It’s shaping up to be a busy Spring at the Studio. Please make a note of the following dates:

Our Spring/Summer Recital will be held on Saturday, June, 8 at 4:30 p.m. • Save the date, as all students are expected to participate.

Spring Event Summary:

Spring Break – March 18-22: No lessons for voice or violin

San Bernardino County Solofest (voice and violin) – April 6/April 13 - Application Deadline March 22: Information

Suzuki Violin Graduation – April 28 - Recordings due in March - Information

Great American Songbook Competition (High School Vocal Students) - Videotaping on Saturday, March 16 – Deadlne for Entry: March 31 - Information

Spring/Summer Recital – Saturday, June 8, 4:30 p.m. – Rehearsal on Friday, June 7, times tba

It was a great day for the Alpert Studio of Voice family, four of our students participated in the SCVA Solo Vocal Competition, and all advanced to the competition finals with a “superior” rating. Pictured are Kenzie Petschow, Miranda Ford, Melanie Alpert, Cameron Muller and Kelly Muller. Nice job everyone!

Due to my knee surgery, the start of voice lessons will be delayed one week. Lessons will resume the week of January 14, according to normal schedule.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! See you soon!

–Melanie Alpert

P.S. Violin Lessons will resume as scheduled, on the week of January 7.

Violin students: our work for the year isn’t over quite yet!

Violin Lessons will continue through December 14th. There will be no lessons between December 15 and January 4. Lessons will resume according to normal schedule on January 7, 2013.

Please remember that this is my normal December teaching schedule; regular tuition applies for December, as your annual tuition is simply divided into 12 monthly payments.

Congratulations to all our violinists and singers on a wonderful recital performance! Remember to share your talents and continue to sing and play through the holiday season.

Happy Holidays to the entire student family!

It’s recital time! This year’s Winter recital will be held on: Saturday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. (rehearsal November 30 approx. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

Rehearsal for this year’s recital will be on Friday, November 30. The rehearsal will start approximately around 4:30 at the recital hall and we hope to finish up around 6:30ish. You will be given a rehearsal time slot during the month of November.

Thanksgiving Week: Remember, no regular voice or violin lessons will be held during Thanksgiving week.

Hello Everyone,

Here is the voice lesson schedule for November and December. In November, there will no lessons Nov. 19th through the 23rd. Happy Thanksgiving! They will resume the next week and then regular scheduled lessons will end after the recital on Dec. 1st for the Holidays and resume the week of January 7th.

I know there are some of you that have competitions and college auditions coming up, so if you need a voice lesson after Dec. 1st and before Dec. 14th, please let me know at your last regularly scheduled lesson. These lessons will be by appointment and may not be at your regular time.

Best Wishes for a wonderful holiday season to each and every one of you!

–Melanie Alpert

Dear Students and Families:

Here is my violin teaching schedule for the next two months:

There will be no violin lessons between Nov. 19th through the 23rd. Happy Thanksgiving! Lessons will resume the following week, and continue through December 14th. There will be  no lessons between December and January 4. Lessons will resume according to normal schedule on January 7, 2013.

Please remember that these are regularly scheduled breaks in my teaching schedule; normal tuition applies each month, as your annual tuition is divided into 12 monthly payments.

Last, but not least, remember to play your instrument during the holidays! Use the time for review, polishing up songs or just playing holiday tunes for fun.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

–Bill Alpert   

This fascinating interview from NPR’s Fresh Air, recounts singer Michael Feinstein’s years of working with the Gershwin family. Over this period Feinstein cataloged much of the Gershwin discography, and in the process unearthed a treasure trove of wonderful stories.

The interview coincides with the release of Feinstein’s new book: The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs. Feinstein writes firsthand about the musical world of the American composers and brothers, George and Ira Gershwin. The book includes a CD of rare performance including ”Strike Up the Band,” “‘S Wonderful,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “They All Laughed,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” “Who Cares?,” “I Got Plenty of Nuthin’,” “They Can’t Take Than Away from Me,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “Love Is Here to Stay.”  The studio recommends it as a must-have collection for anyone who loves the Great American Songbook!

What do celebrated cellist John Walz, the Alpert Studio and the world of opera have in common? Well, for one, Mr. Walz is a lifelong friend of the Alpert family, is principal cellist of the LA Opera and is an almost fanatical devotee of the operatic stage!

On October 27, Melanie Alpert, soprano and Larry Kaplan, flutist, will join Mr. Walz for Cellopera: A Night at the Opera. It will surely be a memorable evening for anyone who loves the cello or operatic song. Pianist Edie Orloff will accompany this stellar cast of performers.

Please join us for a wonderful evening. The event will be held at 8 p.m. at Boston Court, in Pasadena. Ticket information can be found here. Use discount code Cello to receive a $5 savings on your tickets.