The root of learning music, of making music, including at the piano, should be joy. Once joy is firmly established, and music learning is, well, enjoyed by the student, then it’s time to layer on challenge and complexity and the rewards that come from struggle and hard work. If we begin with complexity, right and wrong, errors and mistakes, struggle and hard work, or place emphasis on these things too soon, we run the risk of removing the joy from music-making early on, and possibly for life.

Over the holiday season, we opened the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Laguna Niguel location. We have several new teachers, and we are enrolling students in private lessons and small group classes.

In addition to music lessons, the music studio has a small retail area that will sell musical instruments, accessories, supplies, toys, games, and other fun items; a space for the scholarship flea market; and prizes that can be earned by students who accomplish musical goals. The parent and family lounge features a comfortable waiting area with a sofa, chairs, and space with a table, books, and materials for siblings to read, make arts & crafts, and do homework.