Friday, August 12, 2016 | Uncategorized

Hello all! After two weeks of online silence, I hope you've seen my recent Facebook posts introducing two of our new staff members. Hayley Green and Dan Nelson are both teaching beginning piano in our Beaverton studio. In addition, Hayley specializes in voice and musical theater, and Dan specializes in jazz and saxophone as well as teaching flute and guitar.

For those with lessons left on your account from our summer session that ended early, Hayley and Dan would love to help you complete those lessons! For students on a break for summer who are ready to get a jump start on fall, our jump start session is open now. In order to sign up for lessons with Hayley or Dan, email me and I'll make their schedule available online so you can sign up using your calendar in the student portal. (I can also help you find an open time.) Hayley is teaching on Thursdays and Dan on Wednesdays, and if there is interest I can offer more openings on Mondays in the studio.

On a personal level, I appreciate all the well wishes and understanding when I had to leave on maternity leave a week earlier than expected. My water broke at the end of that week of bed rest (7/29) and my son Odin was born on August 1st! I've been recovering and adjusting with him and am now starting to answer emails and phone calls again. My big outing this week was to meet with Hayley and Dan for staff training. They are excited to continue our student-centered learning approach integrating learning and fun, and I have the utmost confidence that you'll enjoy working with them in my absence. There's no commitment required, either - if you'd like to schedule one sample lesson with them before signing up for the jump start session, I'm happy to help you schedule that as well.

Hope the summer continues to treat you well!
Bonnie

Sunday, July 24, 2016 | Uncategorized

Hi students & parents,

I've enjoyed the last five weeks of summer session! Unfortunately my plans for our sixth week have been upset by baby's plans. My midwife put me on bed rest today, which means I cannot join you for lessons this week.

When I know more about baby's plans, I will provide an update. In the mean time, any cancelled lessons will remain as lesson credits on your account. They can be used with my sub once I post the new schedule, or used when fall term begins in October.

So sorry for the inconvenience! Baby isn't due for three weeks yet, but seems to have a mind of his own. If you have any concerns, please contact me directly. I will respond as quickly as I am able.

Thank you!

Bonnie

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 | Uncategorized

Thank you for all who signed up for the summer term, June 20-July 30. You'll see your new summer schedule in the calendar. If you need to reschedule, you will be issued a make up credit to be used during the term. You can use it to extend your lesson length or sign up for an additional lesson as the calendar allows. Please contact me with any questions!

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 | Uncategorized

The final five weeks of this term, from May 17 through June 17, will be a time of great exploration for students. Younger students will explore composition with Muttzart and Ratmaninoff while adults will dive into some pop favorites like the Beatles! And of course, we can always continue in your favorite method books.

Summer term this year will run June 20 through July 30. For those who might normally take the summer off, I highly encourage you to schedule lessons through July this year as I will be gone in August and September during my maternity leave. I am happy to offer substitute teacher recommendations during those two months, and look forward to seeing everyone back in October as we dive into the new school year.

Please use this link to tell me of your fall and summer plans as well as availability for lesson times. I'm excited to announce streamlined tuition for this coming year! Tuition is based per 11-week term (fall/winter/spring) and then divided into three monthly payments each term. No more wondering how much your tuition will be every month! You'll note I am now offering value added packages as well that include reduced ticket pricing for music events and sheet music for the year. Check out the descriptions in the downloads library and contact me with questions.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 | Uncategorized

I'm very excited that our Spring Recital is around the corner! Family and friends are invited to the recital on May 15, 2016 at 2PM. It will be held at Classic Pianos, located at 3003 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland OR 97202. Please check your email for information on road construction in the area in case it will affect us on the 15th. I have blogged about our recitals in the past, and here is a great link to help you in preparing for the big day. (Have a nervous student? Read this for help!)

Warm-up slots are available for sign-up using your online student portal. There will be two rooms to warm up in: the recital hall and the reception hall. Please check which one you are signing up for, and coordinate with your duet partner if needed. Warm-ups prior to the recital are optional except for those who are performing with an accompanist. Whether you plan to warm-up at home or at the hall, please arrive 10-15 minutes early so you don't worry about finding parking or finding the hall. I encourage you to visit the pianos at Classic Pianos before the recital - maybe you'll fall in love with one and want to take it home!

Some students have asked about a music event fee or tickets for the recital. While I offer this for our optional music events during the year, I don't ask for ticket sales for this mandatory event. It is my gift to you! I will ask for your help bringing goodies to share during our reception, however. Please email me or use the sign-up at the studio to sign up to bring sweets, fruits, veggies, or punch.

I look forward to a fabulous recital and fun year-end activities with all students. Be sure to invite your family and friends to the recital!