Back to School- Here we go!!

-Stathia Orwig

Oh my goodness- I can’t believe it’s the beginning of a new school year! I personally as a mom am always so happy when summer comes: the (theoretically) more relaxed schedule and just switching up day to day activities. But once we start rolling into August and getting ready for school to begin, I am ready for the routine again. At the start of a new school year, I make new goals for myself, for my kids, for our family life. Here are a few ideas to think about as we get back into the “real” practice routine:

• Try and “schedule” a time for practice every single day. I know that sounds hard, but if you can add it to your week AND weekend schedule, chances of this habit sticking are greater. If your child is an early riser, try having them practice before breakfast. Or, if they are not ready to sit down and do homework when getting home, schedule practice before homework.
• Remember, it takes 3 weeks to establish a new habit. Give it time! Start this new practice time at the beginning of September, so that by the time we reach the end of September, practicing is routine. Then, learning assigned repertoire will come easy!
• Don’t be discouraged if you have to keep reminding your child to practice. Don’t we have to remind them to do everything else? *sigh* Just because they are not remembering to practice doesn’t mean they are not interested! Just stay consistent with reminders. We use Music Bucks as “rewards” for practicing, so I don’t think there needs to be any more of an incentive- but a gentle reminder that they are getting music bucks usually gets them running to the piano (even the older kids)

We do have a few updates with Music SO Simple. We wrote a welcome letter that will also be in your child’s binder at the beginning of the year, but feel free to take a look at it here. There are lots of great reminders of our policies and just good tidbits to know and remember.

Tuition rates are posted on the website. Fees for festivals, contests, and recitals will be billed at appropriate times, and I will send out an email at least a month prior to let you know of the charges.

Student of the Week will begin at the beginning of September!! Students chosen will be in the weekly newsletter with their picture, and they receive 10 music bucks, a certificate, and a yard sign! We choose students for many reasons! If you want more info on SOW, check out the blog we wrote here.

Piano Maestro and Sprout Beat are great iPad programs that has been around for a few years and are continually updating. We are going to begin incorporating them into lessons with appropriate students. To learn more about it, ask your teacher or check out their website.