FEATURED STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Christopher C, Age 12
Instrument / Teacher: Piano with Teacher Simone
Why was Christopher nominated?
Christopher is unfailingly positive, upbeat and enthusiastic about the piano, music, and creative extensions both within the classroom AND of his own creation. He is supportive and kind towards to his classmates. Christopher is excited about all things MUSIC, which shows in his weekly lessons, his compositions, and his music theory games he dreams up, to the delight of his teacher and classmates. I also enjoy his sharing of band and choir projects, which he often reconstructs on the piano, a credit to his strong musical ear and application of music theory. As his teacher, I’m so excited to be on this musical journey with this dedicated student. He’s only in middle school, and I’m looking forward to where we go from here together, onwards and upwards! ~ Teacher Simone
Q: How long have you been taking piano lessons?
A: 8 years
Q: What do you enjoy most about your music lessons and seeing your teacher each week?
A: II love practicing duets with my friend and hearing how they clash and flow together, and also creating and playing fun and innovative games.
Q: Do you have a favorite genre of music that you like to listen to?
A: Pop Music.
Q: When you are practicing your instrument at home, between lessons, what helps you do your best? Practice advice / tips to share with other music students?
A: Find a time where the house is quiet, because hearing music flow through the entire home- with the power to redirect it’s path at any time- is mind-opening.
Q: What are some of your other interests? What do you do for fun besides music?
A: Some of my other interests are dancing, singing, acting, and trying new instruments. For fun, I sometimes find a song with a good beat, and then will attempt to create a dance routine to it.
Q: What life skills have you developed, as a result of taking music lessons / developing as a musician?
A: There are so many life skills that I have learned from the piano, some that I just take for granted. I have learned how to learn faster, and how to recognize different patterns in music, math, and science. I have learned how to be patient through a hard music piece, which helps my patience during an argument or a boring assembly. In total, the things I have learned from music are countless.
Join the Fun! Tell us more about YOU to receive your FREE first Lesson with one of our Private Music Lesson Teachers today!
Natalie K, Age 16, Contemporary / Jazz and AcroDance, Level 2
Why was Natalie nominated?
Natalie has been a dedicated student at Myriad since 2013 as a Dancer, and as a Pianist. ~ Teachers Amanda and Simone
Q: What Classes are you taking at Myriad?
A: Jazz / Contemporary and AcroDance, Level 4
Q: How many years have you been taking dance classes?
A: 7 years
Q: What do you love most about your dance classes and seeing your teacher and fellow dancers each week? Describe some fun or inspiring things you do together in your class.
A: Teachers Amanda and Simone note: Natalie is always supportive, eloquent and encouraging towards her classmates during dance classes, during Myriad’s Workshop Week and during the Dance Showcase rehearsals.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to share about becoming a good dancer, that may inspire other dance students?
A: No comment.
Q: What are some of your other interests?
A: No comment
Q: What life skills have you developed, as a result of taking dance classes / developing as a dancer?
A: Teachers Amanda and Simone note: We have celebrated Natalie’s growth over the years and her expressive performances both on the dance and piano stages.
Brixley F., Age 5, Superstar Young Musicians
Why was Brixley nominated?
“Brixley is always self-motivated. Her bubbly and respectful attitude during the class always makes me so happy. I am so glad that she’s my student!” ~ Teacher Isabel
Q: What Classes are you taking at Myriad?
A: Superstar Young Musicians.
Q: What do you love most about your music class and seeing your music teacher each week? Describe the fun activities you enjoy in your class.
A: I like playing the piano and playing the clock game.
Q: What are some other special things you’d like to share about yourself? Does anyone else in your family play a musical instrument? Do you have a pet? Do you play any sports? Tell us more about YOU! What are some of the things that makes you special?
A: My dad plays the guitar and I have 2 dogs named Norway and Finland, 1 cat named Mika, and 1 fish named Flounder the Fish. I have 2 younger sisters named Emery and Mackenzie and I want to play the Violin and Piano. I am homeschooled and I love all kinds of art. My favorite Disney princess is Cinderella.
Bruce H, Age 8, Piano Student: I’ve found that sitting the piano in a bright window, facing outside, has been the most productive place for me to practice. A piece of advice is to exercise your body and practice piano early every day. Sometimes it can get really hard, but you have to keep practicing to figure out the solutions.
Why is Bruce in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? Bruce goes above and beyond with practice time. He frequently practices more than 200 minutes per week! He is excited about piano, and often adds his own spin to the songs he learns and transposing them into different keys. He also spends time exploring the piano and writing his own compositions.” ~ Teacher Amy
“My advice is to exercise your body and practice piano early every day” ~ Bruce H, Age 8
“I like the game part. There are different games on different days. I love every one of them!” ~ Arielle L, Age 5
Arielle L, Age 5, Superstar Young Musicians Student and Ballet Dance Student: I like the game part of my classes. There are different games on different days. I love every one of them. Me and my family love to play music and sing and dance together, including our toddler brother. I like ballet, too. I go to a ballet class here at Myriad.
Why is Arielle in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “Abrielle brings a lot positive energy to our Superstars class! She is doing a great job of learning the songs each week, and she is very encouraging to the other students in the class!” ~ Teacher Austin
Kyle C, Age 6, Superstar Young Musicians and Mini Singers Student: I like the games we play in class. I think Miss Isabel is really kind.
Why is Kyle in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “Kyle always does his homework diligently. He never forgets to bring his folder every week. He’s such a great student!” ~ Teacher Isabel
“I like music. I also have a pet dog. I like to build LEGOs. I play soccer.!” ~ Kyle C, Age 6
“I like having fun learning new songs with my friends!” ~ Elise K, Age 8
Elise K, Age 8, Piano Student: I like so many different kinds of music. I like to put my piano books out where I can see them every day so I don’t forget to practice.Taking piano lessons has helped me to learn responsibility and that practice makes progress.
Why is Elise in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “Elise comes prepared every week and always practices at least five days. She arrives inspired and is consistently motivated to learn more.” ~ Teacher Amy
Padmini T, Age 7, Piano Student: When Teacher Jeff writes in the binder, it helps me to read the notes later when I practice. For practice tips, I would say practice the hard things first and then practice the pieces that are easier. This way you work on things you need the most practice on when you have most energy.
Why is Padmini in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “It’s a joy to play musical games with Padmini, whether it’s tossing a ball and singing a lesson song, making up silly poses, or floating around the piano bench in a dynamic duet, all of our lessons have been fun and musically nutritious. Padmini is also consistent practicer (no surprise!), doing 5-15 minutes almost everyday and recording those minutes on her assignment sheet. She always does her best and with a smile!” ~ Teacher Jeffrey
“I really like beat lessons like tossing the ball and singing the song with Teacher Jeff.“ ~ Padmini T, Age 7
“I love experimenting with different musical styles and sampling works from a variety of composers and time periods. I also enjoy talking with my teacher about music history and learning about the composers of the pieces I play. Getting to listen to my teacher play her own music for me is also very inspiring!“ ~ Emily D, Age 18
Emily D, Age 18, Piano Student: Having a specific goal in mind helps you make a lot of progress, even if it’s something as small as learning a few measures. Focusing on small, tangible actions will get you farther in the long run- you need to build a steady foundation first. Above all, playing your instrument should always be a joyful process, so I often take a break from practicing to play my favorite pieces.
Why is Emily in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “Emily is a musical young pianist, who is also a wonderful person and student. She has been at Myriad since she was 9 years old, and has always been dedicated to the process. Currently, she is such an expressive musician, and hopes to continue her musical studies, alongside her college studies.” ~ Teachers Kay and Simone
Lily O, Age 10, Dancer, Jazz / Hip Hop and AcroDance, Level 2: I love making up new dance moves and choreographing, and also seeing my amazing teacher Ms. Mattea!
Why is Lily in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “Lily is such a beautiful dancer! Lily is always prepared for class, and works very hard. Her growth this year continues to impress me. I especially love her positivity and enthusiasm for dance, her creativity, and her kindness. Great Work Lily!“ ~ Teacher Mattea
“I am gaining confidence in myself, and enjoy being creative and hardworking.“ ~ Lily O, Age 10
“Dance has helped me figure out how to healthily express myself and my emotions.“ ~ Samantha S, Age 17
Samantha S, Age 17, AcroDance Level 3/4, Contemporary / Ballet Level 4, Contemporary /Jazz Level 4: I love the supportive environment and getting to create and choreograph with other dancers during class. Becoming a good dancer means being able to take compliments and constructive criticism and applying it to improve. Dance has helped me figure out how to healthily express myself and my emotions.
Why is Samantha in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? Sam always sets a great example to the other dancers in class regardless of their age or level. Her commitment to dance has helped her grow into a strong and creative individual and I’m so proud of her! ~ Teacher Amanda
Trinity K, Age 6, Jazz/ Hippity Hop: I like my teacher. We do jumping jacks and dance steps.
Why is Trinity in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? Trinity is truly a joy to have in class. Trinity is a beautiful dancer inside and out. She is a great friend to everyone in class, and she works very hard. I am so proud of Trinity’s creativity, positivity, and determination! ~ Teacher Mattea
“I like being kind and trying new things.“ ~ Trinity K, Age 6
“I enjoy learning how to play the piano and ‘feeding’ the stuffed animals in class.“ ~ Mia Isabela, Age 5
Mia Isabela R.F, Age 5, Superstar Young Musicians: My grandfather, and my cousin, Diana, play the piano. I used to have a pet fish named Klee Klee that has passed away. I play soccer. What makes me special is I have a baby sister named Elise.
Why is Mia Isabela in Myriad’s Hall of Fame? “Mia is a wonderful student to have! She is a great listener and a real team player. She always helps with cleanup and is often a model student. She has excellent focus in Superstars and I’ve enjoyed having her in my class!” ~ Teacher Chelsea