Deborah Rhine Piano

  Wednesday, June 28, 2023 by Deborah Rhine | Uncategorized

The summer is off to a great start for many of my students.  They’ve been composing their own pieces, learning some scary Halloween songs and preparing for the Ragtime Festival that is scheduled for November 11, 2023.  

In addition to individual students performing, I have several studio moms (and perhaps a dad or two) who will be playing duets with their daughters or sons.  Best of all, BOTH performers will receive a trophy.  This event is not just for ragtime - students may play jazz and blues, too.  They may play historical ragtime pieces plus modern, more accessible rags for younger students  

If you are a parent who would like to participate, drop me a text or email and I’ll find a duet for you.  Grandparents may participate, too.  However, the sooner you start learning your music the better. There are really only three months to learn, memorize, and perfect the music.  

Halloween is always fun, too. I’m planning on the studio performing in a public spot!  More on that later.  

I’m loving hearing the compositions students have come up with. There is so much talent and creativity in this studio.  

Also, July brings with it an opportunity for students to select their pieces for Gold Cup.  This year I’m encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity to play hymns, patriotic songs, or duets along with their standard solo repertoire.  

August is a good time to work diligently in theory.  I will be adding in some theory classes on Saturdays in August and September, too.  For interested and selected students, there will be the chance to take the theory test offered through Texas Music Teachers’ Association.  The date will be at the end of October or beginning of November.  This is an excellent chance to show off your knowledge of music notation, scales, chords, rhythms, etc.  - all the  things that make music a unique language.  

If you have not selected your lesson dates for July and the beginning of August, I encourage you to do so soon.  Students who take during July are much more likely to get the lesson spots they desire for the fall, in addition to learning new music without the stress of having schoolwork. 

The school year studio schedule will begin August 14, coinciding with the start of the school year for most students.   

And….it’s hot out there.  You know where it’s NOT hot?  At the piano!!!!  Cool off with some cool tunes.  You can even wear your sunglasses while practicing. 

 Students who send me a photo of themselves practicing with sunglasses on will be eligible for a drawing of a $15.00 Amazon gift card.  Please note: I will ask parents to sign a release form giving permission for the photos to appear on my website. No names will be attached. 

Excited?  Me, too!