Harmony Music Studio - Noteworthy News!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

We hope you all have a safe and happy Independence Day!

July Newsletter

2009-07-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Calendar of Events

July 10:
Enrollment Contracts Due
Group B Registration Fees Due

September 14:
First Day of Kindermusik Fall Semester
Register Now!

September 26:
Back-To-School Mini-Recital

Nifty News

Ms. Tabby's Students selected for Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund Scholarships from Kindermusik International.

Recital Review
Our Spring Recital was held on June 27th at Pine Drive Community Church, and it was a big success. 49 students performed in a variety of instruments and styles. Thank you to all who participated!

New Private Lessons Contract and Policies
We have so enjoyed being part of our studio families lives throughout the years. Due to the current economic situation, we are faced with difficult choices in order to stay in business and continue to provide you with excellent teachers and quality music instruction at such an economical rate. Each enrolled family in private lessons will be required to complete and return a new enrollment contract for the 2nd semester of 2009. Please see the website for details of the new contract and payment policies. If we do not have your contract on file by July 10 you could lose your time slot, so please be prompt.

New Payment Options
You now have 4 choices when it comes time to pay tuition for private instruction:

Monthly Payment - must be paid on or before the first day of each month. Can be cash, check or credit card. Requires a security deposit of $40 per student, which is refundable after your 30 day withdrawal notice is recieved with your final tuition payment. $20 late fees assessed for all payments made after the 1st.
Monthly Subscribtion Payment - Will be automatically drafted from debit or credit card on file at the studio on the 1st as pre-payment for the month. Requires the same refundable $40 per student security deposit as option 1. Avoids the possibility of $20 late fees, because tuition payment is made automatically.
Monthly Post-Dated Check Payment - Write a semester-worth of post-dated checks for the 25th of the preceeding month to pre-pay for your monthly tuition. Checks will be filed until the 25th of each month, then deposited. Date check for July 25th to pay August tuition, etc. No security deposit required. Also avoids late fees, because tuition is paid automatically.
Semester Payment (one time) - Pay your entire semester (January - June or July - December) at one time, and we'll waive the security deposit AND give you 10% off your tuition! Eliminates the possibility of late fees, too. BEST PRICE OPTION!

Make sure you select ONE option on your enrollment form, and if necessary, include your security deposit with your payment.

Kindermusik Fall Schedule Released
Fall Class Schedule and Online Registration Class begins 9/14. Friendswood class times only listed here. For Pearland classes, visit the link above.

Baby 0-18 months - Kindermusik Village: Tuesdays 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, Wednesdays 11:30 am, Thursdays 10:30 am.
Toddler 18 months - 3 years - Kindermusik Our Time: Tuesdays 10:30 am, Wednesdays 12:30 pm, Thursdays 9:30 am.
Preschooler 3-5 years - Kindermusik Imagine That!: Tuesdays 11:30 am, Wednesdays 10:30 am, Thursdays 12:30 am.
School-ager 5-7 years - Kindermusik for the Young Child: Semester 1 - Tuesdays 5:30 pm, Sunday 5:00 pm, Semester 2 - Tuesdays 6:30 pm.
All-ages 0-7 years - Kindermusik Family Time: Wednesday 9:30 am, Thursday 11:30 am, Sunday 6:00 pm.

Rescheduled Lesson Policy
We know your time is valuable, and that many of you have very busy schedules. As a consideration to both students and instructors, we now offer two rescheduled lessons per semester, which must be redeemed with a reschedule lesson coupon. In order to use the coupon, 48-hours notice of the cancellation must be given so the instructor can be notified of the change in their schedule. Your instructor must be paid for attending your lesson whether you choose to attend or not, so there are no credits or discounts for missed lessons. Rescheduled lessons are subject to availability. Students who fail to attend a rescheduled lesson forfeit that lesson.

Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund Scholarships!

2009-07-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

To all who were waiting to hear from me about your scholarship applications for Home Material Scholarships for Kindermusik, I have some great news!

July 1, 2009

Dear Tabby,

On behalf of all of us here at Kindermusik International, I want to thank you for applying for a scholarship through the Ruth D. Anderson Kindermusik Children's Fund. Thank you most of all for all you are doing to touch the lives of children -- children who face unbelievable challenges -- each and every day. Without you and educators like you, many of these children (perhaps most) would not have the opportunity to be influenced by the power of music. What you are doing is changing lives - and helping to make our world a much better place.

This year, Kindermusik International and the Ruth D. Anderson Kindermusik Children's Fund awarded almost 700 sets of home materials to children all over the world as a result of the application process. We are honored that we are able to help -- in this small way -- to reach these children and families with the Kindermusik experience.

Very best regards,

Michael G. Dougherty
Chairman & CEO

Wonderful Recital!

2009-06-28T02:04:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who made today's recital such a great success. I'll be posting some videos and photos in the next few days. If you have any you'd like to share, please leave a comment with the link to your pictures or videos!

The July Newsletter will be going out on Wednesday, so please make sure you Subscribe to the Mailing List so you don't miss any important news!

Payment Options Under New Contract

2009-06-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

Since we've released the 2nd semester revised enrollment contract, there have been some questions about what you are supposed to do regarding payment for private lessons.

You have 4 options:

1) Pay Monthly Tuition during the last week of the month for the next upcoming month. Pay a security deposit of $40 per student, which is refundable when we have received your 30-day termination notice and payment for your last month's tuition. $20 late fee assessed for payments made after the 1st.

2) Pay Monthly Tuition using Automatic Credit Card Subscription on the 25th of each month for the next upcoming month. Pay a security deposit of $40 per student, which is refundable when we have received your 30-day termination notice and payment for your last month's tuition. Avoids the $20 late fee, since you won't forget to pay tuition.

3) Pay Monthly Tuition using 6 Post-Dated Checks for the 25th of each month for the next upcoming month (Dated June - November, payment for July - December). No Security Deposit Required. Avoids the $20 late fee, since you won't forget to pay tuition.

4) Pay Semester Tuition in Advance. Make a payment for tuition in full for the entire semester and not only will we waive the security deposit, we'll give you 10% off tuition! You'll never pay a late fee, either. It's the best option for everyone!

Ms. Margo has extended the deadline for new enrollment contracts to be returned to July 10. Please THOROUGHLY READ your enrollment packet and complete and return your forms with your PAYMENT OPTION SELECTED and your tuition.

A NOTE FROM THE OWNER PERTAINING TO CONTRACT UPDATES

2009-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

This post is important! Please Read.

Dear Students and Parents,

First, we would like to thank you for your continued business. Harmony Music Studio is proud to announce that we have more than tripled in size in the 2 years since moving to our current location. As we flourish, we continue to look for ways to fine-tune the areas that become obstacles in our path as we expand. We are a small business with limitations and we must make changes to protect the studio.

Music lessons are a luxury and opportunity that provide everyone involved the gift that lasts a lifetime. We want to continue to be an asset to our community by being more organized and efficient. We offer the most economical price of all music schools in the Bay Area, but our losses grow larger by the month as we grow, as well. In order for Harmony Music Studio to continue to survive and provide the best instructors in our area, we must reduce these losses by becoming more stringent about our policies. A copy of the renewed contract can be located at the front desk or down loaded from our Web-page at HarmonyMusicStudio.com. Beginning May 31, we are accepting registrations for our 2nd semester, which is from July —December 2009.

Registration Packet - Fall Semester (July-December 2009) Private Lessons - Download Now! (211 k)

Rules and guidelines have a purpose and come about by trial and error. We greatly appreciate our customers who always have abided by the past contract and we take note of your courtesy and effort in honoring our past agreements. However, due to a large number of our customers who are not honoring the contract, some major changes in policy must be accepted by all who would like to be enrolled in our school beginning in July 2009.

Students who withdraw for a month or more must re-register when they return, including registration fees. We cannot hold time slots for students who withdraw for any length of time, as we now have a waiting list of students wishing to enroll.

If you have any questions about the new policy, please email me directly at msmargo @ harmonymusicstudio.com.

Sincerely,

Ms. Margo (owner and founder since 1986)

Dream big...

2009-06-19T14:07:00.001-07:00

I love to read the LOLs. If you haven't ever heard of LOLcats, you should check them out. I found this one especially poignant today.

Also, don't forget to Subscribe to our newsletter. It's important.

2009-06-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

We haven't even started our summer semester yet, and already families are asking me about the lineup of fall classes. I posted a survey, and received 17 responses. Based on those responses, I have developed a robust fall schedule that I hope will work well for our currently enrolled families, and give new students a chance to experience the magic of Kindermusik as well. Note the addition of WEEKEND classes and Family Time classes, as well. Click the image or go directly to ...

Register NOW for FALL Kindermusik!

Take advantage of the 10% early enrollment discount when you register by August 14th, and don't forget we offer 1 free class for each family you refer who enrolls in the program!

Help our Receptionist get a scholarship for college!

2009-06-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

Show Us a Smile 2
Brickfish

You can vote every 8 hours, so please vote often and help Rebecca get some extra money to help with college.

OOPS. Ms. Tabby Goofed!

2009-06-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

The newsletter lists the recital as June 29th. This is NOT CORRECT. It is Saturday, June 27th. Kindermusik Summer session starts the 29th, so I probably typed that just from habit.

The spring recital is on June 27th! Sorry, everyone!

-Ms. Tabby

June Newsletter

2009-05-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

Calendar of Events June 2: Kindermusik Spring Session Last day of classes Harmony Music Studio Friendswood, TX June 9: Pearland Summer Kindermusik First day - Pearland ONLY Parks and Rec Westside Center Pearland, TX June 27: Annual Spring Recital Pine Drive Community Church Dickinson, TX June 29: Harmony Summer Kindermusik First day of classes Harmony Music Studio Friendswood, TX July 1: Enrollment Contracts Due Group B Registration Fees Due	Make this a summer of music! Music lessons and classes are very popular during the summer months. Many of our students find summer a relaxed time to study because they have more free time to practice and enjoy their music. We hope you'll enjoy your summer of music at Harmony Music Studio! Evening Family Time Class Added Due to popular demand, we have added an evening Family Time Music class for those with children from infants up who would like to experience music making together as a family. Family Time is a one-room schoolhouse approach to music. With older children ready to show the little ones how it's done and the younger ones eager to learn, Family Time becomes a multi-layered learning environment. Each week, Ms. Tabby will introduce basic musical concepts and then give you the instruments, and the structured free time to put those concepts into play. Class is Tuesday at 7 pm starting June 29th. To register, click here. Scheduling? Ask Ms. Margo! As we've grown, we've come to understand that scheduling works best if there's only one cook in the kitchen. We know your summer schedule can be hectic, so please let Ms. Margo know if you need to change your lesson time or you will be unable to attend your scheduled lesson. You can email her or call 281-992-9800. We also have summer schedule request forms, 48-hour notice of absence forms and other scheduling information available in the lobby. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Our instructors are here and ready to work at your scheduled lesson time whether you are able to attend or not, and must be compensated for their time. We now require at least 48 hours notice to consider rescheduling a lesson, and as we continue to grow, the available lesson times for rescheduling lessons will be diminishing. Please notify Ms. Margo as soon as possible if you'll be unable to attend your scheduled lesson. Fall Kindermusik Survey Ms. Tabby needs your feedback about Kindermusik classes this fall! If you are considering enrolling, please take a minute to complete the survey to let us know what times work best for you and your kids. Thank you in advance for your input: Click here to take the survey Spring Recital June 29th We are returning this year to the beautiful sanctuary at Pine Drive Community Church. For those who haven't been there before, directions can be found by clicking here or going to the studio website and following the link there. Big Changes are Coming... As we come up on the second half of the year, there are some big changes in the works for Harmony Music Studio. We will be announcing these changes with the updated enrollment contract that is due by July 1st. Contract forms will be distributed to all current and incoming students in June. They will also be available for download from the website very soon. Check often for updates: www.HarmonyMusicStudio.com
Our mailing address is: Harmony Music Studio 3746-A FM 528 Rd Friendswood, TX 77546 Our telephone: 281-992-9800 Add us to your address book Copyright (C) 2009 Harmony Music Studio All rights reserved. Forward this to a friend Update your email notifications

Kindermusik Update

2009-05-24T11:03:00.001-07:00

Well, Pearland classes at the Westside Rec have completed for Spring, but there is still space in class for students wanting to sign up for summer. The 10 am Creatures at the Ocean class (1.5-3 years) is full, so we added a second class at 12, but you'll have to call Mary Kate at the Rec center to enroll. http://www.pearlandparks.com/westsidecommunitycenter.shtml

Summer Classes Now Enrolling

We have two classes left in Friendswood, and it has been a great semester. If you have taken any pictures during class that you'd like to share with your classmates, please email them to me or bring them on a CD so I can include them with the class photo CD. The CD will include the wonderful photos from Traci Flanagan as well as the snapshots I've taken in class and any other photos parents submit.

I would like your feedback for fall 2009 Kindermusik scheduling. I am here to serve you, so your input is valuable. Click Here to take the fall survey

All State Participants

2009-05-17T20:27:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all our TFMC All-State Festival competitors. It is a great achievement to make it to the state competition, and we are very proud of all of you. Congratulations to everyone who participated.

May Newsletter

2009-05-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

May Newsletter from Harmony Music Studio
Please visit this website to view details about the All-State festival and other important May News. You should also sign up for our mailing list! (see the top right!)

Spring Recital 2009

2009-04-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Harmony Music Studio
Spring Recital 2009

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009

Time: 3:00 pm

Location: Pine Drive Community Church, 705 FM 517 East, Dickinson, TX 77539

Entry Fees: (NON REFUNDABLE)
$20.00 for one student
$30.00 for two students
$40.00 for three or more students

Deadline: May 31st (LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED)

We are excited to announce the date of our annual Spring Recital. Please check your calendars and return the registration and entry fees as soon as possible. Recital reservations can not be confirmed until the entry fee and registration form has been submitted.

Our Spring recital is our biggest and most exciting performing event of the year, giving students an opportunity to showcase their hard work over the past semester. There will be an awards presentation immediately following the recital, where students who entered events throughout the year will be recognized for their individual accomplishments. All students will be presented with an award in the ceremony. Please dress your best, as we will take group photos to memorialize the event. Family and friends are welcome to join us as our students take the stage and become stars.

Students who are shy or suffer from stage fright can request for their instructor to perform with them, or simply bring the teacher or a parent on stage with them for moral support. It's normal for students to be nervous, especially about a first performance, but if the student is prepared, they will do fine! Please encourage your students to practice daily to prepare, even if it's just 5 minutes here or there - the consistency of daily practice makes a big difference.

Though we try our best to accommodate the busy schedules of our studio families, it's impossible to pick the perfect recital date and time for everyone. We always hope that all students will be able to participate, but if you are unable to be a part of the recital, please let us know that as well, as it will help assist us in avoiding an oversight to have written confirmation.

Registration forms are available in the lobby at the studio.

We look forward to seeing you at another great Spring Recital!

Your Harmony Music Studio Faculty

Join the Mailing List

2009-04-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

The best way to keep up to date with what's happening at the studio is to sign up for our mailing list. All newly enrolled students are subscribed at enrollment. You can unsubscribe at anytime by following the link at the bottom of any email from the studio, but PLEASE don't mark our messages as spam in your email program! Unsubscribing is easy and takes just a few seconds. Setting the options on your subscription will help narrow the field on what emails you receive, as well, but everyone will get the monthly newsletter email.

Now Enrolling for Summer Kindermusik!

2009-04-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik Summer Classes Now Enrolling!

Summer is coming fast, and Kindermusik lives up to the challenge that presents. Kindermusik Summer Adventure Camps have been designed for each age group, AND for families. Children and families are truly excited to attend classes, each week for 5 weeks, AND to continue these songs and activities throughout their play during the weeks, making your summer filled with music, joy, and laughter.

Summer is so full of things that make it special, so join us in celebrating these in a musical way!

*****************************************************

Top Ten Reasons to Take Kindermusik Adventure Camp This Summer

10. New music that is not only fantastic for your child’s development, but is interesting listening for the whole family

9. A safe environment for you to play and be silly with your child without out fear of ridicule.

8. A chance to get to meet and know other families with children your child’s age.

7. Books and instruments to take home and continue the play throughout the year.

6. An air conditioned activity for the dog days of summer.

5. Weekly opportunity to focus completely on your child and remind yourself how creative and unique he is.

4. Egg shakers - need I say more?

3. Bubbles, parachutes and singing together - time to be a kid again.

2. Summer session is only 5 weeks long. A great way to try us out.

and the #1 reason to sign up for Kindermusik this summer….

1. Kindermusik activities strengthens your child’s brain and affects every area of her development.

A Good Beginning Never Ends — why not get started now?

(Thanks Miss Christa for a great Top Ten list! See her blog: http://misschrista.wordpress.com - Athens Co., Ohio)

Help our Receptionist get a scholarship for college!

2009-04-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Rebecca, the studio receptionist and Ms. Margo's oldest daughter, is going off to Oral Roberts University in the fall, and she's trying some innovative things to get scholarships and grant money for college. One of these things she's doing is participating in online contests with Brickfish.com. You can vote for her every day until mid-June to help increase her chances of winning up to $500.

Show Us a Smile 2
Brickfish

Upcoming Bay Area Chorus Concerts

2009-04-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Come see Ms. Tabby perform with the Bay Area Chorus in these upcoming concerts! See Ms. Tabby to buy tickets in advance.

ILLUMINATING

Illumination: intellectual or spiritual enlightenment.

Explore the rich heritage of Scandinavian and Baltic choral music in the Bay Area Chorus presentation of “Northern Lights”. In fulfillment of their mission to enrich the Houston area through the powerfully expressive eloquence of choral music, the BAC season finale also will feature high school, church and university ensembles performing a varied repertoire.

Sunday, April 26, 4:00 p.m.
Friendswood United Methodist Church - MAP
110 N. Friendswood Drive
Friendswood, TX 77546
Guests:
Friendswood UMC Spirit Singers
Candy Bernsen, Director
Alvin High School Chamber Choir
Brenda Music, Director
Bay Area Chorus Priscilla Ennis
.....High School Vocal Scholarship Winner
Bay Area Chorus Elizabeth Dennard
.....High School Vocal Scholarship Winner

Sunday, May 3, 6:00 p.m.
First Methodist Church Houston - MAP
1320 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
Guests:
First Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir
Mike Ware, Director
Prairie View A & M Concert Chorale
A. Jan Taylor, Director

All-State: Map and Hotels near TSU

2009-03-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

Spring Break Closure and All State Information

2009-03-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Please take note:

Harmony Music Studio is closed March 16-22nd in accordance with the Clear Creek Independent School District Spring Break. There will be no classes or lessons during this time.

Have a safe and happy break, and we'll see you when we reopen on March 23rd.

All-State Junior Festival 2009

Eligibility: Superior Rating (Gold Cup Junior Festival)

Date: Saturday, May 16th, 2009

Time: Time slots are assigned after registration

Location: San Marcos, TX (Texas State University)

Entry Fee: $26.00 per event (NON-REFUNDABLE)

Deadline: March 31, 2009 (NO EXCEPTIONS)

The All-State Festival is an opportunity for each student to compete against other students state-wide in their event/level. It is sponsored by the Texas Federation of Music Clubs

The music is chosen from the list created by the National Federation of Music Clubs and posted in the Festivals Bulletin. Solo events are required to perform one song from memory. Duets and Hymns may use sheet music while performing.

Vocalist and Instrumentalist events will be responsible for an additional accompaniment fee. The accompanist will meet with each student for at least 2 private sessions to practice, and then travel to San Marcos to be available for the student in private auditions as well as the All-State Recital performance, in the event the student is chosen as the All-State Musician.

Please direct all questions to Ms. Margo at msmargo @ harmonymusicstudio . com

Gold Cup Location Changed to SAGEMONT CHURCH

2009-02-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Alvin Community College was damaged in Hurricane Ike, and repairs will not be complete in time for us to hold Gold Cup there. We will instead be holding the festival at Sagemont Church, in Houston, TX - it's at the junction of the Beltway and 1-45 south, across the beltway from the AMC 30 Theater.

http://www.sagemontchurch.org/contact/location.htm

Please visit the church website for more information and directions.

Thank you!
The Studio Faculty

Gold Cup Information for Parents 2009

2009-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Gold Cup Information for Parents

Dear Parents and Students:

The Gold Cup Festival, sponsored by the San Jacinto Federated Music Club, will be held on February 28th and March 7th, 2009, at Sagemont Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston TX 77089. As many of you know, this is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities before a judge, who will grade their performance. Tha maximum score for each performance is 5 points. Each time a student accumulates 15 points in any one event, he or she will receive a trophy.

You will be assigned a specific audition time, and you should plan to arrive at the church on festival day at least fifteen minutes prior to that time. Proceed to the registration desk with your original music (no photocopies) and with measures numbered. Music will be returned to you after your audition. There will be a designated waiting area for students and parents. Wait in the designated area until called for your audition. Parents and students are free to leave after the students have performed. If they are taking the theory test, they may do so at that time. Student scores will be returned to your teacher and will be available at your student’s next lesson. We look forward to a wonderful Gold Cup Festival for all!

Sincerely,

Gold Cup Committee

NOTE: Students enrolling in the vocal category will have an additional fee for the accompanist. Recorded music is not allowed.

Emergency numbers for Festival Day:

Ms. Margo – 713-530-9322 Ms. Tabby – 713-306-4023

Please Text or Call either number if you have questions or problems.

Road Closure at Nasa 1 / Nasa Parkway / FM 528 and I 45 the Gulf Freeway

2009-02-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Studio Families,

The City of Webster has issued a memo regarding the demolition and construction of the intersection of I-45 and FM 528. Since many of you use this intersection to reach the studio for lessons and classes, we want you to be aware of these upcoming construction closures and the delays they might cause so you can plan ahead. Attached is a copy of the memo. Please visit Google Maps to find an alternate route for yourself. You can also call the studio for help finding alternate routes.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3746+w+FM+528+rd,+77546&sll=29.506531,-95.191402&sspn=0.006751,0.007178&g=3746-A+west+Farm-to-Market+528,+Friendswood,+TX+77546&ie=UTF8&z=17

Beginning Wednesday, March 4th, the NASA Parkway Bridge over I-45 will be closed. Demolition of the bridge is scheduled for March 5th through March 9th. The contractor stated that the interstate highway should be open by 5:00 AM on Monday, March 9th.

NASA Parkway will remain closed for up to 70 days (Approximate date of May 14th). Please note that the contractor has major incentives to complete this work early and will probably finish earlier than the May 14th date.

Alternate routes for the Webster area are:

FM 518
Bay Area Boulevard
El Dorado Boulevard
FM 2351 / Clear City Boulevard

Sincerely,
Your Studio Faculty

Forshey Piano Clearnace Sale

2009-02-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

T H R E E D A Y S O N L Y ! !

Beginning next weekend, February 20-22 we will be conducting a necessary clearance sale to help move a huge inventory of grands and upright pianos, some of which are regretfully having to be discontinued. This is a terrific opportunity to SAVE BIG on pianos of exceptional quality!

Grands, baby grands, verticals, digitals and player pianos will all be available at greatly-reduced prices. Brand names will include Steinway, Boston, Essex, Charles Walter, Pramberger, Vogel, Estonia, Baldwin, Yamaha and more. The sale begins Friday, February 20^th and continues through Sunday, February 22^nd. Please call or email for more information:

Dave Smith Scott Anderson

(281) 286-6300 (281) 286-6300

dsmith@forsheypiano.com sanderson@forsheypiano.com