Thursday, August 20, 2020 by Averil Spence-Clarke | Uncategorized

To ASC Music Students & Parents:

When I was a child, time seemed to take “forever” to reach a birthday or Christmas …….. now, all events seem to rush together and continue to gather speed.  I just finished sending out the summer schedule and here I am “a few days later”, updating the fall/winter schedule.   Where is time flying to and how do we keep up? 

 Congratulations to Divya, Kallie, Mauli , Rishi & Sai  who completed and successfully passed their ASC Music Studio In-House Exams and graduated to the next level(s).  You have certainly exemplified the “practice makes perfect” motto. 

Andreas & Dhara are anxiously awaiting their “Official” RCM Exam results notification and marks.

So… Fall/Winter Schedule: 

Missing seeing & being with all of you but….. As previously indicated, I will not be teaching one-on-one in the studio for the foreseeable future.  I do apologize for any inconvenience, but keeping my Mother safe has to take precedence at all times. As well, towards the safety of students, I am unable to guarantee that I can sanitize and keep the teaching area clean on a consistent basis at this time.

Therefore….. Virtual Lessons will continue to be offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays.  The change to Tuesdays occurred because so many holidays interrupted the Monday sessions…this way, we can lessen the impact, have fewer make ups and attain greater consistency. I know that as schools move forward with their fall schedules, planned music lesson times may need to change to accommodate the schools’ requirements. Please check your calendar on the portal for alternative times or to ensure that I have correctly added your requested time slot(s).  If you face any challenges with current or planned schedules, please contact me at your earliest convenience. 

 Thanks for your patience and support as we continue to work through COVID-19 challenges.   On the upside, 

Wishing all of you a wonderful summer into fall!

The weather is truly lovely for now so,

I hope that you are taking some time each day to enjoy!

See you in September

Cheers

Mrs. A.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 by Averil Spence-Clarke | Uncategorized

To ASC Music Students & Parents:

Hello Everyone!!  It has been a while since I have seen you all.  I miss the smiles & hugs, stories & jokes.   My “Fist of Doom” has not had a workout in a long time and my "Treasure Box" is lost in the gloom of my basement!!  Unfortunately, this situation does not seem to be moving to a “less restrictive” perspective as yet. So, we have no choice but to continue in this mode for a while.

I have been following the news in regards to schools and their plans for the 2020-2021 year.  From what I can ascertain, no true consensus has been reached.  For myself, I have to continue to self isolate for the foreseeable future.  It is nearly impossible to sanitize instruments or the teaching environment and I would not want to create any risks for students and their families.  

For those who chose to move forward with virtual lessons in the spring, IT WORKED & CONTINUES TO WORK surprisingly well.  I was probably the most skeptical because technology and I are not even distant friends.   But other than “weather related” challenges, students have made excellent progress and I know that parents enjoy the ease of access with no interruptions for driving etc. J.  For those who have not tried it, I hope you have continued to practice and are moving forward at your own pace.  Do call if you would like any support or assistance in any way!

CONGRATULATIONS to   Divya, Kallie,  Mauli, Rishi & Sai  on successfully completing their exams and graduating to the next level of studies.

Wishing Much Success to  Andreas & Dhara  as they prepare to take their RCM "official" Level 8 Exam on August 15th.

So…….. as we approach mid-summer and are starting to think ahead to fall and the upcoming year,

Lessons will continue to be offered “virtually”.

SUMMER, FALL, WINTER SCHEDULE:

August:  Lessons continue on Mondays & Thursdays until, Monday August 17  ^th (last day of lessons for this semester).

Teacher Vacation:  August 18 ^th  – September 7th

September:  Lessons restart September 8 ^th  on Tuesdays & Thursdays  

Lesson times will be available for booking as of August 18 ^th .  In the eventuality that neither day works for your child(ren), please contact me for alternatives.

The Studio will be closed for the following Holidays: 

 Oct 12 ^th (Thanksgiving);  December 21 – January 4, 2021 (Christmas Holidays);  February 15,   2021 (Family Day); March 15 – 19, 2021 (March Break);   April 2 – 5, 2021 (Easter);   May 24 ^th , 2021 (Victoria Day)  

As we move forward and become accustomed to the “new norms”, 

please remember to take care and stay safe whatever you do.

Cheers

Mrs. A.

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” — Aristotle