January 2018 Newsletter

 Vol. 1 • No. 1 • January 2018

From the Director

Happy New Year! Communication is vital in many areas of life including in the ‘music life’ of you or your child…hence, this new monthly newsletter!  This monthly newsletter is to help strengthen the communication lines between the Academy and our students and the parents of our students.  Look for important dates, fun challenges and special announcements in each newsletter.  Thank you for being a part of our music family here at Able To Play Music Academy. ~Patricia Bartell

What Motivates You?

Use Your Unique Motivation To Reach Your Musical Goals

By Melodie Cannon

Let’s be honest. Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do. Like wash the dishes, do the laundry, take the dog outside a thousand times, wake-up early … the number of responsibilities are endless. Then there are things we love doing that require significant effort in order to maintain, such as cooking, raising a family and playing an instrument. These wonderful things come with a cost; money, daily effort and commitment.

These endless responsibilities can be so overwhelming that we may become disheartened and discouraged, causing us to give up or have bad feelings about what we’re working for. We may have thoughts such as,“is playing the piano really worth all the work? Maybe I’m not cut out for playing accordion …  do I even like flute?” Sometimes we focus so much on the work put into maintaining something wonderful that we forget how it feels in the good moments.

Is there a solution? Is there anything that can help us work towards the success and joy even through the hard times? Good news! There is, in fact, a solution! Motivation. Motivation can help us see the light on the other side of the tunnel. It gives us hope to help us work through the endless responsibilities in order to get to the prize. Motivation is what keeps us going. What motivates you? Is it helping you to reach your goal or is it sabotaging you? For instance, would rewarding yourself with ice cream after a workout be a good motivation? Probably not! A piece of your favorite fruit may be a better option. We must be careful what motivates us so that it doesn’t sabotage the outcome of our hard work.

I challenge you to think about how you can improve in your musical journey. Is there anything you’re lacking? Anything you’ve been neglecting because of procrastination or discouragement? Think of an appropriate goal and then find something that will motivate you enough to work through blood, sweat, and tears to your success. A whole musical journey is waiting for you to take the first step.

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”   –Mario Andretti

Able To Play Music Academy
Welcomes New Teachers!

Stella Kosim (Guitar Teacher)
A graduate of the University of Washington, guitarist Stella Kosim joins Able To Play Music Academy’s teaching staff.  Stella values an engaging teaching approach that motivates and equips students of all ages to succeed. She is an established professional musician with extensive training. She enjoys teaching all styles of music and sharing her love and appreciation of music.

Mandy Phipps (Flute Teacher)
A graduate of Cornerstone University, Mandy Phipps joins Able To Play Music Academy’s teaching staff. Mandy has over 10 years of experience teaching flute and helping students find their passion in music. She has six children ages 2-19 and is a skilled musician with eight years of training from Darlene Dugan.

Robert Vierschilling (Guitar Teacher)
Robert Vierschilling is no stranger to the guitar world.  With a Bachelors and Masters in Music, Robert joins Able To Play Music Academy’s teaching staff.  He has over 30 years of experience teaching guitar and music through private lessons, classes and ensembles, from beginning to master level students. 

Now Offering EVEN MORE Lessons
at Able To Play Music Academy

MISSING: Music Books!

At the recital on December 16th, several of our beloved music books that were given as a writing platform went missing. It is rumored that they wanted to go on vacation and see the world with the families who attended the recital. If you have seen or found any of our missing books, please return them to their home at the studio. They will suffer no punishment from their foray into the outside world but will be treated with love and care. Thank you for your help!

Student Sign-In

Able To Play Music Academy is growing, which means there is a greater need to know who is in the building at all times. Starting January 22nd, the studio will be asking students to sign-in at the front desk before their lesson. Once a month, students will have a chance to win a prize in a guessing game or another challenge.

Happy Birthday!

Audrey B.

Marcia L.

Sean V.

Winner of Recital Raffle Ticket!

Winning Ticket #11780

Call (509) 998-5422 to claim your $100 Gift Certificate!

We LOVE Referrals!

We love them so much we’ll give you and a friend a FREE lesson!

Refer a friend to Able To Play Music Academy and give them this newsletter which will pay for their first lesson! ($25.00 value)

Put your name here: __________________________________________ to get a $25 lesson credit the month after your friend enrolls in lessons.

Valid for 30 days after 1/16/2018.