July 2024 Newsletter
In This Month’s Newsletter
The Role of Music Education in Enhancing University Admissions Prospects
Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month
Spotlight on Flute
Days and Deeds of Dr. Dennis
Music Playdates in the Parks
Interested in unschooling?
Summer Camps!
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program
The Role of Music Education in Enhancing University Admissions Prospects
Music education significantly enhances students' chances of gaining admission to prestigious universities. This involvement showcases a variety of attributes and achievements that are highly valued by college admissions officers.
Demonstrating Commitment and Passion
Consistent participation in music activities, such as school bands, orchestras, choirs, and private lessons, illustrates a student's dedication and passion. This sustained involvement highlights their ability to pursue long-term goals diligently, a quality that universities find attractive. For instance, a student who has been a member of their high school orchestra for several years demonstrates commitment and perseverance, making their application stand out.
Academic and Cognitive Benefits
Music education boosts cognitive abilities like memory, attention, and spatial-temporal reasoning, leading to better academic performance. Research shows that students involved in music often achieve higher grades and better standardized test scores. These academic improvements are critical components of a strong college application.
Development of Soft Skills
Music education fosters valuable soft skills such as discipline, time management, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Balancing music practice with academic responsibilities requires excellent time management, while participating in ensembles teaches teamwork. Leadership roles within musical groups provide opportunities to develop and showcase leadership skills, which are highly valued by universities.
Unique Achievements
Musical achievements, such as awards, recognitions, and participation in prestigious competitions or festivals, can enhance a college application. These accomplishments provide tangible evidence of a student's talent and dedication, making their application more compelling.
Contribution to Campus Life
Universities seek students who will actively contribute to campus life. Students involved in music are likely to participate in university music programs, enriching the cultural environment. Admissions officers recognize the value these students bring to the community.
Access to Scholarships and Special Programs
Many universities offer scholarships and special programs for students with exceptional musical talent. These opportunities can enhance a student's ability to gain admission and reduce the financial burden of higher education. Strong music education backgrounds facilitate auditions and applications for these programs.
Enhancing Personal Statements
Music education provides rich material for personal statements and essays. Students can write compelling narratives about their musical journey, challenges overcome, and personal growth. These stories highlight resilience, creativity, and passion, adding depth to their applications.
Coda
Music education significantly enhances students' university admissions prospects by demonstrating commitment, improving academic performance, developing soft skills, achieving unique accomplishments, contributing to campus life, accessing scholarships, and enriching personal statements. Investing in music education is a strategic path for students aspiring to attend top-tier universities.
FUN and IMPORTANT DATES
July 2 - Recitals In-Person
July 4 - Independence Day
Upcoming Recitals and Forums
Recitals: In - Person
Tuesday, July 2, Afternoon and Early Evening
Laguna Hills, Community Center
Heritage Room C 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Please welcome
our NEW Students who enrolled
in May
Kimberly B.
Evelyn C.
Andrew D.
Alyson N.
Merritt S.
Student of the Month
Sydney Pickford
Sydney started playing the flute in her school band at the beginning of eighth grade, and then started taking
lessons a couple of months later. Her favorite things about playing the flute are the sound and the notes.
The sound that comes out of the instrument is sweet and soft. It isn't overwhelming or loud; it is very calming. And playing the notes: the different fingering combinations that she must switch between are fun and challenging.
Sydney has enjoyed playing a variety of J.S. Bach pieces. She finds them pretty and fun. Her favorite piece that she is currently working on is Bach's Partita in A Minor (BWV 1013), especially the 3rd movement, the Bourrée Anglaise, which is challenging but beautiful. She also recently started learning the theme from In the Hall of the Mountain King, by Grieg. She loves this piece because it is a classic, and further challenges her note reading skills. "The piece has lots of different sharps and flats!"
Some other instruments Sydney plays are the piano and viola. "I like both, but not nearly as much as the flute!" She would like to get back into piano one day, which she started during COVID times, but online classes proved difficult and not greatly beneficial to her, especially concerning her reading skills.
Sydney says that St. Mary's, the school she has been attending, is amazing. She really appreciates the community and all of the support each student is given by every teacher. Teachers are always willing to spend an extra few minutes during lunch, recess, or after school if anyone needs help with anything. But now Sydney has graduated (Congratulations!) and is moving on to high school. She is very excited, but nervous about her new school; she is moving up north with her family to attend it. She plans to participate in Band, which she is ecstatic about, and to perform at all of the home football games, including one away game and possibly an out of state competition. She is looking forward to all of the friends she will make there. In the future, Sydney hopes to not only get better at flute, but also become an electrical engineer and serve the environment.
Sydney just recently got a new flute to replace the rental she had been using. "There is such an amazing positive difference, in every aspect from sound to the feel of the keys. Each note is now clearer and more full, and the high notes are easier to hit on my new flute!: Her new Di Zhao will serve her well through high school.
Sydney describes herself as an artsy person. She loves crafts in general, from crocheting to sketching to breadboarding different electrical components. She loves sports as well. She has been playing basketball for half of her life, and she loves watching the game, too. Her favorite team is the Golden State Warriors. She enjoys running, learning, and traveling with her family. They've been to a variety of places including Australia, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, and different states around the U.S.A.
We will miss you, Sydney! We wish you well!
Spotlight on Flute
The flute, one of the oldest musical instruments, has a rich and varied past that spans many cultures and epochs. Originating from simple hollow bones with holes, flutes have been discovered in ancient sites worldwide, from China to Europe, dating back thousands of years. These early instruments laid the foundation for the development of the modern flute, which evolved through various forms and materials. By the Baroque period, the transverse flute had become popular in Europe, and its design continued to evolve, leading to the sophisticated key system developed by Theobald Boehm in the 19th century. This innovation allowed for greater technical precision and range, establishing the flute as a staple in orchestral and solo repertoires.
In addition to its technical advancements, the flute holds significant cultural roles in various societies. In Native American traditions, the flute is often used in rituals and storytelling, its haunting tones evoking the natural world and spiritual themes.
In Indian classical music, the bansuri, a type of flute, is deeply connected to the god Krishna and is integral to many classical compositions. Similarly, in Irish folk music, the flute brings a lively, lyrical quality to traditional jigs and reels. Across these diverse contexts, the flute's versatility and expressive capacity have made it a beloved instrument, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and cultural narratives.
Learning to play the flute offers numerous benefits for musicians of all ages. The instrument requires precise breath control and finger coordination, which can enhance respiratory health and improve fine motor skills. Playing the flute also fosters cognitive development, as reading music and executing complex pieces engage and stimulate the brain. Additionally, the discipline and practice needed to master the flute teach patience and perseverance.
Socially, participating in flute ensembles or orchestras provides opportunities for collaboration and builds a sense of community.
Overall, the flute is not only a gateway to musical expression but also a tool for personal and intellectual growth.
Days & Deeds of Dr. Dennis
Lake Forest is where we live now, in Baker Ranch. We love it here in Lake Forest, it is such a beautiful city and a wonderful community! We really appreciate the new City Hall and Community/Civic Center, and may use the performing arts center for piano recitals, music concerts, and music theater productions.
One reason Lake Forest is special to me, besides the fact that we live here, is that my mother, my grandmother, and my grandfather, even though they lived in Tustin and North Tustin, are buried here at the Ascension Cemetery. I know it is kind of sad but they really loved Orange County and had a wonderful life here! My father is still alive and one day will join them there.
We’ve moved around a bit, but we plan on staying in Lake Forest for a long time now. And, Lake Forest is where we plan to open our second music studio and school location... soon! Keep your eyes and ears out for more news to come!
Inspirations
“Finally, friends and family, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden.”
Music Playdates in the Parks
Laguna Niguel and surrounding areas.
Weekly playdates on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meet friends, dance a little, sing along, and play with some musical instruments and other fun toys!
Find us near the playground. Free to all participants!
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
July 2024
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 Ario Shafiee
Ario 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, Ario!
Everyone, be sure to read your newsletter each month!
