2024 Term 1 Newsletter
Monday, February 19, 2024 by Joanne Trewick | Newsletter
Hello wonderful music families - new and established :)
Thank you for joining me on this journey of music education for your family in 2024. We have already accomplished much in our lessons so far this term, with much more fabulous learning ahead of us.
There is always so much information to put down in every newsletter, I know how busy parents are - so a big thank you for taking the time to read and make note of anything that pertains to your family. If per chance this email goes astray all past newsletters are easy to view within the student portal - check back anytime!
CONCERTS FOR THIS YEAR
As most of you would be aware, every term, we have a showcase for our students and what they are working on, usually held at the Mossman Shire hall, which has a beautiful grand piano and plenty of space for us all. We always encourage students of all stages to get up and have a go, and gaining experience in sharing our music with each other, plus being inspired by other students, is a vital part of the learning program.
Sadly, this year though, we are not able to offer a Student Showcase in term 1, due to the unavailability of venues. That means the term 2 one - will be SUPER important - so get this date into your diary now!!
TERM 2 STUDENT SHOWCASE Sunday June 2
3pm@ Mossman Shire hall. Gold coin entry at the door to offset hall hire costs.
This event will need to be registered for, in the student portal, registrations will open on May 1st and close on May 24th.
RECITAL: The only non-negotiable event for all of our music students each year is our Annual Recital and Awards Event. Normally held in term 4 but this year we are trialling holding this major event in term 3.
No registration is required for this one as it is assumed that all families will participate, levies are applied to family accounts during term 2. More info to come, but SAVE THE DATE NOW………
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8th. Clear the whole day as we have numerous parts to the program and students need to be available for rehearsals and performances during the day, then the big evening event begins at 5pm. If you haven’t participated in a recital before, feel free to ask any questions you need, but also - rest assured that all the information you need will be forthcoming in newsletters as the year progresses.
Also on the subject of keeping dates free for later in the year - our Celebration Lunch for families who have been with us for five years or more will be held on Nov 24 - if this is your family - highlight this date in you diary as well and await your invite at the start of term 4.
EISTEDDFOD 2024
If your child might be interested in competing in this event in Cairns in late June, please be in touch.
PRACTICE DIARIES
Individual practice diaries for recording home tasks and tracking what is practiced at home each day have been a mainstay in our studio for as many years as I can remember. However, I am finding increasing numbers of families prefer to record their practice in the student portal and to rely on the lesson note emails for instructions on what to work on at home. In some classes, the practice diaries are being phased out. If per chance your child has not received a diary but you would like them to work with this rather than the online option - please say so and one will be provided. If your child’s class is still using diaries, please ensure that they come to every lesson and don’t get left at home.
AUTOMATIONS
Please be aware that account overdue reminders are completely automated from within the student portal, if you have recently made a payment that just has not yet been reconciled through the accounting software, you can just delete the reminder without concern.
Lesson reminders and cancellation notices are also from the student portal, only email replies make it to me. Replies to automated texts do not send.
SCHOLARSHIPS
My studio is here to support young people in our community becoming musicians for life. If your family budget is going through a particularly difficult time, and you need some fee relief to be able to keep your child in the music learning that they love, do request scholarship information.
A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE RESOURCE FEE AND MUSIC BOOKS
There has been a significant delay on many music books ordered late last year or early this year. We have a huge amount of our books used in lessons on backorder from our supplier in Sydney. I am working around this problem and learning continues, but if you have been waiting for a book - then thank you for your patience.
Whenever I have the opportunity to do so, I source secondhand copies of books used in our studio so that for a few lucky students I can provide a book at a much cheaper cost than buying new. If you have a low cost book on your invoice, that is how it got there and lucky you ;)
It is unfortunate just how high the cost of new music books has become, but we cannot avoid copyright laws and we also love to support music composers and publishers whose industry supports us in our learning.
Resource fees are charged once a term, for term 1, it will appear on your March invoice. New students who have just registered do not get charged the resource fee until the following term. Resource fees are for things that students use apart from their own copies of music books.
What are some of the things the resource fee contributes to? This is not a comprehensive list but gives you some idea.
-personalised practice diaries
-certificates and awards
-subscriptions to teaching platforms/websites etc. used in lessons
-cost of apps and web based programs used in lessons
-purchase of backing tracks
-purchase of music books used by many students in our studio library
-maintenance/repair/purchase of classroom instruments
-cleaning of classroom spaces
-printing costs
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Since last newsletter I have engaged in the following short courses:
Brisbane - Repair of stringed instruments
Brisbane - Australian Guild of Music teacher training day/ innovations in music education
Online - Contemporary Harmony Practices
AMEB - workshop on Intermediate flute teaching and new resources for grade 5/6 flute exams
AWARDS SINCE LAST NEWSLETTER
Khobi Arthurson - Credit grade 2 Theory and Distinction grade 4 piano
Jasper Keech - Distinction grade 1 Guitar
Rebecca Farraway - Credit grade 5 piano
Mietta Hilton - Distinction grade 1 piano
Lola Gonsalves - Distinction grade 2 piano
Robyn Rose - Distinction grade 1 flute
AVAILABILITY
We currently have some availability in our First Piano Adventures Class on Tuesday mornings at 8am. If you have friends who have thought about starting piano, get them to come for a trial lesson now so they don’t miss out.
Our Kinder Beat (ages 2-5) classes are also taking new enrolments for Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Please enquire for details.
That is it for now, thank you for reading with me. Email me with any joys or concerns about your child's progress, their learning program and goals, or the activities within our studio.
Warmly,
Ms Joanne :)
2023 Term 4 Newsletter
Monday, October 16, 2023 by Joanne Trewick | newlsetter
Hi music parents!
There is so much to address in this newsletter, hoping you have time for a cuppa to sit and read it ;)
Thanks for taking the time to stay informed.
WEEK 4
In week 4 of this term all classes will be conducted by Miss Rebekah Ives as I have to be away. She will have the “Recital Bible” and be prepared to rehearse all classes on all of their performances, along with some work on the group song which will be new to most students. For any classes that get through that in record time, she is prepared with some theory review games. So classes will remain uninterrupted, however, please note that communication with me will not be possible form Oct 20-29 inclusive. So if you need to ask me something, please get in quickly!
And please note if you have lessons at Miallo SS - there are no lesson in week 4 as Miss Rebekah is not available that Wednesday morning.
2024
The first draft of the 2024 home studio (afterschool) schedule was emailed during term 3, I have nearly finished formulating a final timetable based on the responses I got. Big thanks to those who responded. If you haven’t yet had a look at when your classes are next year, just reread that email in the portal and let me know what will work for you. The wait list asking about next year is growing and I want to make sure current students have a class that works for them before opening up spots to new students in the advancing classes. We will however be able to open up new options for beginner classes and early childhood music classes, so all new beginner students will be welcome. If you have friends considering music for next year, please encourage them to come along to recital for a look, and contact me as soon as possible for information.
Also on the subject of thinking ahead….
If your child would like to consider applying for a music scholarship/music extension program or any other audition associated with entering high school - it is never too early to let me know so that we can make plans to give you the best options possible. There is also a bursary available to hard working music students in year 7, year 6 students should be preparing now if they intend auditioning. And - another bursary is offered to year 12 students who intend to study tertiary music. If any of things might be on your radar for your child, please be in touch to chat about your options and what is required.
INVOICES
Two note about invoices - the term 4 resource fee was not charged in October as promised, it will appear on your November invoice. Also, if your student is at Saints, the changing of days for lessons in the week that crosses from October into November might give you a class that becomes a “carried forward” amount on your invoice, from October, don’t worry, the amount owing will be correct. Let me know any questions with your invoice if you are concerned.
WELL DONE
The Term 3 Showcase was really wonderful, Grandparents Day at Saints was fabulous, music assembly performances have been going from strength to strength. Nikita and King made us very proud at the recent Cairns Classical Concert where they were invited to perform amongst professional artists. And many students have been super busy preparing for their grade exams, receiving terrific marks and feedback!
All this growth and experience makes me even more excited for our Recital event….which is getting very close now.
Please check the specific Recital email sent on Oct 6. It was absolutely essential reading, please double check that all those details are carefully recorded in your diary to make the day a success for your student, and to make sure they are not the student that lets the rest of the team down on the day.
There really can’t be exceptions for attending the morning rehearsal, it will need everyone there. I know some other music events by schools in Cairns have now been announced for the same day, but it just will not be possible to do both. Please clarify with me immediately if you are at all unsure about what times your child needs to be at the hall.
5 Years or more families…..( a note to the families that have been part of our studio for five years or more)
Another email will be out to you very soon about your role in the recital team.
It is with sadness though that I have to postpone our celebration lunch. The venue that was organised for Nov 5 has just fallen through and I now need to choose a new venue and new date. That is too hard for me to do before recital, so I will be excited to figure that out after recital and will then let you know the new details!
AWARDS since last newsletter
Well done to all of these students on their achievements since last newsletter! This is a lot for one term…..how exciting :)
Ryder Melchert - 60 piano pieces
Zac Williams - 30/40 piano pieces
Ching Dang - 10 Grade 4 piano pieces
Ivy Shaw - 10/20 piano pieces/finished her first piano book
Anastasia Frahn - 30 Grade 3 piano pieces
Jimmy Scott - 10/20 piano pieces
Oliver Johnston - 10 drum pieces
Nova Hilton - 100 piano pieces !!!
Emma Coiutti - 80 piano pieces
Marsden Smyth - 30 Grade 1 piano pieces
Francesca Hughes - 30 grade 1 pieces
Saxon Keech - 10 Grade 1 piano pieces/ 20 drum pieces
Callum Moffat - 40 piano pieces
Ava Dwyer - 80 piano pieces
Mia White - 20 Grade 4 piano pieces
Quinn Kelleher - 40 piano pieces
Bailee Weier - 40 piano pieces
Finn Gray - 50 piano pieces
Mietta Hilton - 100 piano pieces !!!
Tiago Wilson - 10 Grade 4 piano pieces
Zoe Wilson - 10 Grade 3 piano pieces
Jasper Keech - 60 guitar pieces
Giovanni Molinari - 10 guitar pieces
Eleanor Hinde - 10 Preliminary piano pieces
Anastasia Frahn - High Distinction Grade 3 piano exam
Carys Rigby - Distinction preliminary grade piano exam
Marsden Smyth - Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Callum Moffat - Distinction preliminary grade piano exam
Tiago Wilson - High Distinction grade 4 piano exam
Erik pese - Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Jasper Keech - High Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Francesca Hughes - Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Mario Molinari - High Distinction preliminary grade piano exam
Nakeisha Wellham - High Distinction grade 2 piano exam
Lola Gonsalves - High Distinction grade 1 piano exam
Amelie Zonai - Distinction Grade 2 piano exam
Nikita Farraway - Distinction Grade 7 piano exam
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
I’m guessing you have figured out by reading this section in all the newsletters this year, that ongoing learning and growing is very important to me. There is always so many interesting things to learn to keep my teaching ideas fresh and relevant.
- An online workshop and study module - Skills for the Next Generation of Music Teachers
- I did a two day workshop in Brisbane on teaching stringed instruments in primary schools as well as a class on repairing stringed instruments.
- A percussion workshop with Queensland Symphony Orchestra members on their recent visit to Cairns.
- ‘Beyond the Foundations’ an online course on teaching brass instruments and advancing brass techniques. This was followed up with an opportunity to do some online trumpet student adjudication.
- Reading ‘The Process of Effective Practice’
LOOKING AHEAD
NOV 12 we have three students representing us at another QMTA concert at St Monica’s Cathedral. Congratulations to Matilda, Gemma and Jasper on your selection and we wish you the best with your performance.
NOV 22 a number of our Saints students will be visiting Kubirri aged care home to give a concert for the residents.
DEC 8 a team of students will be making a musical visit to the residents at Ozcare Port Douglas.
Christmas street party in Mossman - details yet to be confirmed
Our music studio runs right until the end of week 10 of this term, as we have aged care and Christmas performances to prepare for as well as making sure that students have lots to inspire them over the break. Week 9 will be the final week of lessons at school though, and students that learn at school are welcome to join our after school classes in week 10.
Towards the end of term 4 an invite will go out for students to participate in the 2024 Junior Eisteddfod. I am hoping for a big performance team this year, so start to think now about whether you can commit, in week 9 of term 2 next year in Cairns.
That’s it for now, another recital email will be sent before the big day, but please do double check you received the one on Oct 6. Thanks for your continued support in everything we do to make learning music successful for your child.
Thank you
Ms Joanne
2023 Term 3 Newsletter
Friday, July 21, 2023 by Joanne Trewick | Newsletter
Hello music parentsWe have hit the ground running for term 3, lots happening in our classes and in preparation for ensembles, exams and other performances.Thanks for taking the time to read this and stay informed and involved. I appreciate it.The First draft of the 2024 home studio (afterschool) schedule will be emailed quite soon, please respond promptly with your intentions or interests for 2024. We have more students than we have places and I want to make it work for as many families as possible. I realise that most families still have much to work out before the new year starts with many other activities, but a response with your confirmation or concerns will help me make a schedule that is as helpful to you as we can make it.Also on the subject of thinking ahead….If your child would like to consider applying for a music scholarship/music extension program or any other audition associated with entering high school - it is never too early to let me know so that we can make plans to give you the best options possible. There is also a bursary available to hard working music students in year 7, year 6 students should be preparing now if they intend auditioning. And - another bursary is offered to year 12 students who intend to study tertiary music. If any of things might be on your radar for your child, please be in touch to chat about your options and what is required.A note about invoices - you will notice the term 3 resource fee was not charged to your July invoice, I thought I would help spread costs out by putting it in September when there are less lessons because of holidays, and because July had the recital levy and August is a long month with no holidays to reduce lesson numbers. The term 4 resource fee will be charged in October, so they will feel like they are very close together but hoping it is actually easier that way.Hope that makes sense for you :)TERM 3 SHOWCASE (requires action now)This is an optional and informal event for all students and their families. We would love to have your family join us! It was sad that we had to cancel this for term 2, so that makes this one the last of these events before recital. I’d love to see all students involved. Please don’t miss out on registering, and the sooner the better so that we can make sure your child is organised with something they feel confident and excited to perform.Brand new students encouraged to jump in and be a part of this as it really help get the bigger picture of learning and progressing with your instrument.Sunday Aug 27Mossman Shire Hall3pm$6 registration through the student portal (appears on your account) plus gold coin at the door to offset hall hire costs.Registrations firmly close on Friday Aug 11 - please register now so you don’t miss out.How?Log into student portal>calendar> aug 27>register your student. After Aug 11 you will then receive an email with the program, so you know what your child will be playing.2023 ANNUAL RECITAL AND AWARDS NIGHT SATURDAY NOV 4This is our big and very special event for the year. Unlike term showcases where families can register if the date suits them, the recital is the one event of the year when we have absolutely all students participate. The end of May was the deadline for letting me now that your student would not be able to attend, and levies have now been charged and paid with the July invoice - thank you!Our evening event is shaping up to be amazing with students already working on ensemble pieces with their class groups. The program has been organised, hire of equipment sorted and much of the work to organise this huge event is well underway.Please block out the whole day in your calendar and consider that your young ones especially will need to be well rested for the big day. We can’t hire the hall and sound equipment for more than one day, so we rehearse in the morning, have solo sessions in the afternoon and finish with a big gala concert of group items and ensembles in the evening. It is a very exciting event for our families and a hugely important part of the learning program.For brand new students just starting this term, provision has been made for you in this event, and your levy will be charged to your upcoming invoice. Please confirm if you are available to participate on this date.Also for your diary: SUNDAY NOV 5 will be a celebration lunch for families who have been part of our music family for five years or more.OTHER UPCOMING PERFORMANCESSaint Augustines Grandparents Day Concert: We have a full 30 min concert planned for this Wednesday at Saint Augustines showcasing all of our school music and choir kids. 1:30pm start. There are also 3 music assemblies planned for this term and we are still working on getting to include an aged care concert into our program as well.Cairns Classical Concert: October 14 we have King, Nikita and Gemma performing at this professional event in Cairns. If you wish to purchase tickets, again please contact me for details.Con Brio Exams: We have had many fantastic results with our video instrumental exams already this year. Many more students are on track to complete exams during this term.Trinity Theory Exams: These will be early Saturday morning on Nov 4 - the same day as recital - exam students will be scheduled later in the rehearsal schedule to accomodate this important event.AWARDS and EVENTS since last newsletterQMTA Concert: Congratulations to Matilda, Rebecca, Gemma, King and Ching who represented our studio at this event in Cairns on June 4. Their performances were excellent.MFactor: the Miallo students involved in this did a great job and took out awards for the music sections. Congratulations to all who performed.Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod: It was a small team this year but everyone placed in their instrumental sections and much was learned by those who participated. I’m hopeful of organising a larger number of students to be involved in this event next year.Well done to all of these student on their achievements since last newsletter!Aadidev Padnakad - 10 guitar piecesCharlie Moffat - 40 and 50 piano piecesElena Rodriguez - 40 guitar piecesEstella Spence - 40 drum piecesMario Molinari - 30 piano piecesChing Dang - 10 grade 3 piano piecesJimmy Scott - 50 guitar piecesJasper Keech - 50 guitar piecesNova Hilton - 10 Grade 1 piano piecesAlex Wearne - 100 piano piecesQuinn Kelleher - 30 piano piecesBailee Weier - 30 piano piecesRyder Melchert - 50 piano piecesOtillie Wells - 20 piano piecesErik Pese - 20 Grade 1 piano piecesAelita Moss - 50 piano piecesZoe Wilson - Distinction Grade 3 piano examLucy Andrews - Distinction Preliminary grade violin examChing Dang - Credit Grade 3 piano examJack Archer - Distinction Grade 1 piano examKing Dang - Distinction Grade 5 piano examAmanda Yeo - High Distinction Grade 5 piano examAelita Moss - Distinction Grade 2 piano examCURRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTI have been working through some online musicology units on how the study of music affects our everyday life from a music psychology point of view.That’s it for now, more details to follow on various events throughout the year. Thanks for your continued support in everything we do to make learning music successful for your child. Don’t hesitate to be in touch with any concerns or joys or questions about your child’s progress.Thank youMs Joanne
