Christmas Recital- December 1st at 6pm and 7pm

Hello musical families!

Our teachers and students are busy preparing for the Christmas Recitals! Here is the info below:

When: Friday, December 1st at 6 pm and 7 pm

Who: Students, Family and Friends. We have a large space, so feel free to invite friends.

Where: Calvary Baptist Church (1032 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056)

Dress: Formal- We’re excited to see students dressed up!

Bring: Music and refreshments to share (cookies, fruit, anything you love!)

Arrive: 5 minutes before your assigned recital. Check our studio wall or teacher with performing time (6pm or 7pm)

Reminders:

  1. Performance Pieces- Students typically perform two pieces each. We like to encourage memorization if possible. Please bring music even if pieces are memorized. We try our best to not have duplicates of pieces so that each performer gets to showcase a unique piece.
  2. Pianists/ Vocalists – Arrive 5 minutes early to find seats.
  3. Violinists – Arrive 10 minutes early to tune violin.
  4. Applause – Please hold your applause to the end of a performance, instead of between pieces.
  5. Cameras – We know we’ve got some proud parents out there! Feel free to bring cameras and take pictures as long as it doesn’t distract our performers.
  6. Babies and Kids – This is definitely a family event and we love to welcome kids. Please consider performers by minimizing noise/distractions.
  7. Refreshments – After performances, we love to chat over some yummy treats in the foyer. Please bring treats that will be easy to clean up afterwards.
  8. Encouragement – We want to encourage and inspire all of our students to grow and learn. We have a diverse group of performers- new musicians, shy/nervous musicians, experienced musicians- let’s celebrate them all.

Please let me know if you have any questions. We are very excited to watch our students perform!

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October Student of the Month- Alexis M!

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Miller Music Sends a big congrats to Alexis for being our October Student of the Month! Alexis has been improving her note reading, sight-reading, and has a positive attitude to learning new techniques! We are excited to watch you grow and learn.

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

- About 2 years

2. What do you want to be when you grow up?

- Maybe a librarian

3. Any fun fact you would like to share?

-I've got 5 teeth pulled!

4. What other activities do you participate in?

-Girl scouts, gymnastics and soccer

5. What grade are you in?

-2nd grade

September Student of the Month- Evelyn!

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Congrats Evelyn on being our September Student of the Month! Evelyn is well-prepared with her assignments each week. Her sight-reading is fantastic and she is enthusiastic about learning new pieces. Evelyn studies piano with Ms. Stephanie. Keep it up!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-3 months

2. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-An elementary school teacher

3. Any fun fact you would like to share?

-I love coloring

4. What other activities do you participate in?

-Cross-country, track, soccer, volleyball.

5. What grade are you in?

5th Grade

Why Learn Music?

Twelve Benefits of Music Education

Carolyn Phillips is the author of the Twelve Benefits of Music Education. She is the Former Executive Director of the Norwalk Youth Symphony, CT. I love learning the many ways that music education is important for our kids (well, for everyone, actually). I hope this list encourages our parents and teachers to continue to find creative ways to motivate and inspire our young musicians.

New Progress Cards

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With more students/teachers, we wanted to implement an effective way for parents/guardians to be active participants in their child’s music education. We know that students will advance faster with a clear goal, involved parents/guardians and supportive teachers.

Every trimester parents/guardians will join in during a lesson with student and teacher to discuss future goals. Student Progress Cards have many benefits:

-They give parents/guardians valuable feedback and insight into the process of learning an instrument.

-They equip parents/guardians with additional tools to help their child.

-They highlight student achievement (performances, exams, theory, and repertoire progress).

- They help teachers craft a custom and efficient learning experience based on areas that need attention.

Progress cards will have records of all pieces/songs and technique that were completed, performance and assessment records, goals/teacher notes, and attendance. This will help parents/teachers see tangible progress and work together to for the success of our students.

These are not intended to be "Graded" Report Cards. They are designed be an important tool to help our teachers maintain quality, customized lessons and equip parents to help their child. We are excited to implement them at Miller Music School!

New Teacher, Ms. Jennifer!

We're excited to announce that Ms. Jennifer will start teaching with Miller Music in less than a week!  She's been subbing a few times this summer for Ms. Stephanie, and we realized she'd be a great fit for our musical community. She'll be teaching with us on Fridays. There are a few spots still open in her schedule!

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Jennifer Matson is a recent Piano Performance (B.M.) graduate of Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). Having studied under solo artist Jee Wong at Prosser Piano and Dr. Oksana Ezhokina at PLU, Jennifer is a creative and passionate musician who loves teaching and performing.

With fifteen years of experience in the field of music she is has taken on many roles including rehearsal pianist and orchestral director for productions with the Auburn Ave Theater, community and special events pianist for the City of Auburn, contestant accompanist for the WMEA-WIAA State Solo and Ensemble Contest 2017, as well as being a church pianist and private piano instructor for several years.

As an instructor, her desire is to help nurture a love and excitement for music and the arts through creative expression, individualized instruction, and high levels of musicianship. It is her goal that students develop a comprehensive knowledge of music that allows them to not only play with competency and skill, but also with the utmost passion and musicality. Whether your aspiration is to become the next concert pianist or to simply learn to play for your own enjoyment, she hopes to create a learning environment that is both fun and professional to help you achieve your dreams in the best possible way! 

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Summer Practice Challenge 2017

I’m excited to announce the winners of the Summer Practice Challenge! (Let’s be honest, everyone is a winner when our students are playing extra, right, parents?) Summer is typically a time where students take a break from practicing. We were thrilled to have over 20 students participating.

Just as a recap:

  1. Most minutes practiced (2 winners) Prize: movie ticket
  2. Most Pieces completed = Prize $10 choice gift card
  3. Most days practiced – Prize: Music book voucher

Contest dates: June 26th- Aug 31st

I’ve tallied up ALL of the Practice Log submissions and we have some winners to announce.

  1. Rachel S. and Evelyn V. (each logged over 1,100+ minutes!) for Most Minutes Practiced
  2. Julie H. (14 pieces!) for Most Pieces completed
  3. Rachel S. (44 days!) for Most Days Practiced

Way to go musicians!! We have lots of very dedicated and motivated students. Winners, your teachers will have your prizes at your next lesson.

August Student of the Month- Eliza!

Congrats Eliza R for being August Student of the Month! She has been exercising patience and focus during lessons. Her sight-reading is exceptional at her level. Thank you for working hard during the week on your pieces!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

About a year and a half. 

2. What is your favorite activity?

I love having playdates with friends and eating sushi. 

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a veterinarian or a zookeeper. 

4. What do you like most about playing music?

 Getting to learn beautiful songs.  

5. What other activities do you participate in?

I go to Awanas during the school year, church every Sunday and Pokemon trading days at Learning Express in the Landing on Fridays.  

6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to? (optional)

I'm going into 3rd grade at Kennydale Elementary. 

July Student of the Month- Hailey

Congrats Hailey for being Student of the Month for July! She as been improving and showing enthusiasm for practicing at home and learning new pieces. We are excited to watch Hailey learn and grow in her musical education! Keep it up!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

About 4 years.

2. What is your favorite activity?

Cooking with mom.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I would like to be a Doctor.

 4. What do you like most about playing music?

I love being able to play the different notes and playing songs for my family. 

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

Bible Study Fellowship, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, softball, and swimming.

6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to? (optional)

 I am going into 4th grade and I attend Enatai Elementary School.

Registering for Fall Trimester Lessons!

We’re excited to announce a few changes starting this September. Our goal for the 2017/18 academic year is to streamline and add value for everyone involved with Miller Music School. As we have been growing in size, we are simplifying the way we take payments, publishing an academic calendar, and implementing Progress Cards to enhance communication between parents/guardians, teachers and students.

Progress Cards

With more students/teachers, we wanted to implement an effective way for parents/guardians to be active participants in their child’s music education. We know that students will advance faster with a clear goal, involved parents/guardians and supportive teachers.

Every trimester parents/guardians will join in for 15 minutes during a lesson with student and teacher to discuss future goals. Student Progress Cards have many benefits:

-          They give parents/guardians valuable feedback and insight into the process of learning an instrument.

-          They equip parents/guardians with additional tools to help their child.

-          They highlight student achievement (performances, exams, theory, and repertoire progress).

-          They help teachers craft a custom and efficient learning experience based on areas that need attention.

 

Simple Calendar and Tuition Schedule = Trimesters

We are adopting the trimester system to closely match the Renton, Issaquah and Bellevue school district schedules. This means that we are moving from monthly payments to a flat-fee per trimester. The benefits of this are that parents/guardians will be able to know exactly how much lessons will cost for the academic year. Teachers will be able to have a regular, consistent schedule as well and record keeping will be easier. Please see the policy sheet for more information.

We are excited to kick-off this next academic year. We’ve been dedicating significant time to improving our program in order to take our students’ music education to the next level. It has been a rewarding experience to work with such a great group of people and to add value our local community.

Julie H. -June Student of the Month!

Congrats Julie H. for earning the June Student of the Month! 

Julie is a hard working student who comes prepared to her lesson and has an awesome personality!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

Since February - so 4 months!

2. What is your favorite activity?

Long distance running is her favorite activity.   Her last race was the SeaHawks 12K.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

She wants to be an artist, a pianist and a distance runner. 


4. What do you like most about playing music?

Just being able to do it and being able to play different songs.

5. What other activities do you participate in?

She does musical theater dance.  But she is doing hiphop, jazz and technique next year.

6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

5th grade.   Renton Prep Christian School. 

New Teacher: Dr Jung Starting in September!

We're excited to announce that Dr. Jung will start teaching with Miller Music in September!  If you'd like to sign up for piano lessons with her, please let us know.

Dr. Jung is an accomplished and sought-after musician with over twenty years of experience in both the United States and in South Korea. She is a passionate and versatile musician with an extensive background in music education, piano, organ, music directing and collaborative accompanist.

Before coming to the U.S., she owned and operated her own private music school in Korea from 1996- 2000 where she taught young children music fundamentals up to college prep and university majors on both piano and organ. As a music educator, Dr. Jung is passionate about blending both traditional music technique with a wide variety of modern and popular repertoire to best prepare students to pursue any style of musical performance they desire.

In 2015, Dr. Jung proudly earned her Doctor in Music from the University of Washington. Her dissertation was on Isang Yun, a Korean born composer. While she was attending the UW, she also served as the Musical Director of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, planning music for the liturgy, conducted the Adult’s choir, Hand-bell choir, Children’s choir and played both piano and organ for the services.

Currently, Dr. Jung teaches locally in both public schools and private Korean schools. She enjoys inspiring students and investing in her local community.

Dr. Jung loves the vibrant musical scene in Seattle and living in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. She is a proud Husky graduate and enjoys the local international community.

Robert J - May Student of the Month!

Congrats Robert J for being our May Student of the Month! He has been making big improvements in completing pieces and sight-reading. He loves to play popular and jazz music on the piano. Keep up the practicing Robert- way to go!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

3 years

2. What is your favorite activity?

playing electronic games

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Robotics Engineer

4. What do you like most about playing music?

It sounds good

5. What other activities do you participate in?

Basketball

6. Which grade are you in? 

Going into 6th grade

Success! Two 2017 Spring Recitals

Big congratulations to the Miller Music students who were able to perform at both of our Spring 2017 Recitals! Thank you to all who've invested in our wonderful students- from parents, teachers and our diligent students.

Piano Teacher Position

We have been growing and are looking for a qualified music teacher to join our team! We have a reputation for high quality lessons that are motivating and inspiring which has made us highly sought-after in the Renton area. We are looking for someone to be enthusiastic about teaching music to young students and able to communicate well with parents.

Required:

- Proficient in piano playing
- Experience working with young students
- Able to communicate concepts clearly
- Friendly and reliable
- Able to pass a background check

Highly Recommended:

- Degree or certifications in education, teaching and music
- Proficient in multiple instruments (violin, guitar and voice)

Please submit a resume to millermusicschool@gmail.com. Thank you!

Raina - Student of the Month

Miller Music School is excited to announce Raina S. as the April Student of the Month! She comes to lessons prepared and is enthusiastic about learning. Keep up the practice and motivation to learn, Raina! We love working with you!

How long have you been playing your instrument?

          Since February! (2 months)

What is your favorite activity?

          Practicing piano on the iPad.  I learned Happy Birthday!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

          A Vet. I want to take care of animals <3  

Is there any fun fact that you would like to share about yourself?

           That I turn 7 on Monday.

What are some other activities you participate in?

          I like Ballet.

Which grade are you in?

          1st Grade

Lilly L. February Student of the Month!

A big congrats to Lilly for being February Student of the Month! She's doing a great job being prepared for lessons, respectful and excited to learn new pieces and techniques. Keep on working hard, Lilly!

1. How long have you been playing your instrument?

-I have been playing piano for 5 years.

 2. What is your favorite activity?

-My favorite thing to do is to sing and do weird dances.

 3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

-When I grow up I would like to be a singer or a music teacher.

 4. What do you like most about playing music?

-The thing I like the most about playing the piano is that when I play I can sing along to the song.

 5. What other activities do you participate in?

-I play the clarinet.

 6. Which grade are you in? Which school do you go to?

-I am in 5th grade and go to Eastgate Elementary.

 

Newly Remodeled Studio (late post!)

Back in December, we started teaching in our newly remodeled studio- yay! It took us several long months to convert the space into a fully functioning professional music studio. We're hoping this new space will optimize student learning by having a dedicated place for students to concentrate and learn. Lessons will still be given on our professional Baldwin grand piano and students can practice before/after lessons on our top of the line Arius digital piano.

Also a fun treat that we LOVE- a coffee and tea bar! Adults can enjoy a cut of hot coffee/tea while you wait.