NewsletterApril 2014

How does the Summer Work?

In March we surpassed 285 students for the first time! If you’ve tried to make a schedule change or have been in the lobby between classes recently you’ve seen first hand how full things are at he Academy. Each Spring I often get asked these questions:

Q. “How do lessons work in the summer?
A. The Academy is open year round, and we do not close during the summer.

Q. Do a lot of students quit during the summer?
A. For the past few years, we have grown in enrolment by about 10% each year. Some students withdraw but we get a huge influx of students in July and August and many continue into the Fall. We enrolled 42 students last summer. We have also noticed the number of students travelling in the summer and withdrawing for vacations has hit record lows.

Q. How full is the Academy
A. As of today we are over 90% capacity, and many teachers are sold out between the hours of 4:00 – 8:30 pm.

Q. If we withdraw for the summer, can we keep our spot for the fall?
A. Lessons are first come first serve, so if you withdraw for the summer, we cannot guarantee that we will have a spot for you in the fall as we will open the spot to new students and the waiting list.

The big question for all parents and students to consider is “Do you want to stay with the same teacher in the Fall?” If the answer is YES there are 2 ways to do this:

1. Take advantage of our summer make up classes
We realize that some of you will go on vacation for a portion of the summer. By signing up for the summer make up classes you can keep the same teacher and spot for the fall. For your convenience we will double the amount of make-up classes on the summer schedule.

2. Sub lease your spot to a family member or friend
You can send a family member of friend in your place for the dates you will miss. Just let the office know who is coming in your place and when. Make sure that they reimburse you directly for the lessons.

If you are taking summer lessons and need a specific time for the fall, please contact us around mid-August and we will do our best to accommodate you. Each September, I get calls from students that have been with us for years, but withdrew for the summer. They want to return to the same teacher, day and time, but the spot has been filled by another student.

If you LOVE your teacher, keep your spot by using the summer make ups or sublease your spot.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at:

Oakville (905) 845-1227
Georgetown (905) 877-2770

[divider]

Parent Feedback

[blockquote cite=”Cathy, Jamilya & Caleb”]My children have been attending the Academy of Music for five years. Caleb plays piano and Jamilya does voice. They have always had superb teachers who are enthusiastic about teaching music. My son plays the piano so beautifully and I credit it to the solid guidance that he gets from his teacher. Jamilya is always eager to attend her lessons and for a fourteen year old, this is remarkable! I must add as well that James and Jen have always been very accommodating, for whatever issues may arise and always respond to my inquiries in a timely fashion. We love, love, love the Academy of Music![/blockquote]

[divider]

Student of the Month

Saira Cariaga

What instrument do you play?
Piano
How long have you been playing?
3 Years
Who is your favourite musical artist?
Beethoven
What are your other hobbies besides music?
Soccer and art
Do you do any volunteer work?
I volunteer at my church

[divider]

In Our Community

Celtic Fiddle Concerts!
Our Celtic Fiddle Orchestras present their annual Spring concerts in Oakville on Sunday May 4th and in Georgetown on Friday May 2nd. This year’s concerts are a tribute to the Cape Breton music tradition. The group will perform a lively blend of jigs, reels, and a variety of other traditional Celtic tunes that you would likely hear in Cape Breton Island NS.
Tickets are available at the school or at the door
Adults, $10 – Kids under 12, $5

[divider]

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest!

April 2014
To increase readership of the Academy of Music Newsletter, each month we will feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn.
Congratulations!
Vida Kojovic is the winner of our monthly newsletter contest. Just give the office a call to claim your $10 iTunes gift card.

[divider]

Welcome New Students!

Welcome to the new music students who enrolled in March 2014. We’re happy to have you on board!

[one_half]Calvin A
Ethan G
Sarah S
Emilie N
Martin H
Keiffa W
Dan M
Jenna S[/one_half]
[one_half_last]Irina I
Alma G
Clark R
Ethan S
Ricardo Q
Anna Q
Fernanda H[/one_half_last]

[divider]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

April 2014

[one_half]Ralph H
Liza O
Braxton D
David V
Joshua D
Barry P
Irina I[/one_half]
[one_half_last]Kristina D
Carmela R
Caleb D
Nicholas E
Keiffa W
Sara W[/one_half_last]

[divider]

Is Your Teacher Sold Out?

Teachers with Waiting Lists

Many teachers have sold out. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact our office and we can add you to the waiting list. There are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for May send an e-mail to [email protected] or call the office, Oakville (905) 845-1227 – Georgetown (905) 877-2770.

Here’s a partial list of who’s currently full:

[one_half]Rocco Castrucci – Drums, Guitar
Monday 4:00pm – 8:30pm FULL

Hazel Coogan – Piano
3:30pm – 7:30pm FULL

Lucia Capobianco – Piano, Voice
Monday 4:30pm – 9:00pm FULL
Thursday 4:30pm – 8:30pm FULL

Andrew Barbisan – Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums
Monday 4:30pm – 8:30pm FULL
Wednesday 4:00pm – 7:30pm FULL

Elizabeth Aumonier, Piano, Voice
Thursday 4:00pm – 7:30pm FULL

Prince Cave – Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Friday 4:00pm – 7:30pm FULL[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ella Klis – Piano, Voice, Flute
Monday 5:30pm – 8:00pm FULL
Wednesday 4:00pm – 8:30pm FULL
Thursday 4:00pm – 7:00pm FULL
Saturday 9:30am – 4:00pm FULL

Gail Stoneman – Violin, Viola
Wednesday 5:30pm – 8:00pm FULL

Emily Graper – Piano, Voice
Monday 5:30pm – 8:00pm FULL
Tuesday 5:30pm – 8:00pm FULL

Tim Connelly – Drums
Thursday 5:00pm – 8:30pm FULL[/one_half_last]

[divider]

What’s New?

Brand New Recreational Summer Dance Program
Oakville Hip Hop Kids – Age 6 – 11 & Hip Hop Kiddies – Age 4 – 5

Hip Hop Kids is an 8 week introductory dance program for kids age 6 – 11. Your kids will learn a wide variety of cool hip hop moves and prepare a routine for their final performance. Classes will be held every Wednesday evening from July 2 – August 20, 2014 at 1026 Speers Rd. Unit 9.
Call the office for schedule and fees!

[divider]

Refer a Friend and get $25 Cash!

If you refer a friend to the Academy and they register for lessons we will send you a thank you gift of $25.00 by refunding $25.00 to your account.

It’s EASY to refer.
Just have your friend mention your name when they register and we’ll take care of the rest!

We greatly appreciate your referral!
Referrals are not valid for immediate family.
Add a family member to your account and get a free $25.00 registration.

[divider]