In This Month’s Newsletter

Benefits of Piano Lessons for Children
Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Forums
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month
Spotlight on Little Drummer Boy
Days and Deeds of Dr. Dennis
Interested in unschooling?
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program

Benefits of Piano Lessons for Children

As parents, nurturing our children's growth involves exploring activities that enrich their development. Piano lessons stand as an exceptional avenue for holistic growth, offering a myriad of benefits that extend beyond mere musical skill.

The cognitive perks of piano lessons are profound. Learning to play the piano enhances memory, problem-solving abilities, and spatial awareness in children. It's akin to an exercise for the brain, as they decipher musical notes and coordinate their fingers, reinforcing their mental faculties crucial for academic success and problem-solving.

Moreover, piano practice isn't just about hitting the right keys; it's an exercise in dexterity. Through practice, kids refine their fine and gross motor skills, enhancing hand-eye coordination and finger agility. These skills don't just apply to music but spill over into other activities, aiding in overall physical development.

Beyond the technicalities, piano lessons instill invaluable life lessons. For many students, consistent practice fosters discipline, which can teach children the value of commitment, hard work, and persistence. It's a journey that instills the essence of dedication, skills they'll carry into all aspects of life.

Creativity flourishes at the piano. It's a space where children unleash their imagination, interpreting melodies and expressing their emotions through music. This includes singing while playing the piano, including singing silently, "in their brains." It nurtures a sense of self-discovery and emotional exploration, offering a unique outlet for their creativity. Piano lessons can also provide opportunities for musical composition, arranging, and improvisation, which lead to invention, entrepreneurship, and a

can-do attitude toward life…

In today's bustling world, where stress weighs on children, the piano offers a sanctuary. Engaging with music becomes a soothing balm, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being. The harmonies and melodies become a form of relaxation, offering a break from life's daily pressures.

Piano lessons foster social skills. Engaging in recitals or playing in groups teaches teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication. It's a journey of shared experiences, fostering friendships, and the joy of making music together. And the gift of piano proficiency isn't confined to childhood. It's a lifelong treasure that brings joy and fulfillment. The ability to play remains a constant source of expression and solace through adulthood.

In essence, piano lessons go beyond the music; they're an investment in your child's growth. They nurture skills that transcend the piano keys, enriching their lives in ways that stretch far beyond the music room.

IMPORTANT DATES

New Year’s Day - Monday, January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 15
President’s Day - Saturday, February 17
Abraham Lincoln’s birthday - February 12 and George Washington’s birthday - February 22
Valentine’s Day - Wednesday, February 14
Recital:
Valentine's Day Recital Wednesday, February 14
Late Afternoon and Evening Foothill Ranch

Please welcome

our NEW Students who enrolled

in November

Zanyar A.

Weston F.

Emma L.

Leilah L.

Student of the Month

Catherine Karsaz

I started piano last April, and voice last July. My favorite thing about piano is learning how to read music and making beautiful sounds. My favorite thing about voice is working on improving my pitch and volume while singing my favorite songs, I also enjoy singing along to my instruments as I play. I really appreciate how Mr. Frayne, Ms. Liezl, and Ms. Nicole have encouraged and supported me to become a better music student.

The first instrument I learned was the ukulele in my fifth-grade GATE class after my teacher saw a TED Talk about a man who claimed you could learn anything in 20 hours. She wanted to test that theory by seeing how long it took the class to learn one song on the ukulele, so she asked for a teachers grant, rented us all ukuleles, and told us to teach ourselves how to play. Ever since then, I've been obsessed with music, never going a day without playing one of my four instruments: ukulele, guitar, piano, and violin.

I attend La Paz Intermediate as a 7th grader and orchestra with Mr. Robbins is my favorite class because it allows me to work as a team with kids my age to make music. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, drawing, painting, writing songs, and playing music with my uncle who plays the guitar. I also enjoy volunteering for my favorite elementary school teacher Mrs. Winter. I help her reshelve the books in her library and am a helper during the 2nd-grade class who comes to the library when I am there. I also enjoy tutoring a 4th-grade student in math several times a week.

Spotlight on Little Drummer Boy

This cherished Christmas song, originally penned by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941 as "Carol of the Drum," weaves a poignant tale set within the biblical context of the Nativity. The biblical event is traditionally believed to have taken place in Bethlehem during the time of Jesus Christ's birth. It's a significant moment in Christian history, symbolizing the arrival of hope and salvation.

Central to the narrative are the Three Wise Men, or Magi, often depicted as kings or scholars from the East. Guided by a celestial phenomenon—a bright star—they journeyed to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn Messiah. The Magi's offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were symbolic, representing wealth, spirituality, and mortality, respectively. These gifts held deep significance, foreshadowing the life and mission of Jesus.

"The Little Drummer Boy" creatively interweaves this biblical narrative with a fictional tale. It introduces a humble drummer boy, devoid of material wealth, who seeks to pay tribute to the newborn Jesus. His lack of substantial gifts compels him to offer his skill—drumming. This symbolic act mirrors the idea that genuine, heartfelt offerings, irrespective of their material value, hold profound meaning.

Beyond Christianity, elements of the Nativity story and its themes have transcended religious boundaries, becoming part of various cultural traditions. For instance, the story's essence, focusing on the spirit of giving and humility, resonates with diverse communities worldwide during festive occasions. In some Hispanic cultures, the celebration of Epiphany as "Día de los Reyes" or Three Kings' Day, which this year takes place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, honors the arrival of the Magi. This special day involves lively festivities, feasting, and the exchange of gifts, echoing the significance of the Magi's offerings to the infant Jesus.

Moreover, the overarching message of compassion and selflessness depicted in "The Little Drummer Boy" transcends religious affiliations. Its universal themes—compassion, generosity, and the transformative power of genuine offerings—have become a unifying force among diverse cultures.

The story's adaptability and timeless moral values have made it a part of various literary, musical, and artistic expressions globally. Its enduring legacy lies in the universal appeal of its message, promoting goodwill, kindness, and the true spirit of giving during festive seasons. "The Little Drummer Boy," with its rich historical context and universal themes, continues to resonate and unite communities worldwide, serving as a testament to the enduring power of its heartfelt narrative.

Days & Deeds of Dr. Dennis

I grew up in Orange County when Irvine was mostly open space. When there were eucalyptus tree-lined roads. Before 4th Street was renamed Irvine Blvd. When animals roamed freely at Lion Country Safari. Before the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater became Verizon-Wireless (and then later became Irvine Meadows again), and then disappeared. Before the University of California, Irvine (UCI) was built. Before Irvine Spectrum...

Irvine is one of the most impressive cities in Orange County. I love the Irvine Spectrum Center, and I really enjoyed taking my kids there for so many shopping and play outings when they were growing up. One of my favorite piano teachers lives in Irvine, and I have taken many lessons and played in piano recitals in her home there. When I owned my own software technology and research company, Hostedware Corporation, we had one of our offices in the Irvine Company business complex off Alton Parkway and Technology Drive. My kids also enjoyed Wild Rivers, Camp James, and the Irish Fair in the area that has now been converted to residential neighborhoods. (Camp James moved to Newport Beach.)

I completed a portion of my CA Teaching Credential induction courses at Concordia University Irvine and I have attended many events and shows at the Irvine Barclay Theater. One of my brothers attended UCI School of Medicine and became a doctor! And another one of my brothers also attended UCI and now works at Blizzard Entertainment. I completed my student teaching in the Irvine Unified School District at Woodbridge High School under the mentorship of music teacher Rob Blaney, director of the WHS Vocal Music Department. I taught piano, voice, and played piano for the glee choirs at Irvine School of Music, and my wife, Grace Byeon, and I took some fun acting classes at Irvine Valley College.

You know what I haven’t done yet? I haven’t been on the big orange Balloon Ride at the Orange County Great Park! It’s on my bucket list!

Inspirations

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

- Isaiah 43:19

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.”

- Nido Qubein

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?

January 2024

To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!

This month’s winner is Léo Sunna

Léo has won 10 tickets which can be redeemed for prizes at the

Dennis Frayne Music Studio, Laguna Niguel!

To collect your prize tickets just bring this to the office.

Congratulations, Léo!

Everyone, be sure to read your newsletter each month!

Interested in unschooling?

Visit the website for more details and RSVP. usasb.org

All of us at Laguna Niguel School of Music, Dennis Frayne Music Studios

wish each and everyone

a Happy New Year, and a Happy Holiday season!

January 2024 Newsletter