I did something a little different this year.  Instead of having a big formal recital, I decided that we should try something a little less stressful.  I called it a Christmas "Drop-In" where my students could come by and play at our local music store, casual or formal, within a two hour time span.  Not all my students are pictured, nor did all my students perform, but I wanted to add less stress to this time of year.  May have to do this again.....next year!

Jacksonville, FL- This photo is from the Florida State Music Teachers Conference I attended back in November.  These music teachers sure have a good sense of humor!  I was honored to represented District One as President of the Pensacola Music Teachers Association.  It was also a pleasure to perform Darius Milhaud's Scaramouche with my friend and fellow colleague, Ed Varela. 

I am excited to report that I received my Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano Certificate through the Music Teachers National Association!  This accomplishment signifies my commitment and dedication to professional growth and excellence in music teaching.

I am really getting excited about the Pops Celebration Concert that will be held Thursday, May 23, 2013 @ 6:15 at Dollarhide's Music downtown Pensacola.  The older students will be accompanied by a rhythm section that I am calling The Zebras!  The Zebras are: Kerri Turner: Keyboard,  Eddy Hattabaugh: Drums, Bill Jackson: Sax, and Jordan Gainey: Bass. Student pianists will perform songs by Christina Perri, Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Billy Joel, Matt Redmond, and others!  The Zebras will perform couple of jazz selections by Horace Silver and Dave Brubeck. My younger students are performing some really cool bluesy, jazzy pieces that are sure to knock your socks off! The performance will be on live streaming that evening. 

Upcoming events:
        PMTA Sonata Contest, Saturday, March 9, 2013 @ UWF
       
        Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Assessment, Saturday, May 18, 2013
        @ PSC
       
        Pop Celebration Concert, Turner Piano Studio, Thursday, May 23, 2013 @ 6:15
        Dollarhide's.  Be prepared to tap your feet!
       
        A very short break.........and then, Summer Session Lessons 2013!!!

The new year has arrived!  Christmas decorations are put away, and the organization bug is kicking in.  I'm going back to Music Teachers Helper to help with the business side of teaching.  I'm hoping it will help me stay on track so I have things in better order for my students, parents, and accountant. 

The annual PMTA Sonata Contest is gearing up for Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the University of West Florida.  This is a lower stressed piano competition that gives students an opportunity to perform for a judge, receive helpful comments and a participation certificate, and even a trophy or medal.

If you missed it, I would love to let you borrow a copy of the Keyboards and Carols Concert!! It was wonderful and has been well received.  I am very blessed to be a part of the program.

I look forward to this upcoming year with great anticipation! 

Turner Piano Studio News

December 2012

 

Keyboards and Carols

December 2, 2012

2PM and 6PM

Eleven grand pianos, one organ, 150 voice choir, what more do you need to start the Christmas season?!?!  I will be occupying one piano along with several of my friends.  The event is free but you must have a ticket to enter.  Free tickets can be obtained at Olive Baptist Church, Lifeway, and Dollarhide’s. The presentation will be at Olive Baptist Church, 1836 E. Olive Road.

December Lessons

There is no recital for December this year. 

December lessons end Thursday, December 13th. To make up lessons, Monday and Tuesday students (school-aged and adult)  will have make-up lessons on Monday, December 17 and Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Regular Lessons resume the week of January 7, 2013. Thursday students should plan to make up their lesson Thursday, January 3, 2013.  You will need to confirm make-up lesson time with me by December 13.  If you do not, I will assume you are not coming, and your make up lesson will be forfieted. Tuition is still due the first lesson of January!

Calendar and Newsletter

Should you need to look up a date or read about studio policies, please go to my website at www.kerriturnerpiano.com Please read your newsletter each month as it has pertinent information for all piano students and parents and check your pianist’s notebook for notes and reminders.

 

Carnegie Hall

Thought that might get your attention! I will be offering a new program in my studio starting January 2013 called The Achievement Program. (TAP) The Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program provides a national standard of musical success through an effectively sequenced course of study from beginner to advanced levels.  This program is for everyone and it inspires excellence through individual student assessments and allows students to understand progress in relation to others across the country.  It is with great pleasure that I have begun the groundwork to make this program a reality for the Pensacola area by being accepted as a Center Representative for the program.  Information is available for parents and students on the TAP website at: www.theachievementprogram.org

The program is available to all students but only those taking 45 minute or hour lessons will be able to participate because of the intensity of the program.  This program is better organized and structured than the Piano Guild, which I will no longer be a part of.

Sonata Contest

Saturday, March 9, 2013

University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL

Christmas Break Studio Closed:

December 19, 2012 through January 2, 2013. Lessons resume January 7, 2013.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!

Earlier this month I traveled to Texas and visited with my piano teacher from high school.  Nina Drath is a wonderful Polish-American concert pianist and teacher and it is no wonder that I became a piano teacher myself. She is truly amazing and I learned so much from her in those short years.  I later studied piano with her father, Dr. Jan B. Drath,  in college.

It is not too late to start lessons this fall!  I will soon be adding a pre-school piano program to my studio that I am very excited about called WunderKeys.  It is designed for ages 3 to 5 years old.  More information will be available soon. 

With the threat of Hurricane Issac bearing down on the Gulf Coast, my thoughts and prayers turn to those in its path. 

The opportunity to attend the SMU Institute for Piano Teachers afforded me to meet many wonderful people in my field and reconnect with piano teacher friends (in person) across the country. I also heard some wonderful piano playing by students attending the piano camp that runs simultaneously with the conference. WOW!  These young pianists were incredible.  Most of them were from the Dallas Metroplex area.

I was able to hear several presentations by composer and pianist, Robert Vandall.  I told him about my three students (who are sisters) playing his trio, Triple Dip, all over the Pensacola area last year!  It was a hit! 

Wendy Stevens gave two different presentations about Best Stress-Free Business Practices that were most-thought provoking and helpful.  Having been a follower of her blog for years, it was great to finally meet her in person!  She has so many wonderful, creative ideas, her students must love her!

Dr. Scott McBride Smith's presentation on Teaching Young Men: Some Advice from a Recovering Boy was not only entertaining but very informative.  Having two boys myself, in addition to male piano students, this was a very popular conversation topic!

I could go on and on and I just might, but a different day!

One thing I was very excited receive was the certificate for completion of thirty hours of professional pedagogy studies through the SMU Institute for Piano Teachers.