All posts in “Music Teachers”

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!

January News and Updates

WISHING YOU A MUSICAL 2017 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bellaire Grand Opening – Vivaldi Music Academy

We are celebrating our one-year birthday at our Bellaire location that opened on January 13th 2016! How time flies and we are grateful to our Vivaldi family with over 1200 students enrolled for music lessons between our two locations. An exciting 2017 is on the horizon with our John F Kennedy Center debut in Washington D.C., faculty concert at Houston Baptist University, and our first annual Student Showcase in April. Stay tuned for more!

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REGISTRATION BEGINS 9 AM SATURDAY JANUARY 21st

Vivaldi Music Academy performs at the Family Theater, the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday June 23rd 2017. Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at this prestigious venue in the nation’s capital.  Registration begins 9 am Saturday January 21st by phone, email or in person at both of our locations on a first-come first-serve basis. We hope to see you there!

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Join us for an evening of musical adventures with our talented faculty as they perform at Houston Baptist University’s Belin Chapel on Saturday January 28th. Starting at 7 pm the concert is sure to provide inspiration for students and admiration for the amazing faculty who bring music education to the forefront of our community. Admission is free, open to the public and all ages are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!

WINTER RECITALS AT SHEPHERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC, RICE UNIVERSITY

We are looking forward to seeing our students perform on Sunday January 8th and Saturday January 14th. Please be sure to double check your recital time, date and directions for parking. Also, allow yourself plenty of time for parking and reaching the hall. Please let us know if you have an questions PRIOR to your recital day. Good luck!

Ring in the new year with music lessons at Houston’s premier music academy!

Celebrate 2017 with music lessons at Vivaldi – an educational benefit for growing and developing minds, as a hobby for an instrument you wish to regain, or as a new challenge this coming year. Set your goals today by calling us at West U (713-858-9617) or Bellaire (832-404-2299)!

Musical Ladder System offered at Vivaldi Music Academy

Vivaldi Music Academy is proud to announce the Musical Ladder System for student lesson engagement and progress. Developed by Director Zeljko Pavlovic’s colleague, music academy owner Mr. Marty Fort and used by music schools throughout the United States and Canada, the Music Ladder System will help you keep track of your child’s progress through a rewards program that kids will love. You will also be able to keep track of your lesson notes in our new practice journal available for purchase. Please talk to your teachers or the front desk so you can get started!

Vivaldi Music Academy’s Practice Journals

Introducing Vivaldi Music Academy’s NEW Practice Journals for students to keep track of lesson notes! The journal can be purchased at either location – talk to the front desk to get your practice journal!

iPhone 7 for Vivaldi Music Academy Contest

WINNER OF THE iPHONE 7
REFERRAL CONTEST TO BE
ANNOUNCED
JANUARY 15th!

REFERRAL
REWARDS

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

December News & Updates

Vivaldi Music Academy Goes to the Family Theater at the Kennedy Center

We are pleased to announce our summer debut at the prestigious John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Family Theater on Friday June 23rd, 2017. Registration will begin Saturday January 21st at 9 am. Please see  https://www.vivaldimusicacademy.com/kennedy-center-2017/ for more details on how to register!

Introducing the Musical Ladder System

Vivaldi Music Academy is proud to introduce the Musical Ladder System for student lesson engagement and progress. Developed by Director Zeljko Pavlovic’s colleague, music academy owner Marty Fort and used by music schools throughout the US and Canada, the Musical Ladder System will help you keep track of your child’s progress through a rewards program that kids love. More details coming soon!

Musical Ladder System offered at Vivaldi Music Academy

REMINDER

Winter Recitals 2016-2017

We are looking forward to seeing everyone perform! Please be sure to double-check your recital time and date and directions for parking. Please allow yourself plenty of time for parking and reaching the hall.

WHEN IS THE RECITAL?  

Sunday December 11 2016
Saturday December 17 2016
Sunday January 8 2017
Saturday January 14 2017

WHERE IS IT?

Shepherd School of Music, Rice University
*Students must be enrolled in the Academy at the time of the recital in order to participate
Please let us know if you have any questions prior to your recital day*

WINTER RECESS

The Academy will be closed for the holidays Monday, December 19th-Sunday January 1st.  Classes and lessons will resume Monday January 2nd.

For current students only:

Please remember that lessons are billed on a 48-week year with 4 weeks of holidays built into the schedule.  You receive an average of 4 lessons per month. When you have 5 lessons in 5 week months, we do not charge you more and when you have less than 4 lessons we do not charge you less.  No make-ups are required for holiday closures.

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Upcoming Events

December Student Winter recitals:

Sunday December 11 2016
Saturday December 17 2016

Winter Recess

Monday, December 19th-Sunday January 1st.
Classes and lessons will resume Monday January 2
nd.

January Student Winter Recitals

Sunday January 8 2017
Saturday January 14 2017

Kennedy Center Registration

Saturday January 21st 9 am

Faculty Concert

Saturday January 28th 7 pm
Houston Baptist University

Student of the Month: Addison C.!

  1. What school do you currently attend?
    • Lovett Elementary, 5th Grade
  2. What do you like most about playing violin?
    • How much I have been able to improve in the last few years. I started a bit later than everyone else in my school since I began learning on a wind instrument before switching to violin. I was struggling to keep up at first but over the last couple of years I have made great strides and have been playing in the top orchestra at school.
  3. When did you start taking violin lessons?
    • I started in 2nd grade
  4. What advice do you have for those who would like to take violin lessons?
    • Listen to you instructors. They can teach you techniques and music pieces that will make you a top player.
  5. Tell us about auditioning for All City Orchestra.
    • I rode a bus to a different school. There was a judge behind a curtain so he or she could not see me or any of the students auditioning. We, of course, could not see the judge either. They did that so only the way we played would count. Nothing about how we looked or whether the judge knew one of us personally would come into play. They gave us three pieces to learn 10 days ahead of the audition. They were harder pieces than I usually play. I practiced a great deal for the 10 days I had.
    • There were students from all over HISD and even some homeschoolers auditioning. They gave us all codes so they would not use our name when calling us so the judge would not know the name of the person on the other side of the curtain. I played the songs I had practiced intensely for the last week and a half. The next week, I went to my after school practice like I do every week. My orchestra teacher had posted the list on the wall. I saw my name highlighted and my teacher made an announcement about all who made it into the All City Orchestra!
  6. When you found out you were selected, how did you feel?
    • I felt great for accomplishing something with all of that practice. It was hard to concentrate for after school practice that day because I was so happy. I cannot wait until spring when we start practicing as an All City Orchestra.
addison-c – Violin Student at Vivaldi Music Academy

Musical Journeys: Bonnie’s Path to Success

It’s never too late to start playing violin! Vivaldi Music Academy violin teacher, Bonnie Diggs, started her incredible musical journey around age 13 when her grandparents gifted her family with a violin. Most professional violinists begin at a much younger age however Bonnie’s curiosity and love for learning led her to a professional level in an incredible few years. At age 14 she taught herself the basics of how to play the violin and worked through the Essential Elements for Strings book on her own.

As she progressed, she realized private violin lessons would bring her playing abilities to the next level. After 6 months of lessons, her teacher suggested that she audition for the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra (GNOYO). Much to her surprise, she ended up in their top orchestra! Before she could take her place in GNOYO, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced Bonnie’s family to move to Florida.

In September of 2005, Bonnie received a letter from GNOYO informing her they were rebuilding the orchestra and invited her to rejoin them! She spent hours practicing every day and by December 2005, Bonnie had conquered multiple songs. After her first concert she was inspired to dedicate her time to mastering the violin. When the famous violinist Midori was not able to make it to a rehearsal Bonnie stepped in to play the soloist’s Mendelssohn violin concerto on short notice – an amazing feat! As she auditioned for three universities to continue her studies, Bonnie received a full scholarship to each university. Bonnie chose to attend Loyola University and for the first two years she was principal second violinist. She pushed herself to practice more until she became concertmistress!

Bonnie loves to mentor beginners as well as teen and adult students who pursue the violin as it reminds her of the age at which she started playing. She encourages her students to never shy away from performing. She believes music teaches students to build character, confidence, and self-esteem, and looks forward to being a part of your very own journey on the violin!

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Bonnie – Violin lessons