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Orpheus Blog

Students of the Month: July 2020

7/1/2020

 

Leah F.

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I love music because it gives me a different view of the world. After playing piano for a few years, I hear more of nature's music. I hear the beat in every sound and music makes me happy and helps me connect with people. To me, music isn't just something to play or listen to, it's a passion, a relief.
-
Leah

Leah has been studying piano with me since summer 2018, one of my very first students. Leah is a very smart and sensitive musician. She always has very clear and strong ideas of her music, which make Leah and me debate and argue a lot. However that argument always brings Leah to the next level of musicality. I really like that when Leah shares not only her musical ideas but also her daily life stories with me. Leah is a very special student to me, she has been with me since the beginning of my studio at Orpheus. When I met her for the first time, she was a young student. However, now I can share not only my musical ideas but also my daily story and life with her.
​-Jae Eun

Allison K.

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I love music because you get to learn, it's super duper fun, and it's never a waste of time.  I love my teachers because they are happy and make me laugh.  I like my music class because it's calm, I get to think, and it's fun being in a group.  Ms. Leanna teaches me a lot of stuff and I love her!  Lucky me, because my dad played piano when he was little and we play together!  If it's too hard, we do a duet.  Music makes my life better!
-
Allison

Allison is one of the brightest students I have had the pleasure to teach. She always comes to her lessons with great enthusiasm, preparedness and remains super focused through all her lessons. Her parents are extremely supportive in her studies, which allow for our lessons to be more productive. I am very grateful to have Allison in my studio.
-Leanna

Students of the Month: June 2020

6/3/2020

 

Natalie N. 

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Ever since I was 6 years old my favorite type of piano genre was probably classical music, classical  somehow makes me intrigued to try harder to complete the piece. Not only has Orpheus introduced me to more amazing genres of music, but its pushing me to be the best that I can be.
-Natalie

Natalie is a very hard worker and has been practicing so much during these last few months. She loves to take on a challenge and figure out how to accomplish her goals. Every song I assign, she learns in record time - she is always ready with a song to perform! Keep up the great work, Natalie! 
-Ms. Kellie

Lyla O.

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I have played piano for 2 years and I now know that it is so fun and joyful. My teacher is Ms. Valeria. I like her so much because she is so patient and nice. My favorite thing about her is not just music but that I can talk to her about everything! Some times learning music is frustrating and it makes me cry but after playing it for many days I feel so good. Music is like a power that brings me joy.
-
Lyla

Lyla is a very musical and joyful 7 year old student In the last months, she has overcome her fear of making mistakes and now she is able to learn from them. She is willing to always listen to constructive comments and is eager to keep learning new songs! I am proud of all her progress, I enjoy teaching her very much as well as listening to her exciting stories she has to share! Congratulations Lyla!  Thanks to her parents for being very supportive of her musical journey!
-Valeria


Eliana W.

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My name is Eliana. You can call me Ellie. I am nine years old and I sing. I love music because it shows a lot of feeling. When, I have had hard feelings before, music always helps me get through it.
-Ellie

I have had such a blast teaching Ellie and watching her grow over the past year and a half. She brings a super positive attitude and enthusiasm to all her lessons, is a great listener, and is always ready and willing to try new things.  She is committed to working hard on our weekly lesson goals, and has made incredible improvement as a result.  I also admire how she worked to overcome her fear of performing, and now she owns the stage every time she gets up there and is eager to perform at any chance she can get!  Thank you, Ellie, for sharing your beautiful voice with the Orpheus Community!​
-
Chelsea

Students of the Month: May 2020

5/25/2020

 

Noah G.

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My name is Noah and I enjoy playing the piano. One of the reasons I enjoy playing the piano is because of the unique sound it has. I also love music and it’s fun to be able to play the songs I like listening to. I love when I've been working on a complicated piece and then I play it correctly. It fills me with a sense of accomplishment. When I play the piano, everyone in the house can hear me play, which is really fun. One of the coolest features about the piano is that you can open up the top of the piano and see all the moving parts.
-
Noah

Noah practices diligently and is always prepared for his piano lessons.  He is motivated, and challenges himself to learn new concepts and techniques.  I was very impressed with his recent CD project because he prepared and recorded 17 songs! Noah is an excellent pianist, and I am grateful to be his teacher.
-Ms. Beth

Ayala M.

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​I like music because it always makes me feel happy when I am sad. I enjoy it because when I play on my guitar to people they have fun, especially my brother and sister. When i play to myself I always feel like I am getting better and better, and I like it!
-
Ayala

Ayala has been studying with me at Orpheus for about a year and a half. In that time, I've seen her consistently improve as a guitarist and musician. She always brings a positive attitude to our lessons, and she always comes ready to play her best and learn more. Ayala shares her love for music with her family - her father Yarden often attends our lessons to support her and learn more about guitar himself, and her younger sister Avigail helped to present Ayala's first concert and host a bonus interview on Ayala's debut album.
Ayala just recently completed recording her first album entitled Deep In The Heart of Texas. Ayala sings and plays a variety of pieces on the album from a diverse array of musical cultures and styles, including selections from famous movies, pieces by great classical composers, and raw blues and folk music. This album features collaborations with professional musicians including cellist Sara Bravo and guitarist Michele Cotrufo, and was produced collaboratively by me and Yarden Mazor through the online digital audio platform, Bandlab.
-
Vijay

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Caroline L. 

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“It is such a delight to have Caroline in my studio! She never fails to bring a positive, can-do attitude to the lessons, and her openness to receiving feedback and trying out new ideas in her home practice has allowed her to make incredible progress in our time together.  I'm always so impressed by her focus and enthusiasm in the lessons which makes it clear that she takes her music study very seriously, but while still being able to have lots of fun, too!  Thank you, Caroline,  for your hard work! I am very glad that such a talented and goal oriented person as you joined Orpheus community!" - Ms. Anastasiia

"Music makes everything better!  I like music because it makes me happy!" - Caroline

Students of the Month: April

5/2/2020

 

Owen G.

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"I love my guitar because it gives me a break from everything else. I have been playing guitar for 3 and a half years. Music is a challenge, and I love it. Practicing is fun, but making music is the best part. Performing is also an amazing feeling. I have even played at Carnegie Hall! All that fun together? That is called music. And you cannot dislike it until you try it!"
-
Owen

"Owen was one of my very first students when I joined Orpheus and it has been so much fun helping him grow musically every week since then. He has a strong drive to get things right, has an amazing ear for what he wants, and has a great sense of humor on top of that. I very much look forward to seeing where the guitar and music will take Owen in the coming years."

-Mr. Wyatt

Ingunn P.

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Ms. "I'm very excited to be honored! I love playing music well, but it would be so much harder without Ms. Raquel with her high standards and ideal of musicality. It's so hard to live up to her expectations every week and she pushes me hard to be better. I love the violin so much, yet practice is always the most challenging part of my day, and sometimes - the funnest!"
-Ingunn

"Ingunn is a wonderful student. Although she plays two instruments, She always finds time to practice diligently and gets things done. She works really hard during lessons. She is talented, persistent, smart and ambitious. It's a pleasure to have Ingunn in my studio!"
-Ms. Raquel

Ines R.

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“I love playing the piano!!! Classes are very fun and my family really enjoy listening to me when I play. I have learnt and improved a lot with Mr Gordon; he always try to find for me songs I like. I hope that we can come back to Orpheus soon and see everybody again!!!”
-Ines

"Ines has been so much fun to teach. She is always quick and attentive. And she has a fiery spark that will be a real asset as her musical journey continues."
-Mr. Gordon

Catherine C. 

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"I love taking piano lessons at Orpheus because I get to learn new notes each week. My teacher Mr. Shane makes it fun. We also have fun in my Musicianship class, and I love hearing my friends play their instruments. Piano is my hobby and if I keep practicing, I could become a pianist and play on stage. Music makes me feel really good because I love to learn new things every day." - Catherine

"Catherine has grown so much over the last few months.  She learns concepts quickly and practices diligently every week.  She is always eager to perform the music she learns and is a joy to be around.  Catherine's joy for music is evident every time I see her!"
​- Mr. Shane


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Keeping It Real: How to Maintain a Personal Relationship with Online Music Students

4/13/2020

 
By Beth Scarborough

Connecting to Students

Teaching students of any age in group or private lessons requires at least some emotional connection.​ Whose heart wouldn’t melt at the sound of a little one running down the hall, arms open wide, saying “Ms. Beff! Ms. Beff! Ms. Beff!” on the way to her piano lesson? Granted, this will not happen with a preteen young man, but I’ll take a “hey, whatssup” any day.

In a private lesson, of course, that is easier to accomplish because of the one-on-one dynamic. Establishing rapport with each student creates a loving atmosphere that encourages trust. I’ve always been a bit of a “Pollyanna”, but I do sincerely believe that if a student knows that their teacher cares about them, they can learn anything. How do we as private lesson teachers translate that same human connection, and even friendship, through online lessons?
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Her blue Musical Journey bracelet magically appeared on her front porch!

Steal, steal, steal!

As a former elementary music teacher, I quickly learned the adage of “steal, steal, steal”. If someone else came up with an incredible idea and shared it, that idea is certainly open game to steal...I mean, use.

When we were first made aware of COVID-19 and had 
to start teaching solely online, I hit Facebook, Pinterest, and any piano-related forum available. Orpheus provided instant technical training and links to webinars so that instructors could prepare. We all jumped in and had moments of great success, and some failures. We rescheduled lessons when the screen froze because of a weak internet connection, or the sound wasn’t good. Those types of issues were easily fixed. My bigger concern was implementing ideas to keep the human connection while still reviewing and teaching musical concepts.

Staying Engaged

First of all, greet the student and parent (and other family members or pets) with sincerity to set the tone for the lesson. Second, give the student a “hook” to look forward to at the next lesson, yes even adult students. This may be a hint about a new song, a cool listening assignment using “Happy” by Pharrell, or perhaps asking to meet their pet or favorite stuffed animal at the next lesson. Third, notice their surroundings and ask a quick question. I learned how to hang string lights around the room, was inspired from mom and dad’s new office setup, got great advice on WiFi boosters, and discovered one student’s pretzel obsession! Finally, toss out some theme ideas that connect your studio. For me, this week is Crazy Hair Week...and it’s been hilarious so far! My colleagues have had a Hat Week, send grandma a video week, practice games, and even a baking challenge. I’m certain there will be even more fun ideas for Orpheus students coming soon!
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My student rocking the pink hair extensions during Crazy Hair Week
In preparing for our first virtual recitals, I was concerned that students, especially younger students, might lose focus in this different format. I read about a piano teacher with a large studio that had an idea on how to guide students to be purposeful listeners as well as encouragers! Hoping my parents would buy in to the idea, I assigned each performer 2-3 others to specifically listen to, and then write them a compliment or words of encouragement. After the recitals, tears of gratefulness welled up as parents began to send me absolutely precious compliments, astute observations, and simply sweet words of encouragement from one student to another.
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Words of encouragement between students.

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

Unable to reach through the screen to correct hand position, or write in phrasing, I’ve become dependent on others to help. Parents have been amazing! I’ve observed they would rather me ask for their help than to keep trying to explain something in different ways. This need for assistance has created more open lines of communication for me with many parents. We’re texting and emailing more, sending videos, pictures of fingering, and new song ideas. This made my day: I asked a dad if his son had looked at a song I scanned for him, and he replied, “um, not yet...but I tried it!”. I love that.

Most adult musicians adapted easily to lessons online since communicating in this manner is a norm in their work or school environments. Across the board though, they miss the direct connection only in-person lessons provide. I spend a few minutes more with them than my younger students talking about what life is truly like for them, and encouraging them to find solace and peace in their own beautiful piano music.

My fellow instructors have been an incredible source of inspiration. Sharing fun ideas to try is great, but they’re also a wonderful sounding board for advice and support. For the first time ever in a Zoom faculty meeting, I confessed to being thoroughly exhausted. This way of teaching requires hours more prep and follow-up. A few weeks ago, I would’ve never been that transparent; however, I’m learning through this crisis to be what I want others to be with me...vulnerable. To parents, colleagues, adult students - please reach out with how things are really going, how you’re really feeling. Let’s support each other through this tumultuous season of our lives. And yes, that may include putting on your Crazy Hair and dancing it out, my friends!
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Best Apps for Playing Music at Home

4/13/2020

 
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By Douglas Stefaniak

If you’re like me, lately you’ve been trying to find more things to do at home. One thing that most musicians and students are realizing is that they have more time than ever to practice. And with all this extra time, we need to get creative. That is why I have put together a list of apps that will help supercharge your music practice! They add a great level of motivation and diversity for any online instrument lesson. You can practice for more time, be more efficient, and be creative while doing it. These are apps that I always use in my own practice and teaching, so I know they work!


1. GuitarTuna: Guitar, Bass tuner

GuitarTuna
is an app that makes tuning your instrument extremely easy. The app shows you what string you’re tuning so there is no confusion, and you will hear a ding when you are right in tune! This app is great because it keeps you in tune for practice and your online lessons! GuitarTuna is also great because it has a metronome, chord library, and various games!


2. Music Tutor
Music Tutor is a sight reading app that I use in my lessons all the time. I really like this app because you can really customize the experience you’ll have when practicing. You can help your sight reading by limiting (or expanding) the notes you have to name, choose different clefs, or even answer by tapping the correct piano keys! There are different durations of quizzes, options to turn on sharps or flats, and even a practice alarm that remind you to play at the same time everyday!

3. forScore

With everything being online these days, having an app to organize all of your music is essential. That’s where
forScore comes in! The app is able to copy PDF files from other apps like Safari and Mail, and keep them all in one place. There are multiple ways to view the music for performance, and you can annotate music like you do on Zoom lessons! Another cool feature is the ability to connect a foot-controlled page turner so you don’t have to worry while playing an instrument. Many of the teachers at Orpheus use this app, and so do many professional musicians that perform live regularly!


4. Tenuto

Tenuto
is an app produced by musictheory.net that takes music theory learning to the next level. You can construct notes with Solfege or letter names. You can identify scales and chords. Are you looking to start learning guitar or transfer your skills to another instrument?. You can by learning to identify everything on a guitar or piano! This app was recommended to me many years ago, and it has only improved since then. If you are serious about learning how music really works, at both the beginner and advanced levels, this app is for you.


5. BandLab

BandLab
is a music creation platform that allows you to record multi-track recordings on PC or mobile. Have a CD Project coming up? This your answer! This app makes it easy to work with your ensemble partners to create performances while social distancing! You can play virtual instruments, create loops to play over, and “fork” (remix) music that other users have uploaded. This app allows you to be creative with others, something that everyone can benefit from right now!


6. Music Flash Class

Music Flash Class
is another sight reading app that has different, fun games to name notes! My personal favorite is Hot Potato, where a timer counts down until a buzzer goes off! Another great one is play until you name a wrong note. Because of the games, it really doesn’t even feel like practice!


Here are some bonus resources that
Orpheus recommends!


Bulletproof Musician

This
is a website that shows you how to improve your practice, performance, and approach to music. Using scientifically backed research, Noa Kageyama gives you practice “hacks” that can improve your playing. Whether it’s finding motivation or being efficient, he has the answers to your questions. There is a blog, podcast, and free resources! I personally still use these resources all the time.


SeeMusic

Ever seen amazing piano videos online or on Youtube like
this? SeeMusic can do this for you with the click of a button! SeeMusic is available on the Mac App Store, and will produce visuals like particles and lights to match seamlessly to your playing. This download allows users to understand harmony through color, and create videos extremely easily. You could share them in your online music classes for all your friends!


What apps have you been using lately?

Students of the Month - February 2020

2/1/2020

 

Tanish B.

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I am thankful and happy to be the Orpheus student of the month. It has been almost 6 months since I began learning guitar at Orpheus with my teacher Mr. Jeremy. I love music because it is fun and exciting, it makes me very happy as I can play my favorite tunes and songs on my guitar. I like my teacher Mr. Jeremy, he gives me a lot of encouragement, positivity and makes learning guitar so much fun and interesting. I recently traveled with my guitar overseas and performed at a function for my guests and for people I met along the way. My guitar is like my best companion and I feel proud about it and love creating memories playing my favorite musical instrument for my family and friends!!
-Tanish

Tanish’s enthusiasm, handwork, and drive to learn has allowed him to be make great progress despite the short time that he has been playing the guitar. After just a few weeks of study, Tanish gave his first live performance in front of hundreds of people in Cedar Park, TX. On a recent trip across the world, Tanish carried his guitar to show everyone what he could do with impromptu performances in hotel lobbies and organized performances for his friends and family. The passion Tanish has shown for music and the guitar, alongside his rigorous practice routine, radiates the potential he has to reach the top level.
-
​Jeremy

Students of the Month - December

12/17/2019

 

Amelia B.

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I love music and playing the piano because it's fun. That's the only reason.
-Amelia


Amelia loves music, life and helping her fellow students.  Every week, Amelia comes to class prepared, ready to have fun and make music with her fellow students.  If another student is struggling, she is always willing to help them.  This past week, as we were working on our ensemble piece, she went out of her way to help a fellow student learn their piano part, showing them the fingering, rhythms and notes as I went around and helped other students.  She always has a smile ready and goes out of her way to make everyone in class feel welcome.
​-Jessica

Aria B.

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My name is Aria. I am twelve years old. I play two instruments: piano and viola. I have been playing piano for over six years and viola for about two years. I love music because I can work individually and collaboratively. I think music is a great way to express yourself. I enjoy taking Musicianship classes with Ms. Debra because she makes them fun and informative!
-Aria

I am thrilled to nominate Aria as Orpheus Student of the Month. Aria has been in my Musicianship class since I first started teaching at Orpheus in 2016. She always participates with enthusiasm and a smile – and brings out the best in her fellow musicians as well. She has worked with great tenacity to learn a second instrument, the viola. I love watching her put her musicianship skills into action as she transposes an ensemble part (Violas play in alto clef!). Aria is one of the reasons I love teaching at Orpheus. Congratulations!
-Debra

Indira A.

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Indy comes to class prepared to work hard, she always has a smile on her face, and she is ready to extend a helping hand to others. She is quick to understand the concepts and works hard in class, but the thing that makes her stand out is the fact that she is a true friend to the other students in her class. It’s an honor to be her musicianship teacher and I can’t wait to see how her musical journey unfolds.
​-Rachel

Lizzie K.

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I like to play music because I like the sound.  It makes me happy to play music by myself and with others.
-Lizzie


Lizzie comes to class with excitement and joy each week.  She always has her homework done, her ensemble practiced, and is ready with any answer I ask of her.  Her joy of music is evident through the enthusiasm she has in class.  If anyone in class needs a helping hand, she is always there to assist.  Her smile is contagious and anytime a new student joins class, she welcomes them wholeheartedly.  It has been a joy to watch her musical journey.
​-Jessica

Olivia A.

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I love music because of the teachers and the people. My teacher is so fun and she always makes new challenges. Also I love playing new music and of course the recitals! I love the recitals because I get to show people what I know!
-Olivia

I would like to nominate Olivia for Musicianship Student of the Month. She always shows leadership in class by participating with enthusiasm and confidence—both with singing and piano performance.  She is always prepared to play in the ensembles, respectful in class, helpful to the other students, and eager to learn. Her cheerful, positive attitude helps make the class fun for everyone!
-Ruth

James M.

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I like music because I like figuring out new tones that I can sing and play on guitar.  I also like my instructors Ms. Jae Eun and Mr. Jesse because they play games with me and make learning fun.
-James M.


Reid always shows good attitude in Musicianship class, and he participates the class passionately. He is a great guitarist; he helps me and his classmates a lot to play harmoniously in class every week. I am very happy to have him in my musicianship class.
-Jae Eun

Students Team Up to Learn 100 New Songs

12/11/2019

 
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Mr. Doug and Dr. Klondike have challenged their students to collectively learn 100 new pieces by the end of the semester. If they succeed, the guitar students will be treated to an exclusive celebration party.

In order for a piece to qualify as one of the 100, students must evaluate their own playing based on a set of criteria they set for themselves. Criteria can include accuracy, and musicality, among others. Each criteria is rated on a 5 point scale by the student, and any piece that scores twenty or over is placed on the 100 Piece Challenge board.

“It is so great to see all of our students working together, and challenging themselves to accomplish a goal,” said Dr. Klondike.

As the students work to complete the challenge they learn accountability and self-evaluation skills. For Mr. Doug the best part about the project is the “conversation that the rating process creates.” He notes that students are able to “objectively assess” and “focus on specific ideas” related to their playing.

As of this writing students have learned a total of 71 new songs ranging from classical repertoire to today’s popular music.

Students of the Month - November

11/18/2019

 
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Abel A.

I love music because it makes me feel good, it’s fun and is exciting.  I am happy and proud to be able to play my favorite songs at guitar.
-Abel A., Guitar Student
Abel is such a wonderful student and musician! He is kind, respectful, and is always enthusiastic about making music and learning more about music. He is always prepared to play in the ensembles in class, and he is a great example of a great musician and student. We are lucky to have him in our class!
-Bruno Barbosa, Musicianship Instructor
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Bella D.

I love music because it puts me in a good mood, and I love that I can learn to play songs on the violin.  I have enjoyed learning from Mr. Ernesto.  He is very nice and helps me get better.  I am excited about my first Friendship Concert next weekend!
​-Bella DePalma, Violin Student
Bella has been playing violin for almost one year now and has an incredible work ethic in and out of lessons. Bella is an incredibly fun student to teach, and she always comes exceptionally prepared. I am excited to continue to work with her and see how she grows as a musician.
-Ernesto Garza, Violin Instructor
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Piper H.

I love music because it gives you something to do, and I get to make new friends in Musicianship 3. I love music! You get to listen to it and sometimes play it. Music is a really fun talent you get. I love music!
-Piper H., Piano Student
I would like to nominate Piper and Teagan Harkins for musicianship students of the month.  They always do their best in musicianship 3, are helpful, and have great attitudes!
-Skye McManus, Musicianship Instructor
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Teagan H.

Why I love music is because it's fun to play, and it is a challenge for me! It helps me make new friends. It's exciting when you learn a new piece. I loved the Friendship Concert! I love music!
-Teagan H., Piano Student
I would like to nominate Piper and Teagan Harkins for musicianship students of the month.  They always do their best in musicianship 3, are helpful, and have great attitudes!
-Skye McManus, Musicianship Instructor
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Alexandra S.

I like to learn music because once I memorize a song, I don’t even need an instrument to enjoy it; I can tap it on my lap or just hum it in my mind. I never feel bored. I also like playing piano for my friends and family because it makes them happy to hear me play. Music is impressive and fun, that is why I love it so much.
-Alexandra S., Piano Student
Alexandra Smith shows great leadership in class by participating with energy, joy, focus, and through her clear and confident singing. She always comes in prepared with her homework! I especially like how she takes her to hear the music in her mind before answering a question. Having her in class makes everyone's learning experience better!
-Klondike Steadman, Musicianship Instructor
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