Students and Parents-

Thank you for your patience with me during this chaotic time. As you know, things are constantly changing. But I’m hoping to come up with a plan that is clear and works for everyone. We will adjust it as necessary, but for now please make sure you read through this entirely and understand your options for piano in the next several weeks J I understand that everyone is reacting to the coronavirus differently and adjusting to your personal needs for caution … and that is okay!

First of all, I had originally planned to be off of lessons March 24-31 to be out of town. I am no longer heading out of town, but will still be taking next week off (specifically to regroup after traveling so much this month, and to better strategize how lessons will continue – I want them – especially the online ones- to be as effective as possible!). This will change the dates I am off to be March 23-27. Please note – I will be back March 30 and 31^st.

So moving forward, there will be 3 options for approaching lessons. Everyone has extra time right now, and I am hoping that music can continue to be something that brings a sense of normalcy for us all!

1. You are welcome to come into the store. As long as we are able to be open, and you feel comfortable and safe coming in, I am willing to be here. My store hours will be changing. If you are willing to come in, I will be available for face-to-face lessons on Monday and Tuesday from 12-4. Please contact me to schedule a time that will work best for you J
2. For those who desire to stay at home at all times, I am willing to do online lessons. To begin with, we will start with Skype or Facetime – whichever is best available to you. Hours open for this will be Wednesday and Thursday from 12-4. Please contact me to schedule a time that will work best for you J
3. The final option is more flexible. You can feel free to send me videos of you playing, and in turn I will give feedback and help you know when to move on. I will also send worksheets and activities to be doing at home (everyone will be getting this… but especially those who choose option 3). Students will still be expected to keep up with their work and check in. This is the perfect time to be making progress!

Please be in contact as to which option you will be participating in! This will start the week of March 30^th. I am looking forward to the opportunities that will present us during this unique time.

On the other hand, as much as I adore my job, it is a job and not just a hobby.  I will be sending out invoices for the month of April (adjusted according to the traveling and confusion that already happened the beginning of March). Your willingness to continue to take lessons will help to provide something normal not only in your lives, but also in mine! I will also be prepared to adjust invoices each month based on how things run.

Finally, I want to be clear on expectations for both students and for myself.

For Students: Please continue to be practicing, checking in with me in some form to get feedback and new music, and participating in projects that will be coming down the road. Please also do your best to have a working printer … I will be emailing things specific to each student!

Please be flexible as to the changing news around us, and do what is best for you and your family!

For Me, Your Teacher: I will continue to be lesson planning (this is the part y’all typically don’t see, but a LOT of it happens), and much more so in the next week and a half. I am willing to do online lessons, and am hoping to do it as effectively as possible in order for everyone to benefit! I have begun test runs, and will be ready to go March 30^th J

I will make sure I am as available as possible, while still maintaining order for the sake of everyone’s sanity. We are all in this together!

I will NOT come into the store if I am at all sick … and I beg you to do the same! If it’s mild on my part, I will make online available to all.

And I will keep up with incoming information to make sure that our entire studio is doing what is necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy.

I will also be planning some special challenges and projects … so keep an eye out!

In the meantime …

We are going to have a “gotcha” challenge. Parents … I definitely desire that you are still involved in your child’s music education and help them by reminding them to practice. BUT, I also want the students to take some responsibility of their own!

Over the next several weeks, parents can send me a picture or video (or post it on our fb page) of their child practicing WITHOUT prompting. Some will be posted, but all will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card! The more times a student is caught practicing, the more entries they have.

Because all of these changes are in the coming days, please feel free to send me videos, ask for feedback, and keep communication open with me about your plans this week (especially those who did not attend lessons this week).

I look forward to the day when I can see you all in the studio again!

You guys are the best, and I am truly grateful for each one of you J

~McKenzie