I was touched by the enthusiasm of the students as I shared the goal of Operation Christmas Child. Many asked if they could bring iPhones and Tablets for these children, but I didn’t think you parents would want to fund that, so we stuck with school supplies, toiletries, socks, dolls, balls and other small toys :)

Special thanks to Joe, who took time to fill out the coloring sheet and the note for the recipient of his shoebox gifts. That was so thoughtful :) 

Miss Lisa delivered our boxes to the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center in Odenton, and she also put a track on some of the shoeboxes so we can find out which country those boxes go to.

Nineteen Etudes Music students joined 70 other students from around the county to perform in 4 recitals at the Annapolis Mall Movie Theater. I am so proud of every one of our students who took part. They sounded great!

​Special shout out to Gavin, Major and their families who came out to support their fellow students and to get an idea of what the event is like. I am expecting you both to be performing with us next year!

Last week, 9 students had a “piano lesson test drive” at the Blast Off Piano Camp. They learned some easy music, some difficult music, played music theory games, used iPad piano apps and had lots of fun too.

​After just 5 days of piano classes, the week ended in a short recital as the students performed the pieces they learned for their family and friends.

Great job guys and gals! Looking forward to seeing you all again in the Fall.

Last month, one of our star students headlined a fund raising concert to raise money for a missions trip. He put together his program, practiced hard and enlisted the help of his friends and sister. I was very proud to be a part of this event and was delighted to see how he used both his cello and piano skills for the benefit of the people of Belize.

Way to go, Awie! You rock!

This week, 7 students saw just how much progress practice makes. In just 4 days, they covered as much music as they usually cover in one month! They practiced their pieces, worked on rhythms, theory, note recognition and played music card games.

We broke up practice time with coloring sheets and watching the movie “Music of the Heart” - the true story of how underprivileged children ended up performing at Carnegie Hall due to their commitment to practice and the dedication of their teacher.

​Some of the students also brought their stringed instruments to practice for their recital this weekend.

Each year in May, the Anne Arundel Music Teachers Association hosts a Solo Festival. Students from across the county perform for audiences and judges. The written feedback from the judges is so helpful for students - it highlights what they did well, and also the areas they need to work on.

Last week, 2 Etudes students, Michelle and Leigh-Asher, took part in the annual Solo Festival at Anne Arundel Community College, and both received glowing remarks for their excellent performances. I am super excited to see how they do at their Royal Conservatory exams later this month!

Come and see us at the Multicultural Festival in Severn on Saturday 25 August!