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May Newsletter

Student Spring Recital

On Saturday, May 9th, we will be holding our Spring Student Recitals in Duncan Recital Hall, located inside Alice Pratt Brown Hall, at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music from 9 am-5 pm. We will be holding recitals starting on the hour every hour. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your performance time slot. Also please take into consideration campus traffic and parking considerations.

There will be paid parking ($1 for each 12 minutes, with an $11 daily maximum) available across from The Shepherd School of Music in West Lot 1 or anywhere in the North Lot; a credit card will be required to enter and exit the lot. The dress code for the event will be business casual. If you have any questions please contact the front desk either in person or by phone. We hope you are as excited as we are to see everyone perform! As always, happy practicing!

Faculty Recital | Saturday May 16th

Join us for a wonderful evening of music performances by Vivaldi Music Academy’s director Zeljko Pavlovic, faculty members, and special guests. The concert will be held at Houston Baptist University’s Belin Chapel 7502 Fodern Rd, Houston, Texas 77074 at 7:30pm on Saturday, May 16th

Help Donate for Nepal!

On April 25, 2015, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, claiming more than 2,200 lives — the exact toll is not yet known — and causing immense destruction in the capital city of Kathmandu and surrounding areas. At least 940,000 children are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance. Children in Nepal are in urgent need of your help — every dollar will be essential to helping the children who are suffering in this disaster. Vivaldi Music Academy will be collecting funds at the May 9th Student Spring Recital. 100% of collected funds will be donated directly to the Nepal Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund through UNICEF.

Planning for Summer!

We know many of you have plans for the summer 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. That way, it doesn’t take you by surprise later!
Q. “How do lessons work in the summer?”
A. The Academy is open year-round, and we do not close in the summer.

Q. “Do a lot of students quit in the summer?”

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 many continue into the fall.

Q. “How full is the Academy?”

A. As of today, we have 600 students and at capacity between the hours of 2:00 and 8:00 pm. These are prime-time spots!

Q. “If we withdraw for the summer, can we keep our spot for fall?”

A. Lessons are first come, first serve; so if you withdraw for the summer, we cannot guarantee that we will have a spot for you in the fall, as we will open the spot to new students. Do you want the same teacher, in the same time slot, in the fall? If the answer is YES, there are two ways to do this:

1. Take advantage of our summer make-up workshops:

We realize that some of you will go on vacation for a portion of the summer. By signing up for make-up workshops, you can make up your lessons and keep the same spot for fall.

It’s very easy to do: sign up for the desired classes on the make-up class registration sheet found at the Academy. If you don’t know the dates yet, you can sign up anytime. GET A HEAD START! You can make up summer lessons in advance or even when you return…there is no expiration date.

2. Sub lease your spot to a family member or friend

You can send a family member or friend in your place for the dates you will miss. Just let the office know who is coming in your place and when. Make sure that your friend reimburses you directly for the lessons.

If you are taking summer lessons and need a specific time for fall, please contact us ASAP and we will do our best to accommodate you. The time slot that you are currently taking is reserved for you; the best way to guarantee it in the fall is by using it for your lessons now!

If you LOVE your teacher and lesson time, keep your spot by using the summer make up classes or sub lease your spot.

Any questions? Please call our office at 713-858-9617. Thank you!

Student of the Month

Amber Caldwell

Q: What instrument(s) do you study at Vivaldi Music Academy?
A: voice
Q: What do you enjoy most about Vivaldi Music Academy?
A: I like the fact that I am able to perfect my craft with the help of my amazing teacher Ms. LaDonna.
Q: Who are you favorite musical artists?
A: My favorite artist is Ariana Grande.
Q: Do you have advice for other students who may be interested in music?
A: I think that you should do what you love and love what you do.
Q: What do you have planned for your Carnegie Performance?
A: I plan to sing “Home” from the Wiz, do my best, and have fun doing it.

Upcoming Events

Student Spring Recital – Saturday May 9th Duncan Recital Hall, Rice University

Faculty Concert – Saturday May 16th 7:30 pm Belin Chapel, Houston Baptist University
Admission and parking is free, all ages welcome!

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Refer a Friend!

Refer a Friend & Receive a Free Lesson or refer a friend for Kindermusik, receive $10 off! and your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION (up to $40 value)

May 5, 2015 / 0 4

April Newsletter

Spring Recital

Get ready for the Spring Recital on Saturday, May 9^th at the Duncan Recital Hall, Shepherd School of Music in Rice University! Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your recital time and paid parking is available adjacent to the hall. Accompaniment rehearsal with faculty member Christina Giuca will be held April 18^th at 3:30 pm. We are looking forward to seeing everyone perform – happy practicing!

How to Make Performance Anxiety an Asset! By Dr. Noa Kageyama

Read more about the following seven steps for recital day success at http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/how-to-make-performance-anxiety-an-asset-instead-of-a-liability/

Step 1: Pick Your Focal Point

Step 2: Form Your Clear Intention

Step 3: Breathe Mindfully

Step 4: Scan and Release Excess Tension

Step 5: Find Your Center

Step 6: Repeat Your Process Cue

Step 7: Direct Your Energy

Lessons are first come, first serve; so if you withdraw for the summer, we cannot guarantee that we will have a spot for you in the fall, as we will open the spot to new students and actually GROW in enrollment over the summer. The big question for all parents and students to consider is: Do you want the same teacher, in the same time slot, in the fall? If the answer is YES, there are two ways to do this:

Take advantage of our summer make-up lessons
Sub lease your spot to a family member or friend

A detailed letter will follow soon. Any questions? Please feel free to call our office at 713-858-9617.

Spring is Here!

Flowers are blooming and days are longer; spring has come! Here is a beautiful excerpt from the first three movements of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons called Spring. Take a listen and enjoy!

Swing into spring with these suggested musical venues in Houston this April:

School House Rock! With the Houston Symphony, Saturday April 25^th at 10 am, 11:30 am

Peking Acrobats with the Houston Symphony, Wednesday April 22^nd at 8 pm

Disney on Ice: Frozen, Wednesday April 15^th-17^th at 7:30 pm

Student of the Month: Mackenzie Bartsch

What instruments do you study at Vivaldi Music Academy?

I study the violin, piano and also take composition score lessons with Lachlan Fife. I also play analog and modular synths at my studio at home, which I compose cinematic music with and include the violin and piano as more voices.

What do you enjoy most about Vivaldi Music Academy?

The atmosphere, the friendly teachers who always talk to me, my awesome teachers Lachlan Fife and Kristen Roberts, and the fact that I get to perform pieces for the Kindermusik classes! I also love the fact that I have a place to come and share my love of music with others, which this Academy allows me to do.

Who are your favorite musical artists?

My favorite musician/inspiration ever would be Joel Zimmerman.

Do have advice for other students who may be interested in music?

Music is a living thing within yourself. Whether you’re excited, angry, sad or a little mischievous, the music will mimic your thoughts, feelings and mood if you learn to work hard to make it grow and how to let it loose. Practice, practice, practice but make it FUN!! Pretend you are a character in the story and act like the character would act!

What do you have planned for your Carnegie Hall Performance?

I would love to hopefully play Le Carnaval de Venice by Ernest Depas as a solo and maybe some of my compositions.

April 5, 2015 / 0 3

January Newsletter

Faculty Recital

Thank you to all of our students, faculty, and their families for coming out to the faculty recital held on Saturday January 3rd at Christ the King Lutheran Church. We hope everyone had an enjoyable musical evening with our talented faculty!

Referral Rewards

Refer a friend & receive a FREE LESSON!

And your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION (up to a $40 value)

Refer a friend for Kindermusik, receive $10 off the next month’s tuition.

And your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION (up to a $40 value)

Upcoming Events

THE ACADEMY WILL BE OPEN FOR LESSONS/CLASSES ON MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

SPRING RECESS MARCH : Monday, March 16th – Sunday, March 22nd

Classes and Lessons resume Monday, March 23rd

SPRING RECITAL | SATURDAY MAY 9th, 2015

DUNCAN RECITAL HALL, RICE UNIVERSITY

Welcome December Students!

7 Easy Practice Tips for the New Year (from musiciansmobile.com)

1. Set-up

Set-up your practice area with everything you will need (pencils, erasers, picks, metronomes, tuners, music, etc.) Leave your supplies in one spot and it will become your “practice zone.”

2. Uninterrupted practice= the best practice!

Find a space free of the noise of televisions, cell phones, conversations, and any other distractions. Remember, you’re in the “practice zone!”

3. Chunking!

Try not to start at the beginning of a piece during your practice session. Instead, recall the trouble spots from the day before and start in those places. Break pieces/songs into smaller bite-sized “chunks” (maybe 2-4 measures at a time). You would never attempt to put a whole pizza in your mouth! In the same way, don’t try to finish an entire piece in one practice session!

4. Concentrate

Focus not only on the notes and rhythms, but also on your articulation, dynamics and steady tempo right from the beginning. It’s easier to include all of these items from the start, rather than trying to re-learn how to play them later! Take your time, be calm, go slowly, and focus on the details!

5. Ease into the difficult passages

Oftentimes, musicians want to play things perfectly the first time they play a piece. That’s outrageous! Did you make a basket the first time you shot a basketball? Or, did you make it down a black-diamond slope the first time you put on skis? Probably not. In the same way, give yourself time to learn and grow in your music. The more you rush, the harder it will be (and the longer it will take). So, slow down! Take it easy! If you do, you’ll be playing like the pros sooner than you think.

6. Earn rewards!

Set goals before you begin practicing. Do you want to perfect one line, one transition, or one page? First, decide on your goal; then, when you accomplish it, decide what you will do to reward yourself for your efforts!

7. Dessert!

There will be times when your music becomes very challenging! That’s a good thing! However, always end your practice session with something fun. Pull out your favorite piece and just “play!” You’ve had your dinner, now it’s time for dessert

January 14, 2015 / 0 1

Faculty Recital on January 3rd

December 11, 2014 / 0 1

Holidays are ringing and singing | December Newsletter 2014

Faculty Concert

Join us to enjoy a musical adventure with performances from our talented faculty and friends at the Vivaldi Music Academy Faculty Recital on Saturday January 3rd at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Rice Village (2353 Rice Blvd, Houston, TX 77005) at 6 pm. Admission is free for students, family and friends. We hope to see you at the concert!

Winter Recess

The Academy will be closed for the holidays between Dec 22nd – Jan 1st 2015. Classes and lessons will resume Monday, January 2nd 2015.

Please remember that tuition is billed on a 48 week year and billing remains the same every month with an average of 4 lessons per month (students do not pay for the extra lessons in months with 5 weeks).

Referral Rewards

Refer a friend & receive a FREE LESSON!
And your friend will receive FREE REGISTRATION
(up to a $35 value)

Refer a friend for Kindermusik,
receive $10 off the next month’s tuition.
And your friend will receive
FREE REGISTRATION (up to a $35 value)

Carnegie Hall Recital

Registration for our summer recital in New York City went smoothly on Saturday November 15th. Congratulations to all of our students (and parents who camped out at the Academy to ensure registration for their kids!) We look forward to their upcoming performances!

There’s an app for that!

Need a little boost in getting your kids to practice? There’s an app for that! Check out http://musicianswithapps.com/category/free/ for free downloaded music apps.

Steinway Metronome App

Mobile Metronome App

ProMetronome App

December 3, 2014 / 0 1

November Newsletter

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VIVALDI MUSIC ACADEMY ANNOUNCES CARNEGIE HALL DEBUT FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY!

Vivaldi Music Academy is proud to announce our Carnegie Hall Student and Faculty Recital in New York City! The concert will be held in the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 27th 2015 at 7:30 pm!

Students of all ages and levels are welcome to participate in the recital.

It’s easy to register – just email us info@vivaldimusicacademy.com or call us at 713-858-9617 starting November 15th at 9 am.
Registration will proceed on a “first-come first-serve” basis for the first 50 students. A non-refundable registration fee of $250 for one student or $300 per family will be due at the time of registration.

***NO EXCEPTIONS****

Registration includes professional photos and video from the recital along with a group tour at a New York City landmark (to be announced).
Students will be placed in solo or ensemble performances at the Director’s discretion.

The Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall performance is an amazing opportunity for our students to perform in one of the most prestigious venues in the world. Highlights from the 268-seat auditorium have included the world premiere of Charles Ives’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in 1917; groundbreaking world premiere performances by Harry Partch in 1944 and John Cage in 1946; avant-garde recitals by Yoko Ono in the 1960s; and the innovative “Jazz: The Personal Dimension” series of the late 1960s-1970s. Among the remarkable soloists and groups that Carnegie Hall presents at the Weill Recital Hall iare the MET Chamber Ensemble and James Levine, who have appeared each season since 1998.

Your child and family will have a great experience and many memories to cherish in the years to come.

Check out our link at http://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2015/6/27/0730/PM/Vivaldi-Music-Academy-Faculty-and-Student-Recital/

Spots are limited and will go quickly! Please let us know if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help you. Happy Practicing!

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW GROUP STRINGS PROGRAM!

The Academy’s two new group strings program are a perfect complement for students taking individual lesson!

For Ages 4-8: Suzuki Strings

For Ages 9 and up: Vivaldi Strings

Suzuki Strings and Vivaldi Strings are violin group classes for students currently enrolled in private lessons.

The classes are designed to….

Reinforce what the child is learning in private lessons
Increase motivation to practice at home
Provide an opportunity for students to make music with their friends

Students who participate in group classes in addition to their private lessons progress at faster rates, stick with their instruments longer, and have greater self-esteem.

Classes meet twice per month.

Suzuki Strings: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm for a total cost of $50 per month.

Vivaldi Strings: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm for a total cost of $50 per month

Sign-up today! Class size is limited!

Reminder: The Academy will be closed for the THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS November 26th – December 1st. Classes and lessons will resume Monday, December 2nd

Meet Our Wonderful Staff

Misty Munoz – Creative Director

Attending University of Houston at the Bauer Business School for Marketinng. Being a Creative Director has been an amazing and fun experience!

Daniela

Daniella – Office Manager
I attend Houston Baptist University with a major in Voice Performance. Being in a musical environment and interaction with students/staff as part of my job is so rewarding!

Mimi

Michelle Li – Director Assistant
Moving to Houston from Connecticut post-grad, I never imagine that I would be working in a place that I have instantly come to love!

Student of the Month

Ellie Singhpan

Piano/ Violin/ Voice

Q: What instrument(s) do you study at Vivaldi Music Academy?

A: I study the piano, violin, and I do voice lessons

Q: What do you enjoy most about Vivaldi Music Academy?

A: I enjoy getting to play and sing the fun music pieces.

Q: What school do you attend?

A: I attend the school at St. George Place.

Q: What are your favorite musical artists?

A: My favorite music artist are Mozart, Adele, Beyonce, and I think that’s all.

Q: Do you have advice for other students who may be interested in music?

A: Yes, if you want to join the Vivaldi Music Academy go ahead because Vivaldi will help you follow your dreams to play music.

November 6, 2014 / 0 2

October Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Fall Fair in support of the KNOW Autism Foundation

September Highlights

The Piano Guys

Congratulations to our students in Vivaldi Strings for performing with The Piano Guys on Wednesday September 24th at the Bayou Music Center! Shiva Moghadasian, Laura Gonzalez, Alena Bujnowski, Mackenzie Bartsch, Jamie Nguyen, Kayla Coalmer, Emme Jennings and Katherine Montgomery.)

Under Construction

Please pardon our mess! We will be undergoing minor construction at the Academy and we appreciate your patience as we complete the process.

Teacher of the Month

Yueun Kim – Piano

Korean pianist Yueun Kim is a winner of numerous competitions including the Sejong Music Competition and the Bach Stravinsky Awards. She has performed at the Chautauqua Music Festival, the Castleman Quartet Program, and the Korean American Day Celebration. As a teaching artist, Ms. Kim has given a presentation at the Students and Young Professionals Pre-Conference Seminar at the National Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy in 2013. She is a former faculty member of the People’s Music School and the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute, and she joins the faculty at the Vivaldi Music Academy this fall. As a student of Ms. Rebecca Penneys, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance with High Distinction from the Eastman School of Music. Ms. Kim has just graduated from Northwestern University, where she received her Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy studying with Mr. Alan Chow and Dr. Marcia Bosits. She is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Piano Chamber Music and Accompanying at Rice University as a recipient of André Watts Scholarship studying with Mr. Brian Connelly.

Congratulations to Dr. Benjamin Krause on earning his doctorate from Rice University!

New weekday Kindermusik class times – Enroll Today!

Children thrive on music. It’s one of the best vehicles for learning in early childhood development. Kindermusik takes musical learning to the next level; our curriculum is proven to improve a child’s brain development. And for parents, it’s a fun thing to do with kids!

Mondays 9:30 am 2-3 year olds
Wednesdays 9:30 am 0-2 year olds
Wednesdays 10:30 am 2-4 year olds

Welcome September Students

October 9, 2014 / 0 5

Houston Chronicle

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September Newsletter

Vivaldi Music Academy was featured in the Houston Chronicle and The Village News!

Check out our students Karel MacMayon, Marion Phillips, and Emily Gonzalez who were featured in the Chronicle article!

Upcoming Events:

Vivaldi Music Academy Fall Fair : Sunday, Oct 5^th, 4-6 pm

VMA sponsors West University Elementary’s
Boo Bash Candy Land Booth – Saturday Oct 18^th, 10:30-2:30

Winter Recital – Saturday December 6^th at Houston Baptist University

Student of the Month : Rory Leech

How long have you been taking voice lessons?

I’ve been at taking lessons at Vivaldi for about a year now. Wow. It doesn’t even feel that long. It feels like I just started a few weeks ago

What do you enjoy about Vivaldi Music Academy?

I love the atmosphere and diversity. I love that while I’m singing there is someone down the hall playing the piano, and someone is playing the guitar and all this different stuff is happening. My voice teacher is Miss LaDonna and she is fantastic, but all the other teachers seem great too.

What is one of the most interesting things you’ve learnt while studying voice?

I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve learnt SO much. I now know how to control and maintain my voice and how to exercise it. I now also know more of who I am and where I am vocally. My voice is changing just now so having lessons at Vivaldi is helping me work through that.

Who are you favorite musical artists?

Anything musical theatre. Just press shuffle on my musicals playlist and I’m happy. I Love Les Misérables, The Phantom Of The Opera and Sweeney Todd in particular. I love Ramin Karimaloo’s albums Human Heart and The Road to Find out East, Sierra Boggess’s album Awakenings, Scott Alan’s Keys, and anything by Michael Bublé.

What did you do this summer?

I did two shows this summer. I was in The Pirates of Penzance with Houston Grand Opera, and The Wiz at Wildfish Theatre, where I played The Wiz. I also went up to New York City to see some Broadway shows with my dad, then up to Canada with my entire family to visit friends.

Do you have any advice to student who may be interested in studying music?

I’m going to give the same answer I give for most advice and that is just work hard. Just put in lots of effort and the rest will come naturally. Also get good with sight-reading.

What school do you attend?

I am an 8th grader at Pershing middle school.

Fall is almost here, and that can only mean one thing…it’s time for Vivaldi Music Academy’s Fall Festival! If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for October 5th from 4-6 pm and make plans to join your fellow Academy students. An afternoon of face painting, photobooths, jump houses, games and scrumptious food are sure to delight our youngest to most seasoned students. Be sure to pick up a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes. We will also be raising funds and awareness for the Know Autism Foundation. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of laughter and merriment!

Spotlight Teacher of the Month

Colin Davis

Colin Davis is a musician and music theory professor from San Antonio, TX. As a youth he studied piano, guitar, percussion, and music theory and began performing professionally at the age of 14. He holds a Bachelor of Music in music theory with a piano performance certificate from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Music in music theory from the University of North Texas in Denton. He has over 15 years of experience teaching music, having formerly taught at music schools in Austin, Frisco, and Flower Mound.

August 29, 2014 / 0 0

2014 National Music Academy Award

New music center receives top national honor at award ceremony on Monday July 21^st 2014 at 11 am

Special guests include Minnett Boesel, Mayor’s Assistant for Cultural Affiars, Peggy Wilson, CEO/President of the Houston Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, LeeVera Smith, Business Consultant at the University of Houston, and Roberta Skebo, Director of the University of Houston’s Small Business Development Center

In a real-life example of passion translating to success, Zeljko Pavlovic, critically acclaimed violinist and owner/founder of the Vivaldi Music Academy, is thrilled to announce the selection of Vivaldi Music Academy as “2014 National Music School of The Year” among a field of over 100 private music school competitors.

To celebrate, the Academy hosted a celebration on July 21^st with Mr. Marty Fort, President of Music Academy Success who came to Houston from South Carolina to present the award. Students, faculty, community members, Bellaire City Council Members and the Houston Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce were in attendance for the award ceremony and reception. Vivaldi Music Academy has achieved this national recognition for its thorough approach, exceptional instruction, superior business organization and growth voted by a field deep with experience and prestige of over 100 private music schools from the US and Canada. This accolade validates Pavlovic’s studied approach to staff selection, program design and business model resulting in a stunning 400 student enrollment in 11 short months since the Academy opened its doors last August.

With a musical heritage that spans two hundred years in his family, Mr. Pavlovic began his music education at the age of 3 in Sarajevo, Bosnia. After surviving and escaping the Balkan Wars, Mr. Pavlovic went on to study at the University of Novi Sad Academy of Arts at the early age of 16 as one of the youngest students. He earned his Master’s Degree in Violin Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Liege, Belgium and won several national and international competitions throughout his career. As a recitalist, he has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Having lost friends, family and fortune in the Balkan conflict, Pavlovic immigrated to the United States in 1998 with the hopes of new opportunities and the American dream.

Pavlovic has seen first-hand the positive impact of music on individuals and communities. His dream to build an outstanding music academy from the ground up and to bring music education to the forefront of the community has been truly realized with this national award as a crowning achievement. He offers music education as the foundation to build both music and life skills. The Academy culture is one of flexibility, fun, and outstanding musical instruction. From “Parents’ Night Out” to “Kindermusik week,” the Academy is constantly finding ways to better engage their students and families, and interest new learners. “Having found an environment in which you can instantly see the professionalism and passion for music that the instructors are able to share with their students is priceless,” says student Natalie Ramirez.

The Academy is gearing up for the fall season with a portfolio of new and ongoing music programs. This announcement of a national award shows that the opening for the Academy is big and bold, and that a robust performance is sure to follow.

August 11, 2014 / 0 3

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