July 25, 2025: Friday Medley
Happy Friday!
Celebrating Growth: CM & RCM Music Programs
And—It’s Almost Time to Register for 2026 Certificate of Merit!
At Dennis Frayne Music Studios, we love seeing our students shine—both on stage and in their personal musical journeys. One of the best ways to support and recognize that growth is through participation in structured music exam programs like MTAC’s Certificate of Merit (CM) and the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). These respected programs offer clear, rewarding paths for piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, and more—helping students gain confidence, set goals, and earn real recognition for their achievements.
The Certificate of Merit (CM) is California-based and guided by the Music Teachers’ Association of California. Students are tested each year on repertoire, technique, sight-reading, ear training, and music theory, with the chance to earn state certificates and honors distinctions. High-scoring students may even be invited to perform at MTAC’s annual convention! Meanwhile, RCM is internationally recognized and structured in a very similar way, with an emphasis on long-term musical development across 10 levels and beyond. Both programs are excellent for college-bound students, serious musicians, and anyone who enjoys rising to a musical challenge.
Whether your child is new to lessons or already advancing quickly, we’ll help you decide which program is the best fit—and provide expert guidance all along the way.
Additional Information about CM & RCM Exams
Important: CM Enrollment Is Around the Corner!
If your student would like to participate in CM for 2026, studio registration opens in August 2025! Students need about six months of preparation, and most will begin in September for the March evaluation. Requirements to participate in CM or RCM include: You must be enrolled in individual private lessons, and you must register for the weekly music theory & exam preparation class. This class is both an excellent value and helps ensure that all participants will pass their exams!
If you’re interested, please contact the studio office (office@dennisfrayne.com) in early August so we can help you enroll and plan ahead.
Let’s make the coming year one filled with progress, pride, and joyful music-making!
Concert Performance Team (CPT)
Also coming in August… It's time to sign up for our studio Concert Performance Team! We are recruiting new members to join our touring performance group. The CPT performs in special/additional monthly concerts for audiences at different locations and venues throughout Orange County.
“We heard wonderful comments about the concert. Residents had a wonderful time! Thank you again for a wonderful performance from your talented group!”
– Angela R., Freedom Village, Lake Forest CA
Learn More about CPT Eligibility
Look for an email inviting you to join!
Our next CPT recital coming up is this Sunday, 8/17/2025, at Sea Bluffs, Ivy Signature Living, in Dana Point.
Lake Forest / Baker Ranch Area Lessons
We have launched our Lake Forest website and we are accepting enrollments for lessons in the Baker Ranch area. In-studio and in-home lessons are available.
https://www.lakeforestschoolofmusic.com/
Make-up Music Lesson Dates Are Up
Upcoming make-up music lesson date options are updated on the website. Please use this link to
Request a Make-up Music Lesson
You can request a make-up music lesson before or after the lesson date you will miss.
Studio Off-Week Coming Up
Our next little break is coming up. Our summer off-week goes from Sunday, August 3, to Friday, August 8, 2025 (closed those days - no regular lessons). Note that lessons are ON for Friday and Saturday August 1 & 2, and Saturday, August 9 and going forward.
Monthly Forum for August
We will host Forum on Friday August 1 (6:15p and 6:45p), and Saturday, August 2 (8:15a and 8:45a). There will be no Forum on Sunday, August 3 (during off-week). Forum takes place in the 205 Ensemble Room.
Forum is a great way to practice performing in front of a small and friendly audience! Students can also redeem prize tickets, and grab a treat on the way out!
More Information about Monthly Forum
Q: Why do you have so many analog clocks in the studio?
A: Analog clocks are not only useful and fun but also educational! Music students should learn how to tell time on analog clocks! First, analog clocks are used in educational and professional settings; musicians need to know how to tell the time! Second, learning to tell time strengthens both analytical and reading skills. The complexity of the 12-hour analog clock resembles the complexity of reading music notation – and opens our brains up to wider notational possibilities and understandings! Finally, learning how to tell time gives us math practice, which is good for both general education and music – because especially when it comes to rhythm, music is quite mathematical!
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Have a magical Friday, a musical weekend, a good old summertime, and a safe, happy, and healthy coming week(s).
Thank you,
Dennis Frayne
"Dr. Dennis"
Laguna Niguel School of Music
Dennis Frayne Music Studios
30110 Crown Valley Pkwy, Suites 105/107/108
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 844-9051 (office cell)
(949) 468-8040 (personal cell)
www.lagunaniguelschoolofmusic.com
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