Happy October!

Hopefully this month brings your family some autumn fun and modified Halloween traditions!  We hope that your family has settled into a consistent routine.  The back to school season is one of setting new goals for many.  Our team is committed to helping your students succeed with their music even in this pandemic.  Please connect with your instructor to discuss these goals and methods to achieve the goals.  Your instructor and I can help with setting up a solid practice routine that meets the needs of your family.  Now is a great time to create a map of what your student would like to participate in for the rest of the school year! 

We are offering many opportunities this year, including a composing competition, our annual Winter Holiday Recitals, our annual scholarship competition, Piano Guild Auditions, Royal Conservatory Exams, and our Honors and Senior Recital.  We plan to schedule some informal assisted living facility and Sudbury Housing Authority Recitals and to resume attending youth open mic nights at two local venues.  We will continue to celebrate our students who achieve their Practice Club status as well.  All of these events and programs are optional and our team is committed to guiding our students to be successful at them.  Feel free to contact us at any time for more information.  We will also post more information in our monthly newsletters.

Wishing you and your family the best this Fall!

Hello Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio!

Happy September!  

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of the year as I love the excitement of the back to school season, college football, and pumpkin spice everything.  However, this autumn is presenting itself with some new twists and turns for absolutely everyone.  

I truly appreciate all of you being incredibly patient as we navigate our fall schedules for in person, online and hybrid lessons.  A huge shout out to those of you who have opted for outdoor lessons and have been flexible due to heat advisories and thunderstorms!

Our team put together many on line free family fun nights and group workshops for our NWE community this spring and summer.  For this fall, we will focus on consistent one-on-one lessons, our outdoor performance, practice club, outdoor band rehearsals and preparing for Winter Holiday Recitals.  I will be hosting a free online workshop for parents who want to help their students with consistent practice routines.  I appreciate all of the feedback from parents and students that consistent weekly lessons have been helpful to have a somewhat "normal" routine in the midst of this global pandemic.

During this pandemic, I have been incredibly impressed by everyone's support of our students.  In addition I have been blown away by the support of our instructors, all of whom are also performers who are not performing regularly during this crisis.

I have been blessed to bring additional team members to our team, thank you for welcoming them.
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Please continue to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at any time.  I am here for our students and I can only help with a challenge when I am aware.  Please continue to send photos of videos of our students and instructors in action.
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Enjoy the autumn and stay healthy!

For 17 years, it sat in silence. But if that guitar could talk, it’d tell you it was watched over with care. It’d tell you how I’d never let the dust settle on it; I’d clean it and gently place it in its spot. If that guitar could talk, it’d tell you about the places it lived and how in those moves it watched me go from a young working professional to a newlywed to a single mother.

It’s not that I didn’t want to play it; I tried. But my hands were just meant for storytelling in the newspaper and for kneading and baking cookies from scratch for the one whose hands were meant to play that guitar. 17 years after that $100 purchase at Guitar Center, those strings found their perfect pair.

Maybe that’s why I cared so well for it and could never part with it; I must’ve known the child I was praying to one day have, would pick it up and play. I love listening to the sounds of those strings in motion. And when the guitar is in rest-mode, it’s hard not to admire its timeless beauty – its curves, its craftmanship…its ability to rhythmically tell infinite stories.

And, here is a story of thanks that I've been wanting to write for some time…

Let me tell you about Renee Helmke Bordner the Studio Director of Note-worthy Experiences.
Information about the in-home and online classes that this Sudbury-based private music studio offers can be found on their website (link shared in Comments), as well as, by contacting the Studio for further information.
What I want to share in this review is what you will not know from the former or latter sources; however, the Studio is what it is because of the character of the woman who runs the Studio.

I never wanted to be ‘that’ parent that pushes her interests or love of things (i.e. music, guitar, football, writing or whatever) onto my child. Just because I’m fueled by music, it doesn’t mean my child will be.
When my son came to me and said he wanted to learn to play the guitar, I was, well, more than excited. I thought of my traveling guitar and I swear, the guitar itself stopped crying that day when it overheard my son say he wanted to learn how to play it. But in the excitement, I caught myself from getting carried away in the dreaming of the sound of a live acoustic guitar playing in my home.

Why?

Why did I stop myself from dreaming and hoping? Because some of my life circumstances have, quite frankly, limited options and opportunities for my child to participate in extracurricular activities – be it music or sports…
And then I spoke to Renee. I told her I have a son that would like to learn guitar…

And like some fairy godmother, Renee was able to take the puzzle pieces that have been so difficult for others, like youth sports programs, etc. to put together…She found a way to put the pieces together so a boy could have the opportunity to learn something he wanted to learn – found a time for us to have our weekly lesson and matched us with teachers that were the right fit for my family’s needs and the teaching style that works best for my child.

I imagine this was not an easy task for Renee. Actually, I know it couldn’t have been as my circumstances are so specific; however, she seamlessly made what has predominantly been an impossibility for us, a possibility. She did so with an abundance of patience, understanding and a brightly-lit spirit of compassion.

And just like that, my favorite evening of the week to make dinner was the night of my son’s lesson – he’d sit in the living room having his lesson with his guitar teacher – I’d be in the kitchen cooking and listening to the sounds of that acoustic guitar strumming…a happy boy certainly makes for a happy mother.

Pretty much, for this one mother and her son, grace unfolds in their days through music. We could not have found a music studio with a Director that betters understands that, than at Renee’s studio.

It isn’t just that Renee has a love of music – her love for it is so clear. But it is that love coupled with her genuine understanding for the art of teaching that separates her Studio from the others. I have worked in education for 20 years and can say with certainty – Renee and her instructors know teaching – they know music – they know children and how to meet them at their level.

When COVID struck and lockdowns began, we (naturally) took a break from in-person lessons. But a global pandemic cannot forever prevent a love from burning and this summer, we have come back strong with lessons resuming in backyard summer sessions. And, I am deeply grateful for this – for the sights and sound of my child falling in love all over again, with this beautiful guitar.

If it is not clear from the aforementioned, I highly recommend Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio.
Thank you, Renee, for so much more than is written here. Thank you to the incredible teachers we’ve been blessed to learn from and work with. You truly embody all that the philosophy of your studio is and you have all enriched the life of this mother and her son.
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With deep gratitude and much love,
Suzanna

After you’ve decided, “Yes, my child will take music lessons!” And after you’ve filled out the registration form, submitted your credit card information, purchased instruments and materials, after a teacher has been mindfully selected, and after you have allowed this teacher into your home—literally or virtually—, it is time to trust the process of your
teacher—and we know it’s not easy!

In-home music lessons are an opportunity to create a unique bond between families and teachers. Most families at home are within earshot of a music lesson, though some family members may not be paying close attention, others may be sitting in the same room. As you’re chopping carrots, you may wonder, “Why don’t I hear more music? Why do I hear
singing in a piano lesson? Why have I been listening to “The Happy Stream” for the last three weeks?” All good questions, and from every Note-Worthy instructor comes great answers! It’s not a saying, it’s a fact: the key to any fruitful relationship is communication.

Please do not mistake this essay as a Note-Worthy advertisement. I write from the point of view of a Note-Worthy Experiences instructor and team member. The following considerations are meant to provide comfort and offer recommendations to families who are experiencing anxieties about their new musical guest and give incite to the process of a successful lesson. By engaging with your child’s music teacher, you open doors to exponential growth for your child’s musical progression and for the interconnectedness of you, your child’s music teacher, and their new music student.

Consider: Experience

Note-Worthy Experiences is true to their name; Renee Bordner is a master instructor hunter and we as teachers naturally strive to maintain the company’s reputation. Your teacher was not chosen for you out of a hat. We do not pick straws to pick our students. Your child has a teacher that has been specifically selected based on traits that include, but are not limited to: skill; personality; and well, experience. Here’s a scenario: You read the profile of the music teacher who is about to teach your child. The teacher has a masters degree and over five years of experience teaching in the real world. They arrive at your door and per previous discussion, you observe the lesson on a couch in the same room. You wonder, “Why is this teacher so nervous? Why are they stuttering? I thought they had years of experience, what’s going on?”

Well, here are two examples of what could be “going on.” One, it is possible the five years of experience were teaching out of a private, sound proof studio room that shut its door adjacent from a family waiting room. Confidence in how we teach is vital in private, and even more-so when the people who are paying for lessons can hear every word and see every step of the process. For me, it was like building a callus, I just had to teach the way I teach and know that there was success behind closed doors, so what difference does it make if they’re open. In fact, now I enjoy in-home lessons so much that when I teach in studios, I frequently invite parents into the room to observe progress.

Another possible scenario is that this is your music teacher’s first time teaching a music lesson—ever. Now, Renee would not hire an instructor that is not fully capable of carrying out Note-Worthy’s mission, so give them a chance! Great music teachers are built with experience and it is impossible to gain wisdom unless they are allowed to teach. You are most likely not the only family they will visit that day which means they are getting a crash course in teaching, say, ten, or even twenty lessons in the week before they see your family a second time. Consistency and confidence will materialize!

So what is the best way to approach your teacher when questioning experience?

Ask! Our ears are for more than music! We’d love to share with you our musical journey! If it hasn’t already been addressed in email correspondence prior to the lesson, please do not hesitate to approach your teacher; the last thing your teacher wants is for you to hesitate about taking lessons!

Consider: The First Lesson

We don’t use the word “trial” at Note-Worthy, the first lesson is the first lesson. However, this does not mean a lesson without first impressions and a teacher’s assessment. Whether you are a musical family or a complete stranger to music lessons, the first lesson is simply a pre-requisite to a second lesson. Keeping in mind every teacher has their own approach and personal flare, below is a list of standard characteristics of a first lesson:

The lesson may go on longer than scheduled. This is certainly at the discretion of mutual scheduling, but consider that initial greetings and settling in will only take this long the first time. It will not add dollars to your invoice; it will only add weight to the initial connection and assessment.

Your teacher will explore strategies to figure out how your child best absorbs information. There is a chance for success in the first half-hour; and there’s also a chance your teacher will connect with you two lessons later and discuss strategies in the best interest of your child.

Sounds may sound simple. I say sounds because it’s very possible what is being played doesn’t sound like music. But it is! There are cognitive reasons you are hearing the sounds you hear. Enjoy it!

Your teacher will find you when they need you. Music teachers are not disciplinarians or force mongers. If your child is exhibiting behavior that requires attention beyond our pay grade, your child will be politely asked to find you to save the moment and disentangle the matter.

The first lesson is often a blast! We want students to know they are capable of anything! We want students to know the glory of their instrument. And though not every lesson will be a walk in the park without stepping in a little sludge, our goal is to introduce your child to music in a way that elicits love at first listen!

Questions? Comments? Ask! Let us know! Our ears are for more than music!

Consider: What is your child telling you? What is your child telling your teacher?

No one knows your child better than you do, but ideas and inclinations of the student may be passed on to the wrong adult. There are a lot of common utterances I’ve heard from students over the years and sometimes they’re taken into consideration, other times they are ignored. Your parenting is not under question; our job is to teach music, not assist in their upbringing. However, if communications about music lessons between student and family
are blurry, it is the teacher’s job to clarify those messages, even if they are silent.

Examples of communication between teacher and student; family and student; teacher and family:

Student says, “I hate the violin.” Teacher says, “Why do you hate the violin?” And there may be many reasons. Maybe it’s physical discomfort. Maybe their dream is to play the flute. Maybe, they never asked for lessons and don’t understand why they are taking lessons. The real problem is when they identify the instrument with music itself and start to say, “I hate music.” No Note-Worthy teacher will let it go that far! It is the job of the teacher to identify issues that may be inhibiting musical progress and then it is the teacher’s job to approach the family with the student’s concerns. Perhaps you had no idea your child wanted to play flute instead of violin. Perhaps a conversation can now be implemented between you and your child to determine the best way to move forward
without sacrificing music altogether.

Haven’t had a progress update in a while? Ask! Our ears are for more than music! I am a huge fan of progress updates! When a student meets a milestone, we’ll let you know! If it’s time to rehabilitate the practice regimen, we’ll let you know! And if it seems like a student has hit a plateau, we’ll let you know! And we will have plans and be ready to discuss any or all of these breakthroughs or concerns.

Long term goals should be discussed early. Goal discussions guide the teacher’s approach and determine the appropriate materials. Teachers and families make decisions together. For example, a music teacher recommends a series of materials for the student, some provided by the teacher, some purchased and provided by the family. If a set of materials isn’t working, we will let you know and make plans for a change, and we will do so with your permission.

Have questions about your teacher’s approach? Ask!…Yeah, yeah, yeah, ears more than music…I know you know!

Consider: Understanding what you don’t understand

Not a musician? No worries, we’ve got this! If you have a desire to become more fluent in what your child is learning, primary level books have the resources you need to follow along and answer common questions your child may have when they practice. Teachers are ready to help families navigate their child’s materials for the sake of practice progress and unification. It is important to us that you know what your child is working on, even if you
don’t read music.

Consider: What if a different teacher is the answer?

This is an awkward question to consider, and that is why I saved it for last. If after a solid probation period you think your child’s teacher is not the best fit for your family, your musical guest is likely aware. We deliver the best of our abilities to each lesson and sometimes, the delivery ends up at the wrong house! Great music teachers do not take these changes personally, we take them thoughtfully, and there are only great music teachers at Note-Worthy. Music is valuable and we want to make sure that students continue to value music, even if we are not their teacher.

Thank you for your consideration!

There are plenty of resources provided on the website and in the monthly newsletters that can help answer a lot of questions. Renee Bordner has made herself more than available to all families and teachers who have signed on to the Note-Worthy team, and your teachers are also available to you for you to express any interests or concerns. Allow me to say, we are Trust-Worthy!

Alicia Britton is a voice and piano instructor for Note-worthy Experiences. Read more about her here. 

Studio director Renee Bordner was honored to be asked to contribute to Comeback Momma's blog. Her article goes over the the benefits of learning music from a young age. Read the full article here. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic certainly has affected all of us in many aspects of our lives.  We hope that you are safe and healthy.

During this pandemic we have both converted to online lessons  for many of our students and placed lessons on hold for others.  We are all looking forward to the moment in which we can resume in-person lessons and life in our new normal routines.  We appreciate your patience and understanding during our transitions.  In the coming weeks, we will create individual plans with each family who chooses to resume in person lessons when they are ready. We will not begin the transition back to in-person lessons until Governor Baker lifts the order for non-essential workers to stay at home.

We are blessed to have many Note-worthy Experiences parents who have been working on the front lines of the pandemic to keep all of us safe and healthy.  We appreciate each of you.

Thank you for your continued support of our studio and our instructors.

We are looking forward to brighter days ahead full of music.
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Musically yours,

Renee K. Bordner

Born in Hong Kong, Johnny Mok started his cello studies at the age of five, and continued in the US in 2001. He earned his Bachelor of Music at the University of Alabama with Carlton McCreery, and Master of Music degree at The Boston Conservatory with Andrew Mark. Mok has played with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Cape Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and the New Mexico Philharmonic. He is currently an active performer and teacher in the Boston area. ​

​Daniel Dickson was born in Los Angeles, where he spent his early childhood. At the turn of the century, he moved with his family to Washington State, where his parents built a house and immediately started him in private piano lessons. After two years of studies, he began private cello lessons as well, and began playing in a string quartet comprised of all siblings. The quartet, (named the Dickson String Quartet) made a successful name for themselves all across the country, and in 2009, they received a quartet fellowship to study under the Arianna String Quartet at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. During his undergraduate years, Daniel participated in masterclasses for some of the most prestigious musicians of this generation. The following year, 2010, the Dickson String quartet was honored during the 223rd session of Congress, commemorating their excellence in music, and their influence in the community. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2013, Daniel taught in the Missouri public school system for a year before applying for graduate programs. In 2014, he was accepted in Boston University’s Master of Music degree. After finishing his first year, he was also accepted into the Master of Music degree as a pianist and studied under Gila Goldstein beginning in the fall of 2015. In the spring of 2016 Daniel graduated with his Master's degree in cello and piano.  Currently, he is working on his Doctorate of Musical Arts.

Leonardo Ciampa is the founding director of the Arts MetroWest and Honorary Music Director of the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo in Gubbio, Italy. As an organ recitalist, Ciampa has made a dozen European tours encompassing Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. He is particularly admired in Italy, where he has played in numerous international festivals. As a composer, Ciampa’s compositions have been performed in prestigious venues such as Sanders Theatre (Harvard), Kresge Auditorium (MIT), Mechanics Hall (Worcester), and the Mormon Tabernacle (Salt Lake City); at cathedrals in Vienna, Boston, Altenberg, Brandenberg, Tortona and Biella, and at basilicas in Rome, Turin, Loreto, Rieti and Gubbio. His compositions include Suite Siciliana, Op. 145 (for two violins, piano and orchestra), commissioned by the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston to open their 25th anniversary season at Harvard's Sanders Theatre; The Annunciation, Op. 203 (cantata for chorus, soloists, and strings); the Kresge Organ Symphony, commissioned by MIT and premiered in Kresge Auditorium; a piano quintet (premiered by the Lavazza Chamber Ensemble); and Missa Pamphyliana, premiered at the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo in Gubbio by the Cantores Beati Ubaldi (Renzo Menichetti, conductor).  ​