December 2023 Newsletter
In This Month’s Newsletter
Benefits of Piano Lessons for Adults
Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Forums
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month
Spotlight on Handel’s Messiah
Days and Deeds of Dr. Dennis
Interested in unschooling?
Music Camps for Holidays
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program
Benefits of Piano Lessons for Adults
Piano lessons offer numerous benefits for adults:
Enhanced Cognitive Abilities:
Learning to play the piano stimulates various cognitive functions. It engages both hemispheres of the brain, fostering improved memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. The complexities of reading sheet music and coordinating hands contribute to mental acuity and multitasking abilities.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being:
Playing the piano can serve as a form of therapy, easing stress and promoting relaxation. Engaging in music-making releases endorphins, which can elevate mood and reduce anxiety. It provides a peaceful escape from the pressures of daily life.
Refinement of Motor Skills:
Mastery of the piano requires intricate finger movements and hand-eye coordination. Consistent practice can enhance fine motor skills and finger dexterity, benefiting adults of all ages by maintaining or improving their motor abilities.
Expression and Creativity:
Adults often find solace in creative activities. Learning the piano allows for self-expression through music. It offers an outlet for emotions and creativity, enabling individuals to channel their feelings and thoughts into their musical interpretations.
Personal Fulfillment and Achievement:
Setting and achieving musical goals can be immensely fulfilling. Learning a new skill like piano playing as an adult represents a personal triumph, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Progressively mastering pieces and seeing improvement over time provides a strong sense of accomplishment.
Social Connection and Networking:
Joining a music class or participating in piano recitals can create opportunities for social interactions and networking with like-minded individuals. It fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among adults with shared interests.
Lifelong Learning and Mental Stimulation:
Engaging in piano lessons as an adult promotes lifelong learning, stimulating the mind and providing a continuous challenge. It encourages a growth mindset and a passion for ongoing education.
Cultural Enrichment:
Learning to play the piano exposes adults to a rich cultural heritage, enabling them to appreciate classical compositions and diverse musical styles. It broadens their understanding and appreciation of music.
In essence, piano lessons for adults offer a holistic range of benefits encompassing cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects.
Embracing the piano as a musical pursuit can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, and an enriched life experience.
IMPORTANT DATES
Recital:
In-Person
Thursday, December 21, 6:30 pm
RSVP Required
Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Heritage Room C
Forum:
Online
Saturday, December 9, 9:00 am
No RSVP Required
Zoom
Laguna Niguel School of Music
Other Important Dates:
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day
Sunday, December 24 /
Monday, December 25
New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day
Sunday, December 31 /
Monday, January 1
Please welcome
our NEW Students who enrolled
in October
Kate B.
Milan M.
Sydney P.
Nancy T.
Student of the Month
Derrick Mai
Derrick started taking piano lessons when he was four years old. He has been continuing lessons with Miss Liezl at the Laguna Niguel School of Music since early 2023. Derrick's favorite thing about playing the piano is getting to express himself in the music he plays. Derrick once played the ukulele when he was younger, but has not played since due to his busy swim schedule and piano practice. He would love to learn how to play the violin if he gets a chance to learn and play other instruments.
Derrick's favorite part about school is getting to see a bunch of familiar faces and indulging himself in a learning environment. He loves being part of the ASU (Associated Student Union) and being in HMO (Health and Medical Occupations) at Dana Hills High School. He feels he has learned how to be a good leader and how to work with others.
Derrick has been a competitive swimmer at Dolphin Aquatics since he was six years old and enjoys competing and winning medals. He also has fun playing tennis with his dad when he is free. Derrick's favorite travel destination is Moorea in Tahiti. He has a good time hanging out at the pool and relaxing.
Spotlight on Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah stands as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of classical music, cherished for its powerful choral passages and moving orchestration. Composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, this renowned oratorio has enjoyed unwavering popularity and a rich historical legacy.
The creation of Messiah came during a pivotal time in Handel’s career. He composed the piece within a remarkably short span of just 24 days, drawing inspiration from biblical texts compiled by Charles Jennens. The libretto chronicles the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, divided into three parts: the prophecy of the Messiah’s coming, his suffering and crucifixion, and the ultimate triumph of redemption.
Premiered in Dublin in 1742, Messiah received a mixed reception initially. However, it quickly gained favor among audiences and became a recurring tradition, particularly during Easter and Christmas seasons. Handel’s masterful composition, blending dramatic arias, intricate orchestration, and majestic choruses, captured the hearts of listeners and solidified its place in music history.
One of the most famous passages, the “Hallelujah Chorus,” remains an iconic moment in musical history. Legend has it that King George II was so moved by the chorus during the London premiere that he rose to his feet—a tradition that continues today, with audiences standing during this section of the performance.
Over the centuries, Handel’s Messiah has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, becoming a cornerstone of choral and orchestral repertoire worldwide. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the emotive power of its music, the universality of its message, and the annual tradition of performances during religious holidays. Moreover, the oratorio’s adaptability to various interpretations—ranging from intimate chamber performances to grand-scale renditions—has contributed to its continued relevance and appeal. Its themes of hope, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit resonate across diverse audiences, making it a perennial favorite among music enthusiasts and performers alike.
Handel’s Messiah holds a unique place in musical history, captivating audiences for centuries with its timeless beauty and profound storytelling. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal themes it embodies and the enduring legacy of Handel’s genius, ensuring its place as a cherished masterpiece for generations to come.
Days & Deeds of Dr. Dennis
Foothill Ranch is a beautiful area of Lake Forest, bordered in part by open space and low mountain wilderness. One of my best friends lived in Foothill Ranch for many years while we were both raising our children. This family served in the scouts, the mom as a Cub Scout pack leader and the dad as a Boy Scout troop leader for Troop 818. I remember the Santiago Fires of 2007 came very close to consuming my friends’ home in the horrible blaze. That year I chaired the annual Harvest Festival fundraiser for St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, and the fire occurred the week before the festival, and so we had to postpone because of poor air quality. In the process of restarting the festival, we raised public awareness and special funds for fire relief efforts, including the local fire departments and the Red Cross, and students sent “thank you” cards to the local Orange County firefighters.
Inspirations
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
- Romans 12:10
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”
- Aristotle
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
December 2023
To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!
This month’s winner is Milo Morgan
Milo has won 10 tickets which can be redeemed for prizes at the
Dennis Frayne Music Studio, Laguna Niguel!
To collect your prize tickets just bring this to the office.
Congratulations, Milo!
Everyone, be sure to read your newsletter each month!
Interested in unschooling?
Information Meeting on December 5, 2023,
at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
Visit the website for more details and RSVP. usasb.org
Get Ready!
for Exciting Music Camps for the Holidays!
Christmas Week from December 26-30
Piano, Guitar, Strings, and Drums & Percussions camps!
Sign up and register now!
All of us at Laguna Niguel School of Music, Dennis Frayne Music Studios wish each and everyone a
