April 12, 2025: Saturday Remix
Teachers and Staff: Happy Saturday!
Responding to Email Communications
Thank you to everyone who responds to emails! It really helps when you respond in some way to email and other communications, including acknowledging receipt, an understanding of the content, answering any questions, etc.
Some emails do not require a response, of course, and sometimes this is stated in the email, or it is self-evident. But if you suspect the sender might benefit from assurance that you received and understand the message, take a moment to respond and let us know!
Studio Recital Update (Monday and Tuesday, April 14 & 15, 2025)
Please encourage your students to perform in our upcoming studio recital. Families have six options - three times each over two days.
Please look out for emails (soon) showing students who are performing, and let me know their repertoire. Please work with them to prepare for the recital, including playing from memory to the extent possible, and performance practice (such as bowing).
Spring Break (Off-weeks)
Our music studio Spring Break is April 14 through April 25. It is a bit longer than most other off-periods during the year. Our recitals take place the first two days of the break (April 14 and 15). There are no regular lessons during this period (unless something specific has been scheduled with you). It is possible there may be introductory lesson opportunities during this period. Feel free to respond to opportunities if they arise.
Use the Computers and Technology in the Lesson Rooms
We encourage all teachers to log into the computer in the room they are teaching in prior to the lesson beginning, and open whatever resources you might want to use ahead of time if possible. That way, just in case there is some problem, it’s not a surprise in the middle of the lesson. However, we are very confident that past issues have been resolved. It is also beneficial to let the computer warm up for a minute, as they are the least fast when they first turn on.
Feedback! Another reason we encourage you all to log into the computers and use the technology is so that we can get feedback from you about any issues, questions, or suggestions you may have regarding technology and resources available at the studio. Please let us know! Our goal is to continuously improve and to help teachers have the resources they need for outstanding lessons at their fingertips in each lesson room.
HVAC Reminders
Reminder 1: If you turn on the AC or Heat, it is your responsibility to turn it off when you leave. This rule holds true even if others are in the room, or coming into the room, when you leave. They can turn it on, and then responsibility transfers to them.
Reminder 2: Keep the temperatures set to the mid-to-low 70s. Please do not set the temperatures very high or very low. This causes problems and also wastes resources and money. Please take the time to learn how to use the thermostats, including asking others (or me) if you do not know or understand their nuances. Thank you!
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Q. Do we offer “free trial” lessons?
A. No! There are many reasons why we do not (and why our profession should not) offer free trial lessons. We offer a paid introductory lesson, and the purpose and goals of this lesson includes:
Student learning some things about music and their instrument
Teacher (and school) learning some things about the student
Student and family visit to the school (unless in-home or online)
Student and family learning some things about our teaching and learning culture
Help us make decisions and recommendations about how to best place the student in lessons at our school
The purpose of the introductory lesson, generally, is not to “try out” the teacher. Our teachers are not on trial, so to speak. Our teachers represent our school’s teaching philosophy, and all our teachers represent this same philosophy. We operate under the assumption that all of our teachers are wonderful teachers, and that any student will benefit from working with any of our teachers. The teacher who teaches the introductory lesson may or may not be the teacher assigned to the student.
P.S. When you teach an introductory lesson, please strive to have the student or parent complete the About Me form that is placed in the lesson room teacher inbox. And then immediately complete your online Teacher Notes form.
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Thank you, everyone, for all that you do!
Have a magical Saturday, a musical weekend, and a safe and healthy coming week.
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Thank you,
Dennis Frayne
"Dr. Dennis"
Laguna Niguel School of Music
Dennis Frayne Music Studios
30110 Crown Valley Pkwy, Suites 105/107/108
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 844-9051 (office cell)
(949) 468-8040 (personal cell)
www.lagunaniguelschoolofmusic.com
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