January 2022 Newsletter

Hello Everyone, 

Happy New Year! First and foremost: Congratulations, pianists! The Winter Recital was a successful event because of your musicianship.  Thank you to everyone who supported our pianists by attending in-person/via Zoom. 

Our theme for the month of January will be: Practice Tips.  This theme will give us the boost we need to re-dedicate ourselves to our technique, repertoire, improv, theory/musicianship, and any personal musical goals.  Keep an eye out in your assignment for tips such as: interleaving, impulse practice, eyes closed practice (seriously, it works!), backwards practice, add-a-note practice, and sound-goal-sequencing.  For some of us, this will be a healthy review; for others, an important introduction; for all of us, a chance to grow in practice efficiency. 

Our theme for 2022 will be: Community.  It is the shared commitment to musical excellence, musical joy, and musical sharing that makes our studio so special.  As our studio community continues to grow, I would like you all to be aware of a few events I have planned this year: 

• Collaboration with local artists involving their work and our students’ compositions/repertoire. Think of a “shared showcase.” 

• A Silent Movie Recital 

• Professional Lecture Recital by yours truly (Likely Sept.) 

• Fort Collins Music Teachers Assoc. Events: Recitals, Competitions, Achievement Days 

This month I have the pleasure of presenting for the South Suburban Music Teachers Association on Teaching Jazz Concepts to Elementary and Intermediate Students. I’ll also be attending the MTNA National Conference in Minneapolis this Spring.  We’re never done sharing and learning! 

The potential of our students is incredible. We have a wonderful musical year ahead of us! 

Once again, thank you for your commitment to lessons and your referral of friends and loved ones. 

Best Wishes and Happy Practicing! 

Joe Harkins