Today I am struck by a thankfulness for all of those that have been involved in helping Lozier Music move forward in our rapid growth!
I'm excited for Rachel in the growth of her family and new baby boy, Roanin, last week Friday. While she's away on maternity leave I've reminded how grateful I am of her committment to teaching and Lozier Music. Personally I'm thankful for her friendship, support and consistency. I'm amazed at the growth of her students as I teach some of them in her absence. I am blessed to learn from her in many ways!
I'm thankful for my husband and business partner, Jacob, as he takes on more pieces of the studio's management as well as challenge me to have integrity, follow through and consistency in every aspect of my life. It's amazing what he has taken on with a full time job, watching our children while I'm teaching 5 days a week and keeping up with the business side of Lozier Music.
Our office staff is also to be commended. Julia has been with us since we opened and has shown an amazing flexibility, committment and coachability. While we've put together more than one system of 'doing office work' she's continued to work through and learn them. Thank you to her for bringing on her brother, John, as the 2nd office staff. John brings his playfulness to the studio as well. He commented to me once that he just enjoyed being at hthe studio so much he ended up staying late often!
Angela has shown an incredible talent in her piano teaching. She's one of the most talented students I've taught and is also a fabulous teacher. Her positive and winning smile, calmness and sweet nature has helped focus her students to learn.
Renee makes me smile when I hear her teaching Playful Piano, drums and piano. She told me a month ago, I own Playful Piano now! She does... her students laugh, play and learn with her. Her drums students LOVE it! Her piano students are loving her as well. She brings an incredible talent and is one of the small handful of people that I know that has perfect pitch.
Chris is our newest member and is a committed guitar teacher. I love how he walks around the studio with his electric guitar strapped on like it belongs there. He is willing to go the extra mile and has composed several songs as well as plays out with a band regularly.
James's students love learning guitar with him. He has a couple students with special needs that have found he is particularly patient and kind with. Parents have raved about his teaching style.
I'm also thankful for our students and parents. Many parents have been especially flexible the last few months, many long-term families have been so supportive of our growth and excited for us... many new families have become just that.. part of our Lozier Music 'family'!
As we grow from 120-200 by March... I seek to continue to committ to creating a family environment at Lozier Music, complete with excellent costomer service, fabulous teaching and growth for all!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Why I love Simply Music
This year I have been teaching Simply Music for 7 years. This Australian piano method has changed the way I teach, learn, play and relate to people. I have never been happier with my experience with Simply Music.
This past week Simply Music unveiled their new teacher status qualifications and they require a little more from all teachers. There is also new status qualifications so that I can advance. I've been asking Simply Music about this for about 2 years and they have been working on revamping them for at least that long.
When I started teaching there was about 1/2 the teachers that there are now. In Michigan I was one of 2 teachers at the time and now it has grown to 15 or more teachers and still growing!
While growth is amazing it can create (as I've learned in my own studio) a need to develop new systems to handle the growth in a breakthrough way. I believe these new qualifications for SM teachers will help to manage the growth for SM. Quality teachers are so important for the method.
I love Simply Music for the following reasons..
- the method isn't just about playing great sounding songs it's about helping students move toward creating breakthroughs for themselves. Students with special needs.. learning to play, adult students learning to play for the first time... students getting excited about learning piano!
-the method changes teachers and students alike. I've grown so much personally as much as I have in learning to teach.
-the method creates opportunities. 3 teachers at our studio trained with SM and started teaching. they are excellent teachers and were given the opportunity.
- the method creates families growing together.. families come together to lessons and learn together, SM has a family of teachers, my family is growing together because of the biz opportunity.
-the method is about growth
I get the chance to grow in my musicality.. create compositions, create and learn blues, jazz. Students get the chance to grow in the same ways and also develop their intergrity.
This time is a turning point for SM as it propels into the next years of moving forward into new countries, new homes, new families and new teachers!
This past week Simply Music unveiled their new teacher status qualifications and they require a little more from all teachers. There is also new status qualifications so that I can advance. I've been asking Simply Music about this for about 2 years and they have been working on revamping them for at least that long.
When I started teaching there was about 1/2 the teachers that there are now. In Michigan I was one of 2 teachers at the time and now it has grown to 15 or more teachers and still growing!
While growth is amazing it can create (as I've learned in my own studio) a need to develop new systems to handle the growth in a breakthrough way. I believe these new qualifications for SM teachers will help to manage the growth for SM. Quality teachers are so important for the method.
I love Simply Music for the following reasons..
- the method isn't just about playing great sounding songs it's about helping students move toward creating breakthroughs for themselves. Students with special needs.. learning to play, adult students learning to play for the first time... students getting excited about learning piano!
-the method changes teachers and students alike. I've grown so much personally as much as I have in learning to teach.
-the method creates opportunities. 3 teachers at our studio trained with SM and started teaching. they are excellent teachers and were given the opportunity.
- the method creates families growing together.. families come together to lessons and learn together, SM has a family of teachers, my family is growing together because of the biz opportunity.
-the method is about growth
I get the chance to grow in my musicality.. create compositions, create and learn blues, jazz. Students get the chance to grow in the same ways and also develop their intergrity.
This time is a turning point for SM as it propels into the next years of moving forward into new countries, new homes, new families and new teachers!
Monday, October 24, 2011
November happenings!
November we're offering more than ever!
Flute lessons.. Tuesday night with Julia (one of our office staff). Her student LOVES her and his sister reports that he is way ahead of his classmates in band because of his lessons.
Play a Story for age 4-6. This is a precursor to Simply Music piano lessons.. and flows seamlessly into Simply Music piano. It's fantastic as it gets children to create/explore and be creative (exactly what that age does!) while teaching them all the basics.
Flute lessons.. Tuesday night with Julia (one of our office staff). Her student LOVES her and his sister reports that he is way ahead of his classmates in band because of his lessons.
Play a Story for age 4-6. This is a precursor to Simply Music piano lessons.. and flows seamlessly into Simply Music piano. It's fantastic as it gets children to create/explore and be creative (exactly what that age does!) while teaching them all the basics.
Friday, October 21, 2011
next new happening.. November 20th
November 20th we'll be at Waldenwood from 2-3 for a Recital for the seniors. It'll be informal and simple but a great chance to play and serve the community.
Waldenwood is on Rochester Road just south of Tienken.
Then from 4-5pm at Lozier Music will be a Recital with 3 of Carrie's most advanced students- Alex Larson, Emma Wessels and Tegan McCormick. It'll be a mixture of blues, pop songs with Tegan singing, classical, original compositions. These students are amazing!
Waldenwood is on Rochester Road just south of Tienken.
Then from 4-5pm at Lozier Music will be a Recital with 3 of Carrie's most advanced students- Alex Larson, Emma Wessels and Tegan McCormick. It'll be a mixture of blues, pop songs with Tegan singing, classical, original compositions. These students are amazing!
Friday, September 30, 2011
updates and the awesome teacher conference!
It was a busy summer and now September has gone by! Each day is filled with new adventures and challenges at the studio.
A hearty thank you to my husband again this month.. he's starting to take over more responsibilities at the studio so I can focus more on teaching and on our children. I'm learning to let go of more and more!
Thank you to Julia our 1st office staff person and for her to recruit her brother John who is also awesome! I only hope we can continue to create systems for them to implement that work.
We now have some fantastic teachers. Rachel, Angela and Renee are teaching Simply Music piano, James is teaching guitar and Lorrie is teaching violin. Renee will also be teaching a drum class in October and Julia (our office staff) is starting to teach a couple flute lessons as well. John is able to to teach saxophone.
Great energy and excellent teaching with our teachers.
I had the opportunity to go to a Simply Music conference to learn a new program. Truly fantastic.
A hearty thank you to my husband again this month.. he's starting to take over more responsibilities at the studio so I can focus more on teaching and on our children. I'm learning to let go of more and more!
Thank you to Julia our 1st office staff person and for her to recruit her brother John who is also awesome! I only hope we can continue to create systems for them to implement that work.
We now have some fantastic teachers. Rachel, Angela and Renee are teaching Simply Music piano, James is teaching guitar and Lorrie is teaching violin. Renee will also be teaching a drum class in October and Julia (our office staff) is starting to teach a couple flute lessons as well. John is able to to teach saxophone.
Great energy and excellent teaching with our teachers.
I had the opportunity to go to a Simply Music conference to learn a new program. Truly fantastic.
Friday, September 9, 2011
incredibly busy
It is amazing how busy we are at the studio. We have been getting an average of 10-15 inquiries for new students every week. Some are finishing up the Groupon deal that went out in June and calling to schedule that but many are people that are referrals, walk ins from seeing our sign or from our website.
The last 2 weeks we've had major repairs at Auburn Corners. One week was the roof and the next week was the driveway. I'm happy for the improvements and grateful that all the students trekked through the rain, having to park on the opposite end of the studio and dealing with dust, glue smell and dirt! We truly have a great group of students.
The last 2 weeks we've had major repairs at Auburn Corners. One week was the roof and the next week was the driveway. I'm happy for the improvements and grateful that all the students trekked through the rain, having to park on the opposite end of the studio and dealing with dust, glue smell and dirt! We truly have a great group of students.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
looking forward to fall!
This week we are only open 3 days (Labor Day weekend) and next week we start a new fall schedule!
Many students have enrolled online (including some new students who just enrolled themselves). However there are several scheduling challenges that still need to be worked out so this week I'll be focused on making calls and helping office staff make the calls so we can get everything scheduled and ready to go for next week!
I'm anticipating 100 students starting in Sept. Most likely about 10-15 will be Groupons, 10 will be new and the rest will be returning students. We have been getting steady steam of calls as well and I'm typically meeting with 3 families a week.
Another goal for this week is getting the office staff manual completed and training on Saturday so that they were on board with what to do.
I'll also be planning/preparing for the fall for my own students as well as scheduling a time for me to practice myself and do training on new programs each week. Intentionally planning these things is crucial.
I'm excited for the future of Lozier Music!
Many students have enrolled online (including some new students who just enrolled themselves). However there are several scheduling challenges that still need to be worked out so this week I'll be focused on making calls and helping office staff make the calls so we can get everything scheduled and ready to go for next week!
I'm anticipating 100 students starting in Sept. Most likely about 10-15 will be Groupons, 10 will be new and the rest will be returning students. We have been getting steady steam of calls as well and I'm typically meeting with 3 families a week.
Another goal for this week is getting the office staff manual completed and training on Saturday so that they were on board with what to do.
I'll also be planning/preparing for the fall for my own students as well as scheduling a time for me to practice myself and do training on new programs each week. Intentionally planning these things is crucial.
I'm excited for the future of Lozier Music!
SM conference at Lozier Music
Several months ago I thought it would be a great idea to have a Regional Conference for Simply Music teachers at Lozier Music in the summer. My reasoning was that I wouldn't have to travel to a conference with a new baby! We checked to see if we'd have a good turn out and it looked like at least 10 people would be able to attend so we went forward with organizing it. Terri, Roberta and I got an agenda and things together. Meanwhile I decided to go to Kansas City since they were having the Play a Story as part of the conference! So much for just having one at our studio..
Anyway.. we organized it and ended up with 15 people attending!
Teachers came from Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio.
We started out with Friday night dinner and Open Mic. Saturday we started at 8am with Jacob/me talking about our venture with the new studio.
9 was a discussion about Nashville, then Playful Piano demo, then Roberta about Skype and some about the Piano Conference she attended, followed by Lunch from Wright Stuff, followed by Terri Book 1-4, a Roundtable discussion.. then dinner with 6 of us at CK Diggs.
It was an awesome conference! A chance to reenergize with other teachers, hear what they they were doing, learn new things and share.
I'm exciting about doing Skype lessons. Found out Renee is very techie and would be comfortable doing them!
Got to see my college roommate who is now teaching Simply Music.
Loved the fact that out of 15 SM teachers, 4 of them were men! How common is that among piano teachers!
Anyway.. we organized it and ended up with 15 people attending!
Teachers came from Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio.
We started out with Friday night dinner and Open Mic. Saturday we started at 8am with Jacob/me talking about our venture with the new studio.
9 was a discussion about Nashville, then Playful Piano demo, then Roberta about Skype and some about the Piano Conference she attended, followed by Lunch from Wright Stuff, followed by Terri Book 1-4, a Roundtable discussion.. then dinner with 6 of us at CK Diggs.
It was an awesome conference! A chance to reenergize with other teachers, hear what they they were doing, learn new things and share.
I'm exciting about doing Skype lessons. Found out Renee is very techie and would be comfortable doing them!
Got to see my college roommate who is now teaching Simply Music.
Loved the fact that out of 15 SM teachers, 4 of them were men! How common is that among piano teachers!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Fall and looking ahead!
September and the fall schedule is coming up in only 4 weeks! Where did the summer go!!?
Our fall schedule will entail being open 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday), starting violin lessons on Thursday, guitar will continue on Monday and Thursday and Music Together, Percussion and Playful Piano classes will start up new session. There will be 4 Simply Music piano teachers with Angela, Renee, Rachel and I teaching.
The schedule will be online with on-line scheduling options. This is exciting and will take less time for the office staff and me to manage. It'll also give students the option to enroll themselves in a class and go online to schedule and pay! There will be other features for the Studio Director software we purchased.
We'll also have online attendence check in.
Things are looking ahead to have a smooth beginning to the fall.
Goal is 100 students enrolled and starting in September and by October 140 students. Then goal will be to grow by 10 percent each month.
As we grow we'll be able to offer more to the community.. more open mics, more nursing home opportunities, more chances to give back.
Our fall schedule will entail being open 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday), starting violin lessons on Thursday, guitar will continue on Monday and Thursday and Music Together, Percussion and Playful Piano classes will start up new session. There will be 4 Simply Music piano teachers with Angela, Renee, Rachel and I teaching.
The schedule will be online with on-line scheduling options. This is exciting and will take less time for the office staff and me to manage. It'll also give students the option to enroll themselves in a class and go online to schedule and pay! There will be other features for the Studio Director software we purchased.
We'll also have online attendence check in.
Things are looking ahead to have a smooth beginning to the fall.
Goal is 100 students enrolled and starting in September and by October 140 students. Then goal will be to grow by 10 percent each month.
As we grow we'll be able to offer more to the community.. more open mics, more nursing home opportunities, more chances to give back.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
growing pains
I am blessed to have a husband that in addition to his full time job, watching both kids while I teach at night has also been the studio's business manager for years. He also has forseen the entire construction project and learned how to have employees and do payroll among many other things that I don't care to do!
Our Anniversary was on July 4th and I look at all the adventures we've had throughout 8 years of marriage. I think we'll slow down for a bit before any more!
It occurs to me that expanding has been the most challenging adventure that we have taken on. Many things have not gone as smoothly as I've liked but I do know we are taking the actions to help them move slowly.
Part of the challenge is maintaining our current student body of students while expanding to many more very quickly. My guess is that throughout my years of teaching I've gained 10-15 students in one month and that seemed like a large number of students. In June/July we've gained about 40 new students and each day there seem to be inquiries to start lessons. While we have staff to handle the new students, the scheduling and legistics have been challenging.
I've prided myself at really working to maintain solid communication, friendships and 'good service' as well as teaching skills for years... and I've felt this has definetely lacked since April. Again we're taking actions to improve this to exceptional service!
We've purchased a software for scheduling that will have capability to enroll online and even pay online for many classes. It will also help us with billing, communication and general organization!
We also have one excellent office staff worker, Julia, and will be looking to find another to help share the hours. Getting them trained will relieve the load for me a bit.
We're so blessed to have incredible teachers as well.
My hope as a teacher and now owner/manager... yikes.. bit shoes to fill... is to set the example for students, office staff and other teachers as well as take time for our family and for me by giving up some of the responsibilities to trained office staff, teachers and other professionals.
My next step is to find a mentor to help me with filling the role I need to have to keep the studio growing to the next level! While we have awesome mentors through Simply Music all around the country, I need one to regularly meet with me to keep me filled!
Here's to continuing to improve each day. : )
Our Anniversary was on July 4th and I look at all the adventures we've had throughout 8 years of marriage. I think we'll slow down for a bit before any more!
It occurs to me that expanding has been the most challenging adventure that we have taken on. Many things have not gone as smoothly as I've liked but I do know we are taking the actions to help them move slowly.
Part of the challenge is maintaining our current student body of students while expanding to many more very quickly. My guess is that throughout my years of teaching I've gained 10-15 students in one month and that seemed like a large number of students. In June/July we've gained about 40 new students and each day there seem to be inquiries to start lessons. While we have staff to handle the new students, the scheduling and legistics have been challenging.
I've prided myself at really working to maintain solid communication, friendships and 'good service' as well as teaching skills for years... and I've felt this has definetely lacked since April. Again we're taking actions to improve this to exceptional service!
We've purchased a software for scheduling that will have capability to enroll online and even pay online for many classes. It will also help us with billing, communication and general organization!
We also have one excellent office staff worker, Julia, and will be looking to find another to help share the hours. Getting them trained will relieve the load for me a bit.
We're so blessed to have incredible teachers as well.
My hope as a teacher and now owner/manager... yikes.. bit shoes to fill... is to set the example for students, office staff and other teachers as well as take time for our family and for me by giving up some of the responsibilities to trained office staff, teachers and other professionals.
My next step is to find a mentor to help me with filling the role I need to have to keep the studio growing to the next level! While we have awesome mentors through Simply Music all around the country, I need one to regularly meet with me to keep me filled!
Here's to continuing to improve each day. : )
Monday, July 4, 2011
summer schedule!
Summer schedule starts this week. July/August will be lighter and for several students it will be maintenence mode for a the summer. Others have special projects they are working on. Summer for Lozier Music tends to be a time where many students start taking lessons or 'try it out' for a few weeks.
We also have about 8 weeks to get things worked out and in great shape for the fall schedule. We will be purchasing a scheduling software this week, Jacob (my husband) will be working on our new website that will have much more capability than our old, we'll also be getting other systems in place this week and next while Jacob is off from his full time job.
I'm excited about what lies ahead.
We have a new teacher for percussion classes and she'll be training for Simply Music piano as well. We have a guitar teacher that students LOVE and will be interviewing another this week. Our violin classes will be starting in Sept. as well as Music Together.
Goals for July/August---
get systems in place so that scheduling is 'easy' and works well for students and teacher train office staff
get the new website updated and running
Figure out legistics of skype lessons so that can be offered.
have some great offerings-
percussion class for 6-8
demo classes for Music Together
Piano Workshop with Rochester Enrichment
New students starting with 6 week sessions that found out through Groupon and various places
Playful Piano classes for age 3-5
Carrie to get trained in Jazz programs and 'beef up' in other areas, Rachel to get Accreditation with RAVE reviews from 5 of her students who went through Level 1. She'll move on to get trained in Level 5 and other programming. Angela and Renee continuing and finishing more training.
Lots of new things to learn and train and figure out for Jacob and I as business owners! It's been a great experience so far one that has stretched us further than I thought possible and there's much more stretching to do!
We also have about 8 weeks to get things worked out and in great shape for the fall schedule. We will be purchasing a scheduling software this week, Jacob (my husband) will be working on our new website that will have much more capability than our old, we'll also be getting other systems in place this week and next while Jacob is off from his full time job.
I'm excited about what lies ahead.
We have a new teacher for percussion classes and she'll be training for Simply Music piano as well. We have a guitar teacher that students LOVE and will be interviewing another this week. Our violin classes will be starting in Sept. as well as Music Together.
Goals for July/August---
get systems in place so that scheduling is 'easy' and works well for students and teacher train office staff
get the new website updated and running
Figure out legistics of skype lessons so that can be offered.
have some great offerings-
percussion class for 6-8
demo classes for Music Together
Piano Workshop with Rochester Enrichment
New students starting with 6 week sessions that found out through Groupon and various places
Playful Piano classes for age 3-5
Carrie to get trained in Jazz programs and 'beef up' in other areas, Rachel to get Accreditation with RAVE reviews from 5 of her students who went through Level 1. She'll move on to get trained in Level 5 and other programming. Angela and Renee continuing and finishing more training.
Lots of new things to learn and train and figure out for Jacob and I as business owners! It's been a great experience so far one that has stretched us further than I thought possible and there's much more stretching to do!
Friday, June 24, 2011
the new adventure at the new studio!
I have to say the overwhelming response to seeing the new studio is Wow! This is amazing! Someone told me this isn't like any music studio in the area. After months of prepping for the studio opening, I agree that it is amazing!
Yet it isn't done yet.. there is still lots of things on the punchlist including upping the sound proofing to finish.
We have gotten many inquiries about lessons including drop-ins, those that saw our press releases, sign and personal referrals.
We kicked off the summer by doing a Groupon deal and had 61 people buy a 6 week package of lessons (guitar or piano). We're adding to those classes by offering a 6 week session of our own.
Our office staff, Julia and Faith, are fabulous. It's much easier to manage all the day-to-day things with them helping. After more training and a better scheduling software we'll be on task by the end of the summer for more polished systems, communication and professionalism.
I can foresee that September we'll be very busy if not full!
I'm excited about what we're offering this summer... 6 week sessions for guitar or piano, regular lessons as desired and percussion classes and Playful Piano classes. We're offering a Piano Camp and Playful Piano camp in July for 3 days through Rochester Enrichment and we're offering an African Drumming camp in August.
In the fall we'll add violin classes and Music Together classes.
We now have 3 Simply Music teachers, a percussion (and soon SM teacher) teacher and guitar teachers.
Many fun times ahead!!
Yet it isn't done yet.. there is still lots of things on the punchlist including upping the sound proofing to finish.
We have gotten many inquiries about lessons including drop-ins, those that saw our press releases, sign and personal referrals.
We kicked off the summer by doing a Groupon deal and had 61 people buy a 6 week package of lessons (guitar or piano). We're adding to those classes by offering a 6 week session of our own.
Our office staff, Julia and Faith, are fabulous. It's much easier to manage all the day-to-day things with them helping. After more training and a better scheduling software we'll be on task by the end of the summer for more polished systems, communication and professionalism.
I can foresee that September we'll be very busy if not full!
I'm excited about what we're offering this summer... 6 week sessions for guitar or piano, regular lessons as desired and percussion classes and Playful Piano classes. We're offering a Piano Camp and Playful Piano camp in July for 3 days through Rochester Enrichment and we're offering an African Drumming camp in August.
In the fall we'll add violin classes and Music Together classes.
We now have 3 Simply Music teachers, a percussion (and soon SM teacher) teacher and guitar teachers.
Many fun times ahead!!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Recitals 2011
The Summer recitals were today. We've grown enough that we needed 2 to make sure they didn't get too long. It was a nice mix at each recital or beginners to more advanced. I loved the accompaniment pieces with teens with less than a year of lessons playing piano and singing along. Angela Engnell one of our teachers composed her own song and sang/played it. I find the recitals to be a great chance to sit back and see what the students have accomplished in a the past year.
We had a couple contests with 2 winners of art and one that wrote about how she liked to play the piano.
We had a couple contests with 2 winners of art and one that wrote about how she liked to play the piano.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Grand Opening was today!!
The Grand Opening was today. It started at 2:30 with a dedication service. Short and sweet with Pastor Jerry sharing a few words and praying and then me sharing a few words, then I got to play a couple songs with the band!
Pastor Jerry said a couple things that I want to remember about how it's important to remember that we are able to do the type of thing we did where we live! To be able to have that freedom is amazing.
We had Ed/Lisa, Ken, Rick and John W. play as a band together. John Crumm came and joined in on a couple songs as well and I got to play a bit. It was a special moment to play with people that I played with years ago and it reminded me how we started that service together and started from nothing (like with the new studio) yet we were able to to grow into something quite beautiful that has lasted for years!
Very quickly we had lots of people around 3pm. Jacob thought we might have had 100 or more people at about 3:15pm.
We had wonderful food donated from Kim's restaurant, Nana's, Sweet Simplicity and bought sandwiches from Wright Stuff. Family and friends brought some other treats as well as fruit, veggies. It was a great spread of food and it went quickly!
It got congested around Studio 1 (where the band was).
Clem Fortuna came and talked with students about the piano and how it works.
Then we had demo classes for Playful Piano and Smart Hands.
Then classes for French and for Music Together.
They were all well attended, but the rooms were small and got a bit warm I think.
I probably talked with 5 families that were new and just checking out the studio and thinking about lessons. Some found us through the sign while others saw one of the 3 newsletter articles.
The architect and interior designer were both there and they were really excited to see what had been brought about!
Jacob and I were excited to see a couple people that we hadn't expected. It meant a lot to have EVERYONE there though.. family, friends, students and prospective students.
It was really well attended to the point that it was a bit overwhelming.
We also had donations for God's Helping Hands and probably raised a couple hundred dollars to them.
A very exciting new chapter in our lives has begun! It'll have lots of challenges and adventures and can't wait!
Pastor Jerry said a couple things that I want to remember about how it's important to remember that we are able to do the type of thing we did where we live! To be able to have that freedom is amazing.
We had Ed/Lisa, Ken, Rick and John W. play as a band together. John Crumm came and joined in on a couple songs as well and I got to play a bit. It was a special moment to play with people that I played with years ago and it reminded me how we started that service together and started from nothing (like with the new studio) yet we were able to to grow into something quite beautiful that has lasted for years!
Very quickly we had lots of people around 3pm. Jacob thought we might have had 100 or more people at about 3:15pm.
We had wonderful food donated from Kim's restaurant, Nana's, Sweet Simplicity and bought sandwiches from Wright Stuff. Family and friends brought some other treats as well as fruit, veggies. It was a great spread of food and it went quickly!
It got congested around Studio 1 (where the band was).
Clem Fortuna came and talked with students about the piano and how it works.
Then we had demo classes for Playful Piano and Smart Hands.
Then classes for French and for Music Together.
They were all well attended, but the rooms were small and got a bit warm I think.
I probably talked with 5 families that were new and just checking out the studio and thinking about lessons. Some found us through the sign while others saw one of the 3 newsletter articles.
The architect and interior designer were both there and they were really excited to see what had been brought about!
Jacob and I were excited to see a couple people that we hadn't expected. It meant a lot to have EVERYONE there though.. family, friends, students and prospective students.
It was really well attended to the point that it was a bit overwhelming.
We also had donations for God's Helping Hands and probably raised a couple hundred dollars to them.
A very exciting new chapter in our lives has begun! It'll have lots of challenges and adventures and can't wait!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
the early morning of
it is 1am and i am typing with one hand baby in the other cuddling and bouncing to sleep.
i'm thinking about how much has happened since last summer and the journey of expanding. thinking about the friendships i have made along the way.. new ones and the ones we've strengthened!
thinking of all the hours spent figuring out what to do.. time spent with jacob brainstorming and dreaming!
and it is here! it is open!
i can't help but think of the action we've taken that has occured as risky at times, yet i know without that 'risk' we wouldn't be able to move ahead into something amazing.
so excited about seeing friends.. some old and some new that will be there and how much support they have given us! so little naysaying.
Jacob has been such a huge role in this expansion. He's always been very supportive of my biz and helpful, but this expansion this time was his idea. He's put soo much time and effort into it. I heard him tell someone a few weeks ago that this was my business that he helped with but it truly is OUR business together even though it continues to have me as sole owner. The studio space truly marks his handiwork and guidance from gutting the place to the floor all by himself to making a punch list for the construction crew...
Ok.. baby's almost asleep and I need to get back to bed!Can't wait for about 12 more hours!
i'm thinking about how much has happened since last summer and the journey of expanding. thinking about the friendships i have made along the way.. new ones and the ones we've strengthened!
thinking of all the hours spent figuring out what to do.. time spent with jacob brainstorming and dreaming!
and it is here! it is open!
i can't help but think of the action we've taken that has occured as risky at times, yet i know without that 'risk' we wouldn't be able to move ahead into something amazing.
so excited about seeing friends.. some old and some new that will be there and how much support they have given us! so little naysaying.
Jacob has been such a huge role in this expansion. He's always been very supportive of my biz and helpful, but this expansion this time was his idea. He's put soo much time and effort into it. I heard him tell someone a few weeks ago that this was my business that he helped with but it truly is OUR business together even though it continues to have me as sole owner. The studio space truly marks his handiwork and guidance from gutting the place to the floor all by himself to making a punch list for the construction crew...
Ok.. baby's almost asleep and I need to get back to bed!Can't wait for about 12 more hours!
Grand Opening
Thanks to Samantha and some of my efforts the press and several websites posted our info about the Grand Opening. I'm hoping it is well attended not only by our students and friends but by the public.
It was in Troy Times, Oakland Press as well as Oakland County Moms and a couple others I have yet to find! Really grateful they ran the info.
We have plastered the postcards with info everywhere and passed them to students. Also have road signs to put up and have asked students to put some up as well.
My goal and hope is 300 people!
We have a live band comprised of close friends that I used to play with and lead at a church nearby, demo classes (Smart Hands, Music Together, French and Playful Piano) with Clem being on site to talk about pianos, food (donations from Nana's, Sweet Simplicity and food from Wright Stuff, Kim's Restaurant as well as donations from people bringing cookies and other snacks.
We also will have raffle prizes and there are LOTS of them.. probably 15 child-geared prizes.. like horsebackriding lessons and CK Diggs gift cards!
We also have a special through Monday $50 for June lessons + home material fees.
Goal is to fill up Rachel's schedule (piano) and James's schedule (guitar). Goal is 100 students enrolled by June 10th and then 50 more enrolled by July 10th.
Looking forward to meeting people on Sunday that I haven't seen in awhile or who are new to the studio!
Truly it has been an adventure and it is only beginning!!
It was in Troy Times, Oakland Press as well as Oakland County Moms and a couple others I have yet to find! Really grateful they ran the info.
We have plastered the postcards with info everywhere and passed them to students. Also have road signs to put up and have asked students to put some up as well.
My goal and hope is 300 people!
We have a live band comprised of close friends that I used to play with and lead at a church nearby, demo classes (Smart Hands, Music Together, French and Playful Piano) with Clem being on site to talk about pianos, food (donations from Nana's, Sweet Simplicity and food from Wright Stuff, Kim's Restaurant as well as donations from people bringing cookies and other snacks.
We also will have raffle prizes and there are LOTS of them.. probably 15 child-geared prizes.. like horsebackriding lessons and CK Diggs gift cards!
We also have a special through Monday $50 for June lessons + home material fees.
Goal is to fill up Rachel's schedule (piano) and James's schedule (guitar). Goal is 100 students enrolled by June 10th and then 50 more enrolled by July 10th.
Looking forward to meeting people on Sunday that I haven't seen in awhile or who are new to the studio!
Truly it has been an adventure and it is only beginning!!
Ribbon Cutting
We signed up for a Ribbon Cutting with the Rochester Chamber and it was a success. Mayor Bryan came out, Art from Brooks Patterson's office and a Chamber rep spoke a bit. We had about 15 close friends come out! It was special.. I spoke about the value of relationships with community, family and musically that we help and will continue to help create. Mayor Bryan played a simple turkey song on the piano that had everyone laughing and he was amazingly down to earth!
We had Chioptle that Jacob had won the week before (20 burritos!), desserts from Sweet Simplicity, chips/salsa, water and cookies.
The ceremony lasted probably 20 minutes max and people hung out for a bit afterward. The pictures were in the Rochester Chamber website.
We had Chioptle that Jacob had won the week before (20 burritos!), desserts from Sweet Simplicity, chips/salsa, water and cookies.
The ceremony lasted probably 20 minutes max and people hung out for a bit afterward. The pictures were in the Rochester Chamber website.
Friday, June 3, 2011
the prior whirlwind weeks!
It's 3am and I'm up with the baby.. he's 8 weeks today and the last weeks have been a bit of a blur with opening the new studio, taking care of 2 kids and keeping things going! I'm starting to get used to the lack of sleep and coffee (even if it's just decaf) seems to keep me alert enough! I'm sure the excitement of it all helps too.
Sad thing is that baby is sleeping again and here I am writing! I treasure now these quiet nighttime wakings.
So here's what's happening with the studio..
Came back to work 4 weeks ago and started right back to my regular schedule. Rachel and Angela and Mary were AWESOME in covering. Rachel covered a lot of my schedule and I'm especially grateful to how she keeps my students in check and required much of them.
The new studio construction seemed to take FOREVER.. we signed the lease in January I think and the last few weeks really dragged on. They finally finished enough that we could get occupancy last week Friday, then over the weekend we finished some things up and Jacob went to IKEA on Tuesday and the pianos arrived on Wed.
The studio space is beautiful. It's warm and friendly yet professional and it really looks nice. Everyone that has come through and seen it is amazed at how big it actually is and the design.
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about teaching there. I started on Wed. and despite some bumps with communication it felt great! All 3 teachers were there teachers for one consecutive hour which I enjoyed.. it really made it feel like it was being used properly.
I actually enjoyed the smaller room as opposed to my large studio space at home and I really enjoy having it separate from home. It has been a new change in routine and that has been a mild challenge with dragging kids from home to studio just to shuffle cars so Jacob's home on time, also making sure we have food and clothes for both kids at the studio is something to figure out. Aeden loves it there though and has asked a couple times if we could have a slumber party there!
The largest room is like a sauna with large windows that capture the sun in the evening. Something we hadn't anticipated.
Julia was at the studio on Thursday working and it was wonderful to have her there helping make phone calls, clean up and get things organized. I found that I felt I wanted to help a bit, but I also tried to resist the urge to micromanage. Faith starts next week 3 days and Julia will be 2 till we fill Fridays. For now I'm hoping to keep Fridays open and not teach that day.
The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting have been lots of preparation see the next post about the Ribbon Cutting!
Sad thing is that baby is sleeping again and here I am writing! I treasure now these quiet nighttime wakings.
So here's what's happening with the studio..
Came back to work 4 weeks ago and started right back to my regular schedule. Rachel and Angela and Mary were AWESOME in covering. Rachel covered a lot of my schedule and I'm especially grateful to how she keeps my students in check and required much of them.
The new studio construction seemed to take FOREVER.. we signed the lease in January I think and the last few weeks really dragged on. They finally finished enough that we could get occupancy last week Friday, then over the weekend we finished some things up and Jacob went to IKEA on Tuesday and the pianos arrived on Wed.
The studio space is beautiful. It's warm and friendly yet professional and it really looks nice. Everyone that has come through and seen it is amazed at how big it actually is and the design.
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about teaching there. I started on Wed. and despite some bumps with communication it felt great! All 3 teachers were there teachers for one consecutive hour which I enjoyed.. it really made it feel like it was being used properly.
I actually enjoyed the smaller room as opposed to my large studio space at home and I really enjoy having it separate from home. It has been a new change in routine and that has been a mild challenge with dragging kids from home to studio just to shuffle cars so Jacob's home on time, also making sure we have food and clothes for both kids at the studio is something to figure out. Aeden loves it there though and has asked a couple times if we could have a slumber party there!
The largest room is like a sauna with large windows that capture the sun in the evening. Something we hadn't anticipated.
Julia was at the studio on Thursday working and it was wonderful to have her there helping make phone calls, clean up and get things organized. I found that I felt I wanted to help a bit, but I also tried to resist the urge to micromanage. Faith starts next week 3 days and Julia will be 2 till we fill Fridays. For now I'm hoping to keep Fridays open and not teach that day.
The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting have been lots of preparation see the next post about the Ribbon Cutting!
Friday, May 27, 2011
We're going to open!!
The studio has final approval as of today!
This week the schedule will be as follows...
-this weekend start to move furniture and things from our garage into the studio. Finish up some little things there.
-Work on scheduling and getting office staff ready for working.
-Next week Tuesday make an IKEA run for furniture and the final things.
-Wednesday pianos will be moved into the studio in the afternoon.
-Thursday will be the Ribbon Cutting at 2pm and then we'll start teaching there at 3:30pm.
Thursday we'll have Chipotle (we won 20 burritos!), cookies, water.
Friday and Saturday we'll be at the studio as well.
Sunday will be the Grand Opening-
We have raffle prizes, food (pillowmellow chocolate fountain, egg rolls from Kim's Restaurant, sandwiches from Wright Stuff and desserts that people are willing to bring). Demo classes (Smart hands, Playful Piano, Music Together, French), a live band to listen to and have students play with.
So far 25 families have RSVP'd and that's not including students that are coming!
It occurs to me that there's a lot to do yet before then,but it'll all be done in due time!
This week the schedule will be as follows...
-this weekend start to move furniture and things from our garage into the studio. Finish up some little things there.
-Work on scheduling and getting office staff ready for working.
-Next week Tuesday make an IKEA run for furniture and the final things.
-Wednesday pianos will be moved into the studio in the afternoon.
-Thursday will be the Ribbon Cutting at 2pm and then we'll start teaching there at 3:30pm.
Thursday we'll have Chipotle (we won 20 burritos!), cookies, water.
Friday and Saturday we'll be at the studio as well.
Sunday will be the Grand Opening-
We have raffle prizes, food (pillowmellow chocolate fountain, egg rolls from Kim's Restaurant, sandwiches from Wright Stuff and desserts that people are willing to bring). Demo classes (Smart hands, Playful Piano, Music Together, French), a live band to listen to and have students play with.
So far 25 families have RSVP'd and that's not including students that are coming!
It occurs to me that there's a lot to do yet before then,but it'll all be done in due time!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
new arrivals and new studio
The last post was a day before my son's birth! Amazing the things I got done in a day before precious Ethan Moses arrived.
He was born on Saturday morning April 9th and was a bit early and a surprise. All is well and we're all adjusting well. He's a very easy baby except the nighttime. I'm starting to adjust to the lack of sleep and mental brainpower.
Teaching has gone on in my absence though for most students. Thankfully I had the sub list all worked out before Ethan's birth. I'm incredibly grateful for Rachel who went from teaching 2 full days to 4 and for Mary who has covered a very full Thursday and for Angela stepping up and covering Fridays. It is an adjustment to go from teaching many students to just monitoring scheduling and any issues. It's been nice to focus on family for 2 weeks though.
The studio has made lots of progress. It looks really great! The sign is up and decals are on the windows. The next steps involve the electrician who tends to be slower than the other trades so praying that things continue to move along. They are supposed to be done in a week, but more likely 2 weeks! I really want to have the studio out of my home and be able to expand and add more students. : )
I'll be moving forward with marketing, training office staff and getting things ready in the next 2 weeks while I'm still off from teaching. It is amazing though how much time/energy it takes to feed, change and hold/love a little baby as well as meet the house needs and older child's needs.
He was born on Saturday morning April 9th and was a bit early and a surprise. All is well and we're all adjusting well. He's a very easy baby except the nighttime. I'm starting to adjust to the lack of sleep and mental brainpower.
Teaching has gone on in my absence though for most students. Thankfully I had the sub list all worked out before Ethan's birth. I'm incredibly grateful for Rachel who went from teaching 2 full days to 4 and for Mary who has covered a very full Thursday and for Angela stepping up and covering Fridays. It is an adjustment to go from teaching many students to just monitoring scheduling and any issues. It's been nice to focus on family for 2 weeks though.
The studio has made lots of progress. It looks really great! The sign is up and decals are on the windows. The next steps involve the electrician who tends to be slower than the other trades so praying that things continue to move along. They are supposed to be done in a week, but more likely 2 weeks! I really want to have the studio out of my home and be able to expand and add more students. : )
I'll be moving forward with marketing, training office staff and getting things ready in the next 2 weeks while I'm still off from teaching. It is amazing though how much time/energy it takes to feed, change and hold/love a little baby as well as meet the house needs and older child's needs.
Friday, April 8, 2011
lots to do!
The studio drywall is done! They were blowing insulation in today and possibly taping tomorrow. They are making great progress now! It is amazing to see things moving at the studio FINALLY!
We've gotten a lot of things done this week since I've been off from teaching for most of the week.
Finished up the flyers for Rochester Enrichment. We can take them to the schools to be passed out! Hopefully that along with being in the magazine will bring lots of business to Lozier Music.
Finished up a Why Lozier Music Flyer and worked on a Grand Opening flyer as well to give out to people to come on June 5th to the open house.
Mailing out the contract to have the Chamber do a Ribbon Cutting on June 2nd (Thursday) at 2pm. They will contact the dignataries in the area and bring the mayor.. good photo/press opps!
Meeting with at least 4 families tomorrow at a Free Intro Session and Rachel's starting 3 new students.
Working on procedures for our office staff. Office staff will be Faith on Monday-Wed. and Julia from Thursday-Saturday.
Also finished up Recital sheets.. recital is June 12.. maternity leave letter and worked out subs for most students and have to chat with a few more this coming week.
Talked with Sunrise Activity director so that we can move our open mic nights to there. It's about a mile from the studio so it's closer to where everyone is used to going. Got feedback that Oakmonte was too far for some to travel! We can go there but I need to look at the location. The times that we can go work well too.
Working on summer camps for the week of August 8th. Have a World Drumming class in the works!
Also scheduled the first guitar students for James! Couldn't be more excited to have him on board at the studio!
So I guess we got a lot done this week!! It's all such small steps that sometimes I forget that we're making strides when you add it all up.
And hopefully another 4 weeks before baby is born.. probably 2 weeks after the studio opens!
We've gotten a lot of things done this week since I've been off from teaching for most of the week.
Finished up the flyers for Rochester Enrichment. We can take them to the schools to be passed out! Hopefully that along with being in the magazine will bring lots of business to Lozier Music.
Finished up a Why Lozier Music Flyer and worked on a Grand Opening flyer as well to give out to people to come on June 5th to the open house.
Mailing out the contract to have the Chamber do a Ribbon Cutting on June 2nd (Thursday) at 2pm. They will contact the dignataries in the area and bring the mayor.. good photo/press opps!
Meeting with at least 4 families tomorrow at a Free Intro Session and Rachel's starting 3 new students.
Working on procedures for our office staff. Office staff will be Faith on Monday-Wed. and Julia from Thursday-Saturday.
Also finished up Recital sheets.. recital is June 12.. maternity leave letter and worked out subs for most students and have to chat with a few more this coming week.
Talked with Sunrise Activity director so that we can move our open mic nights to there. It's about a mile from the studio so it's closer to where everyone is used to going. Got feedback that Oakmonte was too far for some to travel! We can go there but I need to look at the location. The times that we can go work well too.
Working on summer camps for the week of August 8th. Have a World Drumming class in the works!
Also scheduled the first guitar students for James! Couldn't be more excited to have him on board at the studio!
So I guess we got a lot done this week!! It's all such small steps that sometimes I forget that we're making strides when you add it all up.
And hopefully another 4 weeks before baby is born.. probably 2 weeks after the studio opens!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
the studio construction
Only about a month and we should be in the studio! May 1st is the target date. I was able to see the studio yesterday and Jacob (my hubby) explained how the sound proofing will work in the studio. He told me that one of the construction crew had commented on how impressive the sound proofing plan is! There should be very little (if any) sound that will seep to the other rooms. There are 4 rooms. Slowly but surely things are moving forward!
The hope is that by Tuesday drywall will start.
It's very exciting to see the studio taking shape. We have an IKEA list all ready too for furnishings and several things in our garage that need to be taken to the studio... toys for the children's area, projects that have to be done for the studio, office supplies.
The hope is that by Tuesday drywall will start.
It's very exciting to see the studio taking shape. We have an IKEA list all ready too for furnishings and several things in our garage that need to be taken to the studio... toys for the children's area, projects that have to be done for the studio, office supplies.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
lots of great things happening!
I'm truly amazed at what is happening at the studio. Amidst not being able to getting in the new studio till May 1st and that being frustrating for us a bit, the things happening are awesome!
Had a Free Intro Session last week with 5 families and all 5 signed up for lessons. This week the night before the session I had 2 people call and come to the Free Intro Session which meant that again I had 5 families come and again all have said they want to sign up!
James the new guitar teacher attended and he is truly meant to be at our studio. He has had praise/worship experience so we can plan a camp for that this summer or have a class on an ongoing basis, he truly wants to make guitar like Simply Music method and on his own has started doing that with his current students. His personality and persona are very professional and friendly.
I'm excited about Lorrie the violin teacher too. We still have to figure out how to run her classes the best way, but I think we'll figure it all out in time.
Rachel continues to be such an excellent teacher. I love listening to her teach her Playful Piano classes as they have so much fun! Her students love her and she has an integrity to the program. I'm committing to making sure the two of us have some mentoring/lesson time as well so she can keep developing her skills.
Angela is off to a great start teaching as well, I just have to get her schedule filled a bit more.
I've made a decision about the office staff and will be training them the next month so they're ready to go in May just in time for me to be on maternity leave! I'm happy with those 2 ladies as well.
So despite the studio taking too long to get ready we'll be in a great place once we do get in.
Had a Free Intro Session last week with 5 families and all 5 signed up for lessons. This week the night before the session I had 2 people call and come to the Free Intro Session which meant that again I had 5 families come and again all have said they want to sign up!
James the new guitar teacher attended and he is truly meant to be at our studio. He has had praise/worship experience so we can plan a camp for that this summer or have a class on an ongoing basis, he truly wants to make guitar like Simply Music method and on his own has started doing that with his current students. His personality and persona are very professional and friendly.
I'm excited about Lorrie the violin teacher too. We still have to figure out how to run her classes the best way, but I think we'll figure it all out in time.
Rachel continues to be such an excellent teacher. I love listening to her teach her Playful Piano classes as they have so much fun! Her students love her and she has an integrity to the program. I'm committing to making sure the two of us have some mentoring/lesson time as well so she can keep developing her skills.
Angela is off to a great start teaching as well, I just have to get her schedule filled a bit more.
I've made a decision about the office staff and will be training them the next month so they're ready to go in May just in time for me to be on maternity leave! I'm happy with those 2 ladies as well.
So despite the studio taking too long to get ready we'll be in a great place once we do get in.
Monday, March 21, 2011
influx of calls and new students
Last Saturday thanks for Samantha and her tips in marketting I had the opportunity to meet 3 of their friends and their children. She brought her 2 children that are enrolled in lessons and had them play for their friends. I also taught them part of a song and shared a bit more about Simply Music. It was a fun time and a chance for the kids to shine! I'm hoping to get the opportunity to teach their friends!
Later on Saturday I met with 5 new families. All signed up for lessons starting at various times. It was a great Free Intro Session. Lots of energy and great questions.
Today 2 more registered to come on Saturday for the next Free Intro Session, 1 is coming on Wed. and I met with another one today that will start Wed.
One inquiry through email as well today.
Such an influx of students. Good chance to start building for the new space!
Looking forward to filling the guitar teacher's schedule and finishing up the final details for violin so I can start to fill her schedule as well!
Later on Saturday I met with 5 new families. All signed up for lessons starting at various times. It was a great Free Intro Session. Lots of energy and great questions.
Today 2 more registered to come on Saturday for the next Free Intro Session, 1 is coming on Wed. and I met with another one today that will start Wed.
One inquiry through email as well today.
Such an influx of students. Good chance to start building for the new space!
Looking forward to filling the guitar teacher's schedule and finishing up the final details for violin so I can start to fill her schedule as well!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
updates from March
After a bout of sickness for our family lasting about 2 weeks, we're back on track! I learned quite a bit from being unable to doing much for those 2 weeks and how important it is to in the words of a wise friend 'clone yourself'. Very thankful for those that I've started to allow to do some of the things that I've done in the past.
I'm reminded lately of all our past experiences and how they've prepared us for this new adventure. After years of leading worship bands and starting from scratch two of them, I've learned how to recruit people that are more talented then I am. I've also learned that relying on God is the only way to make it through these types of moments. Those types of projects that can be truly a 'birth' and getting through the rough patches knowing that the end result will be worth it!
Here's the newest updates with regard to the new studio.
- State of the studio the build today!
-Hiring violin, guitar and Music Together teachers.
-Hiring of childcare/office staff.
-Date of grand opening for friends/family/students.
-Upcoming events!
We chose a construction company 3 weeks ago or so. Very happy with them and surprisingly they were one of the 1st people that we met with. Their quote came in much lower than other's and they were willing to work with Jacob so he could do some of the contracting work. Jacob did all the of the demo himself and knows quite a bit about construction so it only makes sense to keep him in the loop!
After ordering the parts, finishing up the architect plans and finalizing permits, the build will start tomorrow. The doors can take up to 6 weeks to get, but Jacob may have found a place that's able to get them earlier than that! The carpet colors will be finalized Saturday with the interior designer, Drew and then we'll be moving forward.
I am overjoyed that after so many months we're seeing progress at the studio. : )
The sign for the studio should be installed in the next couple weeks. It's a unique sign and one that's taken several weeks for the sign shop to figure out how to install properly! We are already getting calls from the small 'Coming soon' sign in the window so I can only imagine how many more calls we'll get from a real sign. The sign on the strip mall section should be up soon too!
The 'soft' grand opening will be April 17th. 3-5pm will be students and 1-3 will be family/friends and a thank you to those that have helped us so much these last few months/years!
We'll have a 'real' grand opening for the community when it's warmer and we can have fun activities outside as well as really advertise and get the word out.
Jacob is working on a new website, working with the construction company as well as other details while I'm working on hiring, teaching and implementing systems to prepare us for the move. There is much to do! I have a weekly list and countdown till the studio and then new baby comes! Even our son Aeden helps out by going to the studio with Daddy and cleaning up. He thinks we should take our beds there and sleep when it opens!
Hiring is going well for the studio. I am so pleased to have found a violin and guitar teacher that fit the Simply Music model for teaching!
James will be teaching violin mainly in groups and I love his manner and desire to grow! He is truly someone that WANTS to become a better teacher. James also subs in the Ferndale public schools and to me that brings a strong teaching background.His desire is to be a full-time music teacher.
Lorrie will be teaching violin mainly in groups and is very excited about that option. After teaching in groups for a few years with OHMI she has the experience and creativity to do it. She's truly a professional violinist as well as expert teacher.
Jenna will be teaching Music Together at the studio. Most likely not until the fall, but she'll be doing demo classes in the spring. Jenna is a gifted young child teacher and her children are students of mine. She brings an energy, kindness, level of expertise and wholeness that I value and love.
Rachel Geans continues to be a powerful teacher! She was kind enough to sub for me when I was sick. I love listening to her teach Playful Piano classes as well (for age 3-5). Her laughter is infectious and she truly has the vision for Simply Music. I appreciate her attention to detail, her passion for teaching and her dedication to Lozier Music. While I do some coaching with Rachel, I know the coaching goes both ways as she pulls me back to the 'basics' and keeping them up.
Angela Engnell has started team teaching on Fridays and her positive energy is amazing. She's a truly talented musician and often has a new composition in her own lessons. She's a positive and competent teacher.
I've interviewed several childcare/office staff options and will make a decision on hiring those in the next couple weeks. I am giving them each the opportunity to do a couple hours of office work for me to see how things go. They've all met Aeden and I've seen them interact with him. I'm continuing to define what they're role will be at the studio. I'm excited to give up some of those tasks that are time consuming to take on more of a role of organizer, coach, visionary and teacher!
The next few weeks will entail a great deal for our family as well as the studio.
The studio is due to open April 19 and the baby is due to come May 15. I'm praying the baby will not make her arrival till ontime or late! : )
I'm reminded lately of all our past experiences and how they've prepared us for this new adventure. After years of leading worship bands and starting from scratch two of them, I've learned how to recruit people that are more talented then I am. I've also learned that relying on God is the only way to make it through these types of moments. Those types of projects that can be truly a 'birth' and getting through the rough patches knowing that the end result will be worth it!
Here's the newest updates with regard to the new studio.
- State of the studio the build today!
-Hiring violin, guitar and Music Together teachers.
-Hiring of childcare/office staff.
-Date of grand opening for friends/family/students.
-Upcoming events!
We chose a construction company 3 weeks ago or so. Very happy with them and surprisingly they were one of the 1st people that we met with. Their quote came in much lower than other's and they were willing to work with Jacob so he could do some of the contracting work. Jacob did all the of the demo himself and knows quite a bit about construction so it only makes sense to keep him in the loop!
After ordering the parts, finishing up the architect plans and finalizing permits, the build will start tomorrow. The doors can take up to 6 weeks to get, but Jacob may have found a place that's able to get them earlier than that! The carpet colors will be finalized Saturday with the interior designer, Drew and then we'll be moving forward.
I am overjoyed that after so many months we're seeing progress at the studio. : )
The sign for the studio should be installed in the next couple weeks. It's a unique sign and one that's taken several weeks for the sign shop to figure out how to install properly! We are already getting calls from the small 'Coming soon' sign in the window so I can only imagine how many more calls we'll get from a real sign. The sign on the strip mall section should be up soon too!
The 'soft' grand opening will be April 17th. 3-5pm will be students and 1-3 will be family/friends and a thank you to those that have helped us so much these last few months/years!
We'll have a 'real' grand opening for the community when it's warmer and we can have fun activities outside as well as really advertise and get the word out.
Jacob is working on a new website, working with the construction company as well as other details while I'm working on hiring, teaching and implementing systems to prepare us for the move. There is much to do! I have a weekly list and countdown till the studio and then new baby comes! Even our son Aeden helps out by going to the studio with Daddy and cleaning up. He thinks we should take our beds there and sleep when it opens!
Hiring is going well for the studio. I am so pleased to have found a violin and guitar teacher that fit the Simply Music model for teaching!
James will be teaching violin mainly in groups and I love his manner and desire to grow! He is truly someone that WANTS to become a better teacher. James also subs in the Ferndale public schools and to me that brings a strong teaching background.His desire is to be a full-time music teacher.
Lorrie will be teaching violin mainly in groups and is very excited about that option. After teaching in groups for a few years with OHMI she has the experience and creativity to do it. She's truly a professional violinist as well as expert teacher.
Jenna will be teaching Music Together at the studio. Most likely not until the fall, but she'll be doing demo classes in the spring. Jenna is a gifted young child teacher and her children are students of mine. She brings an energy, kindness, level of expertise and wholeness that I value and love.
Rachel Geans continues to be a powerful teacher! She was kind enough to sub for me when I was sick. I love listening to her teach Playful Piano classes as well (for age 3-5). Her laughter is infectious and she truly has the vision for Simply Music. I appreciate her attention to detail, her passion for teaching and her dedication to Lozier Music. While I do some coaching with Rachel, I know the coaching goes both ways as she pulls me back to the 'basics' and keeping them up.
Angela Engnell has started team teaching on Fridays and her positive energy is amazing. She's a truly talented musician and often has a new composition in her own lessons. She's a positive and competent teacher.
I've interviewed several childcare/office staff options and will make a decision on hiring those in the next couple weeks. I am giving them each the opportunity to do a couple hours of office work for me to see how things go. They've all met Aeden and I've seen them interact with him. I'm continuing to define what they're role will be at the studio. I'm excited to give up some of those tasks that are time consuming to take on more of a role of organizer, coach, visionary and teacher!
The next few weeks will entail a great deal for our family as well as the studio.
The studio is due to open April 19 and the baby is due to come May 15. I'm praying the baby will not make her arrival till ontime or late! : )
Friday, February 18, 2011
yeah to moving forward!
Jacob is meeting with THE contractor today! The permits from the city are almost approved as well SOOO construction might begin as early as next week. Contractors think they should be able to get us ready by April 1st!
The sign is almost ready too! Lots of fun there. It's an unusual sign, much more complex then most and the sign company didn't quite think about how to mount the sign once it was done but now it sounds like there is a satisfactory plan in place!
Angela is training to teach with me on Fridays and will take over next month a couple students that she's been watching.
Met with a violin teacher this week that shares the exact vision of what we want for the studio! Hoping it works out. She would fit perfectly with us!
Music Together will start in April too if we can open by the 1st week or 2nd week. That will be great!
We're on the way to hiring babysitting/office work help as well as janitor/closer.
I again feel a bit like I'm in uncharted waters with hiring. I've led praise teams and recruited and even hired a bit for that (starting from scratch) so I've done some leading, recruiting and coaching, but this feels like an even bigger stretch. I'm feeling a bit like I need to step back and only take on new students that my other teachers can't handle (prior experience or very fast students).
I LOVE teaching so I don't see giving up my current students, but it seems wise to consider not taking any more new ones.
I've been blessed with finding someone that's really incredible to help with marketing for the next couple months for a price that we can afford. : )
Ok.. back to playing and housework!
The sign is almost ready too! Lots of fun there. It's an unusual sign, much more complex then most and the sign company didn't quite think about how to mount the sign once it was done but now it sounds like there is a satisfactory plan in place!
Angela is training to teach with me on Fridays and will take over next month a couple students that she's been watching.
Met with a violin teacher this week that shares the exact vision of what we want for the studio! Hoping it works out. She would fit perfectly with us!
Music Together will start in April too if we can open by the 1st week or 2nd week. That will be great!
We're on the way to hiring babysitting/office work help as well as janitor/closer.
I again feel a bit like I'm in uncharted waters with hiring. I've led praise teams and recruited and even hired a bit for that (starting from scratch) so I've done some leading, recruiting and coaching, but this feels like an even bigger stretch. I'm feeling a bit like I need to step back and only take on new students that my other teachers can't handle (prior experience or very fast students).
I LOVE teaching so I don't see giving up my current students, but it seems wise to consider not taking any more new ones.
I've been blessed with finding someone that's really incredible to help with marketing for the next couple months for a price that we can afford. : )
Ok.. back to playing and housework!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
progress!
There's been slow, but steady progress at the studio. I am continually grateful of all the help that people have either volunteered or the referrals we've been given! We truly could NOT do this expansion without everyone that has helped.
Here's a couple things that have come about this week.
-I mentioned on facebook that I needed some marketing help and a student's mom (highly, highly qualified) stepped up and within an afternoon pulled some things together that would have taken me a few hours!
-I posted on a local homeschool forum that I needed someone to clean and lock up and within 24 hours had the name of someone who so far looks like perfect match!
-I asked a couple people that babysit if they had interest in doing our childcare/office work combo and have at least 1 interested within 24 hours.
- We have most bids in from the contractors and the 1st one that we had gotten awhile back is coming in at a price we can afford. It's also someone that we feel is completely capable of doing this well and in a timely manner.
-A new friend/neighbor calls almost daily if she goes out to see if we need anything. In my pregnant state it means a lot to have someone that cares to ask about me and check up.
-A call from Rochester Post that they'd like to do a story on us when we open! Free!
We have 2 leads for violin teachers and for the time being we'll be only having violin, 3 Simply Music teachers and also have added Music Together's Jenna from Mini-Musicians. I couldn't be happier with our team so far!
We are currently at about 73 students with new calls almost daily. Goal is 80 students by the end of February and strengthening our relationships with current students and more coaching and support for all our teachers (including me.. I have 2 mentors now).
Add in some support staff (with childcare, office help, marketing and janitor/closer), we'll be in great shape!
On a personal note, I'm about 12 weeks from my due date and the 3rd trimester came on quickly with the sudden challenge of more fatigue, emotions and suddenly more hungry all the time. : ) I'm reminded each day I teach however of the need to separate home and work and the need for more space and childcare.
Here's a couple things that have come about this week.
-I mentioned on facebook that I needed some marketing help and a student's mom (highly, highly qualified) stepped up and within an afternoon pulled some things together that would have taken me a few hours!
-I posted on a local homeschool forum that I needed someone to clean and lock up and within 24 hours had the name of someone who so far looks like perfect match!
-I asked a couple people that babysit if they had interest in doing our childcare/office work combo and have at least 1 interested within 24 hours.
- We have most bids in from the contractors and the 1st one that we had gotten awhile back is coming in at a price we can afford. It's also someone that we feel is completely capable of doing this well and in a timely manner.
-A new friend/neighbor calls almost daily if she goes out to see if we need anything. In my pregnant state it means a lot to have someone that cares to ask about me and check up.
-A call from Rochester Post that they'd like to do a story on us when we open! Free!
We have 2 leads for violin teachers and for the time being we'll be only having violin, 3 Simply Music teachers and also have added Music Together's Jenna from Mini-Musicians. I couldn't be happier with our team so far!
We are currently at about 73 students with new calls almost daily. Goal is 80 students by the end of February and strengthening our relationships with current students and more coaching and support for all our teachers (including me.. I have 2 mentors now).
Add in some support staff (with childcare, office help, marketing and janitor/closer), we'll be in great shape!
On a personal note, I'm about 12 weeks from my due date and the 3rd trimester came on quickly with the sudden challenge of more fatigue, emotions and suddenly more hungry all the time. : ) I'm reminded each day I teach however of the need to separate home and work and the need for more space and childcare.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
slowwwllly moving ahead!
The architect drawings are done as of Monday and Jacob has contacted all the contractors to get bids. He's asked 5 to bid and have their bids in by Monday. We'll see how it turns out! The plans have been submitted to the city. There should be no surprises with the city permits though as the architects already met with them before finishing the plans.
The studio is growing. Looking forward to starting Tammy and Alex this week and meeting some new potential students at the Free Intro Session on Saturday. : )
Plans are moving ahead to have Music Together at the studio starting when it opens!
This week I introduced a new fun game that I heard about at the symposium. All students had kept up their playlist and I could see progress with managing all the songs students have learned. Most had 30 or more on their playlist! Really fantastic.
Snow days have been causing a bit of an adventure with lessons lately. Rachel and I will be making up lessons from this week.
Videotaped some students last week and this week Friday interviewing them for testimonials for the website. Thanks to Sarah for doing the interviews! They were really enlightening. Thanks to those who participated! Really appreciate it!
Looking forward to the rest of the week teaching! I didn't teach today due to the snow and really missed it as usual. : (
The studio is growing. Looking forward to starting Tammy and Alex this week and meeting some new potential students at the Free Intro Session on Saturday. : )
Plans are moving ahead to have Music Together at the studio starting when it opens!
This week I introduced a new fun game that I heard about at the symposium. All students had kept up their playlist and I could see progress with managing all the songs students have learned. Most had 30 or more on their playlist! Really fantastic.
Snow days have been causing a bit of an adventure with lessons lately. Rachel and I will be making up lessons from this week.
Videotaped some students last week and this week Friday interviewing them for testimonials for the website. Thanks to Sarah for doing the interviews! They were really enlightening. Thanks to those who participated! Really appreciate it!
Looking forward to the rest of the week teaching! I didn't teach today due to the snow and really missed it as usual. : (
Monday, January 24, 2011
new strides in the studio
The demo is complete. My incredibly talented hubby did almost all of it himself. He had the help of a friend to take things to recycle so thanks to Will for that!
He craigslisted all the extra things from the studio demo that we won't use and made good use of 'recycling' that too.
The architect plans will be done by next Friday! The city approved that we only have to redo one bathroom, not 2.. a huge savings in money and time!
Goal is that we'll have the architect plans by Friday, the following week Jacob will meet with contractors while securing the permits from the city and that renovations will start the 2nd week of February with completion 6 weeks from that.
Goal is we'll be in by March 15th!
He craigslisted all the extra things from the studio demo that we won't use and made good use of 'recycling' that too.
The architect plans will be done by next Friday! The city approved that we only have to redo one bathroom, not 2.. a huge savings in money and time!
Goal is that we'll have the architect plans by Friday, the following week Jacob will meet with contractors while securing the permits from the city and that renovations will start the 2nd week of February with completion 6 weeks from that.
Goal is we'll be in by March 15th!
Simply Music symposium conference
I just got back at 1am this morning from the Californai symposium with Simply Music teachers from all over the world. A few from Australia, Canada all over the US and one moving to New Zealand.
I'm still digesting everything I learned and experienced there.
Here's a blog link from Neil Moore, founder of Simply Music. You can see me briefly in it!
http://blog.simplymusic.com/messages-from-neil/
I'm sure all the things I learned will continue to surface as I go along the next weeks. Here's a couple highlights.
Getting away to sunny California for 5 days! It was beautiful. Right in Mexican town we ate lots of awesome food, walked a lot, stayed in a beautiful hotel right at the top of a hill so lots of walking.
Spending time with Rachel Geans,the other SM teacher in my studio.
Meeting all the other Simply Music teachers. Really an awesome group of people. I met and got to know many of the 60 teachers there and have a couple that we will start keeping in touch and mentoring each other throughout the year.
Completed my first seminar teaching. Subject was marketing and it was great fun to put together and present. It was a goal of mine to train this year and this was a great step in that area.
Seeing Neil and hearing him speak again. Also, finally getting a picture with him and me and Rachel.
Learning many new and good reminders of information on teaching Simply Music. My brain has to process all the new info.
Getting a new game or idea to do with students each morning.
Hearing several special needs students play in the recital. One student was blind and deaf and played beautifully, another student was autistic and had composed and sang his own arrangement of Dreams. These students flew to San Diego to be in the recital!
Amber Bies, the Lake Orion Michigan teacher performed her composition which was fantastic!
Another highlight is the reminder of how much I love my family and students and I'm happy to be back. I'm more appreciative of them after taking a break. Thankful to my husband for keeping up with the little boy and even keeping the house in order while I was gone. Truly my best friend and supporter. : )
I'm sure there are many many more things that I'll be able to digest as I go.
I'm still digesting everything I learned and experienced there.
Here's a blog link from Neil Moore, founder of Simply Music. You can see me briefly in it!
http://blog.simplymusic.com/messages-from-neil/
I'm sure all the things I learned will continue to surface as I go along the next weeks. Here's a couple highlights.
Getting away to sunny California for 5 days! It was beautiful. Right in Mexican town we ate lots of awesome food, walked a lot, stayed in a beautiful hotel right at the top of a hill so lots of walking.
Spending time with Rachel Geans,the other SM teacher in my studio.
Meeting all the other Simply Music teachers. Really an awesome group of people. I met and got to know many of the 60 teachers there and have a couple that we will start keeping in touch and mentoring each other throughout the year.
Completed my first seminar teaching. Subject was marketing and it was great fun to put together and present. It was a goal of mine to train this year and this was a great step in that area.
Seeing Neil and hearing him speak again. Also, finally getting a picture with him and me and Rachel.
Learning many new and good reminders of information on teaching Simply Music. My brain has to process all the new info.
Getting a new game or idea to do with students each morning.
Hearing several special needs students play in the recital. One student was blind and deaf and played beautifully, another student was autistic and had composed and sang his own arrangement of Dreams. These students flew to San Diego to be in the recital!
Amber Bies, the Lake Orion Michigan teacher performed her composition which was fantastic!
Another highlight is the reminder of how much I love my family and students and I'm happy to be back. I'm more appreciative of them after taking a break. Thankful to my husband for keeping up with the little boy and even keeping the house in order while I was gone. Truly my best friend and supporter. : )
I'm sure there are many many more things that I'll be able to digest as I go.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday working. : )
Dropped my little boy off at my mom's for the day and spent the morning with hubby at Panera. Finished up 2.5 hours of catch up work and then will spend some time having lunch and going over ideas and planning with hubby! Love spending time with Jacob brainstorming. I'm a blessed lady having such a supportive husband. : )
Jacob also got up early this morning to finish the electrical demo at the studio. The walls and everything else is done! Our architect was joking with Jacob about moonlighting as a demo crew. We're thinking if we need some extra income why not? : )
Next steps include getting contracts and next steps for violin and guitar teachers. Also, filling the rest of Rachel and I's schedule.
Carrie
Jacob also got up early this morning to finish the electrical demo at the studio. The walls and everything else is done! Our architect was joking with Jacob about moonlighting as a demo crew. We're thinking if we need some extra income why not? : )
Next steps include getting contracts and next steps for violin and guitar teachers. Also, filling the rest of Rachel and I's schedule.
Carrie
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