Tuesday, October 22, 2024 by Jennie Higgins | Uncategorized

It's the week of Halloween!  This is the time of year where I like to hand out little thank you treats to all my students and the neighbours.  My piano studio would not be so full and popular without all of you!  

THANK YOU!  I am also the gold winner of 2024 Airdrie Votes for Music Lessons this year.  And it would not be the same without all of my music families. 

So all this week and next week, feel free to come to the studio dressed up in costume.  Just remember, nothing on your hands.  You still need to be able to play the piano.  That includes gloves, bracelets or tight watches and/or Fitbits. 

Let's have a blast this Halloween season!  We are Pumpkin' Up the Lesson Fun!!  

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Jennie

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 by Jennie Higgins | Register

Fall Lessons are Right around the corner!!! I am so excited to begin this new school year with all of you. AND that there are still a few spaces that have opened for fall registration. So don't miss out! 

Here is a great check list for what you need for the fall. 

Home Instrument: An acoustic piano, or a digital piano that has a full-size keyboard (88 keys), has touch-sensitive keys, a music stand, a solid bench or chair (no twirling office chairs) and at lease one pedal is required. This will give my students the proper tools to learn technique, and expression and access more repertoire.

There are so many smaller keyboards that vary in quality.  They do not help a student learn or stick to learning as much as piano, whether digital or acoustic. As my colleague from Paloma Piano says; "They do not sound or feel like a piano and practicing on a keyboard will be discouraging."

Why should I have a real/acoustic piano?  OR even a digital piano? Well, I was talking to a colleague down at Michael Lipnicki's Fine Pianos in Calgary.  And she said something that was so profound, and I am glad that I have this instrument policy. 

If you or your child wanted to be a carpenter, you wouldn't give them old rusty tools and say, "Build me some cabinets.  Once you build me a cabinets with those old rusty broken tools, then we will invest in better ones."  What a great way to think about it!  Having a small keyboard that doesn't have everything a student needs is just like that!  How can you learn to play the piano when you don't have the right "tools"? 

Music Books: Do you have all your music books for the upcoming year?  I sent out an email with a list of books. Most of my students have them, but some need to purchase them.  Because the music stores are mostly in Calgary, I cannot always get to them.  I am asking all parents and students to go through and check their books.  If books are missing or new, please purchase them before your first lesson. 

Practice Challenges: I know it's been all summer.  But I sent home 3 practice challenges over the summer.  There is a prize for the student who finishes all 3.  A smaller prize for 2.  And an even small for finishing 1.  Do you remember them? 

Make sure you are ready to start piano, theory and voice lessons in the fall!!  Our first lesson is Tuesday, September 3rd.  What a great way to FALL IN LOVE with music!!!

Thursday, December 14, 2023 by Jennie Higgins | News

The Holiday is season is upon us. We are all busy with concerts, family and friends gathering together.  And joyous Christmas music fills the air. 

Our Christmas/Winter recital is finished and we look forward to a much needed break.  Only 1 more week of lessons left.  I have the videos for our recital, and I will be sending them in My Music Staff.  If you do not know how to access My Music Staff, I will do my best to find a way to send the video to you another say. OR I can help you access it in My Music Staff.  There is even a login page right here on my website. 

As the Christmas break is upon us so quickly, I am looking forward to beginning mid-year goals, exams are coming up quickly.  Registration for festivals and more are here.  And a new practice tracker!  YES!  We need a little reminder to practice over the Christmas break.  Don't forget to print your tracker, or request one from me in person. 

As well, we have a waiting list for new students again.  It has been quite the busy year.  I love it!  So much happening.  So many students learning and growing in their music journey.  I hope you love (Adamo) your music as much as I love sharing it with each and everyone one of you. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And all the other holiday wishes to you and your families through this season. 

Musically yours,

Mrs. Jenn ~ RCM Certified Piano Teacher 

Voice and Theory Teacher