After a week off, I'm actually excited to be back to teaching today! 3 hours of office time also helped to feel/get ready for the week.
Our flyers and biz cards are done with our new logo and design. Very excited to see them and get them out to stores, schools and anywhere kid/adult friendly! More branding!
Didn't get to the website over vacation, but will keep working on it as we go.
Special thank you to my husband for all the work he does on this business. After meeting with several architects and a couple contractors, he should have all the bids back this week and make a decision by the end of the week! Then it should be an estimated 6 weeks that it'll take to have the studio build-out and ready to go. It'll be a beautiful space and well worth all the time/money that we'll put into it!
The sign also should get going this week. It's an unusual sign, not the usual signs... it'll bring a lot of attention I believe to our space and even to the strip!
Back to family time, babysitter needs to leave!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
It's Thanksgiving and we have a busy day here filled with family, eating and fun! Hope all of you have a great day.
This year I'm thankful for all my students and teachers. It's a joy loving what you do for a career. It truly doesn't feel like 'work'. Even the last few days of having vacation, I'm wanting to go back to 'work'.
I'm thankful for having music such an intergral part of my life. Being able to play the piano when I was a young child, teen and young adult... and being able to get out the emotions. The chance to play for funerals, weddings and share in the joy/sorrow of those events with others. The chance to play with students and accompany them as they had the courage to play for recitals or judges and share their talent and love of music. Now I'm thankful I took the challenge to start writing compositions! It's wonderful to actual MAKE something special that's uniquely me. And I'm thankful that I can have a career and make a living as a musician/pianist/teacher and business owner!
This year I'm thankful for all my students and teachers. It's a joy loving what you do for a career. It truly doesn't feel like 'work'. Even the last few days of having vacation, I'm wanting to go back to 'work'.
I'm thankful for having music such an intergral part of my life. Being able to play the piano when I was a young child, teen and young adult... and being able to get out the emotions. The chance to play for funerals, weddings and share in the joy/sorrow of those events with others. The chance to play with students and accompany them as they had the courage to play for recitals or judges and share their talent and love of music. Now I'm thankful I took the challenge to start writing compositions! It's wonderful to actual MAKE something special that's uniquely me. And I'm thankful that I can have a career and make a living as a musician/pianist/teacher and business owner!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
testimonial from long-term student
I have a teen student (she's 13 I believe) that I've taught for several years. I've seen her grown from a young girl into a beautiful, poised and confident young lady. A week ago she brought in a Katy Perry song and said she wanted to play it for a talent show. I asked when the audition was and she said it was only a week away. (She's just gotten the book that day!). I tried to convince her to do something else, but she was determined to play this particular piece.
I saw her the day of her audition. She walked in, her mom popped in a CD with the song and she played the melody and some harmony parts perfectly! It was truly fantastic and you could tell she loved it! I emailed her mom to see how the audition went and here is what I heard back from her. I believe this is truly a testimonial of how Simply Music piano works. When the playing based philosophy, reading, composition, accompaniment and all the programs work together this is the fantastic result down the road!!
"My daughter has changed so much for the past couple of weeks. She actually moved the key board in her room and for once in her lifetime she told me that she loves playing piano. She spends a lot of time playing. Why? Because she can play the songs that she wants. I am so amazed that she can pick up the tune by listening it and fine tunes it by reading the music in combination with looking at the way it's played on her I pod. She learned already few songs.
I will have her keep practicing her old songs and finish the one from the class. I think all your teachings are starting to fall into place. I am amazed at her ease to remember the notes and play. Once she figures out the notes she doesn't need them anymore."
Very exciting!!!
Carrie
I saw her the day of her audition. She walked in, her mom popped in a CD with the song and she played the melody and some harmony parts perfectly! It was truly fantastic and you could tell she loved it! I emailed her mom to see how the audition went and here is what I heard back from her. I believe this is truly a testimonial of how Simply Music piano works. When the playing based philosophy, reading, composition, accompaniment and all the programs work together this is the fantastic result down the road!!
"My daughter has changed so much for the past couple of weeks. She actually moved the key board in her room and for once in her lifetime she told me that she loves playing piano. She spends a lot of time playing. Why? Because she can play the songs that she wants. I am so amazed that she can pick up the tune by listening it and fine tunes it by reading the music in combination with looking at the way it's played on her I pod. She learned already few songs.
I will have her keep practicing her old songs and finish the one from the class. I think all your teachings are starting to fall into place. I am amazed at her ease to remember the notes and play. Once she figures out the notes she doesn't need them anymore."
Very exciting!!!
Carrie
Friday, November 19, 2010
vacation!
I'm on vacation for a week during Thanksgiving! It'll be great to shift focus from teaching to family and also work on many projects.
Goal over the week is to get the new website up and rolling. Going to find a new template and revamp with videos, pictures and more information about the new studio. While the old website is still a cut above the rest of the 'music studios' in the area, it's still not good enough!
I also plan to finish up my Christmas composition, it's an arrangement of Jingle Bells and Joy to the World with a little of We Wish you a Merry Christmas thrown in.
I also am going to work on my marketting presentation for the January conference. It's already probably 1/2 done. I'm sure it'll keep tweaking as we get closer to the opening of the new studio.
Flyers should be done by Monday so hope is that I can get those out to all area businesses next week and start to meet our neighbors in the strip plaza.
Jacob met with 3 architects yesterday and really is leaning towards one. He has a couple more to interview however and we'll have to see what their quote is. We're a little nervous they'll be very expensive. However, they really know what they are doing and will most likely eliminate costs due to doing things incorrectly. Their first step is meeting with the city to make sure things go smoothly. That shows integrity that they're going to keep in compliance! One of them mentioned to Jacob after seeing his plans for the space that 'you'll outgrow this space quickly.' We have a 5 year lease... but he's thinking we'll need more space. It was nice to hear the positive compliment!
Thinking about having Chazzano coffee at the studio... there's not a coffee shop in the plaza so it might be a good option.
Still looking to add more teachers to the studio. So far it's me (I'll have about 60 students), Rachel (about 20), Angela (about 20), then Aaron is going to teach Suzuki violin, I would anticipate about 20 students for him at first and still looking for guitar (probably about 20 students as well).
Then there's the Family Music class as well as Playful Piano.
Well on our way to 150 students by April... just have to find the students! Hee hee... the strip mall is so visibile it will be helpful I'm sure in bringing in new students.
Still continuing to take actions without really knowing the final plan, but in coaching that's what occurs as the best plan or action... otherwise I'd just be sitting doing nothing for years and years!
Soooo I guess I won't really be on vacation at all... just not doing actual teaching!
Goal over the week is to get the new website up and rolling. Going to find a new template and revamp with videos, pictures and more information about the new studio. While the old website is still a cut above the rest of the 'music studios' in the area, it's still not good enough!
I also plan to finish up my Christmas composition, it's an arrangement of Jingle Bells and Joy to the World with a little of We Wish you a Merry Christmas thrown in.
I also am going to work on my marketting presentation for the January conference. It's already probably 1/2 done. I'm sure it'll keep tweaking as we get closer to the opening of the new studio.
Flyers should be done by Monday so hope is that I can get those out to all area businesses next week and start to meet our neighbors in the strip plaza.
Jacob met with 3 architects yesterday and really is leaning towards one. He has a couple more to interview however and we'll have to see what their quote is. We're a little nervous they'll be very expensive. However, they really know what they are doing and will most likely eliminate costs due to doing things incorrectly. Their first step is meeting with the city to make sure things go smoothly. That shows integrity that they're going to keep in compliance! One of them mentioned to Jacob after seeing his plans for the space that 'you'll outgrow this space quickly.' We have a 5 year lease... but he's thinking we'll need more space. It was nice to hear the positive compliment!
Thinking about having Chazzano coffee at the studio... there's not a coffee shop in the plaza so it might be a good option.
Still looking to add more teachers to the studio. So far it's me (I'll have about 60 students), Rachel (about 20), Angela (about 20), then Aaron is going to teach Suzuki violin, I would anticipate about 20 students for him at first and still looking for guitar (probably about 20 students as well).
Then there's the Family Music class as well as Playful Piano.
Well on our way to 150 students by April... just have to find the students! Hee hee... the strip mall is so visibile it will be helpful I'm sure in bringing in new students.
Still continuing to take actions without really knowing the final plan, but in coaching that's what occurs as the best plan or action... otherwise I'd just be sitting doing nothing for years and years!
Soooo I guess I won't really be on vacation at all... just not doing actual teaching!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
expanding and new happenings!
I'm making this blog public!
Here's some adventures from the past couple weeks.
I organized a Simply Music band event along with Amber Bies and Roberta Brown. It was a GREAT experience. Something truly amazing to see children (as young as 6) play with a live band. The band was great with following them and helping to make it fun for them.
One of my long-term student's mom said that she truly felt this was one of the things that set Simply Music apart.
Some of the highlights for me were seeing kids come back again and again to play, seeing Tegan sing and accompany herself, hearing Alex play his composition with the band, seeing many students play in public for the first time (with a band!) and show a complete ease of playing. Rachel Geans also played and it was a joy to hear her play and sing. It was fun to have it at Boogie Babies and I am truly grateful for the band and for Boogie Babies letting us have the location. Jacob and I got video and pictures which we'll use for the new website (when we get permission from parents).
We're searching for an architect and should have that started in less than a week. Goal is to start renovations December 1st.
Printing is at the print shop... goal is to have that back by Tuesday and get it to all businesses within 2 miles!
Sign is getting quoted.
I'm working on a Christmas composition and almost have it completed. I have a contest for all students to complete one by December 10th. My goal is to record it and put it on a CD by December 22 (before Christmas break!).
I learned something very valuable from a parent this week to require respect and quiet when I'm talking or playing. It worked very well to remind students of this in the lesson. You never can learn enough and improve enough!
I learned from coaching this week that You can be YOUR Word and create whatever you'd like! I also learned that if I share first it's more challenging for me to focus. I'm loving hearing all the breakthroughs from teachers in US and Australia and hearing Neil Moore/Ron Zellar's voice every week! My creating from nothing was to find a new teacher for the space and I found 1 and another potential! I had a personal project as well that really made a difference.
I think that's it! It's Thursday and I teach tonight then have a week off!! It'll be great to focus on family, training, cleaning, catching up and getting ready for Christmas!
Here's some adventures from the past couple weeks.
I organized a Simply Music band event along with Amber Bies and Roberta Brown. It was a GREAT experience. Something truly amazing to see children (as young as 6) play with a live band. The band was great with following them and helping to make it fun for them.
One of my long-term student's mom said that she truly felt this was one of the things that set Simply Music apart.
Some of the highlights for me were seeing kids come back again and again to play, seeing Tegan sing and accompany herself, hearing Alex play his composition with the band, seeing many students play in public for the first time (with a band!) and show a complete ease of playing. Rachel Geans also played and it was a joy to hear her play and sing. It was fun to have it at Boogie Babies and I am truly grateful for the band and for Boogie Babies letting us have the location. Jacob and I got video and pictures which we'll use for the new website (when we get permission from parents).
We're searching for an architect and should have that started in less than a week. Goal is to start renovations December 1st.
Printing is at the print shop... goal is to have that back by Tuesday and get it to all businesses within 2 miles!
Sign is getting quoted.
I'm working on a Christmas composition and almost have it completed. I have a contest for all students to complete one by December 10th. My goal is to record it and put it on a CD by December 22 (before Christmas break!).
I learned something very valuable from a parent this week to require respect and quiet when I'm talking or playing. It worked very well to remind students of this in the lesson. You never can learn enough and improve enough!
I learned from coaching this week that You can be YOUR Word and create whatever you'd like! I also learned that if I share first it's more challenging for me to focus. I'm loving hearing all the breakthroughs from teachers in US and Australia and hearing Neil Moore/Ron Zellar's voice every week! My creating from nothing was to find a new teacher for the space and I found 1 and another potential! I had a personal project as well that really made a difference.
I think that's it! It's Thursday and I teach tonight then have a week off!! It'll be great to focus on family, training, cleaning, catching up and getting ready for Christmas!
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