We ended the summer with a cello play-in and ice cream party.  Mmm....it was good!  Thanks for coming!

Megan's Cello Studio has relocated to Salt Lake City, UT!  Prospective students are welcome to schedule a trial lesson.  Please contact me for more information.

This summer was eventful for my professional development!  Opportunities included:

• Attending the Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference in Minneapolis (May)
  
• Teaching cello at Intermountain Suzuki String Institute (June)
• Attending cello teacher training at Chicago Suzuki Institute (July)
• Performing in a House Concert series of Chamber Music (July)
  
• Attending Music Mind Games teacher training at Northwest Suzuki Institute in Eugene, OR (August)

I'm fortunate for all these experiences and the way they inspire me as a musician and teacher.  I'm looking forward to putting new ideas into action this fall!

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On April 10, many students gathered to play together to benefit the Latin American Suzuki Scholarship Fund.  Students played repertoire from Suzuki books 1-6 in reverse order, beginning with the most advanced students, and adding on younger and younger students.  The advanced and intermediate students were able to play harmony parts to the early Suzuki pieces, including a finale of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Students and audience members learned a lot about the pillars of the Suzuki philosophy as well as more information about the Latin American Suzuki Scholarship Fund.  They learned about the Central and Latin American countries that have current membership in the SAA, and also heard many heart-warming stories of instrument donations to these countries in need.

Audience members contributed to a suggested donation for admission.  Nearly $400 was raised in a single concert!  To contribute more go to this website.

About the Latin American Suzuki Scholarship Fund:
This fund serves to offer scholarships to students and teachers in Central and South American countries to further develop their study within the Suzuki method.  These funds go far beyond benefiting individuals.  Many thriving Suzuki communities have been created by enthusiastic festival participants.

Festivals are held in many different Latin American countries where students and teachers come together for intense study.  Teacher training courses are offered along with a variety of student classes.
 
Many of these countries have 50% of the population living in poverty, with half of those living in extreme poverty.  Through this scholarship fund, these events are made viable and accessible to all; otherwise they become the privilege of the elite.  Dr. Suzuki clearly stated, "All children can learn."

With your help we have come one step closer to the realization of Dr. Suzuki's dream:  a better, safer, and more peaceful world through music.

I attended a house concert last night to see cellist, Stephen Katz.  I was familiar with his name, and by sheer coincidence, I had explored many of his YouTube videos earlier in the week.  A friend of mine invited me to attend the concert with her, and there was no way I could turn down the offer.  As you can see, there was not a bad seat in the house!

I was totally blown away by his non-classical style.  It’s crazy to sit and watch someone playing my instrument, but have no clue how they’re playing it or how they’re making the sounds.  I was becoming envious that my classical training did not teach me how to fully appreciate all the things my instrument can do!  It makes me want to get into improvising and looping and strumming techniques, etc.  Who wants to learn with me?

I told Stephen that I had ordered some of his music earlier this week by coincidence, and he mentioned that I could email or call anytime with questions.  It’s so cool to get an offer like that.  My friend and I also chatted about getting together more to learn this type of playing, and there’s talk of Boulder cellists getting together for an ensemble event.  I’m so inspired to practice and test the waters in some alternative styles.  It seems so fun, and I’ve never been able to just “play around” on my instrument.  Here’s hoping I can break out of the box.   Being a “classical square” is getting old!

Students age 13 and up are invited to participate in my cello ensemble party, March 13, 5-7 pm, in Golden.  I have already selected 2 different Apocalyptica pieces and plan to have many more ensembles to play that day.  It's going to be loads of fun! 

But there's a catch:  students must earn an invitation by completing activities from the Party List.  Download the form here.  Parents should sign off on completed items.  Let the party planning begin!

We are only into the 2nd week of our new semester so far.  There are a lot of exciting events planned, and many things coming up right away.  A few reminders:

• CASTA CAP applications are due by the end of this week!  Please submit your payment and application form to me.
• Lesson Payment for Spring Semester is due next week.  Please find updated paypal information here.
• SAC's Winter Workshop will be on Saturday, January 30.  Students will enjoy playing theory games, experiencing Dalcroze Eurhythmics, attending drumming classes, and meeting new friends!  Have a great time!

Please watch for information for upcoming concerts, studio recitals, and summer music camps.

Many students participated in a practice challenge this semester, tracking each day of practice in a calendar.  The top-practicing student would get the opportunity to attend a cello concert with Megan. 

The fabulous Jo-Jo Kasten, an 8th grader at Monarch K-8 in Louisville, practiced 81 days from September through the end of November.  Wow!  Congratulations! 

Jo-Jo and I got to attend a house concert last night featuring Ben Sollee.  We were blown away by his enormous range of skills: singing, picking, bowing, chopping, plucking, strumming, etc (listen to free streaming here), and check him out below.  We had a great time and can't wait to discover more cellists coming to town soon.