Music Blog

Mother's Day Gifts

5/9/2019

There's no better way to say "You rock, Mom!" than a gift card for music lessons! I know my husband is a creative thinker and likes to create fun trips for me for Mother's Day. Sometimes I have to remind him that I enjoy my kids (shocking) and they're why I'm a mom.....so please let's spend some time together for Mother's Day instead! We have some really fun ideas for you + kids + music:

Try a group class for your little one and you. Mommy & Me group music class for crawlers & lap babies meets Fridays 9:30-10AM. Rockin' Walkers group music class for ages 5 & under with parent meets Wednesdays 9:30-10AM. Join us for a FREE info session & preview class this week in honor of Mother's Day! Drop-in rate is normally $10 per class, no RSVP needed, and you can buy a punch card of 10 visits for 30% off.

Buddy Lessons are a great experience for older kids to share with mom. Starting at age 6, mom & kid can share a buddy lesson where both get to be students and learn how to make music together! Currently available on piano, guitar, ukulele, and violin, we're offering BUY ONE GET ONE for Mother's Day when you schedule your first class by May 31st! Buddy lessons are $169 per month for a half hour paired lesson with parent & child.

Visit our online store at https://squareup.com/gift/WM6Y9VZ3AE5RG/order to buy a gift card & have it delivered virtually on Mother's Day morning.

Spring Recital 2019

3/29/2019

Our Spring Recital is this May 4th! If you’re like many of our parents, you’ve been hearing about the recital ever since your child chose their recital song earlier this year. If you’re like many of our adult students, you’ve been considering which song you’d like to share with your peers at the recital. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll learn what to expect at a recital (music & supportive audience) and who attends (all students are required) AND why we do recitals!

This year we are offering 8 recitals in Beaverton on May 4th and 1 recital in Sandy in June. Beaverton students will use the online student portal to choose their own recital time! The choices are:
Ages 7 & under only: 10AM
Ages 13+ only: 2PM
Ages 21+ only: 7PM
All ages welcome: 11AM, 12PM, 3PM, 4PM, 6PM
Student listeners AND student performers must register for one time slot. Space is limited so please choose your time early; registration will open April 1st and close on April 15th or when full.

As you can see from our schedule, we have students of all ages. Maestro Music Academy specializes in beginners, so know that no matter what level your song is or what style you’ve chosen, your piece will fit in with the rest of ours! If you’re not comfortable performing yet, please discuss your musical progress with your teacher and be sure to sign up for a listener spot at a recital. To sign up as a student listener, register for the time you’ll attend and then email bonnie@maestromusiclessons.org and let me know that you're planning to be a student listener.

Need an accompanist? Email Bonnie as well and I’ll help you set up a time to rehearse with Colleen. She will be available at our Masterclasses or for a private lesson prior to the recital day. Colleen will be accompanying at recitals 2PM and later only. Want to learn more about performing before the recital? Register for a Masterclass for a guided learning performance. Masterclasses are $20 or use a makeup credit, are limited to 4 students per session, and will be held April 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 6PM.

I believe strongly that music is meant to be shared. Black lines & black dots on a page mean nothing until a person transforms them into sound. The purpose & passion behind the sound is what becomes music, and composers of all eras designed that music to be interpreted by an audience. Please come make music with us - as an audience member and as a performer!

More Recital Q&A:

Q: What should I wear?
A: Something nicer than jeans & sneakers but not so fancy as a formal tux. This year, Star Wars attire is acceptable as well for May the Fourth day.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: Students should arrive 10 min early and meet in the small studio for a group warm up (or to receive their listening assignment) prior to the recital’s beginning.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Performers should bring a hard copy of your sheet music, even if it is memorized, and a water bottle. Listeners should bring a pencil and something hard to write on for taking notes. Families should bring a small snack to share with approximately 10 other guests.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Log on to maestromusiclessons.org/login and click on the calendar icon. Scroll to May 4th and find the time you prefer. Select “Register” and verify your chosen time. To add an accompanist or change to a student listener, email Bonnie. Register no later than April 15th!
Q: What if I’m not ready?
A: Talk with your teacher now for ways to get ready or feel more ready by the end of April. You can always choose to be a listener instead of performing, and it’s OK to change your mind at the last minute, but all students should have a recital piece they are preparing as part of the learning process.
Q: Who will be there?
A: 5-10 performers and their families. We do not limit guests or sell tickets; space is limited in the large room to 30 people so please be aware that large groups of guests may need to overflow into the foyer. The general public is NOT invited. 1-2 of our teachers will be in the audience at all times. If it is important to you that your teacher be present, feel free to email Bonnie and ask if your teacher can plan to be at your recital. Not all teachers will be at all recitals.
Q: Will there be a recording?
A: Yes, Maestro Music will be recording the recital. You are welcome to request a copy and review it with your teacher at your next lesson. We offer this service so that your loved ones can enjoy the music in the moment and not worry about their technology. We will also hold a group photo at the end of the event.
Q: Where is the recital?
A: Maestro Music Academy of Beaverton is located at 17175 SW Tualatin Valley Highway Suite C2, 97003. Parking is available in any spot on Saturdays except the ones marked Loading Zone.
Q: Why do we have to go?
A: Music is not meant to stand alone in secret between the composer & performer. Music is meant to be a shared experience in community! Having a “deadline” of the Spring Recital also helps some students prepare and practice in new & more efficient ways and provides motivation. Learning how to experience nervousness when speaking in public and gain confidence in front of a group are life long skills for any environment. Hearing live music, complete with mistakes and recovery, can be a novel interaction for those used to “perfect” recordings. Embracing our imperfections is vital to learning how to like our own selves. Being the star of your loved ones’ attention, undivided, and showing off after hours of hard work, is a moment of pride that you’ll remember fondly for years to come.
Q: What will we do in lessons after May 4th?
A: First, you’ll debrief your performance or listening with your teacher. You can set goals for continuing improvement or for the next performance. Then over the next 6-8 weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to try composing with one of our composer worksheets. Later on during the summer, you can earn rewards by checking out new sheet music books, learning new songs, and playing music lit games at home.

Curioser & Curioser

2/28/2019

Who stole the symphony? Was it me or was it you? Learn some new musical intervals while investigating this musical mystery for ages 6-10. Based on the books by Andrea Dow. Join us & bring a friend Tuesday April 2 from 6-7PM with Ms. Hunter at our Beaverton location. Enroll at www.maestromusiclessons.org/register and mention "Curioser and curioser" as your desired class! Tickets $20 or two for $30. (Current students will use a make up credit.)

The Day The Music Died

1/28/2019

"I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
Something touched me deep inside
The day the music died" - Don McLean

On the 60th anniversary of the tragic plane crash, we'll gather to play some of the good Rock 'n' Roll Classics from the era! Learn more about these pioneers of contemporary American music and we'll close with an open mike time. You may choose to participate as a performer or listener at that time as no prior musical background is required. For students ages 14-19 (high school).

Reserve a ticket ($20 first ticket, $15 additional) by registering online at www.maestromusiclessons.org/register and note "Day Music Died" for your interested class. Register by Friday 2/1 with promo code ERLYBRD to receive $5 off. You'll be added to the class and will receive an online invoice to pay with credit or debit card. We also accept checks and exact change upon arrival.

Questions? Contact Bonnie or Hayley at info@maestromusiclessons.org . Directions to our academy are available at www.maestromusiclessons.org/contact1.html .

Musical Mates

1/20/2019

We're counting, spelling, dancing, and dueting at this musical lit party for ages 3-6. No prior music experience needed! Parents welcome to participate with child or drop off and pick up. Final 10 minutes will be a short recital with each child and facilitator & piano teacher Colleen.
Reserve a ticket ($20 first ticket, $15 additional) by registering online at www.maestromusiclessons.org/register and note "Musical Mates" for your interested class. Register by Saturday 1/26 with promo code ERLYBRD to receive $5 off. You'll be added to the class and will receive an online invoice to pay with credit or debit card. We also accept checks and exact change upon arrival.
Questions? Contact Bonnie or Hayley at info@maestromusiclessons.org . Directions to our academy are available at www.maestromusiclessons.org/contact1.html .

Spring Events at Maestro Music

1/1/2019

Students continue to explore our theme of "Music Is....." this spring in five age-specific music events. Gathering in community and making music together is an integral part of music education and we hope to see you at our upcoming events, all of which focus on music literacy and include a performance. (Students may choose to participate as performers or listeners.)

Meet Noelle

12/13/2018

We're proud to announce the newest member of our teaching team, Noelle Goodenberger! She is in her final term at the University of Oregon and will be offering private and group lessons on voice, guitar, piano, violin, and ukulele. Lesson times are available NOW to sign up for the final week of our term before Dec 22, as well as openings when we return after Jan 2, for students interested in meeting Noelle. She can be reached directly at noelle@maestromusiclessons.org, and here's some background more about her:

Noelle Goodenberger has been surrounded by music her entire life being the daughter of two professional music performers and educators. Starting violin at age four and training for twelve years, Noelle has a solid foundation of ear training and music theory. Her main instrument however is voice in all styles with an emphasis on Baroque music and songwriting. Noelle received a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Oregon under the instruction of Milagro Vargas and has been an active performer of classical, baroque, contemporary, choral, and popular music in Portland and Eugene. Noelle is currently the Worship Leader and Music Director at West Portland United Methodist Church and is an active performer. She has participated in competitions and choral symposiums in Germany, Austria, and Spain, and locally at the Oregon Bach Festival as well as state and divisional conferences for the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education. Noelle also has a passion for music composition in which she has learned to play guitar and piano, and loves to support living composers bring their masterpieces to life. Noelle uses a wide range of technique to cultivate skills while also helping students find and nurture their individual passions and expression of music. She believes anyone can learn to sing or play an instrument and that music can be used for therapy, self-confidence, an outlet for emotions, cognitive skills, leadership skills, and so much more.

Holiday Sing-Along

12/8/2018

Some of our students are inviting you to sing along in today's performance!

At 2PM, please join Avaline, Lucy, and Annie at the end of "Frosty the Snowman":

Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal.

For Frosty the snow man
Had to hurry on his way,
But he waved goodbye saying,
"Don't you cry,
I'll be back on Christmas day."

At 3PM, please join Levi at the end of "Silent Night":
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Holiday18

11/22/2018

Give a great new experience to a loved one......Music Lessons!

This holiday season, Maestro Music is offering eGift Cards at 15% off in our Square store! Click this image or follow the link below to buy now.

Visit the store NOW through the end of November to take advantage of this holiday discount!

Musical Theatre Class in Sandy

10/21/2018

Musical theatre teacher Hayley will help you tell a story through music! Classes will include acting, staging, dramatic interactions, and singing. Beginners through intermediate encouraged. In terms of techniques, we teach primarily Stanislavsky, Meisner, and Hagen. We also do improv, movement, physical theater, scene study, cold reading and classical as well as some stage combat. Classes in Sandy begin November 6 on Tuesdays 4:30-5:30PM at the Sandy Community Center. Register now at https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/recreation .

More about Hayley Green:
Hayley received both her Master's and Bachelor's Degrees in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University. Not only has she been teaching private voice since 2007 in various places in the United States, but is a working performer. As a performer, she has been on contract several times for Disney Cruise Lines as a mainstage performer and served as the vocal captain onboard. She has performed in national tours and regional theatres nationwide, serving as vocal captain in this capacity as well. As a playwright, she has had several projects produced in New York City as well as Washington DC and has had the priveledge to work with renowned directors, stage managers, music directors, producers and performers in the performing industry. She also continues to maintain a private voice studio.

Hayley has a deeply embedded passion for the performing arts industry and works hard to instill this same passion in her students. She has coached many professional performers in acting in a play and acting in a musical. Since she is a playwright, she is very intuned to using the words and meanings in the text of songs, melodic lines and spoken lines to truly bring the work to life. Through the use of various techniques she teaches her students a combination of Bel Canto singing and the Caruso Method.

Hayley also inspires and nurtures her students to find their unique voice, both as a singer and as a performer. She joined Maestro Music at its inception in 2016 and has recently moved to manage our new Eastside location as our Chief Musical Innovator in partnership with Sandy Community Center.