All posts in “Piano Lessons”

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).

January 17, 2017 / 0 0

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 2nd.

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
November 28, 2016 / 0 0

November Newsletter

VIVALDI MUSIC ACADEMY GOES TO THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER!
REGISTRATION BEGINS 9 AM, SATURDAY JANUARY 21ST
The Kennedy Center – Logo – 2017
The Kennedy Center – Outside

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.

The Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy’s vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music for all ages. 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 and continues the Kennedy Center’s commitment to performing arts education for adults and children alike.  “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.”

John F. Kennedy | Vivaldi Music Academy performs at The Kennedy Center 2017

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”
President John F. Kennedy

Don’t miss out on signing up for Vivaldi Music Academy’s Student Winter Recitals at Rice University!

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Don’t miss out on signing up for Vivaldi Music Academy’s Student Winter Recitals at Rice University! An essential part of any student’s musical development, playing in recitals builds confidence and is great motivation to take your playing to the next level. Recitals give students:

  1. Something to work for
  2. Performance Experience
  3. Inspiration from advanced performers
  4. And of course, a great sense of pride and accomplishment!

Remember: Students must be enrolled in the Academy at the time of the recital in order to participate. Sign up Genius closes 8 pm November 4th!

Shepherd School of Music at Rice University

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

Winter Recital Sign-up link: https://www.vivaldimusicacademy.com/winter-recital-2016/

Student of the Month: Matthew F.

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Matthew Huntington Fisk attends St. Anne Catholic School and is in the first grade. Matthew began piano lessons at the age of three.

I like playing the piano because when I move my fingers across the keys it feels like home. My favorite artist are Beethoven, John Legend and Michael Jackson. My advice for those who want to take piano lessons is to practice, practice, practice and then you will take fun trips to Carnegie Hall and Italy! I enjoyed playing at Carnegie Hall and Vivaldi Church because I was able to play in halls so many famous people played in before me.

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE THANKS!

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We are thankful to all of our Vivaldi Students and Families! During the month of November, your referrals will earn you a $25 Target gift card and a free lesson when your friend registers with us for music lessons. Your friend receives free registration. AND you both are entered into a drawing for an iPhone 7!! WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 15th!!

Thank you to all of our students for sharing their amazing, spookiest, funniest, outlandish, and cutest Halloween costumes for our annual costume contest! The winners of our drawing are: 

Julian Weaver – $50 | Miriam Afouba – $25 | Sophia Willis – $25

Vivaldi Strings performs at Hermann Park in October 2016

Congratulations to our Vivaldi Strings and Choir on their remarkable performance  for Hermann Park’s Student Performances in the Park series! Our Vivaldi students even enjoyed a train ride through Hermann Park afterwards!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Fall Recess:

Wednesday November 23rd-Sunday November 27th.

Classes and lessons resume Monday November 28th.

Please remember the Academy runs on a 48 week year with an average of 4 lessons per month and 4 weeks of holidays built into the schedule. When you have 5 lessons, we do not charge you more. When you have less than 4 lessons we do not charge you less. No make-ups are needed for holiday closures.

We understand many of you have travel plans beyond the days of the Academy closures for the Holidays. If you love your teacher and your preferred lesson day/time, please be sure to utilize our generous masterclass make-ups/workshops to guarantee your spot when you return.

FACULTY CONCERT

Vivaldi Music Academy invites you to our highly anticipated Winter Faculty Concert!

Join us for an exciting evening of musical performances by our director, violinist Zeljko Pavlovic, talented faculty members and special guests on Saturday, January 28th at 7pm at Houston Baptist University! Admission is free and open to the public. The concert is a wonderful and motivating experience for students to see their talented teachers perform on stage! We hope to see you there!

Faculty Concert – HBU – Jan 2017

Important Dates:

Fall Recess:

Wednesday November 23rd-Sunday November 27th.

Classes and lessons resume Monday November 28th.

December Winter Recitals: Rice University Shepherd School of Music

Sunday December 11 2016

Saturday December 17 2016

Winter Recess:

Monday, December 19th -Sunday, January 1st.

Classes and lessons resume Monday, January 2nd.

January Winter Recitals: Rice University Shepherd School of Music

Sunday January 8 2017

Saturday January 14 2017

January 15th, 2017: Winner of iPhone7 referral contest announced!

Saturday January 21st 9 am : Registration for Summer 2017 Recital at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts begins

Saturday January 28th 7 pm : Faculty Concert, Houston Baptist University

November 11, 2016 / 0 0

October Newsletter

Enrolling Now!

October is the perfect month to begin fall music lessons.  Don’t miss your chance to join our phenomenal Academy with amazing teachers and performance opportunities. Call 713-858-9617 (West U) or 832-404-2299 (Bellaire) and ENROLL TODAY!

Vivaldi Stings and Vivaldi Voices – Performance

Congratulations to our students who performed at the Tahiri Justice Center Gala last month!  We can’t wait to see the Halloween performance of our Strings Group and Children’s Choir at Hermann Park on Saturday October 29th. Please come out to the Lake Plaza in Hermann Park at noon to view the performance and support our students!

Where will Vivaldi Music Academy go for the Summer 2017 performance?

Hint: It’s the busiest performing arts facility in the United States!

Stay tuned for our November announcement!!

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Costume Contest!

Show us your best, spookiest, funniest, outlandish, and cutest costumes from October 1st to November 1st. Share your photos with the hashtag  #VivaldiHalloween on your social media or email us your pictures to info@vivaldimusicacademy.com.

Participants will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card!

Winter Recital

Vivaldi Music Academy will be holding our Student Winter Recitals at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music on Sunday December 11 2016, Saturday December 17 2016, Sunday January 8 2017 and Saturday January 14 2017. Participation in recitals boosts confidence, provides goals, and builds new skills for students! Please speak to your teachers to ensure you are ready to participate.

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New Seasons Class Time!

Our popular Winter class for 4-6 year olds has a new time slot on Saturdays at noon. Sign up today and ensure your child has a head start in music education and great preparation for private lesson!

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Student of the Month

Guitar Student

Stella started her musical adventure with guitar in January with teacher, Sam Perez.  At the summer recital, Stella took the stage with her performance playing “Shake it off” by Taylor Swift – who is also her favorite musical artist. The advice she has for those who are interested in guitar, “play music that makes you the happiest!”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

October 1st – 10 am Nov 1st : Submit your entries for Vivaldi’s Costume Contest via email or hashtag #VivaldiHalloween on social media

Monday, October 10th at 9 am: A link to Sign Up Genius will be emailed to students to sign up for the Winter recital

Saturday, October 29th at Noon: Vivaldi Strings and Choir perform at Hermann Park Lake Plaza

Friday, November 4th at 8 pm: Sign Up Genius for the Winter Recital will close.

Fall Recess:  Wednesday November 23rd-Sunday November 27th. Classes and lessons resume Monday November 28th.

October 11, 2016 / 0 0

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
September 21, 2016 / 0 0

News & Notes – September Newsletter

Join the fun with Vivaldi Strings Performance Program and the Vivaldi Voices Children’s Choir! Sign up today!

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The Vivaldi Strings Performance Program serves as a perfect adjunct to private lessons in string instruments, exposing string students to the chamber music (small group) setting to develop self-sufficiency as well as teamwork through peer interaction. Focusing on various aspects of musicianship and designed to reinforce students’ learning in private lessons through collective musical tutelage, each student is motivated to practice as a valuable ensemble member.

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The Vivaldi Voices program offers Houston’s young vocalists, ages 6-10, the opportunity to light up the stage while learning the fundamentals of vocal technique. Our group voice faculty coach young singers to utilize their voices safely while singing popular songs from musical theater to the classics as well as today’s pop hits! The Vivaldi Voices look forward to performances in our biannual recitals as well as numerous performance opportunities throughout Houston.

We have exciting performances lined up for Fall 2016! Join the fun today!

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Tahirih Justice Center
Performance Opportunity

Vivaldi Music Academy is proud to participate in the Tahirih Justice Center’s Gala on September 17th. Our Vivaldi String Performance Group will have the opportunity to open for this charity event for women and children in need

From August 24th - 31st, we partnered with The American Red Cross to provide disaster relief for the 20,000 families displaced by the Louisiana flooding. This means that for one week, your check-ins helped support people affected by the flooding. If you would like to help more, please visit the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/.

Louisiana flood – Vivaldi Music Academy

Mark Your Calendars for the upcoming Winter Recitals!

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We are excited to have our students perform and see their amazing progress for the Winter Recital! Please discuss with your teacher if you or your child will be ready. Students must be approved by their teacher and enrolled in the Academy at the time of the recital in order to participate.

The Winter Recitals will be held at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University on the following dates:

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

Please be aware of the following additional dates:

Monday September 26th: Details including schedule and expectations for the recital will be   emailed to students

Monday October 10th at 9 am: A link to Sign Up Genius will be emailed to students in order to sign up for the recital. Students will be able to sign up for their teacher’s designated day/time slot(s) or any other day/time slot you prefer.

Friday November 4th at 8 pm: Sign Up Genius will close.

Where is Vivaldi Music Academy going next?

Stay tuned for our big announcement in October of our special Summer 2017 performance venue!!

#VivaldiGoesTo…

Referral Rewards – VMA – Houston

Congratulations to our Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic referral winners in the month of August!

Thank you to: Natalie N. (Gold), Hannah & Benjamin T. (Silver), and Rohan P. (Bronze)!

WEST U
3914 Gramercy St. Suite B
Houston, Texas 77025
713-858-9617

BELLAIRE
5305 Bissonnet St.
Bellaire, Texas 77401
832-404-2299

Upcoming Events

Winter Recital – Shepherd School of Music, Rice University
Sunday December 11 2016
Saturday December 17 2016
Sunday January 8 2017
Saturday January 14 2017

Faculty Recital: Houston Baptist University
Saturday January 28th 2017

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)

September 7, 2016 / 0 0

Hey June! – June Newsletter

1000 Students!

We are proud to welcome our 1000th enrolled student, Caroline E! She received ONE YEAR OF FREE LESSONS. Thanks to all of our Vivaldi families for their dedication and support. You guys rock!

1000 Students- Bellaire location

Summer Recess 2016

Saturday, July 2nd –

Tuesday, July 5th (classes and lessons resume Wednesday July 6th 2016)

Venice, Italy
Venice Italy Invitations
Santa Maria Della Pieta

Vivaldi Goes to Venice!

We are excited for our Italian debut in the beautiful city of Venice on June 23rd! Vivaldi, the famous Venetian composer and master of violin, wrote countless compositions during his time as a music educator at the Santa Maria della Pieta from 1703-1740. While rising to the rank of concertmaster, Vivaldi directed the children’s choir and all-girls orchestra through the church’s orphanage at the time, the Ospedale della Pieta. Established in the fourteenth century, the Ospedale now operates as the Instituto Provinciale Per L’Infanzia, a charitable institution that provides education and assists children and mothers in need. All proceeds from our recital will benefit this charity for children and women.

Follow us on social media at #vivaldigoestoVenice

Venice, Italy – Stock Image

Summer Music Lessons - Reserve your prime time spot for the fall today!

  1. We LOVE our summer lessons. There are many advantages to taking summer music lessons, and here are just a few:
  2. Fun and Motivating – Summer is the perfect time to break from the routine and help students learn music of their choice whether it’s a song they heard on the radio or a challenging classical piece.
  3. Greater Focus– Without the worries of homework, sports games and practices, and other school-time activities, students can devote time and attention to their summer music lessons and practice. Better focus leads to better practice!
  4.  Time for Something New – Many of our students show interest in learning an additional instrument during the school year. Summer is the best time to try out a new instrument or two!
  5. No Backtracking – When students take a full summer break from their instruments, it only means one thing – time to backtrack in the Fall! Everyone knows that saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is true in all disciplines including learning how to play an instrument. Our students use their summer music lessons to keep making progress.
Summer of Music – Houston Music Lessons
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Con pap y mam aprendiendo a tocar los tambores

Join our brand new early childhood music program developed by our very own faculty! The classes are fun-filled musical adventures with plenty of singing, dancing, and introduction to early music concepts for ages 1-5. Signing up is easy – call us at West U 713-858-9617 or Bellaire 832-404-2299

Refer a Friend

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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).

Upcoming Events

Summer Recitals at the MATCH – June 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th

Vivaldi Music Academy Recital  in Venice Italy at the Santa Maria della Pieta, Thursday June 23rd

August 25, 2016 / 0 0

Vivaldi Music Academy Announces Carnegie Hall Debut for Students and Faculty!

Come join us in The Big Apple!

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Dear Students and Parents,

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).

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. 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!

Regards,

Zeljko Pavlovic, Director

October 15, 2014 / 0 1