Author: Genn

  • Anniversary Recital 2025

    Anniversary Recital 2025

    May 17 & 18, 2025

    Come celebrate the talent and growth of our music students with two special recital events this May! Whether you’re performing or attending to cheer someone on, you’re in for a great afternoon of music.

    📍 Locations & Schedule

    New Brighton
    First Presbyterian Church
    📅 Saturday, May 17

    • 11:15 AM – Dress Rehearsal (students only)
    • 12:30 PM – Doors open
    • 1:00 PM – Recital begins

    North Hills
    Ross Township Municipal Building Gymnasium
    📅 Sunday, May 18

    • 12:00 PM – Dress Rehearsal (students only)
    • 1:30 PM – Doors open
    • 2:00 PM – Recital begins

    🪑 Seating & Parking
    Audience seating is first come, first served behind the student section. Accessible seating available upon request.

    North Hills: Large parking lot in front of the building

    New Brighton: Street parking available

    🎵 For Performers
    Students should arrive on time for dress rehearsal with their instrument, music, and a stand if they have one. Everything else will be provided. Teachers will walk students through performance order and warm-ups.

    Each student will perform a piece selected with their teacher. Some may perform duets or group pieces, if approved in advance.

    👗 What to Wear
    Dress like you would for a school concert or formal event.
    ✔️ Dresses, dress pants, dark jeans, collared shirts, nice shoes
    ❌ No ripped clothing, athletic wear, flip-flops, or casual hats

    🍪 Cookie Table & Recording

    • New Brighton: Yes to cookies! If bringing homemade treats, please label allergens.
    • North Hills: No food or drink allowed in the gym.

    Both recitals will be recorded, and families will receive a private YouTube link to individual performances after the event.

    Students & Parents:
    Use the button below to register for the recital. After you sign up, we’ll coordinate with your teacher to confirm your performance and help select the piece you’d like to showcase.

    We can’t wait to see you shine on stage!

    Student Registration

  • The #1 Question Parents Ask About Music Lessons

    The #1 Question Parents Ask About Music Lessons

    If you’re new to the world of music lessons, you probably have a million questions. But if there’s one question we hear most from parents, it’s this:

    “How do I get my child to practice without a fight?”

    We get it. Some days, your child is excited to pick up their instrument. Other days, it feels like pulling teeth. But the good news is—practice doesn’t have to be a battle! Here are three simple strategies to make practice time more enjoyable (for both you and your child!):

    1. Make It Routine – Just like brushing their teeth or doing homework, practicing at the same time each day helps create a habit. A consistent schedule (even if it’s just 10 minutes) makes a big difference!

    2. Keep It Fun & Goal-Oriented – Instead of saying “Go practice for 30 minutes,” try something more engaging, like:
    ✅ “Play your favorite song for me!”
    ✅ “Let’s record a video of you playing today and compare it in a month.”
    ✅ “See if you can play this tricky part five times in a row without a mistake!”

    3. Celebrate Progress – Learning an instrument is hard work! Celebrate small wins—whether it’s playing a song all the way through, mastering a tricky note, or just showing up for practice. A little encouragement goes a long way!

    Let’s Chat!

    What’s been your biggest challenge when it comes to practice time? Or do you have a fun tip that works for your child? Drop a comment below! Let’s help each other make music practice a little easier. 🎶🎺🎻

  • Welcome to Guiding Notes: Your Family’s Companion on the Musical Journey

    Welcome to Guiding Notes: Your Family’s Companion on the Musical Journey

    Music has the power to transform lives. It teaches discipline, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance—all while bringing joy to those who experience it. As parents and guardians, you play a vital role in supporting and nurturing your child’s love for music. But let’s be honest: navigating the world of music education can feel overwhelming.

    Where do you start? How do you help your child stay motivated? What’s the best way to encourage practice without turning it into a battle?

    That’s why we created Guiding Notes—a community for families, by families, designed to support you every step of the way.

    What Is Guiding Notes?

    Guiding Notes is your go-to resource for everything related to your child’s musical journey. Whether your family is just starting out or you’ve been involved in music for years, this is a place to:

    🎵 Learn – Access expert tips, practice strategies, and educational resources.
    🎵 Connect – Share experiences, ask questions, and engage with other music parents.
    🎵 Support – Find encouragement and guidance from fellow parents and educators.

    What to Expect

    In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing helpful blog posts, videos, and discussion topics on:
    ✅ How to choose the right instrument for your child
    ✅ The best ways to make practice fun and effective
    ✅ Tips from music educators on supporting your young musician
    ✅ Real stories from parents who have been in your shoes
    ✅ Updates on events, workshops, and performance opportunities

    But most importantly, this is your community. We want to hear from you! What are your biggest questions? What challenges have you faced? What advice do you have for other parents?

    Join the Conversation!

    Music is a journey, and no one should have to navigate it alone. Drop a comment below and introduce yourself! Tell us:
    🎶 What instrument does your child play (or are they just starting)?
    🎶 What’s been the most rewarding or challenging part of their musical journey so far?
    🎶 What’s one question you’d love answered about music education?

    We can’t wait to hear from you and build this community together—one note at a time!

    🎶 Welcome to Guiding Notes! 🎶