MUSIKA - Spring/Summer 2011
SPECIAL NOTICES
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Dear Parents, Friday, June 24th was the last day of our summer enrichment program and also the end of our Studio year 2010-2011. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each of you for your support, understanding and trust over the past serveral months. As many of you know, my goal as a teacher of music and the piano is to help each child to not only see the beauty and simplicity in learning this art but also be able to take the joy of playing the piano into their adult years. Sometimes, my structured approach to teaching this art has been misunderstood. Involvement in auditions - Federation and Guild; plus University and Studio master classes help to build pride in accomplishment, refine performance skills and develop character. I teach on the premise that [with parental support coupled withmy teaching method] if I can encourage and stimulate the young mind to learn and love this art, then I would have succeeded in developing a sound musician. And perhaps then, we will have fewer "music drop-outs." Do you realize how often you will listen to someone making this statement, “Oh I used to play the piano.” I also feel very strongly, that the window of opportunity to develop a child musically is very narrow. Students are involved in several different extra-curricular activities and music may be one out of four after school activities. Through experience, I have learnt to be innovative, a bit radical, crazy and fun - but of course all of this within defined limits. Although the length of study, individual motivation and parental support are major factors in a student’s musical development, I have noticed that students whom I am allowed to develop from age 5 through 12, have a very sound and full repertoire list and music is not seen as a chore. These students are organized, can multi-task and easily handle the pressure of academics and extra-curricular activities. Plus, they have a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. This year, one of my very fi rst students will graduate piano studies after 9 years as my student. I am also proud to announce that my studio will once again be recognized by the American College of Musicians in their International Magazine. Three students have qualifi ed as National Winners. And again this year, I will receive the Guild Certifi cate of Approval and continue my status as a Guild Certified Teacher. A HUGE “Thanks” to all of you. Once again, we had 100% participation at our June Sessions. Each child is on pace for next year. All repertoire have been chosen and students are ready to hit the ground running when the studio reopens end of August. On this note, I would like to thank each of you for giving your child the ‘Gift of Music’. You opened the door to a new world of drama, color, discipline, problem-solving, self-expression, and appreciation for beauty and pleasure. My question to you - What other gift could match these attributes? Thank you for giving me this opportunity to work with your child. Enjoy summer! Be safe, and as always thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Elizabeth Y. Fullington, BEd, LRSM, CACM |
