Molly Stier > The Studio > May 2008 Newsletter
Important Dates :
  • May 26 Memorial Day—NO LESSONS
  • May 31 Open Performance Class at Brooke Grove

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Reminders

  • Due to the large number of people expected, the Open Performance Class is limited to parents and performers only.
    • We will again be seated on the sides of the room to allow for the residents’ attendance.
  • Students enjoying springtime sports, outdoor activities and school functions need to be reminded that practicing the piano should be treated as seriously as homework!
  • I need the Student Portrait Album sheets by May 23.

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Summer Lessons

  • Lessons will be offered during the following weeks:
    • June 23, June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11
  • Lessons are available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings and Tuesday mornings.
  • No lessons Tuesdays after 1:00 p.m.; no lessons on Fridays.
  • The sign-up deadline is June 1st. Please call or email to reserve a day and time.
  • Students continuing their regular piano study during the summer will benefit the most, but it is wise to schedule even a few piano lessons during the summer; not only will skills stay sharper, it will help alleviate feelings of anxiety upon returning in the fall.
  • There will be a very special Summer Evening Musicale on August 15 for those students who attend four or more summer lessons.

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Open Performance Class

  • Performance Classes provide an opportunity for students to prepare music for performance in front of their peers, readying them for more formal performance situations and building confidence and performance skills along the way. At these classes, some works are still “in progress,” but every performance opportunity brings learning, even if the piece has not been polished to perfection! We will give parents a glimpse into the special hour we spend together each month during the school year.
  • Remember, this is a class, not a recital. Due to the nature of the class, it is open to parents or guardians only! Please do not bring neighbors, friends, aunts, uncles, etc. We will begin promptly at 10:30 am!

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Make Up Lessons

…will be given to students who missed a lesson during the first semester. Students scheduled for make-up lessons will come at their regularly scheduled time, unless notified otherwise.

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Practice Logs

  • Practice logs should be kept up-to-date by all students until our very last lesson (June 1) of the year.
  • There will be special prizes for the highest amount of practice in both the Junior and Senior categories at the June 2 Open Performance Class.

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CherryValleyMusic.Com

  • We have updated the look of our site (thanks to Michael Stewart, photographer!) and want to remind you that the Lesson Schedule, Calendar and recent news letters are available all the time!
  • To enter the HELPFUL HINTS portion of the site, go to STUDIO, then click on the red and green cherry icon.

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Piano Maintenance
  • Many of you have requested the name and number of my master piano technician.

John Farrell 410-997-6152

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Studio Guideline Reminder
  • Please review the written Studio Guidelines found with the Studio Policy and discuss them with your child. Our goal is to learn in the most positive, respectful atmosphere possible.
  • IMPORTANT! For liability reasons and home studio zoning laws, remember that only the student(s) attending and one parent or guardian are allowed. No friends or siblings are permitted, unless they are my students. This includes Performance Classes! If you have questions about this or any other policy, please call
    301-774-9011

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Is your child getting the most from music study?

  • Practicing music raises SAT scores. Students who study music out-perform their classmates who do not study a musical instrument.
  • Music lessons and instrumental practice improve long-term verbal memory.
  • Studying music enlarges a region of the brain called the left planum temporale, which is involved in remembering words.
  • Beyond scientific measures, learning to play well and to express oneself creates immeasurable, unquantifiable satisfaction.

Are you aware that achieving any true benefits requires diligent and regular practice (6 days a week, at least the length of the lesson time)?

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Music Instruction Aids Verbal Memory

  • According to a new study, children with music training had significantly better verbal memory than their counterparts without such training.
  • The longer the training the better!
  • Click here to find out more.

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Performance Class

Classes are held Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00

This class provides a unique opportunity for every student to learn confidence and poise in performing before an audience. Learning appropriate communication skills is an added bonus! Attendance is strongly encouraged.

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Tuition Payment

  • When paying tuition, please pay upon receipt of the statement or by the first lesson.
  • Please make checks payable to MOLLY STIER.

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Compact Disc Recordings

  • WINTER and DANCES
  • My CD recordings are available, including many favorites: Schubert’s Waltzes, Bartok’s Roumanian Folk Dances, Beethoven’s Fur Elise, Mozart’s Rondo alla turca
  • Ask for the student discount!
  • My recording of Charles Stier’s “I Died for Beauty” (on WINTER) was chosen for a PBS special! His “Waltz in B-flat” (on DANCES) was chosen for an OASIS Acoustic CD Sampler.

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