|
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
|
September 5: Labor Day (CLOSED)
October 10: Indigenous Peoples/"Columbus" Day (OPEN)
October 31st: Halloween (OPEN)
November 11th:
Veteran's Day (OPEN)
November 24th-27th:
Thanksgiving Break (CLOSED) |
|
STUDIO CALENDAR
|
Proof that we inform you of all holiday closures. :)
|
|
|
|
UKULELE CLUB!
|
|
|
Monday at 8pm
|
|
SEE LIVE MUSIC
|
|
Our teachers are avid performers in the San Francisco Bay Area (and across the world)! Check them out live with their bands/ensembles at these upcoming gigs.
Wednesday, August 31st:
Mike Meager & Anna Cucciardo at Ashkenaz in Berekely
Friday, September 2nd: West Grand Boulevard (Anna, Adam, Mike & Craig) at Off the Grid, Fort Mason in San Francisco
Friday & Saturday, September 2 & 3: The UnOriginals (Tim G) at Iron Door Saloon in Groveland
Saturday, September 3rd: Muncie (Anna) at Smiley's Schooner Saloon in Bolinas
Thursday, September 8th: Muncie (Anna & Mike) at Lagunitas in Petaluma
Friday, September 9th: Tim G's Dueling Guitars at
Pura Vida Cocina Latina in Livermore
Saturday, September 10th: Gringa @ Afternoon Patio Party at El Rio
Saturday, September 10th: Professor Jones (Anna, Mike & Craig) at Brick & Mortar in San Francisco
Thursday, September 15th: TV Mike & the Scarecrowes (Anna) at Lagunitas in Petaluma
Friday, September 16th: Gringa (Luna) at the Chapel in San Francisco
Friday, September 16th: Fast & Vengefully (Belinda & Tim) at Johnny Foley's in San Francisco
Saturday, September 17th @ 3pm: Rock Band Concert at Music Time Academy
Saturday, September 17th: TV Mike & the Scarecrowes (Anna) at Starry Plough in Berkeley
Saturday, September 17th: The UnOriginals (Tim) at Johnny Foley's in San Francisco
Sunday, September 18th: TV Mike & the Scarecrowes (Anna) at Shakedown Street Festival in Berkeley
Friday, September 23rd: The UnOriginals (Tim) at Maggie McGarry's in San Francisco
Saturday, September 24th: Tim G's Dueling Guitars at The Vine at Bridges, Danville, CA 8-11pm
Friday, September 30th: Tim G at Maria Maria in Danville
Saturday, October 1st: The Unoriginals at Johnny Foley's in San Francisco
Saturday, October 8th: Felsen (Art & Andrew) at The Lost Church in San Francisco
Saturday, October 15th: The UnOriginals at Meenar in Danville
Sunday, October 31st: Zach Bateman & the Coal Minds at Yoshi's in Oakland - HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH
Every Other Tuesday: The Movement Jam with Flenobo (Swen, Tim M. & Pete) at The Legionnaire in Oakland
Every Thursday: Amethyst Bickman (Craig on keys) at Penrose in Oakland
Every Thursday: Dueling Guitars (Tim G) at Tiki Tom's in Walnut Creek
|
|
INSTRUCTORS' BANDS
|
|
(Tim & Belinda)
(Anna, drums & Craig, keys)
(Tim, guitar/vocals)
(Luna, drums)
(Judy, violin)
(Xavier, guitar/vocals)
(Judy, violin)
(Xavier & Nick, vocals & guitar)
(Anna, drums)
(Judy, violin)
(Xavier, guitar/vocals)
(Anna, drums & Mike, bass)
(Anna, drums)
(trumpet)
(Adam, bass)
(Stewart, guitar/vocals)
(Adam, bass)
(Andrew, guitar/vocals)
(Judy, violin)
(Luna, drums)
(Mario, trumpet)
(Dave Lockhart, bass)
|
|
STUDIO POLICIES
|
Are you aware of our policies? We require at least 24 hours notice of absence for offering a make-up lesson (although make-ups are NEVER guaranteed, always subject to availability). We also require 30 days written notice for stopping ongoing lessons.
|
|
|
|
 It's the end of August already?! But we just finished the newsletter...
And then it was September.
WE ARE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY ON
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
Although times are always both musical and exciting for us, "Bach" to School is an exceptionally crazy stretch of weeks, so please bear with us as we do our best to keep afloat with all of the madness!
It is great to see so many students returning home from vacation. We also cordially welcome the many students that recently enrolled in music lessons to our big, happy family! Read on, my friends for there are many important announcements contained herein this "August" newsletter. Ok, maybe I'll change the name soon. Maybe. But not now.
|
|
RATE INCREASE FOR PRIVATE LESSONS
It's not our favorite announcement to make, but unfortunately it is necessary to increase our monthly private lesson tuition just a slight bit starting in October. This small bump in pricing amounts to only $1 additional per lesson ($4/month).
AS OF OCTOBER 1ST,
PRIVATE LESSON TUITION WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
$130 monthly (weekly, 30 min)
$120 monthly (weekly, 30 min for additional students)
$190 monthly (weekly, 45 min)
$250 monthly (weekly, 60 min)
We do our best to keep lesson rates as competitive as possible - and we still mostly remain below the cost of other studios in town. However, as we continue to receive rising bills & see increasing costs of running a business in the Bay Area, we are unable to keep our rates from also rising some. We apologize for the small adjustment in billing, and please note that we will continue to welcome any applications for low income discounts to be sent to: [email protected]
Thank you for your understanding and your continued support of music education! Please feel free to contact Anna with any questions or concerns.
|
|
GROUP VIOLIN CLASS FOR BEGINNERS
It's time to finally try violin! Do you have a loved one that has shown an interest in this beautiful instrument? Or perhaps you know a child that might want a head start before enrolling in a school program? Maybe it's time that you (yes you, and YES, I know you're an adult) are ready to open your ears, mind and heart to allow a challenging and rewarding endeavor to enrich your life?
For the first time ever, we would like to introduce a very special new group class at Music Time Academy:
BEGINNING VIOLIN
WEDNESDAYS at 2-2:50
STARTING OCT 5TH
AGES 8+
$180 for 10 CLASSES, or $20/CLASS
In this ongoing, weekly class, students will use the violin as a tool for learning music alongside other beginners. With the caring guidance and encouragement of Miss Judy, various topics will be introduced and explored in fun and engaging ways, all at a manageable pace. Class material includes pop songs, fiddle tunes and items from the proven Essential Elements for Strings method, which offers carefully designed exercises to help students develop total musicianship. Class is ongoing throughout the year. Students can expect to move on to private lessons or string ensemble once the material in this beginning course is comfortably understood.
About the teacher: Judy has been on staff here at Music Time for over 5 years, teaching hundreds of students through private lessons, summer camps and on-site group classes at Joe Michell School, in addition to performing and recording as a violinist and vocalist in a wide variety of local orchestras, ensembles and rock/metal bands. She is excited to finally launch a group program at Music Time to work with beginning violinists!
|
|
WARM-UP ROOM NOW AVAILABLE
 We have been swapping around equipment in lesson rooms over the past few weeks, in an effort to make the most out of the space we have here on-site. Although on some days & times all rooms are in use, we now have a dedicated warm-up room which may be used on a first come, first serve basis.
The warm-up room is located on the left hand side of the hallway, just past the restroom and kitchen, adjacent to the waiting area. This is the room that was previously used by Judy. Equipment inside the room includes:
- Keyboard
- Drums
- Guitar amp
- Bass Amp
- Music Stands
- Seats
Feel free to come early (or stay late) and get in a few extra minutes of practice. You can never have too much! |
|
ROCK CONCERT ON SEPT 17TH
We'll be rocking out here at Music Time on the afternoon of September 17th! Join us at 3pm in the rear space for some live rock and roll music, courtesy of our student rock bands!
The concert will feature several bands of students ranging from age 8 up through adults, including the first ever performance from our Music Pathways kids. This fantastic group of young musicians came to us through our friends David & Chris who run the non-profit program Music Pathways. More info about the program at: http://music-pathways.org/
|
|
UPDATED SCHEDULE FOR MEET MUSIC
In the mess of Fall scheduling, we had a little delay on announcing the latest dates & times for our 2 classes designed for children 6 & under:
MEET MUSIC - A SOUND EXPERIENCE
AGES 3.5 to 6
Tuesdays @ 2:30pm-3:15pm
Wednesdays @ 12:45-1:30pm
Wednesdays @ 6:30-7:15pm
FAMILY MUSIC TIME
AGES 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS
Tuesdays @ 11am-11:45am
Wednesdays @
11am-11:45am
Thursdays @ 10am-10:45am
Thursdays @
11am-11:45am
|
Student of the Month
Congratulations to Isabella Maria Carrano
Isabella will receive (along with priceless glory and endless
bragging rights) a $30 Gift Certificate to Music Time Academy, as well as a $20 gift card to the Cinema West Theater in Livermore, and a shiny medal - can't beat that!
Instrument: Violin
Teacher:
Judy
Age: 15
Grade: 10th
School:
Livermore High School
Students Since: January 2014
Hobbies (besides practicing): Lacrosse, Quilting and Sewing, Arts and Crafts, Perusing the Internet
Isabella's love for music and her instrument of choice, the violin, has been clear to everyone: her family, her teacher (Judy), and of course to herself. In Isabella's own words,
"
Playing my music makes me feel like I am speaking a different and beautiful language. I can express my emotions by which piece I play and how I play it."
Clearly dispalying an affinity for performance in many formats, Isabella has not only participated in numerous Music Time Academy concerts at the Bothwell Arts Center but also (back in 7th and 8th grade), she played violin and sang in her school's rock band, Room 23. She had a blast playing the violin parts of "Time of Your Life" by Green Day as well as "Christmas Canon" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. (See it at: https://youtu.be/L_p1F_QKoDU).
In addition to rocking out with the band, she also especially enjoys playing duets with her teacher Judy on violin or her mom on piano, and welcomes any other opportunities to perform in a small group setting.
Although she only began violin lessons a couple of years ago, Isabella has been learning about music for many years, having studied piano and voice since the second grade.
Now in high-school, even with her rigorous academic and sports schedule, she still takes the time to practice her violin. According to Judy, Isabella has recently made fantastic improvements in her technique, tone and overall musicality.
Isabella tells her family that she wants to continue playing music for the rest of her life. Well now it's official to the world, too - so we'll hold you to it...although we don't think it'll take too much grip. She seems to be holding on just fine on her own! Way to go, Isabella! Keep up the great attitude and effort.
Do you know a current Music Time Academy student with a newsworthy musical story or accomplishment from the past month that should be featured? If so, please fill out our online nomination form by following this link:
|
|
Teacher Feature - Judy Cruces
Apparently this month is just all about Judy! Continuing the theme, in case you are not yet convinced that we like to brag about her, let's talk about what she has been up to outside of the teaching classroom. You would think that with 5 full days of working with nearly 50 private students here at Music Time, she might not get too much time to practice or play. Well, friends, if you thought that, you would be wrong. Although don't let it get you down. We still love and appreciate you.
For the past two years, Judy has been a member of the rock band Zach Bateman and the Coal Minds. This Halloween, October 31st, the band is excited to announce their biggest, most epic live extravaganza event yet - EAST BAY MONSTER BASH! This is an ALL AGES show at Oakland's world famous jazz venue, Yoshi's - legenday for hosting some of the greatest musicians of all time. Although Yoshi's is known to be a jazz venue, Judy's band will bring the energy for Yoshi's first-ever costume and dance party, playing the music of Tom Waits, Nick Cave & more.
In addition to preparing for this huge Halloween event, Zach Bateman & the Coal Minds are also gearing up to record their first full-length album this October at Jingletown. Exciting times for Judy and the boys! Although they have been busy all along, performing in the past at top local venues, like San Francisco's Slim's, Yoshi's in Oakland, and other well-known Bay Area clubs like Hotel Utah and The Uptown.
For more information about our many talented and interesting instructors, please
CLICK HERE!
|
|
GO SEE LIVE MUSIC!
This month's Recommended Concert...
If you receive this newsletter, then you have shown some kind of interest in making your life (or the life of a loved one) more musical. One of the best ways to inspire a greater love and appreciation for music is to attend a live performance from skilled, passionate musicians. Here is our recommended local musical event for this month:
 WHAT:
Bonnie Raitt with
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers
WHERE:
Greek Theater in Berkeley
WHEN:
Saturday, September 24th
Bonnie Raitt started anew with the release of her nineteenth album, Slipstream. The album marked her return to studio recording after seven years and the launch of her label, Redwing Records. A huge success, Slipstream sold over a quarter-million copies in 2012, making it one of the top selling independent albums. From The New York Times to People Magazine, the album was lauded in top critic's lists for album of the year and earned Raitt a GRAMMY nomination for Best Americana Album.
Raitt sold out over half of her 80-date North American concert tour, and made several national TV appearances (Ellen, Leno, Letterman, GMA, Fallon and more), performed at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance from the Americana Music Association. Slipstream delivers some of the most surprising and rewarding music of Raitt's remarkable career, thanks in part to some experimental sessions with celebrated producer Joe Henry.
CAN'T MAKE THE SHOW? Then consider this recommended listening.
|
|
Thank you for your continued support in music education!
Sincerely,
Anna Cucciardo (Director) & Monica Lind (Manager)
Music Time Academy |
|
