As summer approaches we all begin to go ga-ga over the idea of our upcoming vacations. Perhaps picturing ourselves sitting on a quiet beach somewhere (in the sun we hope) or contemplating some unfilled days of relaxation just doing whatever comes to mind. Too often though the initial reaction to the summer break idea is to withdraw from music lessons and completely disengage from practicing. With good reason we discourage this at WAM. WHY? Our experience shows that most beginner and intermediate level students become so frustrated after a long break they quit music lessons altogether. Students lose a lot of technical ability over a break longer than three weeks. Unlike academics at school, studying music involves academics AND physiology. It takes know how to make great music and physical prowess (technique) to pull it off. The loss of physical ability over an extended break creates a lot of frustration that is very difficult for young students to overcome. Now your question may be whether or not WAM teachers take vacations from music practice and study. Yes we do! But we’re professional musicians. We’ve learned to make the most efficient use of practice time and, importantly, we’ve learned what to expect after a break. We know that our technique, skill and memory will not be at their best at that first post-vacation practice session. But we also know how to recover it very quickly. New students don’t know this nor are they at a confident technical level which enables them to quickly recoup what they’ve lost. Bottom-line: students need to stay engaged with their music throughout the summer. Hey, take a short break! It’s encouraged. But keep it down to two or three weeks at most. Talk to the staff at our Front Desk and tell them you want to take advantage of the “Lesson Hold Option.” Staying engaged in practice through the summer will ensure that there will be no loss of musicianship or forward progress and with the "Lesson Hold Option" you won’t risk losing your lesson slot at WAM. Kind regards, Rick IT'S OFFICIAL -- WE'RE MOVING! After several weeks of looking at properties and negotiating a new lease I now can tell you that after 13 years in the 3100 Building, WAM is moving to a new location...and, frankly, there's just no other way to describe the location: it's so perfect...so cool...so nice...so classy...so...so...so Old Town. We think it's just perfect for us as well as you (the WAM FAM.) Where are we moving? The Ocean Park Building on Byron Street in Old Town Silverdale. Where is the Ocean Park Building? It's right smack-dab in the Silverdale Waterfront Park...about a 10 second walk to the monkey bars. When are we moving? Current plans are to move into the new building during our Summer Break II which is the week of August 1st. There will be no lessons that week anyway. So, you'll be enjoying the last weeks of summer vacation while we work to get the new place set up and ready for lessons to resume on August 8th...that is, unless you want to help us move (just kidding). When you visit us for lessons you and your family can enjoy the beautiful waterfront where you can see Mount Rainier, relax in the park, maybe have a picnic, perhaps go on a short stroll down old Byron Street and visit some of our cool neighbors like Monica's Waterfront Bakery & Cafe, Cash Brewing & Restaurant, KitsapArt or maybe even Sylvan Learning Center. We'll be posting more information on our media sites (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) about our move and some photos of our new digs as the space is transformed from a hair salon and spa and into a music academy. Lastly, start making plans to attend our open house and Student Appreciation picnic in early September. It will be a fun event! |
AuthorRick Cox/Tim Cox Archives
April 2017
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