Changes in the studio . . .

[Ashley]

Just writing to update you all on some more changes in the studio. I
am ever working to improve my students' experiences, and welcome
feedback.

Last year, I started our studio orchestra, the South Hill Chamber
Orchestra, and it was a huge hit. The students loved it, had a ton of
fun, and make progress like you wouldn't believe! So this year, I
thought I'd add another avenue for students to get involved in the
studio: The South Hill Fiddlers. Unfortunately, I have not had
anyone attend, so I've put this idea on the back burner, and if
interest peaks again I'll be able to offer it. So, let me know if
you'd be interested in a fiddle class.

Since getting my own studio in June, I've been working hard at coming
closer and closer to just teaching out of the studio. I do still have
students I drive to, but I feel my students are better served by
having lessons in the studio. I have all my music at my fingertips, a
copy machine, a computer for playing music, theory notes up on the
wall . . . You get the point. Lessons in the studio are a much richer
experience, and they're cheaper. :) It's a win-win.

However, I am still scheduling in-home lessons on Wednesdays. But
once these slots are filled, all new students will have lessons in the
studio, so schedule your in-home lessons soon!

This year we have three holiday concerts at retirement homes, with two
rehearsals beforehand. The first rehearsal is in early November, and
the last rehearsal is right before the concerts in early December.
This allows students to experience playing in a group twice - the
first time will let them know what they need to practice, then they'll
have a few weeks to get everything straightened out, and another
rehearsal to finalize things. Details for the concerts and rehearsals
can be found on the website.

Over the summer, I've been working on fixing up a couple violins for
the studio. Now I'll have some instruments to loan out during a
lesson if a child forgets their instrument, or for a new student to be
sized on. I'm very excited about these additions, and look forward to
adding more instruments of different sizes soon!

One last addition to the studio is our Early Childhood Music Class.
This is perfect for young children up to about age 6. We sing, dance,
color while listening to music, experiment with different instruments,
and generally have a great time. This helps children gain awareness
of music. The class is held the second Saturday of each month, from
10:30-11am. The class is $10, or FREE if families have a child
enrolled in private lessons. More details can be found on the
website.

As always, you can always contact me by phone (253-267-2063), email
(SouthHillS...@gmail.com), on the website
(AshleyBrockett.MusicTeachersHelper.com), the blog
(SouthHillStringStudio.blogspot.com), or on a number of social
networks (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and others). I look forward to
hearing from you soon!