November and December already! 🍁

It is 4 weeks to the Soirée so all students who are going to play should be into final practice of their musical offering.  For new families, and especially the under 9 year olds (of which there are 9), this is a very relaxed occasion.  I will sit with the youngest ones if they want me to, and will help where needed.  We have a beautiful venue in the Sanctuary at ERUUF (more directions nearer the date) with a grand piano and tiered seating and big airy space.  Students under 9 years need not pick their item perhaps until  2 weeks before but I am talking to them this week about what they would like to play. Students aged 10 and above need to pick their items this week.  Most students will play one piece but there are some I will invite to play 2.  I have to pay a hire fee for the Sanctuary and I choose to do that because I want all students to play on a grand piano (as I do not have room for one here) and I want the tiered seating and the airy space and the great acoustics.  The fee is $390 this year.  If any parents feel they could and would like to contribute that would be wonderful, but it is not necessary.  I feel I am very fortunate with my modest income from my studio, and my partner’s support.

It is almost upon us!  I will be teaching Wednesday 11/22 but not on Thursday 11/23.  If anyone is going to be away other days in that week please let me know this week so I can use the times for makeups or extra work for advanced students.

I am working on all students having a holiday item to play if they want that.  I will be teaching right up to Christmas ie last teaching day will be Thursday 12/21/23.  If anyone is going away before that week also please let me know. I am also going to take 2 weeks off at Christmas so the Spring semester in 2024 will begin on Monday 1/8/23 (and then Martin Luther King day will be Monday 1/15/24, and I will teach that day if you are able to come to lessons.  Monday holidays do interrupt Mondays but some families like to go away for the 3 day weekend and I understand that).

Thank you to all who enable me to earn my living from my nice warm home – love it!  Love seeing all my students and miss you when I have to go away! I am going to have to put my fees up in 2024 with the rising costs of utilities and just living!  However I will of course give a 10% discount for families with 2 or more learning.  The new fee will be $38 a 1/2 hour lesson and $76 for the hour lesson.  I have considered 45 minute lessons but that leaves me with scheduling problems unless I can dovetail 2 people (may be possible).  The hours between 3-7 pm every day are so full.  I am still adhering to no teaching on Fridays.  I need that time for my own practice and other artistic pursuits and sometimes just catching up!  I am sorry if this is a burden to some.  I am also a member of the Durham Music Teachers Association and they offer scholarships but you do have to supply evidence of your income. I have had a number of students in the past who have benefited from these scholarships.

Again thank you all for your support ever since 2008!!