Teacher Training at OPSA February 16-18, 2018

Teacher Training at OPSA February 16-18, 2018

We are so excited to be hosting a fantastic weekend of events for our 2018 Winter Workshop next month!

This event includes something for everyone!

Violin teachers interested in learning more about how to help their students can take our Enrichment course presented by Charles Krigbaum. Mr. Krigbaum’s 10-hour course, “Enjoying Violin Technique and Recital Training” can be registered with the Suzuki Association and will cover these fascinating books of the same title as the course.

Also of interest to violin teachers, will be our Friday evening masterclasses with renowned violin pedagogue, Almita Vamos. OPSA students will be participating in both the masterclasses as well as the Sunday morning Advanced Violin Group class demonstration.

Saturday morning will be a treat as we listen to Stefanie Faye Frank present an array of fascinating new research discoveries regarding how the brain develops and changes as we struggle, continue to challenge ourselves and our students, and then ultimately succeed. Ms. Frank is in great demand around the globe these days as so many people find her presentations transformational.

We can hardly believe just how FANTASTIC this line up is and can’t wait to see everyone there! See here for schedule, details, and registration. For questions, please email MLanfear@OPStringAcademy.com

The Teenage Brain

The Teenage Brain

Teenagers!

(This might as well say, “Toddlers!”)

There are some striking similarities with regards to what is occurring in the brain during toddler and teenage years. One of the main messages heard in this video is: be patient, be kind, and for goodness sake…let them sleep more!! :)

 

Benefit Concert Videos

Benefit Concert Videos

Happy New Year! Here is a small portion of our 2017 December Benefit Concert for Heartland Alliance. We will have more videos up on our YouTube channel soon! To view the photos of the concert taken by OPSA parent, Paul Ellenbogen, visit our gallery page.The concert was a beautiful event with a wonderful feeling of community all around. In addition to the OPSA students making friendship bracelets and cards for the children living in the immigration detention centers around Chicago, our OPSA community raised about $1700 dollars for the Heartland Alliance. Thank you, everyone, for your support!

Winter Break

Winter Break

We are preparing to power down here at OPSA so we can enjoy some quiet time with our families over the winter break. We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday time and we look forward to seeing you back in January. Classes resume January 8, 2018. Our first open house of 2018 is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th from 5:45-6:30p. You may RSVP here. If you are looking for a winter-themed movie for the whole family over the break, this is one of our favorites.  Enjoy!

Benefit Concert this Sunday, December 3 at 4p

Benefit Concert this Sunday, December 3 at 4p

Join us for a family-friendly concert this Sunday!

 

Sunday, December 3 at 4p at Pilgrim Congregational Church

 

Our students have been working hard to prepare for our annual benefit concert. This year, our concert will benefit the Heartland Alliance. OPSA students made cards and bracelets for immigrant children being held in detention centers around Chicago. Donations may be made here or at the concert. See you there!

 

An Evening of Community

An Evening of Community

Giving Artfully at Oak Park String Academy

On October 16 at 6:30p, our Monday night group class students will be visited by a speaker from Heartland Alliance. Students will learn about why we are having a benefit concert, who we are helping and how they are supporting. After we hear from the Heartland Alliance representative, Giving Artfully Kids instructors will lead the children in making friendship bracelets and cards for the children we are supporting. Students who are coming into the studio for their piano rehearsals with Melissa on this same evening may stay awhile before or after their rehearsal and make a gift as well. All are welcome at this enlightening and fun event. Please join us for an evening of community!