CMC Notes Newsletters

CMC Notes Newsletter – November 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals: Information 3. Winter Recitals: Schedule 4. Winter Recitals: FAQs 5. RCM Exams 6. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 7. Featured Teacher 8. Give the Gift of Music! 9. ShopLocal2Win 10. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates November 1st: Winter recital sign-up starts today! Please refer to our email with subject heading ‘Winter Recital Sign-Up is now OPEN’ and click on the link in the body of the email to sign up!   November 5th: Deadline for RCM exam registration for Dec/Jan session   November 16th: Musical Preludes Parent / Caregiver Observation Day – parents/caregivers are invited to stay and observe your child’s MP class!   December 1st & 8th: CMC winter recitals – see below for more info!   Click HERE for our private lesson 2024-2024 CMC School Year Calendar! Click HERE for our Musical Preludes Schedule! Click HERE for our Suzuki Cello Group Class Schedule! Winter Recitals: Information! CMC hosts 2 days of winter recitals for our private lesson students. We encourage all our students to perform, but participation is optional! We want this to be a positive experience for our students with a supportive, low-pressure atmosphere. Our recitals are FREE, and are divided into short one hour sessions for your convenience.   Our recital sign up form will be emailed out on Friday, November 1st.   WHY PARTICIPATE: It’s an opportunity to perform for an audience in a supportive environment 🙂 Develop a musical goal to work toward and achieve! Show your friends and family what you have learned so far! PIANO ACCOMPANIMENTFor our ONLINE recital strings, voice and wind students, if piano accompaniment is required, you will need to use a track.   For our IN-PERSON recital strings, voice and wind students, CMC pays for a piano accompanist to be at our recitals, but if you would like rehearsal time beforehand (which we highly recommend), you are responsible to pay for a minimum increment of 15 minutes of rehearsal time. Unsure if you or your child will need piano accompaniment? Speak with their teacher who will be happy to discuss with you! Winter Recitals: Schedule! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 IN-PERSON at Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Avenue:   12:30pm: cello recital (students of all cello teachers & our Suzuki cello group class) 2pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers; choose from 2pm or 3pm) 3pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers; choose from 2pm or 3pm) 4pm: voice/winds recital (students of all voice & wind teachers) 5pm: adult recital (all instruments & voice for students 18+) 6pm: guitar/ukulele/bass/drums recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/bass/drum teachers; choose from 6pm or 7pm) 7pm: guitar/ukulele/bass/drums recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/bass/drum teachers; choose from 6pm or 7pm)   SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 ONLINE via Zoom:   10am: all instruments & voice for any teacher   IN-PERSON at Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Avenue:   1pm: piano recital (students of Alida & Josh) 2pm: piano recital (students of Cheng-Feng, Chris & Erik) 3pm: piano recital (students of Neal, Michele & Aimi) 4pm: piano recital (students of Luan & Mark) 5pm: piano recital (students of Hiro & James) 6pm: piano recital (students of Louise & Emmett)   NOTE: Students taking more than one lesson, or siblings, can sign up for the same time slot. All non-piano instruments must be on December 1st (for example, if one sibling takes piano and one takes guitar, please sign them both up for a guitar recital, since there will only be a piano set up on Dec. 8th, with no mics or amps…etc, and no guitar teacher to tune your instrument! Winter Recitals: FAQs Can my child sign up for one recital time slot even though they take 2 instruments? YES – we accommodate our students so that it’s convenient for you! Similarly, siblings can sign up for the same time slot. Please sign up for the non-piano time slot if applicable.   My child’s pieces are short since they’re a beginner- can they perform 2 pieces? NO – sorry! We limit it to one piece per student regardless of the length of the piece, to make it fair across the board. We simply don’t have time for all of our students to perform 2 pieces, so we need to enforce the 1 piece per instrument, otherwise our recitals will be endless. Thank you for your understanding.   My child takes / I take online lessons. Can they / I sign up to perform at the in-person recital? YES – for online students wanting to perform in-person, please simply sign up for your instrument / piano teacher’s time slot for our in-person recitals on December 1st.   My child takes / I take in-person lessons. Can they / I sign up to perform at the online recital? YES – sign up for our online recital on December 8th at 10am   Will there be a recital programme? YES – to be more environmentally friendly, we will have a digital programme with a QR code to scan to see the programme on your cell phone. We will have a limited number of printed programmes for those who need one. The PDF of the programme will be emailed the day prior.   How much does the recital cost? Our recitals are FREE.   Can my family and friends come to the recital? YES – since our winter recitals will now be held at Roncesvalles United church, we have plenty of space for family and friends to come and hear you, so there is no limit to the number of people you bring!   Any questions? Please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com. RCM Exams The deadline for RCM exam registration for Dec/Jan session is Tuesday, November 5.   The written theory examinations will take place on December 13 & 14, 2024.   The in-person practical examinations will take place January 13-25, 2025.   Interested in working towards a spring 2025 RCM exam?

CMC Notes Newsletter – October 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Winter Recitals: Information! 3. Winter Recitals: Schedule! 4. Make-Up Lesson Policy Change! 5. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 6. Featured Student 7. Featured Teacher 8. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Saturday October 12th: Private lessons are still ON, but no Musical Preludes classes! Monday, October 14th: No lessons scheduled today – CMC is closed for Thanksgiving! Thursday, October 31st: Happy Hallowe’en! All lessons are still on as scheduled – come to your lesson dressed up in your best costume!   Click HERE for our private lesson 2024-2024 CMC School Year Calendar! Click HERE for our Musical Preludes Schedule! Winter Recitals: Information! CMC hosts 2 days of winter recitals for our private lesson students. We encourage all our students to perform, but participation is optional! We want this to be a positive experience for our students with a supportive, low-pressure atmosphere.   Our recital sign up form will be emailed out on Friday, November 1st.   WHY PARTICIPATE: It’s an opportunity to perform for an audience in a supportive environment 🙂 Develop a musical goal to work toward and achieve! Show your friends and family what you have learned so far! PIANO ACCOMPANIMENTFor our ONLINE recital strings, voice and wind students, if piano accompaniment is required, you will need to use a track.   For our IN-PERSON recital strings, voice and wind students, CMC pays for a piano accompanist to be at our recitals, but if you would like rehearsal time beforehand (which we highly recommend), you are responsible to pay for a minimum increment of 15 minutes of rehearsal time.   Unsure if you or your child will need piano accompaniment? Speak with their teacher who will be happy to discuss with you! Winter Recitals: Schedule! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1   IN-PERSON at Array Space: 10am: cello recital (students of all cello teachers) 12pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers) 1pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers) 2pm: voice/winds recital (students of all voice & wind teachers) 4pm: adult recital (all instruments & voice for students 18+) 5pm: guitar/ukulele/drum recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/drum teachers) 6pm: guitar/ukulele/bass recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/bass teachers)   SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8   ONLINE via Zoom: 10am: all instruments & voice for any teacher   IN-PERSON at Array Space: Piano recital time slots will be assigned to students of specific teachers in October. 1pm: piano recital 2pm: piano recital 3pm: piano recital 4pm: piano recital 5pm: piano recital 6pm: piano recital   NOTE: Students taking more than one lesson, or siblings, can sign up for the same time slot. All non-piano instruments must be on December 1st (for example, if one sibling takes piano and one takes guitar, please sign them both up for a guitar recital, since there will only be a piano set up on Dec. 8th, with no mics or amps…etc, and no guitar teacher to tune your instrument! Make-Up Lesson Policy Change Just a friendly reminder about our make-up lesson policy: make-up lessons will be valid until the end of the school year in June. Lessons cancelled with 24 hours notice after May 31st will not be guaranteed a make-up lesson.   Please see our Student Handbook below for our full make-up lesson policy. Student Handbook Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Chris CMC teacher Chris has an upcoming special event on Tuesday, October 15th called “Letters To God: PS. I (don’t) Believe in You”. From Chris:   “Soundstreams commissioned me to write music based on letters the public have written to a ‘higher power’. It will feature myself on piano and synth, Tara Kannangara on trumpet and voice, and Ky Brooks on voice. And it’s FREE.”   You can reserve tickets and find more information at this link:https://soundstreams.ca/events/td-encounters-letters-to-god-p-s-i-dont-believe-in-you/   Alida CMC teacher Alida has an upcoming event with the chorus of Opera Atelier’s production of Acis and Galatea.   Performances are October 24, 26, and 27 at the Elgin Theatre.   Click HERE for more information.   Enjoy! Featured Student! Aida (Violin) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? 3 years old.   2. Why did you choose your instrument? I wanted to play something with strings  3. What do you like most about your teacher? That she is a very good teacher.  4. Do you have a favourite piece to play? See the pretty flowers.  5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? Piano. 6. What else do you do in your spare time? Draw, read books.  7. Who are some of your musical inspirations? ABBA, Katy Perry.  8. What do you like most about CMC? The rainbow carpet in Ms. Kenin’s room! If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Teacher! Sonya Harper Nyby (Voice, Violin, Musical Preludes) 1. How old were you when you first started music? My elementary school had a great music program which included general music classes and the option to learn string or band instruments. I started learning to play violin in grade 3.   2. Why did you want to make music your career? I had a lot of really moving musical experiences growing up, especially in my high school orchestra. When I started my undergrad, I majored in biology, planning to go to med school eventually. I found I missed music too much, so I auditioned into the music education at my university and never looked back. Music is endlessly interesting because there is always something new to find in even the most familiar pieces. I find this especially true when I’m exploring the text of the pieces I sing.   3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? I sing with Oakville Choral, The Hedgerow Singers, and I have a weekly church job.   4. What do you enjoy most about teaching? I love helping people explore how they can achieve

CMC Notes Newsletter – September 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Make-Up Lesson Policy Change 3. Musical Preludes 4. Suzuki Cello Group Class 5. Winter Recitals: Mark Your Calendars! 6. Private Lessons – Info! 7. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 8. Featured Teacher 9. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Monday, September 2nd: No lessons scheduled – CMC is CLOSED for Labour Day!   Tuesday, September 3rd: First day of lessons!   Saturday, September 14th: Roncesvalles Polish Festival from 11am to 11pm. Please note that Roncesvalles will be closed to traffic that day, so please allow more time for travelling to CMC for your lessons. Come visit our table outside CMC!   Saturday, September 21st: First day of Musical Preludes classes!   Tuesday, September 24th: First day of Suzuki Cello Group class!   Click HERE for our private lesson 2024-2024 CMC School Year Calendar Make-Up Lesson Policy Change Just a friendly reminder that our make-up lesson policy has changed: make-up lessons will be valid until the end of the school year in June. Lessons cancelled with 24 hours notice after May 31st will not be guaranteed a make-up lesson.   This policy is in alignment with other music schools across Toronto. Please see our Student Handbook below for our full make-up lesson policy. Student Handbook Musical Preludes What is Musical Preludes?   Musical Preludes is a course designed to introduce your young child to the wonderful world of music, where they learn basic musical concepts and explore various instruments such as the violin, cello, clarinet, piano and more!   Musical Preludes classes are drop-off classes, with the teacher and students only. The course has a parent observation day where parents or caregivers come to class to observe what the children have been learning. We limit the number of students to a max of 8 children per class.   The ultimate goal is for our students to experience the joy of music.   CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2024-2025:   Musical Preludes has 2 terms with 15 classes each: Sept to Jan, and Feb to May.MP Intro (3-4 year olds): Saturdays 10:00-10:45am   MP Junior (4-6 year olds): Saturdays 11:00-11:45am   COST: $420 per term ($800 total if you register for the 2 terms at the same time) Find out more! Suzuki Cello Group Class We are hoping to offer our year long Suzuki Cello Group Class once again this fall on Tuesdays from 6:15-7:00pm.   We need at least 4 students to run the class, so if you are planning on registering your child but haven’t yet, please do so as soon as possible! Find out more! Winter Recitals: Mark Your Calendars! More information will come later on our winter recitals, but below are the dates to mark in your calendars. Our recitals are optional but highly recommended; it’s an opportunity to perform for an audience in a supportive environment, and to develop a musical goal to work towards and achieve.   SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1   IN-PERSON at Array Space: 10am: cello recital (students of all cello teachers) 12pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers) 1pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers) 2pm: voice/winds recital (students of all voice & wind teachers) 4pm: adult recital (all instruments & voice for students 18+) 5pm: guitar/ukulele/drum recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/drum teachers) 6pm: guitar/ukulele/bass recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/bass teachers)   SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8   ONLINE via Zoom 10am: all instruments & voice for any teacher   IN-PERSON at Array Space: Piano recital time slots will be assigned to students of specific teachers in October. 1pm: piano recital 2pm: piano recital 3pm: piano recital 4pm: piano recital 5pm: piano recital 6pm: piano recital   NOTE: Students taking more than one lesson, or siblings, can sign up for the same time slot. All non-piano instruments must be on December 1st (for example, if one sibling takes piano and one takes guitar, please sign them both up for a guitar recital, since there will only be a piano set up on Dec. 8th, with no mics or amps…etc, and no guitar teacher to tune your instrument! Private Lessons – Info! What happens if I need to miss a lesson? If you need to miss a lesson during the school year, simply cancel your lesson online by logging into your account (see below). A minimum of 24 hours notice, regardless of the reason for cancellation, is required for the lesson not to be forfeited. Lessons cancelled with 24 hours notice are never credited, but can be scheduled as make-up lessons. We do realize that 24 hours notice is sometimes not possible with illness, however, CMC has this policy in place out of consideration for our teachers. They are scheduled to come and teach at CMC or online, and are unable to make any alternative plans with less than 24 hours notice. This includes any technical or equipment failure for online lessons as well. Out of respect for the livelihood of our teachers, this policy stands. If you / your child can’t make your lesson with less than 24 hours notice, you do however have the option of having another family member take that lesson instead so it’s not forfeited. How do I cancel my lesson online? Please log into your WellnessLiving account to self-cancel your lesson – click HERE to view a video on how to do so NOTE: A minimum of 24 hours notice is required in order to receive a make-up lesson There is a maximum of 4 make-up lessons during the school year (one per 10 lessons for those who register after the first week of September) Make-up lessons are required to be completed prior to the end of the school year (end of June) Any lesson cancellations after the month of May are not guaranteed a make-up lesson Tuition is never prorated for missed lessons How is a make-up lesson arranged? You are responsible for scheduling your make-up lessons through the office. Please

CMC Notes Newsletter – August 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Musical Preludes 3. Suzuki Cello Group Class 4. Make-Up Lesson Policy Change 5. RCM Exams 6. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 7. Featured Teacher 8. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Monday, September 2nd: No lessons scheduled – Labour Day!   Tuesday, September 3rd: First day of fall lessons – WELCOME BACK!   Tuesday, September 24th: First day of Suzuki Cello Group class!   Saturday, September 21st: First day of Musical Preludes classes (Intro for 3-4 year olds and Junior for 4-6 year olds)   Click below for our private lesson 2024-2025 CMC School Year Calendar: 2024-2025 CMC Calendar Musical Preludes What is Musical Preludes?   Musical Preludes is a course designed to introduce your young child to the wonderful world of music, where they learn basic musical concepts and explore various instruments such as the violin, cello, clarinet, piano and more!   Musical Preludes classes are drop-off classes, with the teacher and students only. The course has a parent observation day where parents or caregivers come to class to observe what the children have been learning. We limit the number of students to a max of 8 children per class.   The ultimate goal is for our students to experience the joy of music.   CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2024-2025:   Musical Preludes has 2 terms with 15 classes each: Sept to Jan, and Feb to May.MP Intro (3-4 year olds): Saturdays 10:00-10:45am   MP Junior (4-6 year olds): Saturdays 11:00-11:45am   COST: $420 per term ($800 total if you register for the 2 terms at the same time) Find out more! Suzuki Cello Group Class We are hoping to offer our year long Suzuki Cello Group Class once again this fall on Tuesdays from 6:15-7:00pm.   We need at least 4 students to run the class, so if you are planning on registering your child but haven’t yet, please do so as soon as possible! Find out more! Make-Up Lesson Policy Change Just a friendly reminder that our make-up lesson policy has changed: make-up lessons will be valid until the end of the school year in June. Lessons cancelled with 24 hours notice after May 31st will not be guaranteed a make-up lesson.   This policy is in alignment with other music schools across Toronto. Please see our Student Handbook below for our full make-up lesson policy. Student Handbook RCM Exams DID YOU KNOW…   If you earn a Level 7 RCM Certificate (Level 7 practical exam in your instrument + Level 7 Theory) – it counts as a Grade 11 high school credit!   If you earn a Level 8 RCM Certificate (Level 8 practical exam in your instrument + Level 8 Theory) – it counts as a Grade 12 high school credit!   Curious to know more about the RCM exam process? Contact Lusiana at LL@cmccanada.com to arrange a time to chat with her about it! Learn more about RCM exams! Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Alex CMC teacher Alex has lots of upcoming events!   Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7-10pm – Tak Arikushi Trio @ La Rev   Aug. 25, 10pm – Dan Pitt Trio @ the Tranzac   Enjoy! Featured Teacher! Erik Ross (Piano, Theory, Harmony) 1. How old were you when you first started music? 4 – and apparently I slicked back my hair after my first tune and jumped right off the middle of the stage.   2. Why did you want to make music your career? Nothing in the world made my mind and body explode more with emotion.   3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? I play in a couple contemporary rock groups Arkose and REK, but mostly I write difficult contemporary classical music with a mix of intensity and heart (or so I believe!).   4. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Seeing eyes open with a sense of wonder when mysteries are solved and levels are attained, and finding the best way to connect and develop from each student’s unique style of learning. 5. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them? Scheduling is good. Mix difficult tech with beautiful music practice. Most of all, set reasonable goals and knock out one thing at a time. Becoming grand at music takes thousands of hours, so it can become daunting. So, make it easy and day by day. Today, learn 8 bars and, say, a formula pattern. Just that. Then tomorrow, do something like that again. Days become weeks become years and you’ll be awesome. But just know it takes time, so don’t worry about it and avoid all frustration by doing one thing – today. Get those 8 bars and that f.p… In the end, a single goal a day will make you magnificent.   6. What do you like to do in your spare time? Play complicated board and card games with my daughter Cecily, watch concerts, watch hockey, and play Texas Hold’em with friends.   7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? I still haven’t done Italy!   8. Anything else you want to add? I just want to say congratulations to all of my wonderful students who progressed in leaps and bounds this year!! If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Birthdays this Month! August 1: Michael G. August 2: Manha J. August 2: Max D. August 3: Matteo P. August 4: Natasha F. August 4: Kaden C-K-Y. August 5: Sloane R. August 8: Edith B. August 10: Lucas K. August 10: Hannah V. August 12: Emma S. August 12: Phoebe B. August 12: Francesca Penelope B. August 15: Damien D. August 19: Louise H. August 22: Miles C. August 22: Vuk D. August 22: Johnny M. August 23: Magda L. August 23: Camille A. August 25: Mitch L. August 25: Teja H. August

CMC Notes Newsletter – July 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Thank You for Another Wonderful Year! 3. RCM Exams – Congratulations! 4. Summer Camp! 5. Teachers’ Upcoming Gigs & Releases 6. Featured Student 7. Featured Teacher 8. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Monday, July 1st: HAPPY CANADA DAY! CMC is closed!   Tuesday, July 2nd: Summer lessons begin! Email our office to sign up!   Monday, July 8th – Friday, July 12th: Music and Arts Creations Summer Camp WEEK 1! STILL A COUPLE OF SPOTS LEFT! Theme: Birds, Bugs, Faeries & Wings   Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th: Music and Arts Creations Summer Camp WEEK 2! STILL A COUPLE OF SPOTS LEFT! Theme: Oh, How My Garden Grows!   Click HERE for our private lesson 2023-2024 CMC School Year Calendar Thank You for Another Wonderful Year! Lessons for the 2023-2024 school year are now complete!   CONGRATULATIONS to all of our students for your hard work throughout the year!   We were grateful to hear many of you share your music at our Spring recitals in June – thank you for doing so!   Keep playing / singing this summer, and we look forward to a fabulous upcoming school year this fall! RCM Exams – Congratulations! Congratulations to all CMC students who completed an RCM exam in June! We’re so proud to see all of your hard work and dedication pay off! Keep practising and above all, have FUN! Summer Camp! SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS STILL HAPPENING: A FEW SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Music & Art Creations Summer Camp:   A magical fun-filled week for 4-7 year olds with music, art, movement, drumming and instruments exploration!   Monday to Friday from 9am to noon, $295/week.   Week 1: July 8-12, 2024 (spots available!)Week 2: July 15-19, 2024 (spots available!)Week 3: August 12-16, 2024 (FULL!)   Please click HERE for more information or to register – space is limited to only 8 students per week! Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Max CMC teacher Max recently played drums with a Toronto based band, Sunday Service, on their new song “Garbage”!   Check it out on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2xKN3YB1dsH3wi8VWGO5XF?si=68c395d710ae47bc   Enjoy! Featured Student! Luna (Guitar, Piano) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? 4 years old.   2. Why did you choose your instrument? I was inspired by the talents of Taylor Swift!  3. What do you like most about your teacher? Alida – she’s super nice and enjoyable to be around. Alex – he always finds unique ways to explain things.  4. Do you have a favourite piece to play? I enjoy playing all music, especially Taylor Swift tunes.  5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? I would like to play Piano.   6. What else do you do in your spare time? Interact with my friends online; listen to music  7. Who are some of your musical inspirations? Taylor Swift of course!  8. What do you like most about CMC? The School is welcoming and comforting. 9. Anything else you want to add?I hope my sister will take up music lessons again soon. If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Teacher! A concert I attended recently..finally got to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra! Cheng-Feng Lin (Piano) 1. How old were you when you first started music? 10 years old.   2. Why did you want to make music your career? I love music and teaching  3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? Not with any groups.  4. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Exchanging and sharing musical ideas between me and the students  5. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them? Treat it like having a “play date”.. have fun!  6. What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy cooking and being near water.  7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Greek islands If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Birthdays this Month! July 1: Kellin W. July 1: Thomas S. July 2: Melissa C. July 4: Felix L. July 5: Wesley L. July 5: Ava N-B. July 5: Atli R. July 6: Egan C. July 7: Isla M. July 7: Molly G. July 8: Fariba H. July 9: Charles B. July 9: Ray S. July 9: Gwendolyn Y. July 10: Spencer F. July 11: Celine M. July 11: Wyatt B. July 15: Clara E. July 17: Sarah S. July 19: Madeline M. July 20 : Zak R. July 22: Frederick P. July 22: Jing Yi Ma July 24: Blythe B. July 27: Maisie S. July 27: Jack M. July 27: Freya J. July 29: Steve T. July 30: Levy L. July 30: Ekam D. July 31: Molly O. Facebook Instagram ©2023 Music Lessons Toronto, In-Person at our school or online Lessons Toronto, Music School Toronto, ON, Canada | 314 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, ON M6R 2M7, CA All Posts Blog Posts CMC Notes Newsletters The Importance of Musical Interest: Insights from Louise Hung 2024-06-15/ The Importance of Musical Interest By Louise Hung   Through my experiences so far as a music educator, I have… Read More CMC Notes – June 2024 2024-06-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – June 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. CMC Spring Recitals 3. Summer Lessons… Read More CMC Notes – May 2024 2024-05-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – May 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Spring Recitals – Info 3. Summer… Read More The ABCs of My Many Memorable Moments at CMC – Insights from Cheng-Feng Lin 2024-04-15/ The ABCs of My Many Memorable Moments at CMC By Cheng-Feng Lin Over the years teaching at CMC, I have… Read More CMC Notes – April 2024 2024-04-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter – April 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Spring Recitals –

CMC Notes Newsletter – June 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. CMC Spring Recitals 3. Summer Lessons 4. Summer Camp 5. Fall Re-Registration 6. Teachers’ Upcoming Gigs & Releases 7. Lost & Found 8. Featured Student 9. Featured Teacher 10. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Sunday, June 2nd: CMC in-person recitals at Array Space   Tuesday, June 4th: Registration Deadline for RCM August exam session   Sunday, June 9th: CMC online via Zoom and in-person recitals at Array Space   Saturday, June 15th: last day of Musical Preludes classes: parents are invited!   Saturday, June 29th: Last day of lessons for the school year   Tuesday, July 2nd: first day of summer lessons   Click HERE for our private lesson 2023-2024 CMC School Year Calendar CMC Spring Recitals Our spring recitals are fast approaching!   SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd: In-Person recitals at Array Space, located at 155 Walnut Ave.   SUNDAY, JUNE 9th: Online recitals via Zoom, and In-Person spring recitals at Array Space, located at 155 Walnut Ave.   We are so looking forward to hearing our students perform! Those who have signed up will be receiving an email with our recital programme a few days prior to your recital day. Summer Lessons SIGN-UP FOR SUMMER LESSONS IS NOW OPEN!   We highly recommend continuing lessons during July & August, even if it’s just a few, so that our students don’t lose what they’ve worked hard for this past year!   Please complete our summer lessons form that has been emailed to you – if you didn’t receive one, please email the office at cmc@cmccanada.com.   NOTE: For summer, time slots are on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve your summer lesson day & time now! Summer Camp! SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS STILL HAPPENING: A FEW SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Music & Art Creations Summer Camp:   A magical fun-filled week for 4-7 year olds with music, art, movement, drumming and instruments exploration!   Monday to Friday from 9am to noon, $295/week.   Week 1: July 8-12, 2024 (spots available!)Week 2: July 15-19, 2024 (spots available!)Week 3: August 12-16, 2024 (FULL!)   Please click HERE for more information or to register – space is limited to only 8 students per week! Fall Re-Registration Every spring, students are invited to reserve their lesson day & time for the fall by re-registering. Our Re-Registration deadline was May 1st. If you didn’t re-register but would still like to continue lessons this fall, please email the office at cmc@cmccanada.com and our Registrar can let you know your teacher’s fall availability.   IF you do not plan on continuing lessons this fall, please let us know by emailing our office at cmc@cmccanada.com, thank you so much! Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Wanda Wanda will be singing with her choir, Singing Out, at the following event:   June 15th, 3:00pm AND 7:30pm at the Glenn Gould Theatre, 250 Front St. West: True Colours: A Pride Concert   Click HERE for details.   Alida CMC teacher Alida has 2 upcoming events with The Nathaniel Dett Chorale!   1. June 3rd, 12:00pm at Roy Thomson Hall: Choir & Organ Concert Series. Free admission!   Click HERE for details.   2. June 11th, 8:00pm at the Luminato festival at Koerner Hall: And Still We Sing…Missa Afro-Brasileira: A Syncretism of Voice and Dance   Click HERE for details. Saba CMC teacher Saba has an upcoming event:   June 29th at Array Music: “From Persian Gardens to Tango Streets” – Persian whispers meet Tango’s passion in a night of music and hope. Join us for a journey through struggles and triumphs.   Click HERE for details.   Enjoy! Lost & Found If any of these items are yours, please email cmc@cmccanada.com!   PLEASE NOTE: any remaining items at the end of June will be donated, so to please claim your items prior to June 29th!!! Featured Student! Egan (Guitar) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? 4 years old at the RCM   2. Why did you choose your instrument? My dad’s music tastes greatly influenced mine and his love of 70’s rock impressed me. This is to the point where I wanted to recreate some of these timeless songs with one of the most iconic instruments of the era.   3. What do you like most about your teacher? Brandon is not only a teacher but a friend. After spending so many years of my life with him we’ve created a solid relationship with a comfortable learning environment. Brandon knows my learning style and what pieces will pique my interest. I feel like we truly understand each other and for that I am grateful. 4. Do you have a favourite piece to play? Over the years I’ve played many classic rock songs from bands like Pink Floyd, The Eagles, The Beatles, and many more but in a way, they are all fairly similar. That is why in my last year at the CMC I am truly broadening my horizons and learning Partita in A minor by Bach and transcribed by Brandon for electric guitar. It sounds amazing and it has so much interesting theory behind it. I never knew I could play these classical songs on an electric guitar and this just shows how endless the possibilities can be on any instrument.   5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? If I could play any other instrument it would be the drums. Playing and learning music changes the way you experience it in day-to-day life. By learning guitar, whenever its presented in music I focus on it and have more of an appreciation because I can notice some of the intricacies of what is being played. By playing in a band I find this theory applies as well. I understand the effort it takes to play music with others and I also have more fixation on some of the other key instruments such as bass, keys and drums.

CMC Notes Newsletter – May 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Spring Recitals – Info 3. Summer Camp 4. Fall Re-Registration 5. Teachers’ Upcoming Gigs & Releases 6. Featured Student 7. Featured Teacher 8. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Wednesday, May 1st: TODAY is the deadline for submitting your Re-Registration form for the fall! Reserve your fall lesson day and time by completing the fall Re-Registration form that was emailed out in April. Contact the office at cmc@cmccanada.com if you did not receive one. Friday, May 3rd: Spring Recital sign up starts! An email with a sign-up form will be sent to all of our students – please complete by May 15th! Wednesday, May 15th: Deadline for Spring Recital sign-up form! (will be emailed out on May 3rd) Saturday, May 18th: Lessons are still ON as scheduled, but no Musical Preludes classes scheduled today! Monday, May 20th: CMC is CLOSED for Victoria Day!   Click HERE for our private lesson 2023-2024 CMC School Year Calendar Spring Recitals – Info! SAVE THE DATE: Our CMC Spring Recitals!   Below are the dates for our CMC spring recitals – mark your calendars! PLEASE NOTE that our recital sign-up form will be emailed to you on May 3rd, with a due date of May 15th!   Recital participation is completely optional, but we encourage our students to take advantage of this opportunity to perform for an audience in a supportive environment, to develop a musical goal to work towards and achieve, and to show your loved ones what you’ve learned so far!   For our adult students 18+, we have a separate in-person adult recital which will take place on June 2nd at 3pm.   SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd   IN-PERSON at Array Space: 10am: cello recital (students of all cello teachers & our Suzuki cello group class) 12pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers, choose from 12pm or 1pm) 1pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers, choose from 12pm or 1pm) 2pm: voice/winds recital (students of all voice & wind teachers) 3pm: adult recital (all instruments & voice for students 18+) 5pm: guitar/drum recital (students of all guitar/drum teachers) 6pm: guitar/ukulele/bass recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/bass teachers)   SUNDAY, JUNE 9th   ONLINE via Zoom 10am: all instruments & voice for any teacher   IN-PERSON at Array Space: 1pm: piano recital (students of Alida & Josh) 2pm: piano recital (students of Cheng-Feng, Chris & Erik) 3pm: piano recital (students of Neal & Michele) 4pm: piano recital (students of Luan & Mark) 5pm: piano recital (students of Hiro, James & Iris) 6pm: piano recital (students of Louise) Summer Camp! SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS STILL HAPPENING: A FEW SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Music & Art Creations Summer Camp:   A magical fun-filled week for 4-7 year olds with music, art, movement, drumming and instruments exploration!   Monday to Friday from 9am to noon, $295/week.   Week 1: July 8-12, 2024Week 2: July 15-19, 2024Week 3: August 12-16, 2024 (FULL!)   Please click HERE for more information or to register – space is limited to only 8 students per week! Fall Re-Registration! Every spring, students are invited to reserve their lesson day & time for the fall by re-registering.   A Re-Registration form was emailed out to you last month, and you have until the May 1st DEADLINE (TODAY!) to complete it.   Please email the office at cmc@cmccanada.com if you didn’t receive an email in April.   Spots will be opened to new students or students requiring a change in their schedule after the re-registration deadline, so please ensure you reserve your spot by May 1st by completing the Re-Registration form! IF you do not plan on continuing lessons this fall, please let us know by emailing our office at cmc@cmccanada.com, thank you so much! Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Alex CMC teacher Alex has an upcoming event!   –May 3rd, 8:00-10:00pm at Sellers and Newell: Money House Album Release.     Alida CMC teacher Alida has an upcoming event with Echo Women’s Choir!   –Sunday, May 5th, 3:00pm at the Church of the Holy Trinity: “O, Sister!”   Details can be found HERE.     Chris CMC teacher Chris & his partner Tara recently released a new EP, check it out here:   https://tarakannangara.bandcamp.com/album/extraordinary-people     Enjoy!!! Featured Student! Sean (Violin) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? 8 years old.   2. Why did you choose your instrument? Seeing a showy violin performance at one of Mooredale’s “Music and Truffles” shows.   3. What do you like most about your teacher? Elizabeth has very good analogies to explain musical concepts.   4. Do you have a favourite piece to play? Czardas by Vittorio Monti   5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? The double bass.   6. What else do you do in your spare time? I like snowboarding, biking and indoor rock climbing.   7. Who are some of your musical inspirations? Jonathan Crow, Stefano Landi   8. What do you like most about CMC? It’s a tight-knit community. If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Teacher! Sarah Steeves (Cello, Piano) 1. How old were you when you first started music? 3 years old.   2. Why did you want to make music your career? I feel like the most like myself when I’m playing or teaching the cello, so I wanted to keep doing that.   3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? The Ton Beau String Quartet and Sinfonia Toronto   4. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Getting to know my students and figure out how to best help them learn   5. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them? Pick one thing to focus on. Maybe it’s memorizing your recital piece. Maybe it’s learning the rhythm in the B

CMC Notes Newsletter – April 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Spring Recitals – Info 3. Teachers’ Upcoming Gigs & Releases 4. Lost & Found 5. Featured Student 6. Featured Teacher 7. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Monday, April 1st: Lessons are still ON! Thursday, April 18th: Fall Re-Registration forms will be emailed out to complete before our May 1st deadline! Monday, May 1st: Deadline for Re-Registration forms for the fall: reserve your fall lesson day & time by re-registering by May 1st! (forms will be sent on April 18th)   Click HERE for our private lesson 2023-2024 CMC School Year Calendar Spring Recitals – Info! SAVE THE DATE: Our CMC Spring Recitals!   Below are the dates for our CMC spring recitals – mark your calendars! PLEASE NOTE that our recital sign-up form will be emailed to you at the beginning of May.   Recital participation is completely optional, but we encourage our students to take advantage of this opportunity to perform for an audience in a supportive environment, to develop a musical goal to work towards and achieve, and to show your loved ones what you’ve learned so far!   SUNDAY, JUNE 2nd   IN-PERSON at Array Space: 10am: cello recital (students of all cello teachers & our Suzuki cello group class) 12pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers, choose from 12pm or 1pm) 1pm: violin/viola recital (students of all violin & viola teachers, choose from 12pm or 1pm) 2pm: voice/winds recital (students of all voice & wind teachers) 3pm: adult recital (all instruments & voice for students 18+) 5pm: guitar/drum recital (students of all guitar/drum teachers) 6pm: guitar/ukulele/bass recital (students of all guitar/ukulele/bass teachers)   SUNDAY, JUNE 9th   ONLINE via Zoom 10am: all instruments & voice for any teacher   IN-PERSON at Array Space: 1pm: piano recital (students of Alida & Josh) 2pm: piano recital (students of Cheng-Feng, Chris & Erik) 3pm: piano recital (students of Neal & Michele) 4pm: piano recital (students of Luan & Mark) 5pm: piano recital (students of Hiro, James & Iris) 6pm: piano recital (students of Louise) Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Alex CMC teacher Alex has 2 upcoming events!   1. April 4th, 8:00pm at the Burdock: Action Forever Album Release.   2. Apr. 28/29, 8:30pm at the Rex: Dan Pitt Quintet.   Enjoy! Lost & Found If any of these items are yours, please email cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Student! Sabrina (Cello) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? I was 3 when I had my first cello lesson. I was 4 when I started lessons with Sarah.   2. Why did you choose your instrument? My mom chose it for me but now I like it.   3. What do you like most about your teacher? I like that she’s funny and kind and patient.   4. Do you have a favourite piece to play? Right now my favourite is Bourrée (G. F. Handel)   5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? I would like to play Piano.   6. What else do you do in your spare time? I like swimming and gymnastics and ice skating. At home I like to watch TV, practice cello, reading, and playing. And board games!   7. Who are some of your musical inspirations? My teacher Sarah.   8. What do you like most about CMC? I like that they have books I can read if I’m early for class. And the recitals, because I can hear what other students are playing. If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Teacher! Alida Doornberg (Piano, Voice) 1. How old were you when you first started music? I think I was about 5 years old when I started Music for Young Children classes which I can still kind of remember. I started singing in choir when I was 6 years old, and music has been in my life ever since!   2. Why did you want to make music your career? I was always really encouraged by my family and mentors growing up to follow my passion for singing. After graduating form an arts high school where I focused on vocal music, it felt natural to continue with post secondary studies in Voice Performance. University provided some of my first experiences with teaching music so I could start to develop a career and share my passion with others.   3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? I recently joined the Nathaniel Dett Chorale which is a professional choir that focuses on Afrocentric music, currently celebrating their 25th anniversary as an ensemble. I also help lead a community choir called Echo Women’s Choir, which has been around for over 30 years, and focuses on folk music from around the world.   4. What do you enjoy most about teaching? The best thing about teaching is giving students the opportunity to express their individual personalities through a song. I believe that music is an outlet to express the range of our emotions in a healthy way, and improves our mental health, so I feel lucky to help facilitate that for the students. 5. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them? The small building blocks of daily practice are necessary so you can really enjoy playing music and feel you are expressing yourself through your instrument. I tell students to build the practice in to their routine at the same time everyday – maybe after school or after dinner. Also setting a timer to keep you focused is a great tool!   6. What do you like to do in your spare time? When I’m not singing or playing piano I like to spend time with my cat Annie and work on crafts. I usually like sewing crafts but right now I’m working on a diamond painting.   7. If you could go anywhere

CMC Notes Newsletter – March 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! 3. Featured Student 4. Featured Teacher 5. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates March 10 – March 17: March Break!!! CMC is CLOSED. No lessons or classes all week. Enjoy your time off!   Monday, March 18: Lessons and classes resume as normal   Friday, March 29: Good Friday! CMC is CLOSED, no lessons or classes!   Saturday, March 30: Lessons are ON today, but no Musical Preludes today!   Click HERE for our private lesson 2023-2024 CMC School Year Calendar Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases! Brandon Brandon has an upcoming performance with his band “The Brokes”, a “The Strokes” cover band. The event will take place at the Lee’s Palace on Saturday March 9th at 9:00pm.   Tickets are $32.10 (including fees).   Click HERE for tickets and more information. James James has a couple of upcoming gigs in Toronto!   The first one is on March 8th and 9th8:00 – 10:30 pm, featuring the James Griffith Quintet at The Jazz Bistro.   The second one is on March 14th8:00 pm – late, where he will be playing with Marmalade at Collective Arts Toronto Taproom.   Enjoy! Featured Student! Jack (Viola) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? 12 years old   2. Why did you choose your instrument? I was inspired by my sister who started playing the viola at school and I wanted to try it out for myself. I enjoyed it and decided to try some private lessons at CMC with Michael Sproules (love that guy!)   3. Do you have a favourite piece to play? The Viola Concerto in G Major by Telemann   4. What do you like most about your teacher? He’s really patient and understanding. He’s very encouraging and wants me to succeed. And he’s a really good performer himself.   5. Who are some of your musical inspirations? My mom, my viola teacher and listening to other young musicians performing at high levels.   6. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? Probably violin so I could play melodies in orchestral music as there are more pieces written for violin.   7. What do you like most about CMC? The close community, the impressive musicianship of the teachers and the comfortable environment.   8. What else do you do in your spare time? I like to play video games but also play hockey and baseball.   9. Anything else you would like to add? As my time as a student at CMC draws to an end as I will be attending university in the fall, I look back on the improvement that I made over these last 6 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied music with Michael and look forward to coming back in the summers to continue my growth as a musician. If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Teacher! Luan Phung (Piano & Improv, Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Recorder) 1. How old were you when you first started music? 3 years old.   2. Why did you want to make music your career? Apart from my love of music in general, I had a passion and drive to want to create and inspire, and music was the language I knew I could do that with!   3. What do you enjoy most about teaching? I love getting to know my students because each of them are so cool and unique in their own way! I also love to see how my students improve and progress over time!   4. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them? Don’t feel like you have to practice a long time to improve. You can have a very short and focused practice routine and feel a sense of accomplishment.   5. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? Because I freelance my guitar to various projects as well as collaborating within the creative music community, I play with many artists, groups, and ensembles!   6. What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to train my dog Korra! We do various dog sports and have won titles in those sports! I also like to watch cartoons and anime and I enjoy boxing for fitness!   7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would travel either to eat food OR to see animals. Somewhere in Asia to eat street food and probably Africa to see animals!   8. Anything else you want to add? Remember that music is important! If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Birthdays this Month! March 1: Charlie B. March 1: Cooper W. March 3: Polina K. March 4: Elinor C. March 5: Evelyn S. March 8: Benjamin Z. March 10: Keira E. March 10: Haley D. March 11: Oliver L. March 12: Callum M. March 13: Amaya M. March 13: Magnus B. March 14: Augustine S-B March 14: Connor K. March 15: Constantin E. March 16: William M. March 17: Xavier J. March 17: Patricia F. March 17: Laura C. March 17: Lily L. March 18: Joel R. March 19: Grady W. March 22: Charlotte W. March 22: Murad M. March 22: William M. March 27: Steven M. March 27: Calla H. March 28: Morgan E. March 28: Desmond R. March 28: Makar Y. March 30: Maureen M. March 31: Liam S. March 31: Zoe M. March 31: Chloe P. March 31: Callum H. March 31: Jones L. Facebook Instagram ©2023 Music Lessons Toronto, In-Person at our school or online Lessons Toronto, Music School Toronto, ON, Canada | 314 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, ON M6R 2M7, CA All Posts Blog Posts CMC Notes Newsletters CMC Notes – February 2024 2024-02-01/ CMC Notes Newsletter –

CMC Notes Newsletter – February 2024 In this issue 1. Important Upcoming Dates 2. Summer Camp Registration & Discount! 3. Lost & Found 4. Featured Student 5. Featured Teacher 6. Birthdays this Month Important Upcoming Dates Saturday, February 17th: Lessons are still ON as scheduled, but NO Musical Preludes classes today! Monday, February 19th: CMC is closed for Family Day! Tuesday, March 5th: Deadline for registration for the May/June Session of RCM Exams  Click HERE for our private lesson 2023-2024 CMC School Year Calendar Summer Camp Registration & Discount! SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN: EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!   Music & Art Creations Summer Camp:   A magical fun-filled week for 4-7 year olds with music, art, movement, drumming and instruments exploration! Monday to Friday from 9am to noon, $295/week. SAVE $25 by registering before February 14th and pay $270! Week 1: July 8-12, 2024 Week 2: July 15-19, 2024 Week 3: August 12-16, 2024 Please click below for more information or to register – space is limited to only 8 students per week! Learn More! Lost & Found If any of these items are yours, please email cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Student! Mae (Voice) 1. How old were you when you first started music lessons? I was about 7 or 8.   2. Why did you choose your instrument? I always loved singing as a kid!   3. What do you like most about your music teacher? When I’m in class, I feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it. If I make a mistake, it’s no big deal, it teaches me how to improve and grow. Gwen taught me how to grow into my own voice. She always creates a positive and safe environment, and is the most amazing and supportive vocal teacher. I am so glad I was able to be her student.   4. Do you have a favourite piece to play? I sang Halley’s Comet by Billie Eilish in 2022, and it was a great piece to learn and work on my dynamics.   5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be? I’ve played many different instruments, but I’d love to try electric guitar and bass.     6. What do you like to do in your spare time? Music is my main passion. At school I study music every single day. I have also joined a gospel choir and I’m the lead singer of my band! Other than music, I work at a nature centre. I love teaching all generations about our wonderful earth and everything it has to offer.   7. Who are some of your musical inspirations? Some of my favourite musicians are Laufey, The beatles, Frank Ocean, Radiohead, and many more. I love all their different styles and I try to contribute that into my music.   8. What do you like most about CMC? I’ve been at CMC since I was a kid and it has always been such a fun part of my life! I have loved performing in different recitals and getting to learn new music styles and develop my skills as a musician. It has given me so many opportunities as a musician and I am very grateful. If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Featured Teacher! Hiro Suzuki (Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Bass, Piano, Drums) 1. How old were you when you first started music? I began taking piano lessons at the age of seven. I remember liking singing and whistling even before that. Around the age of twelve, I started learning guitar and drums.   2. Why did you want to make music your career? Music has always played a central role in my life. As a kid, I enjoyed taking piano lessons to learn how to play on my own, all while having other passions. Growing up in Japan, I initially wanted to become a manga author. However, after joining a band and experiencing the joy of playing music with others, I decided to pursue a career in music.   3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any? I’m playing with my own jazz quartet, a Latin duo with Camila Lozada, a jazz fusion band called Dennim Quack, and various other musicians.   4. What do you enjoy most about teaching? It’s rewarding for me to help my students have fun playing music and overcome their musical challenges. Connecting with my students through music is even more so!   5. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them? Listen to music you like or go enjoy live music to get inspired and motivated to play. After that, you’ll want to practice to recreate the great musical moment you had 🙂 Also, don’t feel pressured to practice for a long time – playing just for a minute every day makes a huge difference in your playing. 6. What do you like to do in your spare time? I play music, cook, hang out with my friends, and watch Netflix shows with green tea on my side.   7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Iceland. The otherworldly scenery almost doesn’t seem like it’s on Earth, and the music there is beautiful. I’ve been there once and would love to go back sometime.   Anything else you want to add? I’m so grateful to be a part of the CMC family. Thank you to everyone who makes this community such an encouraging and positive space! 🙂 If you’re interested in my music, my EP ‘Overseas’ by Hiro Suzuki is available on any streaming platform, such as Spotify. You can also support me by purchasing the hi-res music files on Bandcamp. If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com! Birthdays this Month! February 1: John G. February 2: Greta G. February 3: Jason T. February 3: Isaac E. N. February 3: Brooklyn F. February 4: Oscar F. February