All posts in “August Newsletter – Vivaldi Music Academy”

August Newsletter – Back To School Edition

Back to School – August Newsletter

We’re celebrating Vivaldi Music Academy’s 4th birthday!

The Academy opened its doors to the first music lessons on August 7th, 2013. Thank you to all of our Vivaldi students, families, faculty and staff for joining us on this incredible musical journey and for dreaming big with us!

Vivaldi Music Academy 4th Birthday

Vivaldi Strings performs with The Piano Guys

Vivaldi strings students have been invited to perform with the renowned group the Piano Guys for the last two years. And we’ll be joining them on-stage again at the Revention Music Center on August 25th. Our strings students are working hard in rehearsals leading up to the concert!

The Piano Guys Banner
The Piano Guys Rehearsal
Houston Mom's Blog - Vivaldi Music Academy

We’re so excited to partner with Houston Moms Blog! This awesome article highlights our collaboration on back-to-school activities and ideas!

Back to School Ads - Vivaldi Music Academy

Enroll by Friday, August 18th and receive our BACK-TO-SCHOOL OFFER – FREE REGISTRATION (up to a $45 value)! Vivaldi Music Academy offers private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, drums and more along with group classes in strings, guitar, choir and early childhood music development. Spots are going fast – call us at West University 713-858-9617 and Bellaire 832-404-2299 to ENROLL TODAY! www.vivaldimusicacademy.com

Vivaldi Seasons - August Theme

Being BOLD! We're so excited to be a finalist for the 2017 BOLD Awards for Greatest Business Growth! #vivaldimusicacademy #BOLD

Mindbody Logo - Bold
Mindbody Logo
Zeljko and Alex Pavlovic


Check out this awesome article about our director, Zeljko Pavlovic in Voyage Houston Magazine! Learn all about Zeljko's journey, the founding of Vivaldi Music Academy, and what it means to dream big!

Lessons-Houston

The back to school season can be hectic. Sometimes simply getting back into the swing of things takes some preparation. Here are some easy tips to ease the transition!

Lock down your schedule

Most kids respond well to consistent schedules, so use a calendar to ensure everyone know what activities are expected each day. This includes both lessons and practice times! Also consider including a rewards system that will help make the connection from consistent practicing and hard work to beautiful musical results.

Set realistic expectations for practicing

Make sure everyone is on the same page! Younger children may need shorter practice times compared to older children. Also, if your child is overtired from school and other activities, try to reschedule a time when they are well-rested and enthusiastic for learning music.

Stay organized

Come to music lessons with all the essentials! If your child is especially forgetful, consider creating a checklist and posting it on the door.

Befriend your child’s music teacher

You are more than welcome to sit in on at least the first few lessons, which will help ease anxiety and also allows you to get a feel for their teaching style. Communication is key for everyone!

Don’t forget the practice journal

A practice journal can be an incredibly valuable tool, when both student and teacher are using it effectively. Sit down with your child and review the journal each week.

Upcoming events

August 25th: Vivaldi Strings performs with the Piano Guys at Revention Music Center

September 7th: Vivaldi Seasons Program presents Preschool Playhouse at Chick-Fil-A, Holcombe and Buffalo Speedway

September 12th: Vivaldi Music Academy hosts Musical Storytime at Barnes and Nobles

July Newsletter 2017 | Kennedy Center Edition

Congratulations to all of our students for their amazing performances at the The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC this past month! It was so exciting for our students, faculty and Vivaldi families to experience a recital in our nation’s capital.

To learn more about Vivaldi Music Academy’s debut at the Kennedy Center, follow our hashtag #vivaldigoestoKennedyCenter on social media. Stay tuned for our next musical adventure in 2018!

The Kennedy Center Logo
Director Zeljko Pavlovic - Vivaldi Music Academy
Alex Pavlovic at The Kennedy Center
Voice student at the Kennedy Center
Vivaldi Music Academy debuts at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Vivaldi Music Academy Voice student at the Kennedy Center
Giri and Uma Peters perform in Washington D.C.
Violin student takes the stage in Washington D.C.
Vivaldi Music Academy performs at Vivaldi Music Academy
Vivaldi Music Academy debuts at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

#VivaldiGoesToKennedyCenter

Musical Ladder System - Student Achievement Program

Don't forget - the next Musical Ladder assessment will be held
Sunday, July 23rd - Saturday, July 29th

NEXT ASSESSMENT WEEKS
Sun, Aug 27th - Sat. Sept 2nd
Sun, Sept 24th - Sat. Sept 30th
Sun, Oct 29th - Sat. Nov 4th
Mon, Nov 27th - Sun Dec 3rd

Musical Ladder Piano student

Join us at Chick-Fil-A for our preschool playhouse event!
Our wonderful Vivaldi Seasons teacher, Miss Sharon, will share a
sneak peak into our music program for young children -Vivaldi Seasons.

Vivaldi Seasons and Chick-fila

REFFERAL REWARDS

Refer a friend and receive a FREE lesson! Or refer a friend for Vivaldi Seasons, receive $10 off! And your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION (up to $45 value)

Our summer recitals here in Houston were a huge success! Congratulations to everyone for their hard work and fabulous performances at Houston Baptist University’s Belin Chapel. We’re looking forward to our Winter Recitals December 2017 at Rice University!

Summer Recital for Vivaldi Music Academy students
Violin Lessons in Houston

We’re so proud of Alexa C. on her acceptance into the Houston Youth Symphony! Alexa is always working hard to achieve her musical goals with her teacher, Ms. Courtney, and is also an active violinist for the American Festival of the Arts (AFA).

We hope everyone had a safe and happy July 4th holiday!

4th of July - VMA

Mark Your Calendars!

Preschool Playhouse - Chick-fil-a, Buffalo Speedway/Holcombe
Thursday, July 13th at 9:30am

Musical Ladder Testing
Sunday, July 23rd - Saturday, July 29th

Vivalid Strings performs with The Piano Guys
Friday, August 25th - Details coming soon!

John F. Kennedy Center Debut 2017 | June Newsletter

VMA-Logo-White

June Newsletter | 2017

Vivaldi Music Academy is pleased to announce our students’ summer debut at the prestigious John F Kennedy Center for thePerforming Arts’ Family Theater.

We can’t wait to perform in our nation’s capital!Follow us on social media
#vivaldigoestoKennedyCenter

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The Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision for the performing arts. Each year, the institution that bears President Kennedy's name brings his dream to fruition, touching the lives of millions of people through thousands of performances by the greatest artists from across America and around the world.
The new 324-seat Family Theater provides a new home for world-class performances for the nation's youth. "This new venue" said Michael Kaiser, former Kennedy Center President, "expands the Kennedy Center's ability to produce and present excellent works for young people."

REACH FOR THE STARS

With amazing teachers, Vivaldi studentsare gearing up for the next Musical Ladder tests and are sure to shine!

Vivaldi Music Academy Musical Ladder Students

NEXT MUSICAL LADDER
ASSESSMENT WEEKS

Sat June 24th - Fri. June 30th
Sun, July 23rd - Sat. July 29th
Sun, Aug 27th - Sat. Sept 2nd
Sun, Sept 24th - Sat. Sept 30th
Sun, Oct 29th - Sat. Nov 4th
Mon, Nov 27th - Sun Dec 3rd

Vivaldi Music Academy offers music lessons during the summer

Don’t miss out on a musical summer – spots are going fast and we’d love for you to join us at Vivaldi Music Academy! Call us today at West University 713-858-9617 or Bellaire 832-404-2299 and sign up today!

VOTE FOR US

Vivaldi Music Academy - Top ranked place for Music Lessons

Vivaldi Music Academy has been nominated by Kids Out and About for the top 20 places to take kids in Houston! 
We need your help to vote for us by June 15th! Vote for Vivaldi Music Academy under the "Favorite Arts Education Facility": http://houston.kidsoutan-about.com/voteHouston

Vivaldi Music Academy Summer Recital Banner

Congratulations on achieving a major milestone in your musical development! Participation in recitals boosts confidence, provides goals, and builds new skills for students!

June 3rd, June 10th, and June 17th
Please let us know if you have any questions prior to your recital day. We look forward to your performance in June!
Happy Practicing!

Houston Baptist University-Morris Cultural Arts Center Belin Chapel
7502 Fondren Rd. Houston, Texas 77074

Outside of Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University - Summer Recital

REFERRAL REWARDS

Refer a friend & receive a FREE lesson! Or refer a friend for Vivaldi Seasons, receive $10 off! and your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION (up to $45 value).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday June 3rd, Saturday June 10th and Saturday June 17th: Summer Recitals, HBU

Friday June 23rd 7:30 pm: Vivaldi Music Academy debuts at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington DC

Upcoming Musical Ladder Testing
Sat June 24th - Fri. June 30th

Independence Day Holiday
Saturday, July 1st, 2017 - Tuesday, July 4th, 2017
Classes and lessons will resume Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

May News

Cello Lessons at Vivaldi Music Academy

VIVALDI MUSIC ACADEMY GOES TO THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER!

Houston's Premier Music School goes to Washington D.C. to perform at the Kennedy Center

Vivaldi Music Academy is pleased to announce our students’ summer debut at the prestigious John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Family Theater. The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation’s busiest arts facility. We can’t wait to perform in our nation’s capital! Follow us on social media #vivaldigoestoKennedyCenter

Don’t miss out on our amazing private and group music classes for the summer!

Fun and Motivating
Summer is the perfect time to break from the routine and learn music

Greater Focus
Without the worries of homework and other school-time activities, you can devote time and attention to music. Better focus leads to better practice!

Time for Something New
Summer is the best time to try out a new instrument or two!

No Backtracking
Stay ahead of the game and keep making progress through the summer!

Vivaldi Music Academy offers music lessons during the summer
Vivaldi Music Academy Summer Recital Banner

It’s Summer Recital Time!
Houston Baptist University – Belin Chapel

There are many benefits for participating in a recital including:

1)   Giving students something to work towards (motivation to practice!)
2)   Performance experience
3)   Inspiration from watching more advanced performers
4)   A feeling of pride and accomplishment

We are looking forward to seeing our students showcase their musical talents at the Summer Recitals on June 3rd, June 10th and June 17th. An email with recital FAQs and sign up link was emailed to all students on May 3rd – please be sure to read through the information thoroughly to ensure a smooth recital day experience. If you have any questions, please let us know and we’ll be happy to help you!

DON’T FORGET – THE ACADEMY WILL BE CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY MAY 29th!

We know many of you have summer plans and we hope you have tons of cool adventures! Since Vivaldi Music Academy is open year-round, it’s a good idea to start thinking about summer now!

Q. “How do lessons work in the summer?”
A. Vivaldi Music Academy is open year-round, and we do not close in the summer.

Q. “Will there be space available in the fall?”
A. We actually grow in enrollment during the summer months! Some students withdraw, but we are getting a huge influx of new students for the summer and majority continue into the fall.

Q. “How full is the Academy?”
A. As of today, we have 1400 students between our two locations and we are at capacity between the hours of 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. These are prime-time spots!

Q. “If I withdraw for the summer, can I keep my spot for the fall?”
A. Lessons are first come, first serve so if students withdraw for the summer, we cannot guarantee that you will have a spot in the fall, as we will open the spot to new students.

The big questions for all parents and
students to consider are:

Do you want lessons with your teacher in the same time slot for the fall?
Do you want to keep your Musical Ladder System level for the fall?
If the answers are YES, there are TWO WAYS to keep your spot – please talk to the front desk so we can help you!

Vivaldi Music Academy faculty

Music educators are real life superheroes. They educate, innovate, encourage and support. Every day they touch the lives of children and their impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the music lesson room. Tell us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about your favorite music teacher at Vivaldi Music Academy!

Vivaldi Music Academy students perform at Houston Baptist University

Congratulations to our students for their amazing performances at the First Annual Young Musician’s Showcase! We are so proud of you!

HBU - Young Musician's Showcase students take the stage

Allison Lee

Austin Longoria

Bowen Ma

Chanya Metheprayoon

Eran Straub

Esther Li

Ian Dessauer

Irene Chen

Julia Nguyen

Julian Weaver

Nicholas Wong

Henry Li

Nikhil Erabelli

Reva Sinha

Mark your calendars

Wednesday May 3rd 9 am
Sign-up genius email for Summer Recital
Sign-Up closes 8 pm May 17th

Monday May 29th: Memorial Day
Vivaldi Music Academy CLOSED

Saturday June 3rd, Saturday June 10th and Saturday June 17th:
Summer Recitals, HBU

Friday June 23rd 7:30 pm:
Vivaldi Music Academy debuts at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington DC

Referral Rewards

Refer a friend and receive a FREE lesson! Or refer a friend for Vivaldi Seasons, receive $10 off! And your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION (up to $45 value)

Vivaldi Strings - Group Violin Class

DON’T FORGET – THE ACADEMY WILL BE CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY MAY 29th!

August Newsletter – Back to School Edition

Vivaldi Students' Summer Adventures

Venice, Italy | Vivaldi Music Academy Summer 2016 | Piano and Violin

Our students and faculty travelled to Venice, Italy for a recital of a lifetime at the Santa Maria della Pieta also known as Vivaldi’s Church!

Our West U and Bellaire locations are reaching capacity fast! Stay ahead of the game and book your back-to-school lesson times before all the popular after school times are gone!

WEST U
713-858-9617

BELLAIRE
832-404-2299

Stay tuned for the October announcement of where Vivaldi Music Academy goes next summer!

Check out how some of our students also spent their summer vacations:

Summer Adventures

A cultural experience as Arianna and Sebastian attend the Vienna State Opera!

Fun Summer | Vivaldi Students

Keeping cool in the Texas heat, Anisa and Reva spent time with their family!

Max Summer Adventure

Max had a blast at Legoland!

Simran – Vivaldi Student

Simran is all smiles in the San Diego sun!

Franciska-Vivaldi Student

Franciska was in California! She was excited to meet Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland!

NEW Sunday Classes for Seasons! Check out our new website for our early childhood music classes.

Seasons-Hero-VMA

To accommodate our youngest students, new Sunday classes are being added to the schedule in August. Check out our brand new Seasons website
www.thevivaldiseasons.com
and sign up for a FREE PREVIEW!

#VivaldiKids

Back to School Tips for your Child's Music Education

the back to school season can be hectic! Sometimes simply getting back into the swing of things takes some preparation. Here are some easy tips to ease the transition:

Lock down your schedule
Most kids respond well to consistent schedules, so use a calendar to ensure everyone knows what activities are expected each day. This includes both lessons and practice times! Also, consider including a reward system to help make the connection to consistent practicing and hard work.

Set expectations for practicing
Make sure everyone is on the same page!

Stay organized
Come to music lessons with all the essentials! If your child is especially forgetful, consider creating a checklist and posting it on the door.

Befriend your child’s music teacher
Our teachers encourage parents to sit in on at least the few lessons, which will help ease the anxiety and also allows you to get a feel for their teaching style. Communication is key, for everyone involved!

Don’t forget the practice journal
A practice journal can be an incredibly valuable tool, when both student and teacher are using it effectively. Sit down with your child and review the journal each week.

Referral Rewards – VMA

Congratulations to our faculty members on their recent promotions!

Matthew Gutwald (Director of Piano Pedagogy) and Sam Perez (Director of Guitar Studies) share their philosophies on music education and why they enjoy teaching at Vivaldi Music Academy.

Matthew Gutwald
DIRECTOR OF PIANO PEDAGOGY

On the first day of school, my 3rd grade teacher would play piano for our class to wake us up. I remember getting home from school that same and telling my parents that I wanted to learn how to play the piano. My grandparents gifted me the family piano, and I have not stopped playing since. Lessons and practice have taken me so many places I never thought I would get to experience. When I was given the privilege to perform at Carnegie Hall, I had truly achieved my dreams.

I absolutely love teaching piano because it is such a versatile instrument. Students are able to explore, experiment, create, and imagine infinite styles, sounds, and melodies. My philosophy for teaching piano is to build strong, well rounded fundamentals and habits that can be used universally for any genre of music that interest the students. Being trained as a classical pianist, I strive to expose my students and their families to music that they may not have heard, ranging from Bach to Prokofiev. My favorite thing about this job is the fact that every lesson is different. I get to be outrageous and make people laugh while they learn, build rapport, and see people grow and progress into artistic musicians.

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Sam Perez
DIRECTOR OF GUITAR STUDIES

My relationship with guitar began with my wonderful parents. When I was 8 years old my parents surprised me with a guitar from a Sears catalog. From that day on, my life has been an amazing adventure taking me to places I never thought possible. My perspective as a teacher is that the guitar is a very unique instrument, it is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Playing the guitar teaches children to think differently. I enjoy teaching kids to play the “classical” way because there are many developmental benefits. While harvesting fine motor skills, my students have learned to play anything from Taylor Swift to Bach. I emphasize sustainable playing by teaching students and parents that having healthy habits in our musical education will positively influence the rest of our lives. My favorite thing about my job is seeing people young and old grow in confidence as their skills develop on a weekly basis.

REFER A FRIEND

Refer a friend & receive a FREE LESSON! Or refer a friend for Vivaldi Seasons and receive $10 off and your friend will receive a FREE REGISTRATION (up to $45 value)

Vivaldi Seasons – Han

Our Vivaldi family is growing!
Welcome to our new staff and a new baby!

Amanda Rodriguez

I am so incredibly happy to join the Vivaldi Team! I’m excited to be around such talented individuals!
– Amanda

Gina Val Verde

I’m excited to join such a talented and creative staff, it’s great to be surrounded by like-minded people!
– Gina

April-Cantu

I’m so happy to be a part of the Vivaldi team and looking forward to meeting everyone! Let’s rock N’ roll!
– April

Colin and Family

Congratulations to our wonderful piano/guitar teacher, Dr. Colin Davis and his wife, Jenny, on their little bundle of joy, Adeline!

Causely – VMA

This August, you can help build a school for children in developing nations by checkin gin on Facebook at Vivaldi Music Academy! We’ve partnered with Causely and buildOn to help fight poverty  by providing access to education. Remember to add #bricks4schools when you check-in! For more information about this month’s charity, visit buildon.org For every check-in the Academy donates a portion to this month’s charity.

Roco Partnership

Vivaldi Music Academy is happy to announce our partnership with the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra

Upcoming Events

Winter Recitals – Rice University
Dec 11th and Dec 17th (2016) & Jan 8th and Jan 14th (2017)

Faculty Recital – Houston Baptist University
January 28th, 2017