What is my Annual Recording Studio lesson?

The last piano lesson of each calendar year is dedicated to my annual RECORDING STUDIO WEEK! This is one of my favorite weeks of the year. (The students usually feel this way, too!) I will send home a handout with each of my students containing information about this week's lesson, but just in case you don't see it (that never happens, right?) I will give the same information here:

"The week of December 14 - 18 will be our last piano lesson of the year! It will also be our annual "recording studio" lesson! Students will choose 3 - 6 of their favorite and most polished songs from the year to record. Usually recital pieces are good choices for this, as well as some of their favorite songs from their books. I will then turn their recordings into musical CD's. This is a great opportunity to review all we have learned so far (or this year) and to remember the student's favorite songs. The student should have a list of the songs he/she has chosen to record in their piano notebooks.

I will give each student one CD of their recorded music as my Christmas gift to them! You may have additional copies of the CD if you wish; each additional CD is $1. You will need to email or call and make arrangements with me if you want additional CD's.

Please be sure that your student brings any music they want to record to this week's lesson, especially if it is a recital piece or another song that is not in their usual piano books. Please call if you have any questions, suggestions, or comments."

I think you will find that these CD's become treasured keepsakes as you collect them over the years, and your student can hear how they have matured and improved in their piano playing over time. I am definitely looking forward to our annual 'recording studio' lesson!

Christmas Recital!

It's official!  Save the date; our annual Christmas Piano Recital will be held on Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the recital hall at Baker's Piano.  Baker's Piano is located at 2670 E County Line Rd #A.  Please dress up!  Light refreshments will be served following the recital.  Look for invitations in the mail as the event gets closer.  I look forward to seeing you there!

GROUP PIANO LESSONS THIS WEEK!

Just a quick reminder to everyone that this week we will be having GROUP PIANO LESSONS in place of regularly scheduled private lessons.  There will be a Group Lesson offered Tuesday, October 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 28 from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m., and Thursday, October 29 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.  Generally, students attend the group lesson that falls on the same day as their regularly scheduled lesson, although the same things will happen at each group lesson so there is some flexibility in whichever day you want to attend.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let me know. 

Thank you so much!

OCTOBER ANNOUNCEMENTS!

I am having so much fun with all my new piano students!  They really seem to be getting into the swing of things and learning so quickly; I am proud of each and everyone of them.  I want to send out a special thank you to all you parents for your support and encouragement!

Now, for a few announcements:

First of all, the Christmas recital has been tentatively scheduled for the evening of THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17.  Save the date and stay tuned for more details!  Your student should be bringing home the song they chose for the recital within the next week or so.  I am really excited about the fun and challenging songs they are all choosing; this is going to be a wonderful recital!

Second, please remember that our first GROUP LESSON is two weeks away - the week of October 26 - 30.  

Finally, I would like to clarify my cancellation/rescheduling policy.  I understand that there are times when students cannot attend lessons due to family vacations, illness, etc.  In my policy, it states that when this occurs, I will be happy to offer you a reschedule lesson.  Here are some different possibilities for rescheduling a lesson:  

1. The week of the next group lesson, your student could also have an individual private lesson.  This works well because group lessons are so different from our usual individual lessons that it helps keep the flow of learning and practicing going.
   
2. We could make one of your student's regular lessons twice as long - this is usually very effective and doesn't require you to bring them to my house twice.
3. Your student could have two lesson within one week. (Evening and weekends are available for these situations.)
4. We could schedule your student's make-up lesson during a time when piano lessons are cancelled.

I assure you that the last thing I want is to make your busy lives more complicated or to make you feel that you are not getting your money's worth!  On the other hand, my piano business is virtually my family's only source of income.  When I calculate our budget at the beginning of the month, it's difficult when several families cancel on me and therefore don't pay their full amount.  Of course, if I ever cancel on you, or in cases of long-term vacation or illness, or if we try to schedule a make-up lesson and simply cannot find a possible time, then exceptions can be made.  I'm a reasonable person. =)  Feel free to communicate with me about these situations, and we'll work something out!  

With fall breaks and such happening this month, I did have a high number of people not pay the full amount due to cancellations.  I was obviously not as clear on this policy as I thought, and take responsibility for the confusion.  Therefore, I will be enforcing this policy starting in November 2009.  THANKS!  :)  Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments!

Change in Piano Schedule!

I have decided to cancel the piano group lesson that was scheduled for next week.  I have put some thought into it and have decided that it is in the best interest of the students to take a little more time to get into the swing of piano lessons before starting the group lessons.  This means that instead of a group lesson, next week will be regular individual lessons!  I will plan on seeing your student at their usual time for an individual lesson.  The last week of October will then be the first group lesson week.

Thank you!  Feel free to contact me with any further questions!

Introducing: Music and Motion Class for Toddlers or Preschoolers!

Are you looking for something to do with your toddler or preschooler when the weather turns colder? Do have a desire to learn how to help your child’s musical confidence?  Does your child enjoy music and dancing? 

A Music and Motion Class may be just what you are looking for! 

All children are born with music within them, and if their early environment supports such learning children can become comfortable and confident in their musical abilities. 

In my Music and Motion Classes, we sing, laugh, play, listen, and dance as we learn about and practice:

• High and low musical pitches
• Musical louds and softs (dynamics)
• Rhythm / keeping a beat
• Singing in tune
• The finger numbers associated with instrumental playing
• Playing a variety of different musical instruments 

The children are also exposed to a variety of musical types and genres, such as:

• Classical composers, including Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and more
• Jazz & big band
• Modern composers such as Copland & Debussy
• Music from other cultures: Eastern African music, Paraguayan flute-playing, traditional Chinese music, Irish Dancing music, and more
• Contemporary children’s music 

Classes will be held weekly for 45-minutes.  The child and their parent should attend all classes.  (Younger siblings are welcome, too!)  Due to limited physical space, class sizes will be limited!  The price is a cost of $15 a month, due on or before the first lesson of each month.  Currently I am offering preschool music classes on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.  To sign-up, send me an email or give me a call at 303-953-9694.  

Welcome to Jennifer's Piano Studio

Hi! My name is Jennifer Reynolds, and I have been teaching private and group piano lessons now for three years. I have a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, with a minor in Music. I taught several years in the public school system before deciding to teach music out of my home. Teaching is my passion; I love exploring new and better ways to reach each student. I delight in playing the piano, and take every opportunity available to share that skill with others.

If you live in the Highlands Ranch, CO area, I just moved to your neighborhood! I will begin teaching lessons on September 1, 2009! If you are looking for a qualified, experienced, organized, and fun piano teacher for your child, please read through my site to see if we would be a good fit! Also, for your convenience, there is a list of links for Frequently Asked Questions to the right.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at jennanne81@yahoo.com.