In This Month’s Newsletter

How Does the Summer Work?

Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Concerts
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month
Spotlight on Ryan Koo
Did You Know? The US Military Branches have Songs!
Inspirations
Music Playdates in the Parks
Join Choir!
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program

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.

The three big questions for all parents and students to consider (after continuity and learning loss) are:

Do you want to stay with the same teacher in the Fall?

Do you want priority scheduling and selection of lesson day and time?

Do you want to ensure your rate does not increase? (Our price-for-life guarantee can reward families with substantial savings over several years of lessons.)

If the answer to one or more of these is Yes, and you plan to take a vacation, there are convenient ways to do this:

1. Continue taking your music lessons during the summer.

2. Take advantage of online music lessons (these can take place while traveling with or without your instrument), video tutorials, and other coursework and special assignments your teacher will provide for you. (Please plan in advance.)

3. Make up for missed lessons and supplement learning by requesting and scheduling make-up lessons (before and/or after your vacation), and also by attending as many Forums and recitals as possible. We provide many opportunities to add music learning experiences to your regular music lessons. And make-up lessons never expire, as long as you are enrolled!

We realize that some of you will go on vacation for a portion of the summer. By continuing your music lessons, while you are here, taking advantage of online lessons while traveling, watching the video tutorials and completing other coursework assigned by your teacher, scheduling make-up lessons before and after your travels, and attending Forums and as many recitals as possible, you will make up for any missed lessons, keep your same teacher and spot for Fall, and maintain your Price for Life!

And there’s one more possibility: Sublease your spot to a family or friend. You can send a family member or friend to your place for the dates you will miss. Just let the office know who is coming to your place and when. Make sure that they reimburse you directly for the lessons. If you are taking summer lessons and need a specific time for Fall, please contact us as soon as you know your schedule and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Each September, we get calls from students who have been with us for years but withdrew for the summer. They want to return to the same teacher, day, and time, but the spot has been filled by another student. If you LOVE your teacher, keep your spot by continuing during the summer and taking advantage of all the options to make it easier!

FUN and IMPORTANT DATES

Upcoming Recitals and Concerts

Please welcome

our NEW Students who enrolled

in March

Ilya A.
Journey C.
Zoe C.
Kennedy C.
Cole C.
Israel Emmanuel G.
Brooklynn K.
Maryam M.
Philip O.
Kaveh O.
Maryam O.
Sahar O.
Kieran R.
Laila R.
Leyla S.
Kamryn S.
Madison T.
Anthony Z.

Student of the Month

Emma Lay

Emma started taking piano lessons when she was seven years old, in 2018. Her favorite things about playing piano are sight reading and working on hard pieces. Emma recently completed Level 4 of the MTAC Certificate of Merit (CM) exams. She is now working toward Level 5 of CM, and also has begun the RCM exam program!

Emma also plays double bass, electric bass, and drum kit. Her favorite thing about school is "getting to talk to my friends and learning new skills." She loves vacationing, and practicing Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).

Spotlight on Ryan Koo

Ryan Koo is a passionate music educator dedicated to fostering musical excellence and accessibility for students of all ages. With extensive experience directing choirs at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels, we are fortunate to have Mr. Ryan teaching voice and piano at our school!

In addition to teaching at the Laguna Niguel School of Music, Mr. Ryan currently serves as a full-time elementary music teacher in the Irvine Unified School District, teaching artist with Pacific Chorale, and choir director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He holds multiple music degrees, including a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and a Master of Arts in Music Education.

Mr. Ryan is "committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians through innovative teaching and meaningful musical experiences."

Did You Know?

In the United States, each branch of the military has its own official song—proud, powerful tunes that stir the heart and remind us of the bravery, honor, and spirit of those who serve. These songs are more than just music; they're traditions that bring people together, whether sung during ceremonies, parades, or national celebrations. When you hear them, you can almost picture the stars and stripes waving in the breeze and feel a deep sense of gratitude for the men and women who protect our country.

The Army’s song, "The Army Goes Rolling Along," (originally "The Caissons Go Rolling Along"), marches with pride, echoing the strength of soldiers through the years. The Navy’s majestic anthem, "Anchors Aweigh," captures the thrill of the open sea and the courage of those who sail it. The Marine Corps sings "The Marines’ Hymn," with its iconic opening line, “From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli,” honoring the Corps’ long and storied history. The Air Force’s song, "The U.S. Air Force" (sometimes known by its line “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder”), soars with the excitement of flight and fearless determination. The Coast Guard is represented by "Semper Paratus," which means “Always Ready”—a perfect match for their life-saving missions along our shores.

Even the President of the United States has a special tune: “Hail to the Chief.” Whenever it plays, people stand tall and still, showing respect for the leader of the nation. It’s a sound that signals honor, tradition, and the peaceful transfer of power—a powerful symbol of democracy in action.

All together, these songs form a musical tribute to the American spirit. They remind us that service, sacrifice, and love of country are things to be celebrated—and that when we sing together, we stand stronger as one nation, united and free.

Inspirations

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

— Ephesians 4:2

“May, the month of sunshine, blooming flowers, and endless possibilities.”

— Unknown

Music Playdates in the Parks

Laguna Niguel and surrounding areas.

Weekly playdates on Wednesday and Saturday

mornings from 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Meet friends, dance a little, sing along, play with some musical instruments,

and other fun toys!

Find us near the playground.

Join Choir!

In Laguna Niguel

Children and Youth

Saturdays

1:00p (ages 8-12)

2:30p (ages 13-17)

Adult

Tuesdays, 6:15p

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?

May 2025

To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!

This month’s winner is Natalie Pham