The studio demo is almost done. Hubby has spent many hours there this week. I've had child duty this week. : )
Getting back into teaching this week as well.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
The 4 Hour Workweek and important lessons!
Loving this book, The 4 hour workweek!
So far this is what I've learned. Figure out what it is that you want to do, to be and then develop a plan and the money needed to get there! Go all out.
Then take the steps to get there... sounds pretty normal right?
Except that the book is suggesting if you want to travel the world for a year, you find a way to do that without working 9-5 till you're 65 then retire! He's talking about doing it NOW!
Then another thing that is hitting home is doing the hard things first and being the most productive. For me that means making the phone calls, scheduling the meetings, doing the things I dislike and produce comfort instead of shuffling papers, going on facebook and posting and doing all the other things that are less important. Doing the important things will mean more productivity and less work and essentially more money in less time!
Also it talks about doing one hard thing every day... : )
I'm imagining what I'll produce if I take those sort of actions every day!!
So far this is what I've learned. Figure out what it is that you want to do, to be and then develop a plan and the money needed to get there! Go all out.
Then take the steps to get there... sounds pretty normal right?
Except that the book is suggesting if you want to travel the world for a year, you find a way to do that without working 9-5 till you're 65 then retire! He's talking about doing it NOW!
Then another thing that is hitting home is doing the hard things first and being the most productive. For me that means making the phone calls, scheduling the meetings, doing the things I dislike and produce comfort instead of shuffling papers, going on facebook and posting and doing all the other things that are less important. Doing the important things will mean more productivity and less work and essentially more money in less time!
Also it talks about doing one hard thing every day... : )
I'm imagining what I'll produce if I take those sort of actions every day!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
growth and adventure
It's occured to me this week that before a big growth period in the past, a period of change and adventure occurs. Right now this is happening as well.
If I planned every little detail before taking a step into the unknown we wouldn't grow or change, there's be too many details to 'figure out', there are so many variables in life yet taking new actions will bring forth possibilities.
Here's a couple questions that I needed to address this week.
Will you be teaching at the new studio? Yes, I'll continue my current students and add more on Wednesdays since we'll have more space.
Will the new studio still be personal and intimate?
Yes! Although it will be without the distractions of being in a home environment like hearing my son throwing a fit, hearing the dogs bark, not being special needs friendly, not having a clean yard... I'm really excited about having my home back for our family as we have a new baby, start homeschooling and continue to need and want more space!
The studio will be much easier to maintain and keep looking nice.
It will still have the same teachers and same feel of the home studio, but in a larger scale, more professional and more offerings.
One thing we're planning to do is a monthly 'Open Mic Night' at the studio. Goal is to just relax and drink some coffee, have some snacks and enjoy the music. This will bring about the same results as the Holiday Open House... students and families can get to know each other!
Despite it all, the studio of the future will be an exciting one. I'm reminded every time I made a change at the studio that to some change occurs to them (as it does me!) as a welcome friend and is embraced, others it occurs as a foe and one to avoid. : )
If I planned every little detail before taking a step into the unknown we wouldn't grow or change, there's be too many details to 'figure out', there are so many variables in life yet taking new actions will bring forth possibilities.
Here's a couple questions that I needed to address this week.
Will you be teaching at the new studio? Yes, I'll continue my current students and add more on Wednesdays since we'll have more space.
Will the new studio still be personal and intimate?
Yes! Although it will be without the distractions of being in a home environment like hearing my son throwing a fit, hearing the dogs bark, not being special needs friendly, not having a clean yard... I'm really excited about having my home back for our family as we have a new baby, start homeschooling and continue to need and want more space!
The studio will be much easier to maintain and keep looking nice.
It will still have the same teachers and same feel of the home studio, but in a larger scale, more professional and more offerings.
One thing we're planning to do is a monthly 'Open Mic Night' at the studio. Goal is to just relax and drink some coffee, have some snacks and enjoy the music. This will bring about the same results as the Holiday Open House... students and families can get to know each other!
Despite it all, the studio of the future will be an exciting one. I'm reminded every time I made a change at the studio that to some change occurs to them (as it does me!) as a welcome friend and is embraced, others it occurs as a foe and one to avoid. : )
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Architect meeting
Last night after the Holiday Open House, we met with the 2 architects and interior designer at the studio. I admit my eyes could barely stay open yet I was excited for the meeting the entire week!
Jacob wants to keep the design a 'secret' till it's all done and can be unveiled at a soft grand opening.
The gist of the meeting though can be explained. Our impressed with the designers. They took a look at our new flyer (designed by Ryan Wald) and were really excited about the design. It gave them a strong insight to what we are wanting to create at the studio. A modern, natural look and an attention to fun and whimsical colors.
They completely redid the design of the space than what we had thought. They captured our ideas and yet put together something that will be 'affordable'.
It'll take time to finish and rework everything, but I'm confident that in the long-run what's 2 months in the scheme of years at a space!
The studio will be completely different than any music studio in the area. It'll set us apart and will bring new students to the space!
Jacob wants to keep the design a 'secret' till it's all done and can be unveiled at a soft grand opening.
The gist of the meeting though can be explained. Our impressed with the designers. They took a look at our new flyer (designed by Ryan Wald) and were really excited about the design. It gave them a strong insight to what we are wanting to create at the studio. A modern, natural look and an attention to fun and whimsical colors.
They completely redid the design of the space than what we had thought. They captured our ideas and yet put together something that will be 'affordable'.
It'll take time to finish and rework everything, but I'm confident that in the long-run what's 2 months in the scheme of years at a space!
The studio will be completely different than any music studio in the area. It'll set us apart and will bring new students to the space!
Holiday Open House fun!
Last night was a holiday open house for my students. About 10 families attended and brought their favorite foods. The highlights for the evening were the diversity of foods: Philipino spring rolls, Chinese yam balls (like donuts!), a special Indian dish and of course the usual cookies, fudge and junk food!
It was a joy to hear children and adult (parent's) play the piano. Rachel's 3 year old daughter has a wide range of songs she can play, truly amazing little girl, some students that had just met that night played duets comfortably together and 2 adult students played their favorite Indian songs.
Music can be a solitary experience in some music studios, but with Lozier Music I've always strived to connect children/families together so that it's a family and social experience.
This was apparent last night. Children playing with toys together and conversing, parents exchanging phone numbers so that they could connect another day and children laughing, playing the piano and eating together.
It's always a highlight for me to have events like this at my home. Students can see our space and I can talk with students and parents and get to know their worlds (aside from piano).
Now if I could just stop eating all the leftover fudge I'd be all set!
It was a joy to hear children and adult (parent's) play the piano. Rachel's 3 year old daughter has a wide range of songs she can play, truly amazing little girl, some students that had just met that night played duets comfortably together and 2 adult students played their favorite Indian songs.
Music can be a solitary experience in some music studios, but with Lozier Music I've always strived to connect children/families together so that it's a family and social experience.
This was apparent last night. Children playing with toys together and conversing, parents exchanging phone numbers so that they could connect another day and children laughing, playing the piano and eating together.
It's always a highlight for me to have events like this at my home. Students can see our space and I can talk with students and parents and get to know their worlds (aside from piano).
Now if I could just stop eating all the leftover fudge I'd be all set!
Monday, December 6, 2010
big meeting Friday!
We meet with the architect team on Friday night after my open house... it'll be a busy night. Very excited about the brainstorming session! I truly LOVE this type of thing... the vision, ideas and laying a foundation. : )
I can't wait for the Holiday Open House as well though.. looks like there may be at least 8 families there. Great turn out for an event at Christmastime!
I can't wait for the Holiday Open House as well though.. looks like there may be at least 8 families there. Great turn out for an event at Christmastime!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
next steps!
This week Friday we hired an architect and also put a deposit on the sign to get it started! Forward ahead!
Jacob had interviewed about 6 architects and after lots of thought decided on one on Friday. The deciding factors were that they have an interior designer as part of their package, have integrity and foresight, get the vision of Lozier Music and know what they are doing! The first step for them is meeting with the city to understand what there is to do, then drawing up the first stage in drawings. Hope is that we'll meet on Saturday the 18th with all 3 that are part of the company for a brainstorming meeting (their idea!).
The sign decision was also a challenge. Jacob, my husband, is very meticulous (one of the things I love about him!) and our graphic designer (Ryan Wald) is amazing! The sign/logo is unique. Most sign companies hadn't even done a sign similar to our's. We went with one that could demonstrate their work and also had the best rate. It'll take 4-6 weeks to get it all done!
This week I talked with a prospective guitar teacher and have a phone call to make for another one that's interested. Excited about both options!
Had a very successful Free Intro Session on Saturday with 3 families. One an adult with extensive experience who is starting this week, 1 with twins starting in January and another that we still have to discuss a bit more that knows one of my students. 2 more to connect with and another attending a FIS on Monday.
Jacob just purchased a new template for new website and we'll be working with our graphic designer to design a new one. This one will have video capability as well as new space for design. Goal for the website is to unfold it in January.
It struck me this weekend how much I LOVE doing all the new business planning, marketting and fun!
I LOVE teaching, but the overall business part I love just as much!
Jacob had interviewed about 6 architects and after lots of thought decided on one on Friday. The deciding factors were that they have an interior designer as part of their package, have integrity and foresight, get the vision of Lozier Music and know what they are doing! The first step for them is meeting with the city to understand what there is to do, then drawing up the first stage in drawings. Hope is that we'll meet on Saturday the 18th with all 3 that are part of the company for a brainstorming meeting (their idea!).
The sign decision was also a challenge. Jacob, my husband, is very meticulous (one of the things I love about him!) and our graphic designer (Ryan Wald) is amazing! The sign/logo is unique. Most sign companies hadn't even done a sign similar to our's. We went with one that could demonstrate their work and also had the best rate. It'll take 4-6 weeks to get it all done!
This week I talked with a prospective guitar teacher and have a phone call to make for another one that's interested. Excited about both options!
Had a very successful Free Intro Session on Saturday with 3 families. One an adult with extensive experience who is starting this week, 1 with twins starting in January and another that we still have to discuss a bit more that knows one of my students. 2 more to connect with and another attending a FIS on Monday.
Jacob just purchased a new template for new website and we'll be working with our graphic designer to design a new one. This one will have video capability as well as new space for design. Goal for the website is to unfold it in January.
It struck me this weekend how much I LOVE doing all the new business planning, marketting and fun!
I LOVE teaching, but the overall business part I love just as much!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Blind student
Simply Music piano was created at first for a blind child that Neil Moore the CEO/Founder of Simply Music was asked to teach. I've wanted to have the opportunity to teach a blind child or adult since I started teaching. My home studio is not conducive to teaching special needs however. The new studio will be! I'm excited about this and will be looking into finding students with visual impairments.
Right now the studio has 4 students with special needs ranging from dyslexia to autism and the results have been quite fantastic for students.
Right now the studio has 4 students with special needs ranging from dyslexia to autism and the results have been quite fantastic for students.
monthly events for Lozier Music students
I strive to have an event for my students every month. Mostly it's a chance to play informally for others. This year's events have been an informal 'recital' at a senior home, then a Play with a Band event. This month will be a Holiday Open House. It'll be at my home studio and students/families will bring a favorite snack to pass. We'll all play our Holiday compositions and have some fun! I love these changes to meet and chat with parents. I believe it's vital that piano lessons are not a solitary experience, but a social one.
The Holiday Composition contest will be ending on the 10th (that night). Students have prepared a composition or arrangement of their favorite holiday songs or their own. All those that have one prepared will be entered into a drawing. The one that gets picked will win a gift card to the place of their choice. I'm estimating there will be about 20 students that have created compositions. I will be recording them next week and hoping to get them all on one CD by the 18th. : )
This time of year all students are playing a holiday composition as part of their repertoire and LOVING it. : )
The Holiday Composition contest will be ending on the 10th (that night). Students have prepared a composition or arrangement of their favorite holiday songs or their own. All those that have one prepared will be entered into a drawing. The one that gets picked will win a gift card to the place of their choice. I'm estimating there will be about 20 students that have created compositions. I will be recording them next week and hoping to get them all on one CD by the 18th. : )
This time of year all students are playing a holiday composition as part of their repertoire and LOVING it. : )
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