DSoP: Winter Semester 2022 Starts This Week!

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2022 Winter Semester: The 2022 Winter Semester begins Monday, January 10, and classes are available for enrollment.  Here's how to enroll online:

  1. Visit us at diaz.school to see what classes are available. Click on the "Classes" tab to see brief summaries of each class.

  2. Pick the right class for you. Click on the "Enroll" tab to see the semester schedule and when each class is offered. Then click on the class that works best for you and fill in the information blocks.

  3. Ensure your spot. Click the "Pay Now" button to either pay the semester deposit, or the full semester tuition. You can also Venmo payment to: @DiazSchoolofPiano. I've been having recent issues with the payment feature on my website, so I apologize for any inconvenience but it *should* be working now. Paying the deposit will ensure your spot for the semester. Fill in the Student's name, the class day and time, and you are all set for the first day of class!

  4. Don't know which class to enroll for, or you're a new student?  No problem!  Just let me know and we can set up the best way to find the best class for you.

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your piano teacher and please let us know if you have any questions!

DSoP: December Announcements

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Hello! I hope you're enjoying the start to this holiday season. Here are a few announcements for Diaz School of Piano

In-Class Studio Recital: Next week (the week starting Tuesday, December 7, and ending Monday, December 13) is the last week of class for the 2021 Winter Semester. Students have been preparing for the studio recital these last several weeks. Studio Recitals will be during students' regularly scheduled class next week. Here are some details:

  • Students come to their regularly scheduled class this week

  • 10 minutes after the beginning of class, parents/family members can come into the performance area of the studio

  • Masks are required and physical distancing will be observed

  • Students can dress up if they'd prefer, but that is optional

  • Photos and video recording are allowed

  • Program order will be determined at class in the first 10 minutes

  • Students will play their pieces from memory

  • Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or need alternatives for next week

2022 Winter Semester: The 2022 Winter Semester begins Monday, January 10, and classes are now available for enrollment.  Enroll by December 31, 2021 and receive $50 off of tuition!  Here's how to enroll online:

  1. Visit us at diaz.school to see what classes are available. Click on the "Classes" tab to see brief summaries of each class.

  2. Pick the right class for you. Click on the "Enroll" tab to see the semester schedule and when each class is offered. Then click on the class that works best for you and fill in the information blocks.

  3. Ensure your spot. Click the "Pay Now" button to either pay the semester deposit, or the full semester tuition. You can also Venmo payment to: @DiazSchoolofPiano. Paying the deposit will ensure your spot for the semester. Fill in the Student's name, the class day and time, and you are all set for the first day of class!

  4. Don't know which class to enroll for, or you're a new student?  No problem!  Just let me know and we can set up the best way to find the best class for you.

Fall Semester Tuition Balance: Full Semester Tuition is due on or before Tuesday, December 7.  You can pay through the website drop down menu (www.diaz.school) via PayPal, or by check/cash. You can also Venmo payment to: @DiazSchoolofPiano. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding your balance.

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your piano teacher and please let me know if you have any questions!

Fall 2021 Enrollment Available Now!

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The 2021 Fall Semester begins Tuesday, September 7, and classes are now available for enrollment.  Enroll by August 31, 2021 and receive $50 off tuition!  Here's how to enroll online:

  1. See what classes are available. Click on the "Classes" tab to see brief summaries of each class.

  2. Pick the right class for you. Click on the "Enroll" tab to see the semester schedule and when each class is offered. Then click on the class that works best for you and fill in the information blocks.

  3. Ensure your spot. Click the "Pay Now" button to either pay the semester deposit, or the full semester tuition. You can also Venmo payment to: @DiazSchoolofPiano. Paying the deposit will ensure your spot for the semester. Fill in the Student's name, the class day and time, and you are all set for the first day of class!

Don't know which class to enroll for, or you're a new student?  No problem!  Just send your questions by contacting us, or book an appointment for your FREE 15-minute consultation to find the best class for you or your student in becoming a pianist for a lifetime at Diaz School of Piano!

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Summer Session Starts This Week!

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The 8-class Summer Session starts on Monday, June 14 and ends on Thursday, August 26. Classes are offered the weeks of:

  • June 14

  • June 21

  • July 12

  • July 19

  • July 26

  • August 2

  • August 9

  • August 23

If you’ve been wanting to “try out” Diaz School Piano, this shorter session is a great opportunity to check it out! Class options are available for both new and returning students, and you even have to option to create your own class during the Summer Session (contact Ben for more details). Tuition for the 8 classes is $250. Tuition can be prorated for classes you need to miss because of summer schedules and multi-student family discounts are available as well. Check out the class offerings at https://www.diaz.school/enroll to reserve your spot today. Classes begin this week!

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Spring Session Starts Next Week!

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The 5-week Spring Session starts on Monday, April 26 and ends on Thursday, May 27. If you’ve been wanting to “try out” Diaz School Piano, this shorter session is a great opportunity to check it out! Class options are available for both new and returning students, and you even have to option to create your own class during the Spring Session (contact Ben for more details). Tuition for the 5-week session is $150 per student, and multi-student family discounts are available as well. Check out the class offerings at https://www.diaz.school/enroll and reserve your spot today. Classes begin next week!

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Receive $50 off Tuition When You Enroll before January 1, 2021

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If you enroll for the 2021 Winter Semester before January 1, 2021 you will receive $50 off Semester tuition for each student you enroll. Simply select “1 Month $100.00 USD” option as your deposit amount when you enroll. Or, if you choose to pay the full amount, simply select the “$50 OFF Full Tuition” option.

The 2021 Winter Semester begins Monday, January 11.  Enroll today to secure your spot this semester.  Here's how to enroll online:

  1. See what classes are available. Click on the "Classes" tab to see brief summaries of each class.

  2. Pick the right class for you. Click on the "Enroll" tab to see the semester schedule and when each class is offered. Then click on the class that works best for you and fill in the information blocks.

  3. Ensure your spot. Click the "Pay Now" button to either pay the semester deposit, or the full semester tuition. Paying the deposit will ensure your spot for the semester. Fill in the Student's name, the class day and time, and you are all set for the semester!

Don't know which class to enroll for, or you're a new student?  No problem!  Just send your questions by contacting us, or book an appointment for your FREE 15-minute consultation to find the best class for you or your student!

In-Studio Health Precautionary Measures

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With in-person, in-studio group piano classes starting this week, here are some things to be aware of before you arrive:

1) Keep one another healthy and safe even before you arrive. By coming to your lesson, you are acknowledging that you have self-assessed your health and confirm that you:

  • are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

  • have not been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 48 hours.

  • have not been directed by a health professional to self-quarantine.

2) Bring a mask. Wash your hands. Procedures for entering/exiting the studio:  

  • Students must sanitize/wash their hands before playing the keyboards.

  • Masks are required upon entering the studio, during group classes, and upon exiting the studio.

  • Group teachers and students will wear masks during the duration of their classes.

3) Run an errand or enjoy time in your car while waiting. Due to the gathering size regulation of 10 people indoors, parents will be asked to not wait in the waiting area during group classes.

4) Be ready for pick-up. Class periods are 50 minutes and there will be no “live” performance times at the end of each class. Students will be asked to wipe down their stations (where they are seated at least 6’ apart from one another) with disinfecting wipes at the completion of their class. Students will be brought to the waiting area when their class is complete.

Thank you for your cooperation and care in helping to keep one another healthy and safe!

Top 5 Questions for Fall 2020 Semester Piano Classes

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  1. Will Diaz School of Piano be open for Fall Semester 2020? Yes! Group Classes and Individual Lessons will begin starting Monday, September 14, 2020.

  2. Will you have in-person options available? Yes. Group classes will be offered at the piano studio and individual lessons will be available both at the piano studio as well as at students’ homes.

  3. Will you have online options available? Yes.

    • E-packets: downloadable electronic packets of music, worksheets, and assignments for students to work on each week.

    • Digital Feedback: Students can share video/audio recordings of their performances with their teacher and then receive feedback via email, video message, or audio message.

    • “First Notes” Videos: a 5-8 minute instructional video that includes an introduction to the piece, helpful practice tips for learning the music, and a teacher playing the piece.

    • Group Class Replays: Some group classes will be recorded and available for students to watch later in the week.

  4. What precautions will you take to help keep students healthy and safe? The health and safety of students and teachers are of highest priority. Here are a few precautions that we are using at the studio:

    • Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes available in each room.

    • Each student has their own keyboard/workstation. Keyboards disinfected between each class and lesson.

    • Student wellness self-screen of symptoms prior to entering studio.

    • Class sizes of 8 or under with students at least 6’ apart.

    • Performance Time (the last 10 minutes of class where students share their music on the grand piano with classmates & family) will be temporarily discontinued.

    • Class sessions will be shorter (50 minutes, as opposed to 60 minutes) to account for Performance Time being temporarily discontinued. Students will have the opportunity to share their music via video or audio recording.

    • Face coverings worn during group class instruction.

  5. I’m interested in signing up for one of the options, what do I do next? Please send a message and let Mr. Ben know which option(s) you’re interested in! We are working this week on finalizing the schedule and procedures and the 2020 Fall Semester Schedule, Enrollment Registration, and updated Fee Schedule will be available on Tuesday, September 1.

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Review Week Lists for Each Class

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Hey, Everyone! Week 10 is Review Week, where all of your pieces and worksheets are listed from the first 10 weeks of piano. If you click on your class’ button below, you will see your review week form. Simply print out your review week list, follow the instructions, and enjoy reviewing this semester’s music! As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

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Updated Information About Piano Classes

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In compliance and support of the efforts in response of the impact of coronavirus/COVID-19, Diaz School of Piano studio will be closed until April 13, 2020 and no in-person classes or lessons will be taking place. We are still committed to you and/or your child's piano development during this season and will be finding creative ways to still engage with piano instruction and development through online engagement, video, email, and social media. Be sure to check the website blog (diaz.school/blog), your email, as well as the Diaz School of Piano Facebook page for current updates and creative ways to keep you engaged and connected in your piano learning. We want to help you and/or your student to continue to take steps to become a pianist for a lifetime in this unprecedented season.

Thank you for your understanding and, as always, please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Ben Diaz, on behalf of Diaz School of Piano

DSoP Studio closed until April 13, 2020

DSoP Studio closed until April 13, 2020

A Message Regarding Group Piano Classes

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UPDATE: Diaz School of Piano studio will be closed until Monday, April 13, 2020 - all classes, help room, and lessons will not be held at the studio until that time.

Original Post: “At this time, Diaz School of Piano is planning on holding regularly scheduled classes. We are continuing to check updates and recommendations from the state of Michigan as outlined here: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-521463--,00.html

Precautions we will continue to take include:

  • offering hand sanitizer in each room

  • promoting proper hand washing

  • offering disinfecting wipes for all piano stations

  • disinfecting piano stations (including headphones) between each class

  • urging those who are sick to remain at home

  • routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces

As we continue to monitor updates and follow the issue as it evolves, we will do our best to continue to communicate updates regarding class schedules other pertinent information. “

Mid-Winter Break: February 17-23

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  • Mid-Winter Break: 

    • Students of Mr. Ben Diaz: The studio will be closed Monday, February 17th - Sunday, February 23rd for Presidents Day and Mid-Winter Break. Classes resume for Mr. Ben's students the week of Monday, February 24th. Students: a reminder that this is a one-week break from classes, and not a two-week break from practicing - so continue to spend intentional time practicing over the course of these next two weeks. 

    • Students of Ms. Mary Gossell: You will have your regularly scheduled classes and lessons. Mid-Winter break for Ms. Mary's students will be from Wednesday, March 4 to Monday, March 10 when Ms. Mary will be out of town auditioning for doctoral programs.

  • In Summary:

    • Monday, 2.17.20 - Sunday, 2.23.20: Mid-Winter break for Mr. Ben's students (regular classes and lessons still held for Ms. Mary's students)

DSoP Announcements: February 2020

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Hello! Here are a few announcements from Diaz School of Piano for February 2020:

  • Mary Gossell in Concert: This Sunday, February 16, from 3p-5p at Trinity Church in Lansing, DSoP Instructor, Miss Mary Gossell, will be hosting an International Concert, featuring performers and music of many different countries. The concert is free and open to the public, so please invite friends. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of solo piano music, Latin-American violin & piano, Chinese songs, and much more. There will be a reception following the concert.  For more information, check out this event post on Facebook. 

  • Mid-Winter Break: The studio will be closed Monday, February 17th - Sunday, February 23rd for Presidents Day and Mid-Winter Break. The Help Room also will be closed on Sunday, February 16th due to Ms. Mary's Piano concert (see above). Classes resume for Mr. Ben's students the week of Monday, February 24th. Students: a reminder that this is a one-week break from classes, and not a two-week break from practicing - so continue to spend intentional time practicing over the course of these next two weeks. 

    • Students of Ms. Mary Gossell: You will have your regularly scheduled classes next week. Mid-Winter break for Ms. Mary's students will be from Wednesday, March 4 to Monday, March 10 when Ms. Mary will be out of town auditioning for doctoral programs.

  • Dates to Remember:

    • Sunday, 2.16.20: Mary Gossell Concert from 3p-5p at Trinity Church (Help Room Closed)

    • Monday, 2.17.20 - Sunday, 2.23.20: Mid-Winter break for Mr. Ben's students (regular classes and lessons still held for Ms. Mary's students)

    • Thursday, 3.5.20: Next Installment due for Payment Plan. Please let Mr. Ben know if you have questions regarding your balance.

    • Wednesday, 3.4.20 - Monday, 3.10.20: Mid-Winter break for Ms. Mary's students (regular classes still held for Mr. Ben's students)

    • Monday, 3.16.20: Enrollment for Spring Session begins

    • Thursday, 4.2.20: Full Tuition Payment due

    • Sunday, 4.5.20 - Sunday, 4.12.20: Spring Break

    • Saturday, 4.18.20: Studio Recitals at 9a and 1045a (River Terrace Church in East Lansing)

    • Thursday, 4.23.20: Winter Semester ends

    • Monday, 4.27.20: 5-week Spring Session begins

Thank you for allowing us to serve as your piano teachers and please let us know if you have any questions!

Top 5 Things to Know Going Into the New Semester

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Hello, Everyone - Happy New Year! The 14-week Winter Semester begins the week of January 6, 2020 and continues until April 24, 2020. Here are the top 5 things to know going into the new semester:

  1. The Winter Semester schedule is generally a continuation of the Fall Semester schedule. If you were enrolled in the Fall Semester of 2019, the same class day and time in Winter 2020 would be a great fit for a class since it will pick up from where it ended in 2019.

  2. It's not too late to enroll. Even if the New year snuck up on you, or even if you didn't take any lessons last semester, you can still enroll today - just let Mr. Ben or Ms. Mary know that you'd like to join a class... we'll get you caught up! A $150 deposit is due by the first class and full tuition is due by April 1, 2020.

  3. Prorated Semester Tuition due to seasonal commitments (i.e., sports, theater productions, orchestras, etc.) is now available. Instead of 'sitting out' an entire semester due to a sports season or musical that conflicts with just a portion of the piano semester, join in the part of the semester that works best for you. Please connect with Mr. Ben to see if this is a good option for you and to work out the specifics.

  4. Attending Help Room or a class equivalent is a great way to make up a missed class. If you have to miss a class on a given week due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, attending another class of the same level or stopping by the Help Room is the best way to remain current in your class' curriculum. The updated Help Room schedule will be available by next week.

  5. Learning piano is more fun in community. Whether learning cooperatively in a group class setting, signing up for piano lessons with friends, or connecting with people in the warm-up area at the studio while waiting for your lesson, learning in the company of friends is one of the best ways to keep learning a new skill fun, exciting, and effective!

As always, thank you for allowing Diaz School of Piano to serve as your piano teachers and please let me (or Mary) know if you have any questions!

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Winter 2020 Enrollment and Registration Available

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The 2020 Winter Semester begins Monday, January 6, and classes are now available for enrollment.  Enroll today to secure your spot this semester.  Here's how to enroll online:

  1. See what classes are available. Click on the "Classes" tab to see brief summaries of each class.

  2. Pick the right class for you. Click on the "Enroll" tab to see the semester schedule and when each class is offered. Then click on the class that works best for you and fill in the information blocks.

  3. Ensure your spot. Click the "Pay Now" button to either pay the semester deposit, or the full semester tuition. Paying the deposit will ensure your spot for the semester. Fill in the Student's name, the class day and time, and you are all set for the semester!

Don't know which class to enroll for, or you're a new student?  No problem!  Just send your questions by contacting us, or book an appointment for your FREE 15-minute consultation to find the best class for you or your student!

November and December Announcements

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Hello, Everyone - Happy Thanksgiving! Here are a few announcements for Diaz School of Piano for November and December:

1. THANKSGIVING WEEK SCHEDULE:

  • Sunday, November 24: Help Room open, 4p - 530p. Stop in for extra help or to make up a class

  • Monday, November 25: Makeup classes for missed classes on Halloween (10/31) and Snow Day (11/4)

    • 4p - 5p: Young Beginners, Elementary, and Intermediate Classes

    • 510p - 610p: Intermediate, Middle School, and High School Classes

  • Tuesday, November 26 - Sunday, December 1: Studio CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break

  • Monday, December 2: Classes resume as scheduled

2. PAYMENT PLAN: Full Semester Tuition is due on or before Thursday, December 5. You can pay through the website drop down menu (www.diaz.school) via PayPal, or by check/cash. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding your balance.

3. STUDIO RECITALS: Saturday, December 14 at River Terrace Church. Recital times are 900a & 1045a. If you would have a recital time preference and would like to request a recital time, please let me know via email by Thursday, December 5 at 700pm with your recital time request of either 900a or 1045a.

4. DATES TO REMEMBER:

  • November 26 - December 1: Thanksgiving Break - studio closed

  • Tuesday, December 3: Enrollment begins - Winter Semester 2020

  • Thursday, December 5: Full Tuition Payment Due - Please let Ben Diaz know if you have any questions regarding your balance

  • Saturday, December 14: Studio Recitals - at River Terrace Church in East Lansing at 9a & 1045a. Admission is free and you are welcome to invite friends and family members

  • Thursday, December 19: Fall Semester Ends

  • Monday, January 13, 2020: Winter Semester Begins - Class schedule will primarily continue Fall Semester Class Schedule

As always, please let me know if you have any questions and thank you for allowing me to serve as your piano teacher!

Studio CLOSED: Monday, November 11, 2019

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As the snow continues to fall and the travel conditions in the area remain less than ideal, Diaz School of Piano will be CLOSED today, Monday, November 11 and all classes will be canceled. Make-up classes for Ben Diaz's classes will be available on Monday, November 25 at their regularly scheduled times. A make-up class session with Mary Gossell will be available on Sunday, November 24 at 4p. Take care, be safe, and stay warm!

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