SPRING 2021: LESSONS INSIDE THE STUDIO

Mrs. Joyce has received two Covid vaccinations and will begin teaching lessons inside the studio so that we are able to play with piano accompaniment. .  If you don't remember the procedure, please come to the front door, which is usually unlocked, put on your mask, and enter the house.  You may open your case in the entry hall or living room and enter the studio when the student before you is finished or when you are invited inside.  

Don't forget to bring all your necessary materials: instrument and bow, shoulder rest, rosin, sheet music, a three-hole binder with print outs and assignment sheet.

Just because it's nice to be outside on lovely days, we may still have some patio lessons in our future as well as outdoor performances. 

 https://parentology.com/research-benefits-of-music-education-at-home/

This link has very interesting studies about the benefits of actual online private music learning!  

🍂FALL SEMESTER 2020 

Welcome back to live and in-person private lessons beginning August 31, 2020.  This summer I have read countless articles, listened to hours of podcasts, and visited with our scientific family members concerning Corona Virus 19 and how to best keep you, and me, safe while continuing your music education.  

As of August 8 studies agree that outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor, indoor with masks and distancing, and proper ventilation after temperature checks is best. Our local Public Health Authority is deferring to the school districts for authority in closing schools due to changes in the virus count in our country.  Since I am in the high-risk category I will not be waiting for a higher authority to tell me I need more protection and if necessary I will move to online private lessons. 

New technology is developing rapidly that may enhance the audio quality for instrumentalists.  I'm reading reviews and waiting for reports from my colleagues.  The preliminary review is that there is a program much more successful than Zoom.   

Below is the plan for reopening my studio for Fall 2020. Please take a look at all pages on this web site (Tuition, Attendance Policy, Schedule, Suzuki Style)  for any changes to policies and view the updated photos as well.  

1.Private Lessons begin Aug. 31.  

2.Lessons will be outdoors, under the big oak tree in the front yard, weather permitting. If we need an alternative plan that will likely be in the backyard on the covered patio.  I will send instructions or post them on the front door.

3.Everyone should wear a mask! Please use the restroom before you come so entering the house will not be an issue. 

4.Lessons will continue outdoors as weather permits. If we move indoors, all persons in the studio will wear a mask! 

5. If the public health situation changes I will switch to FaceTime lessons.  We have made this work before and can do it again for our health or for bad weather. 

6.Group Lessons will be scheduled with the weather forecast in mind to be held in a well ventilated or outdoor area.  Please watch your email for announcements about these.  I realize many of you will not be able to attend these.  As there will be fewer AISD holidays this semester the Groups will meet after school hours. 

STRINGS UNLIMITED STUDIO SPRING 2020

January 6-8—PRIVATE LESSONS BEGIN

January 20: AISD HOLIDAY. 

Group lessons at the studio Book 1: 4:00

Book 2 and above: 5:00

No private lessons on this day. 

February 17: AISD HOLIDAY but I WILL TEACH private lessons

February 27, 28 or 29: possibly Gold Cup Festival

March 9-13: SPRING BREAK NO LESSONS 

May 4-6: Last lesson for Spring

RECITAL TBA

Performances: 

Big Country Honor Orchestra: January 18 in Abilene

All Region: In Midland

Abilene Philharmonic: 

January 25 with Halle Puckett, pianist

February 22 Pops 

April 18 with Canadian Brass

Civic Orchestra of Abilene (all are Free): 

February 11:  with Revolution at Wylie Performing Arts Center

April 21: @ Cullen Auditorium, ACU

Monday: 
       

3:00 Jaea

3:30 Lilian 

4:00 Hudson 

4:45 Olivia 

5:15 Dominique 
5:45 Paisley

Tuesday:        

2:00 Liz 

2:00 Mary Ellis
3:00 Camila
4:00 Wade
4:30 Paige
TEACHER BREAK

5:15 Mary Lowe

6:00 Hallie

6:45 Sterling

Updates and News

October is Here! Where are YOU?

• Practicing on the days you eat, I hope!
• Planning to attend your group lesson October 14.  
• Book 1 and early 2:   3:15-4:00
• Book 3 and higher:    2:30-3:15
• Play for City Sidewalks at Monk's Coffeehouse, December 3, 5:30 pm. Arrive early to claim your parking place, a good vantage point for the parade, and to order your hot chocolate.  Wear Christmas clothes--fancy or funny. 

Fall 2019 Semester Begins! 

First Private Lesson begins the day after Labor Day, September 3.  SCHOOL CALENDAR HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR on PRIVATE LESSON DAYS: 

• September 2, 2019

• October 14, 2019

• November 25-29, 2019

• January 1, 2020

• March 9-13, 2020

Spring 2019 Semester Begins

 Henry and Hudson focusing on Christmas carols.

 Playing for the Sing-a -long at Bright Pointe Skilled Nursing facility. 

Love that sweater, Wade Purcell!  And you played well too!

Private lessons begin Monday, January 7, 2019.  Please email or call me if you need to adjust your lesson time.  Tuition is due.  Fees will also be due soon. When I know the total fee charges for your events I will post the fees.  You may pay in full for the semester or in monthly installments with post dated checks for the first of each month, according to your lesson length.  See the tuition page on this site.

First Group Lesson:  Monday, January 21, MLK Holiday.  4:30 pm at the studio.  This will be a review day and we will learn a few group fiddle tunes and other songs.   Everyone please come!  Games may be played also!

January 26: Concerts:  Big Country Middle School Honor Orchestra/ All Region Orchestra/Abilene Philharmonic.  Times and locations will be posted in the studio.

February 1,2  Greenville Suzuki Association workshop. https://www.greenvillesuzukistrings.org/

Holidays this semester: 
Monday, February 18: President's Day,  No private lessons.   SECOND GROUP LESSON 4:30 PM
March 11-15  SPRING BREAK
March 14-14  Teacher traveling to Israel!  (Dream of a lifetime!)
Lessons resume March 25


Recital:  TBA in April or May
End of semester May 8.