Carol Hibbard Piano Studio
Upcoming Events
May 2012 News
Fall Registration
New Students: Now is the time to discuss starting a sibling in piano, as I give priority to my present families. After May 18, I will begin interviewing the perspective students on my waiting list, and usually my fall schedule is full and set by early-June. Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program: Talk with me now to explore whether entering this program next year would be beneficial to your child.
Registration Forms: Due with $40 enrollment fee by May 15 to hold a place in fall schedule
Priority Scheduling: Current students have first option on keeping their present lesson time for fall, as long as I receive your enrollment by May 18, with that preference noted.
Studio Policy and Tuition Policy 2012-13 are attached
Tuition Increase: Please note the tuition increase. My costs have increased with the various programs offered, such as the Technique Challenge, Cold Cash System, etc., and my small cost-of-living increases every year or two have not provided an actual “raise” in nearly a decade. With that said, if this tuition increase is a hardship for your family, please talk with me.
Registration Form: Be sure to note your child’s school and its hours, as well as any other conflicts which need to be considered as I plan the group lessons. Scheduling groups is a huge complicated puzzle, so clarity in availability is vital. On the registration form, parent and child both sign that they understand and agree to the Studio Policy. I revamped the Studio and Tuition Policy this year, so please take time to read thoroughly and discuss it with your student(s)!
Summer Music: Summer lessons increase student progress. More opportunity for fun music and duets… Great time to jump-start beginners…Duet partners may enjoy shared 30-minute lessons for duet fun all summer.
Private lessons: offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August.
Sign Up: For the weeks you are available, but a minimum of 4 lessons total are required to make it worthwhile. Note the “All-Summer Special.” Signup sheet is on studio table.
Individual summer lesson fees: 30 min. lesson--$32 60-min.lesson--$58 45-min. lesson--$45 75-min.lesson--$70
All-Summer Special: 9 lessons for the price of 8.
(Download PDF)
April 2012
Bravo to the 30 Superior students who prepared for and participated in the Greater Newcastle Federation Festival. Judges wrote glowing evaluations for the many well-prepared students, and there was a buzz at the judge’s luncheon about our students’ musicality, excellent hand position and gestures, and preparation. Concerto students beamed with the satisfaction of an extra big accomplishment, which the judges affirmed enthusiastically! Bravo to our 3 concerto, 4 duet, 7 solo students who each received a special Superior Plus ribbon, showing that both judges felt the performance was over the top of Superior! Bravo to our 3 students who scored 100% on the theory test, so also received Superior Plus ribbons, bringing our studio total to 17 Superior Plus Ribbons!
Bravo to the 21 students at the WSMTA Adjudications on March 8, who prepared well, performed much wonderful music, and worked responsively with our adjudicator, Professor Sandra Mauchley. Bravo to Ruthie Dickinson and Linda Gelzer, who were chosen to represent our studio in the March 25 EMTA Honors Recital, and who played beautifully at that very impressive gathering.
Bravo to Ryan Gelzer, who won Second Place for the Senior division in the GMCC Piano Competition on March 3!
Spring Break will be April 9-13, so no lessons for a well-deserved vacation for all.
Fall Registration packets will be out soon after the break and due back by May 12. There are families moving and two students headed off to college, so there may be openings. I do have a waiting list, but my current families have first priority, of course. I suspect that my open times will mostly be during the school day, but we’ll see. I hope to have the Fall Schedule first draft out by early June, so you can get the group, recital, and other dates onto your calendar and know how to plan..
June 2 Recitals will be at 2 and 4 pm at Prosser’s in Tukwila. A sign-up sheet for these recitals will be on the studio table next week. Feel free to email your request.
Group Lesson Information: There are only two group weeks left in the term: April 30- May 3, and May 4-8 (right before the June 2 recitals).
Piano Explorer Magazines are optional this spring, so students may read and do the activities in them for bonus points, but we will not be addressing them at the groups. Students should bring to group each month:Theory book(s) (groups 1 & up)
The music they will be playing.
(Download PDF)
Fall Registration
New Students: Now is the time to discuss starting a sibling in piano, as I give priority to my present families. After May 18, I will begin interviewing the perspective students on my waiting list, and usually my fall schedule is full and set by early-June. Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program: Talk with me now to explore whether entering this program next year would be beneficial to your child.
Registration Forms: Due with $40 enrollment fee by May 15 to hold a place in fall schedule
Priority Scheduling: Current students have first option on keeping their present lesson time for fall, as long as I receive your enrollment by May 18, with that preference noted.
Studio Policy and Tuition Policy 2012-13 are attached
Tuition Increase: Please note the tuition increase. My costs have increased with the various programs offered, such as the Technique Challenge, Cold Cash System, etc., and my small cost-of-living increases every year or two have not provided an actual “raise” in nearly a decade. With that said, if this tuition increase is a hardship for your family, please talk with me.
Registration Form: Be sure to note your child’s school and its hours, as well as any other conflicts which need to be considered as I plan the group lessons. Scheduling groups is a huge complicated puzzle, so clarity in availability is vital. On the registration form, parent and child both sign that they understand and agree to the Studio Policy. I revamped the Studio and Tuition Policy this year, so please take time to read thoroughly and discuss it with your student(s)!
Summer Music: Summer lessons increase student progress. More opportunity for fun music and duets… Great time to jump-start beginners…Duet partners may enjoy shared 30-minute lessons for duet fun all summer.
Private lessons: offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August.
Sign Up: For the weeks you are available, but a minimum of 4 lessons total are required to make it worthwhile. Note the “All-Summer Special.” Signup sheet is on studio table.
Individual summer lesson fees: 30 min. lesson--$32 60-min.lesson--$58 45-min. lesson--$45 75-min.lesson--$70
All-Summer Special: 9 lessons for the price of 8.
(Download PDF)
April 2012
Bravo to the 30 Superior students who prepared for and participated in the Greater Newcastle Federation Festival. Judges wrote glowing evaluations for the many well-prepared students, and there was a buzz at the judge’s luncheon about our students’ musicality, excellent hand position and gestures, and preparation. Concerto students beamed with the satisfaction of an extra big accomplishment, which the judges affirmed enthusiastically! Bravo to our 3 concerto, 4 duet, 7 solo students who each received a special Superior Plus ribbon, showing that both judges felt the performance was over the top of Superior! Bravo to our 3 students who scored 100% on the theory test, so also received Superior Plus ribbons, bringing our studio total to 17 Superior Plus Ribbons!
Bravo to the 21 students at the WSMTA Adjudications on March 8, who prepared well, performed much wonderful music, and worked responsively with our adjudicator, Professor Sandra Mauchley. Bravo to Ruthie Dickinson and Linda Gelzer, who were chosen to represent our studio in the March 25 EMTA Honors Recital, and who played beautifully at that very impressive gathering.
Bravo to Ryan Gelzer, who won Second Place for the Senior division in the GMCC Piano Competition on March 3!
Spring Break will be April 9-13, so no lessons for a well-deserved vacation for all.
Fall Registration packets will be out soon after the break and due back by May 12. There are families moving and two students headed off to college, so there may be openings. I do have a waiting list, but my current families have first priority, of course. I suspect that my open times will mostly be during the school day, but we’ll see. I hope to have the Fall Schedule first draft out by early June, so you can get the group, recital, and other dates onto your calendar and know how to plan..
June 2 Recitals will be at 2 and 4 pm at Prosser’s in Tukwila. A sign-up sheet for these recitals will be on the studio table next week. Feel free to email your request.
Group Lesson Information: There are only two group weeks left in the term: April 30- May 3, and May 4-8 (right before the June 2 recitals).
Piano Explorer Magazines are optional this spring, so students may read and do the activities in them for bonus points, but we will not be addressing them at the groups. Students should bring to group each month:
November 2011
In looking ahead and accessing my students’ best interests surrounding recitals, festival, and other events they prepare for through the year, I have decided that some changes needed to be made to this year’s Studio Calendar.
Knowing that most of you have written the dates of group weeks onto your family calendars and planned around those weeks, I apologize for the inconvenience of having to move a few of these. It seems necessary to me, however, for the best of each student. I have updated the Studio Schedule and printed a copy for each family. For your convenience, I am also listing the changes here for your reference.
Current Updated Calendar (Old Calendar)
Dec. 5-9 Group Lessons (Dec. 19-22 Groups)
Dec. 19 AP Theory WorkParty (Dec. 5 AP Theory WP)
Jan. 23-27 Group Lessons (Jan.30-Fb.2 Groups)
March 5-10 WSMTA Adjudications (March 8-10 Adj)
March 12-15 Group Lessons (March 5-9 Groups)
May 5 Helen Crowe Snelling Competition (not listed )
May 28-31 Group lessons (not listed)
All AP Theory Work-Parties 3:15-4:45 (3:15-5:00)
Group Lesson Information: Last month, this information was in the News and Notes, yet nearly 25% of the students came to group without their necessary materials! I plan activities using each of the following materials, so students who come empty-handed, or without one or more of these, miss out on full participation in their group lesson.
Students should bring to group each month:
Knowing that most of you have written the dates of group weeks onto your family calendars and planned around those weeks, I apologize for the inconvenience of having to move a few of these. It seems necessary to me, however, for the best of each student. I have updated the Studio Schedule and printed a copy for each family. For your convenience, I am also listing the changes here for your reference.
Current Updated Calendar (Old Calendar)
Dec. 5-9 Group Lessons (Dec. 19-22 Groups)
Dec. 19 AP Theory WorkParty (Dec. 5 AP Theory WP)
Jan. 23-27 Group Lessons (Jan.30-Fb.2 Groups)
March 5-10 WSMTA Adjudications (March 8-10 Adj)
March 12-15 Group Lessons (March 5-9 Groups)
May 5 Helen Crowe Snelling Competition (not listed )
May 28-31 Group lessons (not listed)
All AP Theory Work-Parties 3:15-4:45 (3:15-5:00)
Group Lesson Information: Last month, this information was in the News and Notes, yet nearly 25% of the students came to group without their necessary materials! I plan activities using each of the following materials, so students who come empty-handed, or without one or more of these, miss out on full participation in their group lesson.
Students should bring to group each month:
- Magazine and study guide completed (groups 1 & up)
- Music For Life Notebook (groups 1 & up)
- Theory book(s) (groups 1 & up)
- The music they will be playing. (This is listed in their assignment notebook in the previous lesson notes. Look down in the “Group Lesson” section to see which piece(s) they will be playing.)
October 2011
Last month some new or improved programs were introduced which need further explanation now that students are involved in them.
“Circle the Wagons” reminds students to circle back and play through a few of their memorized pieces each day to both protect their hard work from being forgotten, and to continue building their familiarity with those pieces. Students have begun making this a routine part of their practice, with the rewarding results of having a group of polished pieces which they can play anytime, anywhere. Encourage your student when you hear an “old friend” being played. Knowing that you appreciate hearing these pieces is motivating both to continue holding on to them, as well as to work hard toward adding more polished pieces to their repertoire.
Computer: Most students have restarted their musiclearningcommunity.com program. This is now required for at least 20 minutes each week for students in KITS level 3 and lower, or in the Ultimate Music Theory Prep or Basic levels, and may be done in my studio and/or at home. Students should have a tabbed turquoise chart in their practice notebook listing all the games, student level, username, and password. I mark the assigned game(s) each week with a date, and students are to bring a printout of that week’s scores to lesson each week. The assignment will reinforce theory and listening concepts addressed at the student’s lesson, giving a fun way to continue that learning.
Piano Explorer Magazine: All students in groups 1 and up have received their Magazine and its required Study Guide to help them prepare for the quiz game at group next week. The excellent educational value of reading this undergirds their music studies with history, technique, theory, and composition articles. This assignment will be rewarded with points for their quiz team, as well as preparing students to be winners each month. Please check to be sure your student is working a bit on this each day. Some are using this as a bedtime parent-child reading activity. Great idea!
Groups Next Week: October 31-November 4 is group week. I plan activities using each of the following materials, so students who come empty-handed, or without one or more of these, are having to sit out on part of their group lesson. Students should bring to group each month:
• Magazine and study guide (groups 1 & up)
• Music For Life Notebook
• Theory book(s)
• The music they will be playing.
(Download PDF)
“Circle the Wagons” reminds students to circle back and play through a few of their memorized pieces each day to both protect their hard work from being forgotten, and to continue building their familiarity with those pieces. Students have begun making this a routine part of their practice, with the rewarding results of having a group of polished pieces which they can play anytime, anywhere. Encourage your student when you hear an “old friend” being played. Knowing that you appreciate hearing these pieces is motivating both to continue holding on to them, as well as to work hard toward adding more polished pieces to their repertoire.
Computer: Most students have restarted their musiclearningcommunity.com program. This is now required for at least 20 minutes each week for students in KITS level 3 and lower, or in the Ultimate Music Theory Prep or Basic levels, and may be done in my studio and/or at home. Students should have a tabbed turquoise chart in their practice notebook listing all the games, student level, username, and password. I mark the assigned game(s) each week with a date, and students are to bring a printout of that week’s scores to lesson each week. The assignment will reinforce theory and listening concepts addressed at the student’s lesson, giving a fun way to continue that learning.
Piano Explorer Magazine: All students in groups 1 and up have received their Magazine and its required Study Guide to help them prepare for the quiz game at group next week. The excellent educational value of reading this undergirds their music studies with history, technique, theory, and composition articles. This assignment will be rewarded with points for their quiz team, as well as preparing students to be winners each month. Please check to be sure your student is working a bit on this each day. Some are using this as a bedtime parent-child reading activity. Great idea!
Groups Next Week: October 31-November 4 is group week. I plan activities using each of the following materials, so students who come empty-handed, or without one or more of these, are having to sit out on part of their group lesson. Students should bring to group each month:
• Magazine and study guide (groups 1 & up)
• Music For Life Notebook
• Theory book(s)
• The music they will be playing.
(Download PDF)
September 2011
Every year I work to find ways to help our students more successfully become musicians, and this year is no exception. Here are some changes for this year:
Circle the Wagons: Early American pioneers circled their wagons each evening to provide protection and opportunities to know each other better. Likewise, my students are asked to "Circle the Wagons" each practice day by playing already memorized pieces as a means of protecting and continuing the work they have done, remaining familiar with those pieces as they become better "friends", and maintaining a body of work at their fingertips which may be played anytime, anywhere they come upon a piano. This may be at the beginning of a practice session (appetizer), at the end (dessert), or between practices (snacks), but at least 3 pieces from their list should be played each day in addition to their assigned practice. Rotating through the list through the week will help maintain familiarity with all.
Computer: Last fall I subscribed to musiclearningcommunity.com, a web-based playground of music learning activities and games to enhance elementary and lower intermediate students' musical progress. This year computer work will be required rather than optional. A minimum of 20 minutes per week of an assigned game or two will be required for students through Level 3 KITS theory, or Basic Rudiments theory, with a printout of that week's scores to be brought to lesson each week. It may be done in my studio before or after their lesson, or at home, but it is a required part of my program for their growth as musicians.
Piano Explorer Magazine: Students in ALL group lessons (except P and PP) are required to read their Piano Explorer Magazine each month. There will be a Baseball-themed quiz game at each group lesson this year covering the material in that month's magazine. Magazines will be distributed a few weeks before the group week, giving students ample time to give it a thorough reading.
Video Progress Week: I'm excited to announce that starting soon, (probably the week before group lessons), we will video each student's progress on one to three major pieces. Seeing their progress each month will be encouraging, as well as enlightening to see what more could be improved. More information ahead. (Download PDF)
Circle the Wagons: Early American pioneers circled their wagons each evening to provide protection and opportunities to know each other better. Likewise, my students are asked to "Circle the Wagons" each practice day by playing already memorized pieces as a means of protecting and continuing the work they have done, remaining familiar with those pieces as they become better "friends", and maintaining a body of work at their fingertips which may be played anytime, anywhere they come upon a piano. This may be at the beginning of a practice session (appetizer), at the end (dessert), or between practices (snacks), but at least 3 pieces from their list should be played each day in addition to their assigned practice. Rotating through the list through the week will help maintain familiarity with all.
Computer: Last fall I subscribed to musiclearningcommunity.com, a web-based playground of music learning activities and games to enhance elementary and lower intermediate students' musical progress. This year computer work will be required rather than optional. A minimum of 20 minutes per week of an assigned game or two will be required for students through Level 3 KITS theory, or Basic Rudiments theory, with a printout of that week's scores to be brought to lesson each week. It may be done in my studio before or after their lesson, or at home, but it is a required part of my program for their growth as musicians.
Piano Explorer Magazine: Students in ALL group lessons (except P and PP) are required to read their Piano Explorer Magazine each month. There will be a Baseball-themed quiz game at each group lesson this year covering the material in that month's magazine. Magazines will be distributed a few weeks before the group week, giving students ample time to give it a thorough reading.
Video Progress Week: I'm excited to announce that starting soon, (probably the week before group lessons), we will video each student's progress on one to three major pieces. Seeing their progress each month will be encouraging, as well as enlightening to see what more could be improved. More information ahead. (Download PDF)
August 2011
The Surprise Recital on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 3-4:30 p.m. is a students-only recital. All students, new and old, are expected to attend, but only continuing students will play. Remember that we will be having ice cream sundaes in the backyard, so students should dress for chocolate sauce. Can’t wait to hear the surprise students have been preparing for me!
Group lessons are often scheduled on the FIRST week of the month. It does vary, and is not every month, so mark onto your family’s calendar each of the 7 “Group Weeks” through the year.
AP Theory Parties are for students enrolled in the Carnegie Hall-Royal Conservatory Achievement Program. Students in AP Grade 3 and up will have a monthly “Theory Work Party,” with a $10 monthly fee added to tuition, as stated in the studio policy.
Scholarship Concert: Mark your calendar for Friday, October 28, for an outstanding concert with Dr. Hans Boepple, a fabulous concert pianist coming to Bellevue. These annual concerts have the two-fold purpose of bringing a world class concert experience for families at a very affordable price and raising scholarship funds for Eastside music students. I strongly encourage you to make this event a priority, as live, high-caliber concerts stretch children’s imaginations and inspire their musical endeavors.
The Holiday Recitals will be Sunday, December 11, at 1 and 3 pm at Prossers Pianos, Tukwilla.
Studio breaks may not coincide with schools’ calendars. I am taking a week off Feb.7-10 to fly to North Carolina to help our son and daughter-in-law after the birth of our first grandbaby. To compensate, the week of December 19-22 will be a group week. Extra lessons are built into my annual schedule to give wiggle room for us all. (See studio policy for more info.)
Spring Recitals are scheduled for Saturday, June 2 at 2 & 4 pm, also at Prossers.
Website: Our younger son, Brian, is rebuilding an updated website for our studio. Will let you know when it is up and current.
Looking forward to another year of growing and music-making together! (Download PDF)