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! : )