How Does the Summer Work?

As the end of the school year approaches, we often get asked these questions:

Q. How do lessons work in the summer?

A. The Dennis Frayne Music Studios and Laguna Niguel School of Music are open year-round, and we do not close during the summer.

Q. Do a lot of students quit during the summer?

A. No! Most of our students continue taking lessons during the summer. It’s the best way, as it maintains continuity and prevents learning loss. Some students withdraw but then many new students start lessons during the summer months.

Q. If we withdraw for the summer, can we keep our spot for the Fall?

A. Lessons are first come first serve, so if you withdraw for the summer, we cannot guarantee that we will have the same spot for you in the Fall, as we will open the spot to new students. Also, we increase our rates to offset inflation each year at the Fall quarter, and you would come in at the new rate.

Holidays are special because they give us a break from our regular routines and remind us of what truly matters. Whether it’s a big celebration or a quiet day of reflection, people love holidays for many reasons.

Springtime is a season of renewal, joy, and growth, and nowhere is this spirit better captured than in the lively and heartwarming music of the Irish. Irish songs and springtime music share themes of nature’s beauty, hope, and celebration, creating a harmonious blend of melody and meaning. From traditional Irish folk songs to cheerful popular tunes and even music found in movies and children’s stories, both genres invite us to feel the energy of life awakening after winter.

For young music students in California and beyond, structured evaluation programs such as the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM) program and the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) testing program offer incredible opportunities to grow as musicians. Both programs provide a comprehensive framework for learning and assessing musical skills, but they each have unique features that cater to different needs and goals.

African American spirituals are a powerful and beautiful part of American music and cultural history. These songs, born from the experiences of enslaved African Americans, carry deep emotional resonance and timeless messages of hope, faith, resilience, and freedom. Passed down orally through generations, spirituals blend African musical traditions with Christian themes, creating a genre rich in harmony and rhythm that has shaped the landscape of American music.

"Carol of the Bells" is one of the most iconic holiday songs, instantly recognizable by its haunting, bell-like melody and hypnotic rhythm. Originally a Ukrainian folk chant called Shchedryk, the melody was composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1914. This piece was a New Year’s carol celebrating the arrival of spring, with lyrics that spoke of a swallow coming to announce wealth and good fortune. The song made its way to America in the early 1920s, where Peter J. Wilhousky, a Ukrainian-American choral director, adapted it with new English lyrics and titled it Carol of the Bells. Wilhousky’s lyrics transformed it into a Christmas song, emphasizing the sound of ringing bells and adding festive cheer.

A sensory-safe room is a space designed to provide a calming, controlled environment for individuals who may be sensitive to sensory stimuli, such as bright lights, loud sounds, or chaotic environments. These rooms are often used to help individuals with sensory processing challenges, including those with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, to feel more comfortable and reduce overstimulation. The goal is to create a soothing space where people can regulate their senses, feel secure, and focus on tasks without being overwhelmed by external stimuli.

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, and music plays a big role in setting the mood. From eerie movie soundtracks to playful, haunted melodies, Halloween music comes in many genres and styles. Whether you're looking for instrumental pieces, classical music, or popular songs to add to a Halloween playlist, there’s something for everyone—from kids and families to those who love a good scare!

Participation in music ensembles such as bands, orchestras, jazz bands, choirs, and various other groupings offers immense benefits and joy to children and youth in school. These ensembles provide a unique platform for students to express themselves, develop their musical skills, and foster personal growth. 

Music education provides significant social benefits to primary and secondary students, fostering joy, fun, and a sense of community. Engaging in music, whether through singing, playing an instrument, or participating in ensembles, allows students to experience the pure joy of creating and sharing music. This joy translates into fun, making learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Music lessons and group performances provide a break from traditional academic subjects, offering a creative outlet that balances the rigor of other school activities. This balance is crucial in maintaining students' overall enthusiasm for school and learning.

Music education significantly enhances students' chances of gaining admission to prestigious universities. This involvement showcases a variety of attributes and achievements that are highly valued by college admissions officers.