Today is the first day of school for families in our school district and with it a whirlwind of new beginnings for families, teachers and students.

New Beginnings: Momentum ​ New beginnings can bring a hint of overwhelm for students and families, but they can also bring momentum. ​ ​I love how I can utilize "new beginnings" to bring energy and forward motion to our music lessons and Fall can be an energized, exciting time for new repertoire and fresh starts. What are ways you love to use fresh starts to bring energy to your work alongside students?

A Curious Mind I'd be lying if I said that it was all rainbows and unicorns when entering into a new year when it comes to studio admin. ​ New beginnings can bring about a lot of micro challenges for teachers and studio owners and a lot of communication. ​ One of my more challenging moments is when a parent asks a question in response to an email that actually answered the question. ​ Instead of leaning into frustration, I've worked very hard through the years to lean into curiosity and ask myself some questions before responding; ​ Did I present the information as clearly as I thought I did? Are there ways I could make this easier for the future? Perhaps they are overwhelmed and just need a friendly "body double" to get them through? ​ Stay curious, music friends - you've got this! ​ ​ How do you keep a "curious mind" when asked questions you feel you've already answered?

Moody Fall Music On the west coast of Canada, on Vancouver Island, Fall usually brings rain — a lot of rain. ​ Moody Fall Music has been the most wondrous subtle theme for me as I move into choosing repertoire for students and it spans so many genres that I find students LOVE to choose a "moody fall piece" as we begin the year. ​ Do you have a favourite spooky piece you love to teach? I'd love to hear about it!

1. ​Zombie Tango by Russell Olesh is a minor composition with a tango flair. I feature it here with a Minecraft twist!
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2. Donna Mitchell's composition Nightscape is a mysterious composition for early intermediate pianists with a great 3/4 modern waltz feel.
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3. Moody fall music you say?
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   We had fun hosting a "glow in the dark" party one year and included a playlist of moody / spooky fall music. What playlist is complete without this organ solo?
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   ​Toccata in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach played by organist Richard Elliot.​