
 
Options:
-- SIX 40 minute lessons for those who normally have 30 min. lessons, OR  
-- SIX 60 minute lessons for those who normally have 45 min. lessons, OR
-- EIGHT lessons at your regular time (either 30 min. or 45 min.) 
 
Summer Lessons are all scheduled at your convenience during June, July & Aug. - I’ll be available Mon. through Thurs. from 9am to 5pm (if that is a problem, let me know and we'll see what we can work out - especially if it doesn't work with your work schedule, etc.). 
 
You do not need to keep the same day/time throughout the summer, it can change from lesson to lesson. I'll keep track of your lessons as they are scheduled (you can schedule up front, one at a time, etc.). Anyone who would like to add-on additional lessons is more than welcome to (you'll only be charged for however many extra lessons you choose to sign up for). Please email me when you're ready to start your summer lessons!
 
As per my policy, students do need to take the summer session. This keeps their head in the music and their fingers active. It also helps them to stay consistent with their practice (but also allows room for time-off and vacations). It also guarantees your fall spot. This is my business and the way I make my living, which needs to run on a year-round basis.
 
 
Emoji FALL LESSON TIMES:
Your lesson time from this past school year is "your" time for next school year. The fall schedule begins Sept. 9, 2024.
 
Please let me know if you need to change your day/time - if you know already, we should do that now so that you have first choice before I offer open times to new students. But, you can contact me anytime during the summer to change your fall lesson day/time to anything that is available.
 
Also, if you'd like to switch from a 30 minute time slot to a 45 minute time slot in the fall, please let me know and we'll get that on the schedule. 
 
 
Emoji MULTIPLE PIANO FESTIVAL:
Multiple Piano Festival duets have now been chosen for the concert, so learning them is always a big summer project for those who are interested! 
 
Please confirm with me that you are interested in MPF this year so that we can start the duets this summer and hopefully get the students partnered up right away (which is an advantage at the auditions over being a "single" player).  This concert is a definite commitment, but it is really worth it to be a part of this fabulous and unique performance! Also, if you haven't participated before, but might be interested, let me know if you want more information about MPF!
 
Here is what I know about MPF 2023 so far:
    1. It appears that we will be at Niwot High School again this year (we can't confirm with the school district yet, not until sometime               in June, but, we know that Skyline is not available).
    2. The performance date will be Nov. 23, 2023
    3. All students (except the Adult & Alum category) are required to audition (most likely Sat. Nov. 9)
    4. Students are required to be at all of the rehearsals. 
 
Emoji YOUR ACCOUNT...
I'd appreciate it if everyone would bring their account up to date (mostly music purchases from earlier). I'll put any amount owed down below. You can find details for any fees and payments, at your account page on my website:
 




Emoji AUGUST 2023
Hello Everyone!
I hope that you have enjoyed your summer to the fullest! It's hard to believe that school is starting this week and I hope that all of the students have a great beginning to their new year!
 
Here is some important piano news, so please take a quick look over this newsletter - thanks! You will also be able to find this information on my website.
 
SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE
Piano lessons for the school year will start on Tues. Sept. 5.
**Monday people will make-up their missed lesson from Labor Day, on Mon. Nov. 20 (the first day of Thanksgiving Break). Let me know if we need to schedule a different day**
 
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
We follow the St. Vrain School District calendar for the following days off:
Thanksgiving Break: Tues. Nov. 21 - Nov. 24, 2023
Winter Break: Dec. 25, 2023 - Jan. 5, 2024
Spring Break: March 18 - March 22, 2024
All students will have the same amount of lessons for the school year no matter what day your lesson is scheduled.

 

MULTIPLE PIANO FESTIVAL:

Multiple Piano Festival will be held on Sat. Nov. 18, 2023 at Niwot High School. Auditions will be held Nov. 4 and rehearsals will be held Nov. 10 or 11 and Nov. 17 & 18. Students are required to be at all rehearsals. The student's registration fee is $35.00 and will be due to me with your Oct. payment (I will then write out one check to BAMTA for all of my students). Students can start rehearsing with the recordings at BAMTA.org once they are up to speed. It’s a great concert and a wonderful performing opportunity!
 

PRACTICING:

Now that school is back in session, this is a great time to establish a regular piano practicing routine at home (5 days of practice is good). Consistent practice is truly the key to success! Here is a basic chart of how much practice can really produce great results!
   FIRST YEAR STUDENTS: 15-20 minutes a day
   SECOND YEAR STUDENTS: 20-30 minutes a day
   THIRD YEAR AND LATER STUDENTS: 30 minutes a day
   LATE INTERMEDIATE+  STUDENTS: 45+ minutes a day
Access to a metronome is also really important. You can download free metronome apps on phones & iPads or you can find battery operated ones for about $30. (let me know if you need recommendations for those).
 

Thank you for your support of your children’s lessons, for music & for my studio! Looking forward to another terrific musical year!
 
Thanks! ~Karen 





Emoji MAY 29, 2023 Newsletter

Hello Everyone!
I hope that you're enjoying the holiday weekend! It is hard to believe that school is out and we're headed into summer!
I am not planning on teaching this week, so summer lessons can start on June 5th or after.
Here is some important piano information for you. Please read through (or at least scan all of it :-) to get all of the pertinent info.
 
SUMMER SESSION PIANO LESSONS
1.The Summer Session consists of 8 regular length lessons or 6 longer length lessons (see below).
2. There is a payment due in June and one in July (regardless of when you schedule your lessons).
3. In August, your account will only be charged the $15. materials fee for the upcoming school year.
4. If you'd like additional lessons, they can be added "a la carte."

The Piano "Summer" session is anytime in June, July & August. I most likely won't be teaching the week before Labor Day.
I usually suggest that you opt for the 6 longer lessons - it seems to work best with everyone's activity schedule, but if you're around a lot this summer and would like to do the 8 regular lesson times, that's fine too. I will keep track of the lessons scheduled, but you'll probably want to as well to fit them into your schedule. After summer ends, there won't be any make-ups for missed or unscheduled summer lessons.

Options:
-- SIX 40 minute lessons for those who normally have 30 min. lessons, OR
-- SIX 60 minute lessons for those who normally have 45 min. lessons, OR
-- EIGHT lessons at your regular time (either 30 min. or 45 min.)

Summer Lessons are all scheduled at your convenience during June, July & Aug. - I’ll be available Mon. through Thurs. from 9am to 5pm (if that is a problem, let me know and we'll see what we can work out - especially if it doesn't work with your work schedule, etc.).

You do not need to keep the same day/time throughout the summer, it can change from lesson to lesson. I'll keep track of your lessons as they are scheduled (you can schedule up front, one at a time, etc.). Anyone who would like to add-on additional lessons is more than welcome to (you'll only be charged for however many extra lessons you choose to sign up for). Please email me when you're ready to start your summer lessons!

As per my policy, students do need to take the summer session. This keeps their head and their fingers active and helps them to stay consistent with their practice (but also allows room for time-off and vacations). It also guarantees your fall spot. This is my business and the way I make my living, which needs to run on a year-round basis.
 
MULTIPLE PIANO FESTIVAL:
Multiple Piano Festival duets have now been chosen for the concert, so learning them is always a big summer project for those who are interested!

Please confirm with me that you are interested in MPF this year so that we can start the duets this summer and hopefully get the students partnered up right away (which is an advantage at the auditions over being a "single" player). This concert is a definite commitment, but it is really worth it to be a part of this fabulous and unique performance! Also, if you haven't participated before, but might be interested, let me know if you want more information about MPF!

Here is what I know about MPF 2023 so far:
1. It appears that we will be at Niwot High School again this year (we can't confirm with the school district yet, not until sometime in June, but, we know that Skyline is not available).
2. The performance date will be Nov. 18, 2023
3. Registration per student will be $35.00 this year. I have to turn in one check from the studio, so your payment of fees will be due to me before the registration due date which will be inOct. There are no refunds after the fee is paid. Also, if I don't receive your fees, I won't be able to cover your registration fee.
4. Tickets will be $15. per person (performers do not need a ticket)
5. All students (except the Adult & Alum category) are required to audition (Sat. Nov. 4)
6. Students are required to be at all of the rehearsals. With our numbers bouncing back after COVID and fewer pieces this year, this policy will most likely be enforced more carefully. Illnesses are excused, but I need to have that information before your scheduled rehearsal, and, if the student is sick (or gone for any reason) for the final Sat. rehearsals, they won't be allowed to play that evening - making sure that the germs are not spread