In This Issue

🌟 Celebrating Recital Readiness
Thank you to teachers for your dedication who keep students recital-ready! Five wonderful recitals showcased preparation, confidence, and musical growth.

🎯 Recital-Ready Teaching
Our goal: students always prepared with memorized repertoire — ready to perform anytime, anywhere.

🎹 Tension-Free Playing Refresher
A quick revisit to tension-free posture and playing — core principles that benefit every instrument.

❄️ Studio Care & Room Guidelines
Simple reminders about AC settings, turning off equipment, and protecting our pianos.

🌸 Spring Break Off-Period
April 1–9, 2026 — No regularly scheduled lessons during this time.

❓ Q&A Corner
Are you reading the Saturday Remix each week? A quick response helps keep our communication strong.

👇 See inside for more details

In This Issue

🎹 Upcoming Recitals

Our Spring Quarter Studio Recitals will take place next Saturday and Sunday, March 28–29, 2026. Please encourage your students to participate and continue preparing for their performances.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our Destination Recital on May 9, followed by our Summer Quarter Studio Recitals on August 14–15, 2026.

🌸 Spring Break Off-Period

Our studio will observe a spring break from April 1 to April 9, 2026. There will be no regularly scheduled lessons during this period. We hope everyone enjoys a refreshing and restful break.

🚪 Lesson Room Exit Procedure

Before leaving, follow the Exit Checklist: turn off keyboards, properly shut down computers, and ensure everything is in order. Build this into your lesson closing routine.

❓ Q&A Corner
Q: Where can we find the studio calendar?
A: The studio calendar is available in multiple locations for your convenience.
👉 See more details

In This Issue

🎵 Theme Recital Highlights
Photos and moments from last night’s wonderful Theme Recital, celebrating our students and the teachers who guided them on stage.

🎓 Our Teaching Philosophy
A reminder of our core philosophy—prioritizing students’ joy, confidence, creativity, and lifelong love of music.

🧸 Teaching Young Students
Why play, exploration, and creativity are essential tools in helping young children grow musically and personally.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Observation Policy
Guidelines for parents sitting in on lessons and how we maintain a focused and healthy learning environment.

📅 Upcoming Off-Days
A quick reminder of school closures on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) and March 20 (Nowruz).

❓ Q&A Corner – Keyboard Tip
Q: How do we re-enable the dynamic articulation feature on the electric keyboards if it becomes disabled?
A: See inside for the quick step-by-step reset instructions.

👇 See below for more details.

In This Issue

Encourage Recital Participation
Regular recitals motivate students, strengthen community, and let them shine as they share their music with others.

🎹 March Recitals

• Theme Recital: “Songs of Ireland & Latin America” – Friday, March 13 at Chamber Music OC, Lake Forest. Students perform themed pieces from memory and in costume.

• Spring Quarter Studio Recitals: March 28–29 at Laguna Hills Community Center.

More Recital Opportunities

• Destination Recital: Saturday, May 9, at Namba Performing Arts Center, Ventura. A fun full-day experience with performance, activities, and a gift bag!

• Concert Performance Team: Students perform monthly in Orange County venues and may earn community service credits.

Upcoming Off-days

• Tuesday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

• Friday, March 20 – Nowruz / Persian New Year

❓ Q&A Corner

• Q: Can a student/family attend a recital simply to watch for the first time?

• A: Yes!

👇 See more for details

In This Issue

🎶 Teaching Small Group Lessons

Practical strategies for pacing, engagement, and confidence-building—embracing the power of learning together.

🎤 Encourage Recital Participation

Why regular performance matters—and how recitals help students build a ready-to-play, memorized repertoire.

🌍 Special Theme Recital Opportunity

Songs of Ireland & Latin America—a festive, memory-based performance experience with music, culture, and costumes.

🎹 Upcoming Studio Recitals

Spring Quarter recitals and our exciting Destination Recital—dates, locations, and what students can expect.

📅 Upcoming Off-Days

March closures and early April break—plan ahead with these important studio dates.

❓ Q & A: Teacher Resources

Q: Where are printed instructions and information about technology at the studio?

A: You can find instructions and information about technology at the studio in two locations.

👇See more for details

In This Issue

🎻 Encourage Recital Participation

Please encourage regular recital participation at all levels.

📅 Upcoming Recital Opportunities

Mark your calendars for upcoming recitals:

• Theme Recital – March 13

• Spring Quarter Studio Recitals – March 28–29

• Annual Destination Recital – May 9

📈 Musical Ladder Reminders and Test Ideas

Musical Ladder tests are always designed to support student growth: no student fails, tests are planned with teachers, and all assessments help students meaningfully advance at their own pace.

❓ Q&A Corner

Q: What should I do if a student is absent on the day of their scheduled Musical Ladder test?
A: Conduct the test at their next lesson and record the actual completion date.

👇See more details inside!

In This Issue

• Happy Valentine’s Day💖
A heartfelt message to the teachers and staffs honoring the care, excellence, and love you bring to every lesson.

• Valentine’s Day Schedule Update
Studios are closed Saturday, February 14 only; lessons resume Sunday, February 15 and continue Monday, Presidents’ Day.

• Musical Ladder: Open the Portal by Default
A quick guide to setting the Musical Ladder portal to open automatically in Google Chrome.

• Q&A Corner
Q: Can my student be a “Did You Read Your Newsletter” contest winner?

A: Yes!
Find out how to enter and win!🎉

In This Issue:

Musical Ladder – Review & Reminders (and for New Teachers)

Musical Ladder “Tests”
What the tests are and how they support student progress

Musical Ladder Login & Setup
How to access the system and get started with tests

Q&A Corner
Q: Can I wish my student a Happy Birthday?
A: Yes, definitely!

👇 See more for details

In This Issue:

• Music Ladder Update
  Certificates & wristbands reminder

• Music Stands in Lesson Rooms
  A helpful setup update

• Test Your New Keys

• Avoid Stickers on Piano Keys

• Pop Quiz!
  Do you know these things?
  If not, go on a hunt and find them — or ask us!

• Q&A Corner
  Q:What should I tell a student if they ask when Musical Ladder trophies are coming?
  A:Soon!

👇See more details inside!

In This Issue:

Get Those Musical Ladder Tests Scheduled!
A reminder to schedule and complete Musical Ladder tests with your students—meaningful, encouraging milestones that celebrate progress and keep students motivated. 🎶

Introductory Lessons:
Intro lessons focus on both teaching the student and learning about them, helping ensure the best long-term placement and success.

Q & A:
Q: What should I do if I missed a Musical Ladder test and it should have happened a while ago?
A: Schedule it for the next lesson and complete it right away.

👇 See inside for more details

In This Issue:
📅 Lessons are ON this Monday, January 19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

💬 Reminder: How to Communicate with the Office
✉️ Please Respond to Office Communications
Your prompt replies help us stay organized and keep everyone informed.

📄 W-2 Forms in Teacher Boxes

❓ Q&A Corner
Q: Where should we update contact information if it changes?
A: Please email the office and update your account on ADP.

👇 Read more inside for full details

In This Issue:

Lesson Books, Sheet Music & Materials
All lesson books, sheet music, and teaching materials are provided by the studio, with a few clear exceptions outlined inside.

Sight-Reading Practice
Each lesson room is equipped with sight-reading music to encourage consistent practice and help assess student progress.

Q & A
Q:Can we download sheet music from free resources?
A: Yes.

👇 See details inside

Welcome Back—Let’s Begin 2026 Together

Lessons are ON starting today (Saturday, January 3, 2026)!
We’re kicking off the year with a Teacher Forum and a Music Playdate in the Park—a joyful start to a new season of teaching, learning, and connection. We hope you enjoyed a restful holiday and feel refreshed and ready to teach.

In This Issue:

• Resolutions & Commitments
  Aligning our goals with what matters most in our teaching

• Talking to Parents About Their Children
  One essential word to consistently communicate—rooted in our studio philosophy

Teacher Q&A

What if a parent asks, “How did my child do in their lesson?”
A respectful, intentional response that supports both the student and the parent.
👇 Discover the approach inside

In This Issue:

🎄 Holiday Schedule
Wishing everyone a joyful and restful holiday season.

• Studio off week: 12/22/25 – 1/2/26

• Lessons resume: Saturday, 1/3/26

• Forum: 1/3 & 1/4

Recital Preparation – Thank You!

Recitals in Spring 2026

Q&A Spotlight
What are the differences between the various studio recital types?
👇 See more inside

Seasons Greetings & Happy Holidays!

Inside This Week:

• Recital Preparation 🎹 – Thank You, Teachers!

• Fun Photos 📸 – Moments from Recent Recitals

• Holiday Vacation & Off-Days ❄️

• Q&A: Musical Ladder Tests 🎼

• …and More! 👇

See inside for details, tips, and joyful highlights!

🎶 In This Issue:

• Schedule Your Students’ Musical Ladder Tests
• Recitals: Student Repertoire Submission Reminder
• Recitals: Teachers Performing
• Holiday Vacation & Off-Days

Q&A: Do students have to perform Christmas or holiday songs at the Winter Recital?
A: No. Students may perform any pieces. Holiday songs are encouraged, but not required.

👇 See more details inside

Inside This Issue:

Recitals

• Student Repertoire — Please Submit

• Teachers Performing

Holiday Schedule

• Holiday Vacation & Off-Days

Q&A Corner

Q: What should I do if my login/password does not work on the lesson room computers?
A: Let us know!

👇 See more details below

Here’s what’s inside this issue:

• Thankful for Each of You—Your Light Makes Our Studio Shine

• Thanksgiving Week Off-Days

• A Few Procedural Reminders
  (Food & drinks, instruments, guests, instruments changes, studio guidelines)

• Pay Attention to Student Birthdays & Holidays

• Q&A: Will someone be at the recitals to help my young beginner student? Yes!
  
  See Inside 👇

In This Issue:

• Providing Recital Repertoire

• Thanksgiving Week Off-Days

• Be Confident to Ask Questions, Seek Help, and Request Gear!

• Music Lessons Start with Relationships

• Q: Do we have an employee discount?
  A: Yes!

Tap to read more👇

Inside This Issue:

• Concert Performance Team (CPT) — Updates and announcements

• Being Thorough in Lesson Books — Tips for planning and tracking progress

• Lessons Are ON for Veterans Day (Tue, 11/11/25) — Reminder: We are open!

• Thanksgiving Week Off-Days — Schedule and reminders

• Providing Recital Repertoire — Guidance for selecting pieces

• What a Wonderful Forum Last Night! — Highlights and takeaways

• Q & A: Does the Studio Have a Facebook Page? Instagram? — Yes! More inside 👇