I cannot believe that school begins in just two weeks! Where has the summer gone?

Fall Semester 2012 begins on September 4th, 2012. I believe school begins for most the next day, but I am planning to start our new schedule on Tuesday. (If you have a Tuesday lesson and need to move this first week let me know so we can make those arrangements).

Most have scheduled their times for the Fall but there are a few who have not. Attached is an updated schedule, which can also be found on the Studio Website. I have had several calls asking if I am taking new students and I need to know if you want me to reserve a space for you asap.

With the start of school comes some organizational paperwork. Each student/family will be receiving a packet of information that I would like you to review, return and/or file for your records.

The packet will contain the following:

I can’t believe it is that time of year already–time to start thinking about Fall and school and new lesson times. As I have been drafting this I’ve received two emails asking about Fall scheduling so I think we’re all on the same page.

I am attaching a pdf of the times I will and will not be teaching come September. Like last year, I will be attending the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut completing my Long Term Suzuki Training Course. This year the class will be taught on Thursdays not Tuesdays so this changes my schedule slightly. One other very important thing to note is that there will be 4 Violin Group Classes this semester instead of 2. Based on ability/repertoire, students will be placed in a group with other students around their level. Group Class Rosters can be found under the “Studio” button on my homepage. Group Class times are listed on the attached pdf.

As you can imagine is is not always an easy experience aligning my schedule + all of your schedules so please be patient as we work out your lesson times. Some tweaking might be necessary to make everything fit, but if we are all a little flexible it should be no problem.

When you know what time(s) you would like (and I suggest having 2 or 3 options…) please call or email me to get your name on my schedule. Lessons will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

Fall 2012 Schedule

The Tuning Up! Final Concert gives us an opportunity to put on display everything we work on throughout camp. Having the chance to play for our families and “show our stuff” brings some closure and recognition to a week of hard work (and play).

Most of you know this is my first year teaching in Boston after relocating from Utah in the Fall of 2010. Tuning Up! 2010 (which was its 10th year) was very bittersweet as it was my last hurrah before packing up and saying goodbye. After missing 2011 I wasn’t sure if I would bring it back, but I am so glad that I did. It affirms my belief that group is important. Playing with your peers is important. Having fun while making music is important. Yes, it is a lot of work on my side, but it is worth it.

Here are some of the pictures from the final concert. (When you click on them they get bigger…)

Our Twinkle Group was so lucky to have out of town visitors! It was so fun to have a bigger group and to work on posture, bow holds, Twinkles, and fiddle tunes. These guys did great and became great friends. I was excited to see them improve and work together to make beautiful music.

I can’t wait to see where they are next summer.

All in a row

A favorite

Where they put their violins when they are supposed to put them somewhere safe…

Figuring things out

Class Picture

Class picture #2: the silly version

And #3

It is so exciting for me to watch students who started playing violin with me last fall progress and improve. Every student in this group has moved through twinkle to the literature beyond it in the last year and they are doing so well.

We learned duets, practiced our ensemble skills, mastered several “new” tunes (including the classics Boil Them Cabbage Down and the French Folk Song), and reviewed. In addition to that we spent time getting to know each other and making friends. I can’t wait for group to start in the Fall!

Here they are again

A personal favorite

Such great posture!