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October Newsletter 2023

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!


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The weather has changed, and the leaves are all falling - what a beautiful time of year! I have enjoyed the first month of piano lessons so far this year and excited to continue this momentum!


Important Dates


October 20th, 2023 - Submission for Canadian Composers Showcase due
October 21st, 2023 - Recital Program Art Submission Deadline
October 28th, 2023 - Exploring Pop, Jazz and Blues Recital Featuring The Sour Keys

Exploring Pop, Jazz and Blues featuring The SOUR KEYS

Saturday, October 28th @ 7pm

Location: Millwoods Community Church


This September, there will be an emphasis on exploring the genres of Pop, Jazz and Blues which will culminate in a recital in October. Formerly known as our "Ready-or-Not Recital", this recital will be the same idea, just with a twist.


We will be joined by a fantastic jazz group from Archbishop Jordan HighSchool with our very own Ryan Lee on trombone and keyboard from Simply Joy Studios, Addison Wall on guitar and vocals, Jack Lymburner on tenor sax, Edison Leung on Trumpet, and Payton Cook on the drums. They will play at the end of the concert. We will take donations or "pay what you can" as an honorarium for the band upon entry (cash or card).


This recital will be an exciting opportunity for students to explore modern songwriters and composers from the 1950s to the present day. Students will be able to choose their own songs, so we will be in for a real treat!


Contemporary Showcase

This is an excellent opportunity for students to study Canadian repertoire and get feedback in a non-competitive and non-examination setting. Younger students will get the ability to work with a living composer: Christine Donkin, and older students will glean helpful tips from renown local Edmonton Pianist, Leanne Regehr. Please let me know if you are interested in participating in this! It is an excellent opportunity to show off your abilities and dive into great Canadian Repertoire!


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Submit Your Artwork!


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“Beginning with audacity is a very great part of the art of painting." — Winston Churchill.

Please show off your artistic skills through creating artwork for the front page of the recital program. We will be having a variety of art contests throughout the year for the recitals, and it is a great way to show off your other artistic talents! You can submit your artwork anytime throughout the next few weeks. The rules are as follows:

  • The artwork must include the title of the recital: "Exploring Pop, Jazz and Blues"

  • Colour is preferred, but not required.

  • You can use any medium (crayons, pencil, paint or digital media).

  • Submission needs to be a jpg. file or a PDF and must be submitted through the website.

  • Submissions are due by October 21st.



The Nitty-Gritty Info

Payment Information/Schedule

Payment for lessons is due by the 5th of each month. Late payments will be charged a $20.00 late fee.

Each student will be charged, on their first invoice for a $40 performance fee for the entire year. This is new for this year, and will cover costs of recital spaces and masterclasses with clinicians (such as a composition masterclass, or performance class).

Missed Lessons/Makeup Lesson Policy

There is a no make-up policy for missed lessons.

However, if there is an emergency or if the student is very ill, it is up to my discretion. The money paid for any missed lessons will not be refunded.

If the teacher is absent, the lesson will be made up at a time that is convenient for teacher and student.

This year we are going to try specific makeup lesson days set in advance. For the month of September, this date will be Sunday, Sept. 24th.

What to Bring to Your First Lesson

Teacher Notebook - this will include your lesson instructions of what to practice through the week. This is a direct communication between both the teacher and the student, but also the teacher and the parents.

Any piano books that you have used in the previous year, and the new level if you have been asked to purchase it.

Pencil

Notebook/journal for practice journalling if you are above the age of 8yrs old.

Lesson Locations

There are two lesson locations. Please note the location when you receive your lesson confirmation time.

8323 82nd Ave NW. Edmonton, AB T6C0Y5

Millwoods Community Church - 2304 38th Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6L 4K9

APTA Student Bursary

The Alberta Piano Teachers Association has a student bursary available for any students who are experiencing financial need. This bursary is to help the students continue lessons during this time.

The amount of money given out varies year by year, and is split between the successful applicants.

To apply for this bursary, please send Katie an email and I will send you more information.

The Deadline to apply is: October 31, 2023.


 
 
 

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