Sunday, September 10, 2023 by Nina Belle Durr | Uncategorized

Nina Belle's Music Academy teaching year officially began last week on September 6th.  We began the year with ensemble lessons- group lessons - so that we could get a good start on our schedules.  I am so excited to teach these wonderful young people again this year.  I didn't add any new students to my class roll because I wasn't sure how my husband's health would be but I have a great group of students.

We will have about 5 ensemble classes this year and will work on either keyboard ensembles or piano duets as well as perform solos for each other.  These classes are an important part of my teaching plan so I know you will make every effort to attend.  It is possible to switch times if necessary, but you will not be with the group you play with for ensembles so it is best to carve out the correct time your class meets so that you are always in attendance.

I hope many of you will consider the 2024 KMTA Allstate Keyboard Ensemble this year.  Deadline to register online is September 30 so I will need to know asap if you would like to be a part of this group.  The fee is $85 per student.  I will register all of the students as a group so just check out the website for information but don't register individually.  https://www.kymta.org/all-state/">https://www.kymta.org/all-state/

I look forward to teaching your children!  NBD

Sunday, March 13, 2022 by Nina Belle Durr | Uncategorized

March 13, 2022

Well, the recital and festival are history and soon we will have spring break.  After spring break we will be working on preparing May Review pieces!  Each student should begin choosing his/her 5 pieces (actually, I will begin helping you this week to choose one of them, because it will be your May Recital piece).  All of the pieces except the May Recital piece can be pieces you have already learned, memorized and performed since September, 2021.  But you can also choose other pieces.  Each lesson in April we will work on those pieces to get them in shape so that by May 1st, you will be ready for me to record you playing them from memory in the studio at your lesson.  Once you have successfully performed and recorded all 5 pieces, you will be on the list to receive your May Review Award.

This Award has been a staple in my studio since I began teaching in Louisville while in graduate school.  I got the idea from a Louisville teacher I admired and kept it going in Georgetown.  Students all over Georgetown and Scott County have been earning their May Review Awards since I moved here in 1981!  I always look forward to helping you learn and relearn the music and recording you.  Start thinking about your pieces this week!

Sunday, March 13, 2022 by Nina Belle Durr | Uncategorized