June/July 2022
Thank you again for another wonderful spring recital. We really enjoyed the Kawai Recital Hall and look forward to our next recital at the same venue on October 22nd, 10:30-1:30. We will have a pizza party reception afterwards at Harrington Park.
We are having lots of fun during our summer art classes. So far, we have created a drawing of a duck and a landscape. The students have learned about drawing with a charcoal pencil and pastels. They have learned about adding tone to create the illusion of three dimensions, overlapping, adding highlights and lowlights in relationship to a light source, and creating perspective by diminishing the size of shapes so they appear to be further away in the distance. We have a couple enrollment spaces available for July since a couple students are going on vacation. Please let me know if you would like to enroll your child in our July art classes, which take place on Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00.
I will be taking a vacation June 29-July 2. The studio is closed for Independence Day, July 4th. I am happy to reschedule any lessons that would take place during those dates during July or prior to those dates. Please contact me when you are ready to reschedule.
Aug./Sept. 2021
Our fall semester is off to a great start. We have a full roster of piano, voice, and art students. Special thanks to Shivani's mom for referring her neighbor on the nextdoor app. A warm thank you to Disha's family for referring their friends. Special thanks to Mathew P.'s mom for mentioning my piano lessons on Facebook. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students: Logan, Liam, Anelah, Ayanni, Ayan, Mathew K., Caleb, Hannah, Stone, Brandon, Robert, Alex, Ava, Mena, Arya, Shivani, Shruti, Disha, Aarush, Daniel, Joseph, Austin, and Robert.
Important Dates
Sept. 1: Tuition Due ($150 per student)
Sept. 6: Labor Day- studio closed
Oct. 1: Tuition Due ($150 per student)
Dec. 11: Winter Recital
Favorite Art Projects
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Fall Into the Fun of Art...
Fun Art Classes are taught each Saturday from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Currently, we have a couple spots available. Contact Ms. Robin to reserve your child's spot. Each 1- hour class is $40 including all supplies. The class size is 2-6 students.
Aug. 21: Sunset Paintings taking our inspiration from Claude Monet's, The Houses of Parliament Sunset" and "San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk"
Aug. 28: Rainbow Drawings taking our inspiration from Robert Duncanson's Landscape with Rainbow," and Peter Paul Ruben's Landscape with Rainbow.
Sept. 4: American Flag Paintings (in celebration of Labor Day) taking our inspiration from Jasper Johns' American Flag Painting
Sept. 11: En Plein Air Drawing (outdoor sketching of trees and flowers) taking our inspiration from Monet's "Poplars"
Sept. 18: Abstract Art Collage taking our inspiration from Kandinsky's "Small Pleasures," and Louis' "Spawn" paintings
Sept. 25: Fall Still Life Drawing/Painting taking our inspiration from Cezanne's "Still Life with Apples"
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Special Thanks for the thoughtful gifts and notes....
May/June 2021
Thank you again for another wonderful recital. I really enjoyed seeing all of the students perform and observing their growth as pianists. We are looking forward to another fantastic recital December 11th, which will include: piano performances an art exhibition, and vocal performances.
Celebrating a Wonderful Spring Piano Recital & The Start of Some Awesome Art Classes
Acrylic Painting on Canvas using fresh flowers
(taking inspiration from paintings of Georgia O'Keefe & Vincent Van Gogh)
Still Life Drawing of Fruit with Pencil on Paper
(using the paintings of Paul Cezanne as our inspiration)
Our Art Classes take place on Fridays from 10:30-12:30. Our mediums include pencil, pastel, oil pastel, watercolor, acrylic on canvas, and sculpting with clay. Contact Ms. Robin if you would like to join us for these fun classes.
Our First Time Piano Recital Performers
Congratulations to all of our first time performers: Anika, Gina, Matthew, Russ, and Ariana. We were so impressed with your piano playing and we look forward to seeing you at the next recital. Keep up the great work.
A 3rd Great Recital by our Twins Rylee & Aaron
Wow! What A Fabulous Performance by all of our pianists...
Performance Video Links - click to view
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Ethan
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Ethan 2
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Ethan3
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Patrick
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Aarush
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Gino
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Sofia
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Arianna
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Matthew
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Gina
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Russ
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Anika
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Aaron
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Rylee
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Tanner
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Preston
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Nolan
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Nolan 2
March 2021
Our Spring recital will take place Saturday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm in Ms. Robin's front yard. All students are invited to participate and perform 3-5 songs for their family and friends. I'm looking forward to our first outdoor recital.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new piano students: Azah, Muzagah, and Zach.
Summer Classes 2021
In addition to weekly piano lessons, we are looking forward to the following:
Art & Music Camp: 10:00 am-12:00 pm available June through August 2021
Students will enjoy drawing, painting, and sculpting during the first hour and then they will have fun singing, enjoy creative movement, doing rhythm exercises, playing percussion instruments, and learning about their favorite musicians, musical genres & songs during the second hour.
Students are welcome to attend 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week and will enjoy participating in an end of summer art exhibit and music performance. To register, call Ms. Robin at 972-523-8851.
January 2021
We had lots of fun learning about Beethoven and playing his songs during December and January. Favorite songs included "Fur Elise, Ode to Joy, and Turkish March.
During February, we will learn about the famous jazz musician, Louis Armstrong, in celebration of Black History Month. One of Armstrong's most famous performances, "What a Wonderful World," is included in the song selections for February. I have also included another important song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," thanks to the timely request by Nolan and Preston's Mom. I also included a few love songs in celebration of Valentine's Day.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students: Ahrum, Anika, and Gray.
Louis Armstrong
August 4. 1901-July 6, 1971
November 2020
We have had lots of fun playing the pieces by Scott Joplin, especially "The Entertainer." During December, we will study the life and works of Ludwig Van Beethoven, born on December 16, 1770 in Germany. Studio song selections include: Ode to Joy, Turkish March, Country Dance, The Rage Over the Lost Penny, Emperor Concerto, Sextet- Allegro, Bagatelle, Violin Concerto, Quintet- Andante, Fur Elise. Ecossaise in G, Sonatina in G, and Minuet in G. Beethoven is my favorite composer; and December is my favorite month, so I am looking forward to a wonderful month of amazing music with all of you.
My favorite Beethoven quote is, “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.”
October 2020
It is great to have many students back in-person for piano lessons. We take pride in sanitizing the piano keys and bench before and after every lesson.
During November, we will celebrate the lives and works of 3 composers: Scott Joplin, born November 24, 1868, Ignacy Couperin, born November 18, 1860, and Francois Couperin, born November 1668. Studio song selections include: Joplin's "The Entertainer,""Maple Leaf Rag,", "Ragtime Dance, Paderewski's "Minuet Op. 14, No. 1," and"Krakowiak,"and Couperin's "La Charolaise."
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students Carlie and Mathew. Congratulations to Luke and Adam's family for acquiring the console piano.
Ludwig Van Beethoven
December 16, 1770- March 26, 1827
Congratulations Ethan on composing another amazing song!
This piano is now free. Everything works; it just needs to be tuned.
September 2020
Songs by Pachelbel, Dvorak, Shostakovich, and Gershwin were enjoyed this month. During October, our students will have fun playing pieces by Camille Saint -Saens, born October 9, 1835, Giuseppe Verdi born October 10 1813, Franz Liszt born October 22, 1811, Georges Bizet born October 25, 1838, and Johann Strauss II born October 25, 1825.
October studio song selections include: Finale, The Elephant, Egyptian Ballet Dance, and The Swan by Saint-Saens, Grand March, La Donna e Mobile, and Forgive Me My Friend by Verdi, Liebestraum and Consolation by Liszt, Toreador Song from Carmen by Bizet, Roses from the South, Suitor's Song from the Gypsy Baron, Pizzicato Polka, and Laughing Song by Strauss.
August 2020
Story & Clark upright piano, made in Chicago, Illinois, $100
Winter console piano, Made in America by American Craftsman, $500 (Ms. Robin enjoyed playing on a piano very similar to this one from ages 7-40)
Both pianos are available for viewing and playing at Ms. Robin's home studio. Both pianos need to be tuned as all pianos which are moved. Feel free to call or email with questions.
We enjoyed studying the life and works of Claude Debussy during August. The most favorite song was "Au Claire de la Lune."
During September, we will have the pleasure of studying 4 composers: Johann Pachelbel who was born September 1, 1653, Antonin Dvorak who was born September 8, 1841, Dmitri Shostakovich who was born September 25, 1906, and George Gershwin who was born September 26, 1898. My favorite quote by Gershwin is"Life is a lot like jazz, the more you improvise the better." Studio song selections include: Dvorak's "Largo from Symphony No. 9, From the New World," and Dvorak's "Finale from Symphony No.5, from the New World, Dvorak's Humoresque from Op. 101, no. 7, Pachelbel's Canon, Pachelbel's Fughetta, Pachelbel's "Gavotte and Variations,"Shostakovich's "Prelude," Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin's "A Foggy Day in London Town," Gershwin's "Three Quarter Blues," and Gershwin's "Swanee."
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Jenny who started piano lessons recently. Special thanks to Rylee and Aaron's dad for bringing all of the disinfecting wipes. I appreciate your kind support very much.
July 2020
We have enjoyed studying the life and works of Stephen Foster during July. Favorite piano songs by Foster were "Camp Town Races", "Oh Susanna", and "Beautiful Dreamer". During August, we will celebrate the life and works of Claude Debussy, who was born August 22, 1862, in France. Studio songs selections include: "Claire de Lune", "Reverie", and "The Maiden with the Flaxen Hair".
Favorite vocal selections included "Rewrite the Stars," and "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman. During August, we will enjoy singing "This Is Me," "Dance Monkey," and "Amazing Grace."
Our exciting art projects were: hydro painting, tye-dying, color field painting, and splatter painting.
Special thanks to Nolan and Preston's mom for sending videos of their piano playing for the website enhancement (coming soon). I am working on getting the videos on the website. Please continue sending any photos or videos of your child playing the piano, singing, or creating art. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Aliza and Gina, who recently started piano lessons and a warm welcome back to Ava and Anna, who returned to the studio for piano lessons after a break due to the pandemic.
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New class offerings starting Aug. 1st:
*Drop in Art and/or Crafts : Drop your child off for a fun art class such as drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. with just 24 hour notice. It can be a one-time class or scheduled as desired to meet your family's needs.
*Music & Movement: Stop by for a fun time of singing, dancing, exploring musical instruments, creating a homemade instrument, and exploring your child's favorite type of music. It can be a one-time class or scheduled as desired to meet your family's needs. Please call 972-523-8851 to schedule a class for your child's enjoyment.
*Continuing Classes (both in-person and virtual available) :
***Piano Lessons***Voice Lessons,***Art Classes***Musikgarten Classes (singing, rhythm instrument playing, creative movement, poetry etc.)
June 2020
June has been a fun-filled month of piano playing, singing, and creating art. Favorite piano songs were: The Star Spangled Banner, Melody by Schuman, The Entertainer, O When the Saints, Heart and Soul, I'm Still Standing, Hummingbird, and Jazz It Up. During July we will continue to play the patriotic songs and explore each student's favorite songs.
Favorite vocal selections included: This Land Is Your Land, Havana, Dance Monkey, Old Town Road, and Glorious Day.
Art projects included a still life painting, creating a clay vase, a landscape painting, and a figurative painting.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Megan, who is taking voice and art lessons and to Russ, who is taking piano lessons.
May 2020
Brahms' and Tchaikovsky's songs were enjoyed by many of our students. Favorite pieces included Brahms' Lullaby, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, March Slav, and 5th Symphony.
During June, we will be studying the life and works of Robert Schumann, who was born June 8th, 1810 in Germany. Studio song selections include: The Poet Speaks, The Wild Horseman, and Melody.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our streaming voice students including: Aarush, Evan, Kiara, Nathaniel, and Tatum. All of our voice students are off to a great start with their agility, and resonance exercises, tonic sol-fa lessons, and their progress with singing the song, Do Re Mi. Also, a special welcome to Sofia, a new piano student who was inspired to start piano lessons by her brother Patrick, who is a current student at our music academy.
Summer 2020 Classes:
(both in-person and streaming options are available for all)
**Piano Lessons (individual or small group)
**Voice Lessons (featuring Full Voice Curriculum, your child's favorite songs, agility and resonance exercises)
**Art Lessons (drawing, painting, sculpture)
**Musikgarten Classes singing, rhythm instruments, creative movement
Classes can be scheduled consecutively so your child can enjoy multiple classes within a single morning or afternoon. Looking forward to a wonderful summer of music and art with your children. Please call 972-523-8851 to schedule your child's summer fun with music and art.
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April 2020
We enjoyed learning about Duke Ellington and Sergei Prokofiev. Favorite Songs included: Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," and Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf."
During May, we will be celebrating the lives and works of Johannes Brahms, who was born May 7, 1833 and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky who was born May 7, 1840. Studio song selections include: Brahms' "Lullaby,"and "Waltz in B Flat Major," Tchaikovsky's "Arabian Dance," "March Slav," "Sleeping Beauty Waltz," "Trepak," "Fifth Symphony," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," and "Swan Lake."
Our Spring Recital, which was scheduled for May 16th has been re-scheduled for August 22nd. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new streaming piano student, Maya.
I have completed several new paintings, which you are welcome to view on the art gallery tab of the website and scroll to the bottom for the most recent works.
March 2020
It has been a dynamic yet fruitful month. All of the students enjoyed studying Haydn and playing his song, Surprise Symphony. Our composers for April are Sergei Prokofiev, whose birthday was April 23, 1891, and Duke Ellington, whose birthday was April 29, 1899. Studio song selections include: Peter and the Wolf and Tarantella by Prokofiev and Caravan and Come Sunday by Ellington.
I miss seeing many of you in person but I cherish our FaceTime and Zoom piano lessons very much. I appreciate you referring your friends and family members to my Streaming Piano Lessons. I plan on adding a parent portal so that you can print the composer worksheets and sheet music for your children's enjoyment. Wishing great health and wonderful blessings for all of you.
February 2020
We have had lots of fun studying the life and works of Rossini. The favorite song among all of the students was his Overture to William Tell. Our composer for March is Franz Joseph Haydn, whose birthday was March 31, 1732. Studio Song selections include: Surprise Symphony, Movement 2, Allemande, Allegro Scherzando, and Sonata, Hoboken XVI:7.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students: Adam, Rielle, Arnav, Summer, Rohit, Mathew, and Mia. Special thanks to Ethan's family for referring their friend Jennifer Palmer and her son Matthew. We will be off March 9-14 for Spring Break. Wishing all of you a wonderful vacation!
January 2020
Happy New Year! 2020 is off to a great start with our studies of Mozart. Our students' favorite songs include: A Little Night Music, Horn Call, Sonata in C Major, and Minuet from Don Juan. Our composer for February will be Gioachino Rossini, whose birthday was February 29, 1792. Studio song selections include: Barber of Seville and Overture to William Tell. Our spring recital will take place on May 16th.
Dec. 2019
It was so exciting to have our largest recital day so far. Thirty-three students played and more than 120 people attended our winter recital. Thanks again to all of our students for their wonderful performances and to all of the parents for their support. Looking forward to another amazing year of music with all of you.
Starting in January, piano lessons will be $35 per half hour class. During 2020, we will celebrate a famous composer's birthday each month where students will be invited to select sheet music by the featured musician. Our composer for January is Mozart, whose birthday was January 27, 1756. Our studio song selections by Mozart include: Air, Minuet, Theme from Clarinet Concerto, Kyrie Eleison, and Sonata in C Major.
Our Art Classes will resume Tuesday, January 7th from 5:30-6:15. There are still a couple enrollment spots available, so please let me know if your child would like to join our art class. We will study a famous artist each month during the art classes. Our artist for January is Paul Cezanne whose birthday was January 19, 1839.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students: Anna, Ava, Kennedi, Luke, Jack, and Austin.
Sept./Oct. 2019
Dear Parents,
Our music and arts semester is off to a great start! It's wonderful to have a full roster of piano students, fun-filled art classes taking place each week (Tuesdays 5:30-6:15), and voice lessons starting this month. I am delighted to share the Full Voice Curriculum with all of the students who have requested voice lessons. I look forward to enrolling and singing with all students who are interested.
Special thanks to Nolan and Preston's mom, Stephanie, for writing an online review of my piano lessons. I appreciate your kind support very much. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students: Emerson, Sophie, and Chloe and a warm welcome back to returning students: Vaeda, Fenella, and Henry. Congratulations to Ethan for accomplishing 1st Chair in Tuba performance.
I would like to kindly request for all piano students to complete a 1 page questionnaire regarding their musical interests and goals. Please return the survey by September 25th.
There are a couple of new paintings in the online art gallery. Just click on the Art Gallery tab and scroll down to see my most recent works. I am always happy to paint any landscapes, nature studies etc. if you would like to bring a photo from your travels, vacations etc.
Special thanks to Vaeda and her family for the beautiful bouquet of flowers
Coil Pot Making
Applying slip between the coils
Using clay tools to form the shape of the pot
Fun-filled Art Class every Tues. 5:30-6:15
call (972-523-8851) to enroll your child in this exciting class
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Voice Lessons
>now offered in addition to piano
>This dynamic curriculum includes singing, ear training, technical exercises, rhythm reading, theory, sight singing. performance assessments, and more
>please call to schedule the joy of singing for your child (972-523-8851)
>both individual and group lessons available
July/Aug. 2019
Dear Parents,
I hope you are having a wonderful summer. It's hard to believe there are just a few weeks of summer vacation left. I am excited to see all of our returning students, to continue the great progress with our year round students, and to set musical goals with every pianist for the fall semester. I will distribute a 1-page survey to all students during August. Special thanks to Bella and Enzo's mom for referring her friends and to Nathaniel and John David's mom for writing a Facebook review, and to Glorianna and Evelyn's dad for helping me set up Cash app, Venmo, and Zelle payment options. I appreciate your kind support very much. We also have a credit card payment option which includes a 3% convenience fee.
I would like to welcome our new students: Jett, Tanner, Vihaan, Yanella, Yelena, Leanna, Katelynn, Patrick, Nolan, Preston, and Celeste. Our fall recital will take place Saturday, December 14th during the afternoon. I am delighted to announce a new art class starting in August on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:00 pm. During the art class, students will enjoy drawing with conte, pencil, pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, and painting with watercolors and acrylics. There are still a couple openings left in the art class, so please let me know if you would like to enroll your child in the art class. I have posted a couple pictures from the Spring recital for your enjoyment.
Art Class: Drawing & Painting
Starting August 20th
Tuesdays 5:15-6:00 pm
Call now to reserve your child's spot
April 2019
February 2019
Dear Parents,
We are looking forward to our next recital, Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 pm. We will finalize our song selections by the end of February. It is my pleasure to get the songs that my students love to play. I can get the following supplementary books on levels 1-5: Popular, Classics, Favorites, Kid's Songs, Rock 'n Roll, Jazz and Blues, and Hymns as well as any specific song requests. If you like to browse websites that have free sheet music and recordings of each piece, I recommend makingmusicfun.net (which has music listed in levels 1-5) and musescore.com (which has a vast array of songs from easy to advanced). Please let me know if there is any special music that you would like me to purchase for your child. Thank you for the joy of sharing music with your child. Happy Valentine's Day!
Dear Parents,
Happy Spring! I am delighted that all of our students are doing a great job preparing for the Spring Recital, which will take place Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 and 2:30 at my home studio. I will send an evite in a couple weeks to confirm the number of participants and attendees. Special thanks to all of our students and their families for contributing to our best concert day ever. I would like to extend a warm welcome to my new students who have joined since our last recital: Vaeda, Kynzie, Thaman, Redit, Grayson, Richie, Alena, Cash, Evan, Kiara, Rylee, Aaron, Abhi, Faith, Catherine, Pratish, Evelyn, and welcome back to Gloriana. Thank you to Gloriana's mom for referring your family members, to Richie's mom for writing a review, to Ethan's mom and Gino's mom for referring friends, and to Sofia's mom for the facebook recommendation. I appreciate your kind support very much.
December 2018
Dear Students and Parents,
Thank you for a wonderful winter piano recital. We had 24 students perform in 2 recital sessions, with over 100 attendees, making it our largest concert day so far. The children enjoyed performing holiday songs, contemporary selections, their own compositions, and an array of other songs from their choosing. Here are a few photos and videos from our winter recital:
August 2018
I am delighted to have all of my students resuming their piano lessons this month. Special thanks to all of the families who have referred my piano lessons to their friends and colleagues. I appreciate your continued support very much. We are looking forward to a fun-filled musical semester. Please let me know if there is any new music that your child would like to play in addition to the method books and current repertoire. A few iPad apps that may be beneficial for sight reading include: Flash note derby, Music for Little Mozarts, Hear It-Note It, and Flashcardlet. Our next recital will take place Saturday, December 8th during the afternoon. Here are a few pictures from the Spring Recital. Special thanks to the parents who sent them since our camera experienced technical difficulties.
Please enjoy Ethan's new song that he recently composed:
