The holidays are through and we are wrapping up break, which was so needed! May this year bring you glimpses of joy in the midst of the messy, busy lives that we all have!
Just a reminder that the studio will reopen on Monday, January 6th.
Until then, if I owe you a makeup, please reach out to to schedule something this Friday (tomorrow) or Saturday!
Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, group classes will not be rescheduled. We will email videos, activities, etc. We are happy to explore a Zoom class idea too! Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Private lessons will rescheduled if possible! If not, we will offer supplementary instruction via recorded video, theory sheets, etc.
Important Dates
December 22 - January 5: Winter Break - NO LESSONS OR CLASSES
March 24-30: Spring Break - NO LESSONS OR CLASSES
Congrats to our Recital Performers!
Thank you to all who braved the stage and performed at our recitals on December 15th! All of our performers shined through their pieces. It was a sweet time to reflect and celebrate how far we have come.
*I'm sorry I forgot to include recital charges on the January invoices, and they will be added to February instead
3pm recital group
4:30pm recital group
6pm recital group
Pop-Up Caroling Fun!
This year we experimented with a new idea to bring the community together over the holidays with free mini pop-up caroling events. Thank you to all that came out!
Caroling at Villagios at Christmas Pub Crawl
Caroling at the Lebanon Horse and Carriage Parade
Student Feature: Elise
Congratulations to Elise for a beautiful performance of "Reminiscence" at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department's PianOlympics on Nov 17th!
This was a great opportunity to play for a panel of other piano teachers and get feedback! Despite the name, this was not a ranked event, and everyone was encouraged to compete against themselves.
Elise worked so hard to memorize her piece and polish it for the performance, and she learned so much from this wonderful experience!
Great job, Elise, we are so proud of you!
Elise posing outside of CCM
Elise playing her piece for the judges on stage
Staff Feature: NYC Trip!
I (Ms. Lane) went with my little Zara to see check out NYC over thanksgiving break! We experienced beautiful art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, watched Wicked on Broadway, and even encountered some awesome breakdancers on the subway! We also got to spent some time with an old friend that now plays professionally in NYC and hear about her experiences!
The evolution of the French Horn as displayed at the Metropolitan Opera Museum
Over winter break, I completed a college course on Trauma-Informed Teaching Methods through UC-San Diego.
To be trauma-informed means to understand how all sorts of stress affects students in the learning environment, and to provide them with supports that empower them in their learning journey.
Many people think of trauma as huge, tragic events one's life. But trauma could also mean day-to-day stress. It really just depends on the student and their ability to regulate their nervous system.
I am very passionate about this topic because of my past life experiences, such as growing with war, famine, domestic violence, and so much more.
I learned a lot on her own healing journey and love to share what I learned with students in order to help them become more aware of their own stress responses.
And of course, music is so healing and regulating to the nervous system, so it's a powerful way to teach these important skills.
Below is a quick infographic that you may find useful:
This school year we began offering a new group piano program for ages 4-adults!
We use a specific curriculum that differentiates to all learning styles and abilities. It's a sort of spiral curriculum, which means we circle around the same concepts but allow the students to approach each one at their own skill level.
Group classes offer collaborative ensemble playing as well as personal practice in headphones. Students master all the elements of music and apply them to the piano!
Younger students enjoy many play-based, exploratory activities.
We always say the first class is free, so if you're curious, come try it!
***We are opening a new 6-8 group on Mondays at 5pm
***Elizabeth Swift has an opening in her 6pm class on Tuesdays (ideally for someone that's been playing for a year). Please email her at dottedhemisphere@gmail.com
One of the most celebrated composers during the holidays is Peter Iliych Tchaikovsky, the composer of the Nutcracker!
But did you know he composed other dreamy ballet music, such as Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake?
What I love about his compositions is that they are so accessible to any listener. You don't have to have a music theory or history degree to appreciate his music.
Some other notable works by Tchaikovsky include his Piano Concerto No. 1, Symphony No. 5, and the 1812 Overture (which is sometimes performed at 4th of July events because of the cannons fired at the end).
When you practice, rest as much as you play. Your body - your fingers, arms, voice, embouchure, etc, needs to have mini recovery sessions.
Use the downtime to:
sing the melody
imagine hearing it in your head
take a music theory break
listen to music on YouTube featuring your instrument!
ask a family member to give you feedback
Local Arts Events
Cincinnati Ballet: The Wizard of Oz, Feb 22-Mar 2; Snow White, April 24-27
Children's Theatre Cincinnati: The Cat the in the Hat, Feb 15-24; Disney's Frozen Junior, Apr 25-May 4
Vocal Ensemble Theatre:
Lebanon Theater Company: Deathtrap, Feb 28-Mar 9
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: A NIGHT AT HOGWARTS: The Music of Harry Potter, this weekend; Copland's Symphony No. 3 (with a light display); Lolipops (ages 2-9) Sat. Feb 1)
Mason Symphony Orchestra: Valentines Pops Concert on Feb 8
*And if you're more of a Dayton regular, check out this link to see all the arts things happening up north!
A Big Ask
The biggest way that you can help our business grow is if you leave us a google review! We would so appreciate your kind words that could help other families find us!
Happy Holidays! Please see our latest news below: Studio Moving in 2026 With lots of students but not enough staff, I decided to move the studio back to my house, which is a few blocks from the downtown location. If you are in a group class, I will be in touch with you about your intentions for the new year. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! I will absolutely miss the Mulberry Street location! I met so many amazing people through those doors. I will always be grateful...
Hi Everyone! Please see below for summer updates! New Classes Forming Adult Group Guitar - Saturdays 11am; starting June 21st Group Piano, 6-8 yrs, on Mondays 5 and 5:45, and Saturday 11am Group Piano, 4-5 yrs, Saturday 10:15am Voice Class, 8-12 yrs, Thursdays 4:45pm TBD once we get enough interest REGISTER HERE Important Dates July 4-5: NO GROUP CLASSES Summer Camps June 16-20: 6-12 yr Pura Vida piano camp *tomorrow* Pura Vida Piano Camp June 23-27: 6-8 yr general music camp Sing, Dance,...
Hi Everyone! Check out the latest at Wellspring! May 4th Recitals Our recitals will take place on Sunday, May 4th at Christ's Church in Mason. Private students: please use this link to sign up for a time slot. If your child is in a Monday or Thursday singing group, we will perform at 4pm. Summer Camps We have a LOT of camps we are putting out for the summer, for grades K-12, on a lot of different topics. Most camps are $180, and if you buy a second one for your child or their sibling it's...
