Seasons of Music

Can it be that the last post was in spring?  Perhaps it was because both Ms. Queener and Katy Stephan were out of town for much of the summer, doing many things musical.


On September 22 Maddie K.,Toby S., Maggie K., and Taylan M.  played for the Historical Society's Home Tour on a beautiful grand piano.  (We wonder if they sensed the presence of former student Sally B. She practiced on that piano for 12 years, during which Ms. Q and  Katy taught her.)

In  October three students had their Basic Piano Study graduation where they gave a brief, (the defining word, brief) overview from the 40 books in the curriculum.  For good measure Jordan T., Maya S., and Kate M. played several extra pieces supplemental to the course.  Congratulations!

Our tradition of playing for the Alameda Family Services Holiday Home Tour was carried on by Maggie K., Dylan L., Taylan M. and Toby S. on December 14.  AFS meets so many needs in our community that our studio is honored to be asked to perform every year.

 It  looks as if Toby enjoyed the sandwiches at the tea.  But we must remind him, don't try this at home or at the lesson.  No crumbs allowed near any piano!  (Yes, we admit, it's a great photo and thank you Dylan's mom for capturing it.)  We hope Dylan got to eat  some refreshments too.

Now we take a break until the week of January 6, 2020.

But don't go away yet!  Katy will be starting a new Prepratory class on Thursdays, 4:15 - 4:45, sometime in January.  This class for 6 and 7 year olds is a great way for younger students to learn the musical elements needed to study piano, but without the need for practicing at home.

Also remember that any student referring a child to any studio program, he or she receives a month tuition free.  Contact Katy at katyann7@yahoo.com.

Happy Holidays and Merry Music to all!

Spring Recital

On March 24th friends and parents enjoyed a bouquet of piano music as students played "flowers" from all styles and eras.  About half the pieces were from the classical repertoire, and the other half were from Broadway, film, and popular music.  Each child appeared at least twice on the program, (giving admirers more than one chance to video and applaud enthusiastically.)

As with every recital, for each donation to the Alameda Food Bank the students got a chance to win a homemade pie by Pie Queen Ms. Queener.

The final recital of the school year will be on June 2nd, from 2-3 pm.

Piano at the Holiday Home Tour

Yes, students from the studio have been invited again to play seasonal music on Saturday, December 8 in the Gift Boutique, which will be in the basement of the Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue.

Alameda Family Services raises money to benefit needy residents, and our students volunteer their time and talent for this worthy cause.  Thank you Jack C., Dylan L., Taylan M.,  Dylan M., Brandon S., and Toby S.!

All studio students and their parents are welcome to shop in the boutique.  It's a great place to buy for all the gift giving you have on your lists.

A New Crop

Congratulations to the graduates of Book 40!

On Sunday, October 21 Lydia H., Maddy K., Taylan M. and Karina Q. gave an exclusive recital for their families to celebrate their completion of the basic piano course.   Each student played several pieces from the curriculum and several supplementary pieces.  My goodness, they flitted on and off stage with alacrity.

The students who brought canned goods to donate to the Alameda Food Bank were entered into the drawing for one of Ms. Queener's homemade pies.  Taylan won!

Everyone won, the studio overflowed with pride from parents and students.  Katy and Ms. Q agreed that the students deserved every bit of applause they received.

Now, it is on to the intermediate course.  Let the music begin.

Katy Stephan has a new album of original songs, coming June 16. The album release show is recommended for ages 14 and up. You can get tickets HERE

Summertime!

Don't wait too long to sign-up for your summer private or partner lessons.  If you need the link resent, just ask your teacher.  

Pianos, Pantries and Pies

The March 25th recitals stood out as short but sweet.  Short in that there were under 10 students performing both in the graduation recital, and the regular spring recital.  That was good, for the "holding room" where the students wait before going on-stage is smaller now.  

Sweet in that the programs this time were filled with more soft and expressive music than is the norm.  (Not that we didn't have some rousing songs like Mozart's Turkish March, Star Wars theme, and Highland Fling, to name a few.)  Also sweet were the chocolate pies awarded to Robbie S. and Grace Z.  The teachers Katy Stephan and Ms. Queener thank all the students who brought donations for the Alameda Food Bank; whether or not you won the pie, you won the gratitude of those who can feed their families with your generosity.

Another sweet part of the 4 pm recital was Elizabeth D.'s last performance in the studio.  She's heading off to college after studying with Ms. Q for thirteen years.  The farewell performance pulled at a few heartstrings, but Ms. Q will still teach Elizabeth until her actual move to Cal Poly? or whichever lucky college she chooses!

Congratulations are in order for the graduates from Book 40, Robbie S., Toby S., Brandon S. and Dylan L.  You worked hard over the last 3 years, and the level of playing you showed on Sunday attests to that.  Congratulations to your parents too, there role was essential!

Now the studio accelerandos to the last recital, June 3 when the remaining students in the studio get their turn to shine.