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September Newsletter 2023

Updated: Aug 16, 2023

Welcome back to Simply Joy Studios! We are so excited to start the year!



Although it still feels like summer in Alberta, school is starting in a few weeks. With this, everything else begins too! There are so many amazing things in store for the upcoming year, and I could not be more excited to get started. Please read through the newsletter for important dates, news and contests.


Important Dates


September 11, 2023 - First Day of Lessons
September 22-23 - Alberta Piano Teachers Association Conference - no lessons
October 21st, 2023 - Recital Program Art Submission Deadline
October 28th, 2023 - Exploring Pop, Jazz and Blues Recital

Exploring Pop, Jazz and Blues - Recital Saturday, October 28th @ 6pm.


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. 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!


Submit Your Artwork!



“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.




Practice Journals

This year, at Simply Joy Studios, we will be discovering the rewarding work of keeping a practice journal. Students above the age of 8, or students in level 2 or higher, will be keeping a practice journal weekly. In this practice journal, students will keep a record of what they practiced and what they are hoping to achieve. This will be an excellent opportunity for students to set goals and track their progress. Please encourage your kids to engage in this new practice habit by sending them to their first piano lesson with a blank journal or notebook.

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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