April / May 2020
NOTES FROM MELIA & JUSTIN
Just like that, the spring semester is nearly over, and summer is on the horizon. This newsletter shares several announcements for the future—this weekend’s virtual studio recital and details for the summer semester. But we’re also looking back, reflecting on the musical impact of our moms in the spirit of Mother’s Day, remembering rock and roll legend Little Richard, and looking waaaay back, all the way to 19th century Germany and the music of Beethoven.
We’re so grateful for your continued support as we’ve all navigated our way through this challenging time. Spending time with our Music Makers continues to be the highlight of our week!
Melia & Justin
IN THIS ISSUE
PIANO MOMS
Behind every successful Music Maker is a family cheering them on—encouraging daily practice, attending recitals, making music at home, and of course, financing the whole endeavor! Mothers often take on the role of practice supervisor, lesson scheduler, and chauffeur. Our moms have been and continue to be central figures in our own musical journeys, and in the spirit of Mother’s Day, we’d like to pay tribute to them!
Justin’s mom Jill
“My mom started me in piano lessons at age 4, and while I don’t remember a lot from my earliest piano lessons, I know my mom was the engine behind the endeavor. I remember her showing me a piece she learned as a girl at the piano, Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer.” At a certain point, I really wanted to quit piano lessons, but my mom encouraged me to stick it out. She’s attended every major performance of my career, including driving from central Indiana to Kansas City to attend my two master’s recitals. Somewhere between wanting to quit piano and playing my master’s recitals, piano became my thing. But I couldn’t be more grateful to my mom for noticing my early penchant for music and encouraging me all along the way.”
Melia's mom Dawn
“My mom was always my best encourager at the piano. Even though I usually insisted on practicing myself, she was always nearby to make sure I got everything done and to tell me how much she liked a certain song I was working on. Every Christmas Eve, my mom gave me the honor of putting on a small “concert” for my family while she prepared dinner, a tradition which has gone on for over 20 years now! She attended every recital and performance and faithfully drove me (and my two older sisters) to piano lessons every week until I got my driver’s license. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love, encouragement, and care!”
Yellow Door moms, THANK YOU
for all you do for your Music Makers!
STUDIO UPDATES
[Virtual] Spring Recital
Our virtual Spring Recital will broadcast on Saturday, May 16 at 11 AM via Facebook Live. Be sure to like us on Facebook (@YellowDoorGR). Pop some popcorn, get your "liking" fingers ready, and enjoy!
PIANO IN THE NEWS
American musical legend Little Richard died on May 9 at the age of 87. His style and persona irrevocably impacted the emergence of rock and roll and the course of 20th century American music. Check out this early television appearance in which the keyboard becomes Little Richard’s dance floor!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Zoom lessons with our students continue to be the highlight of our week!
Summer Semester
Our summer semester officially begins the week of June 8 and includes the following features:
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Extended lesson times with flexible scheduling
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Online group classes focusing on the music of Beethoven
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Optional weekly enrichment activities to complete at home
We do plan to continue online lessons for the foreseeable future. Should in-person lessons become viable during the summer, we still plan to offer online lessons as an option for added flexibility and peace of mind.
The summer calendar below shows our 8 available teaching weeks. From these weeks…
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30-minute students will schedule 4, 45-minute lessons.
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45-minute students will schedule 5, 1-hour lessons.
Summer lesson scheduling is now available in the studio portal. Just head to the calendar section and register for the correct number of summer lessons with your teacher. Click here for a tutorial on how to use this feature of the portal. Please schedule all lessons through the portal by Friday, May 29.
Our online group classes will take place through Zoom on Saturdays June 13, July 18, and August 15 from 11 AM to 12 PM.