Back to School - August 2026
Part 2

I hope your transition to the new school year is going smoothly.  I’m looking forward to getting back to a routine and seeing all my students again.
 
Important Dates – please mark your calendars.
Monday, August 31 – Fall Semester begins.
Monday, September 7 – Labor Day, no lessons
Saturday, October 24 - Costumes in Concert – a fall festival/Halloween recital (see information below)
Saturday, November 21 – Multiple Piano Festival
Monday – Friday, November 23–27 – Thanksgiving break, no lessons
Friday, December 18 – Fall Semester ends.
 
Fall Semester
If you have not yet submitted a day/time request for fall lesson, please do as soon as your schedule is set.

October 24 Costumes in Concert (Time TBD) – a Fall Festival/Halloween Recital
The Boulder Area Music Teachers (BAMTA) is hosting a Fall Festival/Halloween recital in October at Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Gunbarrel (please note the new recital location - 4775 Cambridge Street in Heatherwood)  I am a member of this music teachers’ organization and am hopeful that most of my students can participate.  I will begin preparing students with a piece to play.

Federated Music Festival
Benefits of the Federated Festival include:
  • Students set repertoire and timeline goals.
  • Students prepare music that is performance quality.
  • Students receive feedback (written form) from someone other than me.
  • Students learn to present themselves and develop confidence in front of an audience.
  • When – March 6, 2027
  • What - Festival gives students, at all levels (beginners through advanced), the opportunity to perform music appropriate to their level of study.  The student is judged, with a written critique, on a non-competitive objective scale and can earn points towards a trophy.
  • Time commitment
    • Families must reserve the entire Festival Day until you know your student’s specific performance times.
  • Costs - music (varies), $30 registration fee due in October, $15 per event (e.g., solo, duets, sight reading, American patriotic/folk, etc.) due in January.  Students desiring to earn a trophy each year typically participate in 4 events, but you may choose fewer events and wait longer to receive a trophy. 
  • Commitment needed by mid-October if you would like to participate.
Adult Lessons
It is always delightful to teach adult piano students (beginners and those renewing their childhood piano skills).  Research shows the benefits of music lessons in adulthood include enhanced memory, improved problem solving, increased concentration, boosted neuroplasticity, improved fine motor skills, and reduced stress and anxiety. The schedule with adults is very flexible and I suggest at least 2 45-minute lessons per month.  Let me know if you are interested in adult lessons.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Mitzi,
NCTM (Nationally Certified Teacher of Music)
mitzibabbpianostudio.duetpartner.com
mitzi@thebabbs.com