Griffin Violin Studio Launches New Graduating Level Grading and Reward System

Griffin Violin Studio, LLC is now offering it's very own graduating level grading and reward system including certificates with an official Griffin Violin Studio golden seal, level specific engraved plaques, and quarterly progress reports and quizzes including milestone certificates and rewards with demonstrated progress. The first quarterly quiz will take place the end of July and progress reports will be submitted to parents the following week after the quiz. See link for details.

My grading system is similar to the statewide MTAC Certificate of Merit (CM) program and is designed to help students that are enrolled in the CM program to stay on-track and prepare for their yearly CM evaluations. But you don't need to be enrolled in the Certificate of Merit program to enjoy the benefits of the additional motivational elements and rewards that my system offers. Students can work to graduate specific levels at their own pace. (Note: if your child is not currently working in a theory book please ask me for details.)

I hope that you are as excited about this as I am. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

See you on Facebook on Saturday for our virtual recital!

With joy and gratitude!

Ms. Jill

Griffin Violin Studio

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

(858) 774-0179

2020 Summer Violin Recital Program and Schedule Details

The 2020 Summer Violin Recital has been compiled, uploaded and is scheduled to premiere on June 27th at 6:00 pm PST at https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/.  

Be sure to send this information to your friends and family and invite them to join us. You don't need a Facebook account to watch the video. Spread the word and help to make this a special event for our students. Please be generous with your "likes", "loves", and compliments in the comment section during the show to encourage our students.

Attached is the program showing the order of performances.

Thank you all so very much for helping to make this wonderful event happen. I appreciate you all!

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Download recital program (click here)

Invitation

Studio Re-Open (NEXT WEEK), Required Zoom Update, Virtual Recital

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy. In preparation for the studio re-open next week I have been teaching online from the studio this week. I have connected with each of you personally and know which of you want to come to the studio and who wants to continue online. If you wish to come to the studio and haven't let me know, please let me know before your next lesson. For those of you that would like to continue online, we will continue online as long as you wish. Just let me know ahead of time if you would like to come to the studio.

STUDIO RE-OPEN PLAN: (IMPORTANT: Please read article below if you plan on coming to the studio)

I will be following CDC guidelines including 6 ft physical distancing, facial covering and sanitization and entering and exiting the room. I sent the following notice out the end of April. Please read (or re-read) article from the link below if you are planning on coming to the studio.

https://griffinviolinstudio.blogspot.com/2020/04/exciting-news-we-are-planning-our-come.html

ZOOM UPDATE: I received a notice from Zoom stating that beginning May 30, all Zoom clients must be on version 5.0+ in order to join any meeting. The new version has updated encryption enhancing security. If you haven't updated your Zoom app the app will do an automatic upgrade before joining any meeting. Please check your app to see if you need to upgrade before your next lesson to prevent from a forced upgrade before your next login.

VIRTUAL RECITAL REMINDER: 

Students have been working diligently on their recital pieces. Video submissions are due on or before June 20th. The recital will premier via live stream on my Facebook page on June 27th. The following link outlines the details.

https://griffinviolinstudio.blogspot.com/2020/05/virtual-violin-recital-details-studio.html

Stay healthy and safe!

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Last Week for Pop Up Parties!

On March 23rd I launched our first Violin Pop Up Online Party as a way to encourage our students during this challenging time. It has been great fun as many of us have come together twice a week to play our songs, tell jokes and riddles, and share a bit about ourselves. I hope that all that have participated have found them to be fun, encouraging and inspiring. I know that I have been personally encouraged so much to see how my students have come together and shared their hearts with each other. 

This week will be the last week for pop up parties for a while as I plan for the studio re-opening and our virtual recital. I thank all that have participated over the last several weeks. You have certainly brightened my days and warmed my heart!

Have a beautiful day!

With Joy & Gratitude!

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Virtual Violin Recital Details // Studio Re-Opening

Hello Students and Parents:

I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to send you some specifics for our Virtual Violin Recital.

Video submission deadline: June 20, 2020 before 12:00 pm. 

Link to upload video files: https://www.dropbox.com/request/jWoVC4htHG1fI2nKwxF3.

• Students should be dressed in recital attire
• Take videos landscape orientation
• Be mindful of your background setting, lighting, and background noises

The recital will stream live from the Griffin Violin Studio Facebook Page on the date and time listed below. Invite as many people as you want to join us online. You do not need a Facebook account to join us. Just go to the link below and then click on the recital video post.

GRIFFIN VIOLIN STUDIO SUMMER 2020 VIRTUAL RECITAL
Date/Time: June 27, 2020 @ 6:00 pm PST
Venue: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

I wanted to also let you know that our target date to be able to have in-studio lessons is June 1st. I know that many of you will want to continue with online lessons and some of you want a combination .... that is perfectly fine. I will be available in the studio for those of you that prefer to come to the studio. The guidelines that I sent to you last month will be followed to ensure that we continue to keep each other safe. The link to the message is below:
https://griffinviolinstudio.blogspot.com/2020/04/exciting-news-we-are-planning-our-come.html

And lastly, I just wanted to let you know that I was recently tested for COVID-19 and my results came back negative. I was pretty confident that the results would be negative; but it is good to know for sure. I continue to take all the necessary precautions to keep myself and others around me safe.

Let me know if you have any questions. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones, and continue to be safe.

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Virtual Violin Recital Coming Soon!

A couple of days ago I had this thought ... "Wouldn't it be great to have a Virtual Violin Recital?" I've mentioned it to a few of my students and parents that I met with over the last couple of days and so far everyone thinks it sounds like fun. 

I have a pretty good idea of what it will look like; but obviously it's in the very beginning planning phase. But here are my initial thoughts:

• The recital will stream online sometime in the middle of or late June.
• Students should dress up just like we do for our auditorium recitals.
• Students will record themselves playing their songs at home and then send their recording to me.
• I will put the program together and prepare to upload.
• I will have a scheduled date and time to go live with it online.
• All families, friends, pets, et al are invited to meet us online. Even if they live in different cities, states or countries.
• We can all meet together online and enjoy the beautiful music and encourage each other.

I will let you know when I am further along in the planning process. I am just so excited that I couldn't wait to let you know.

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Exciting News! We are Planning Our Come Back!

Dear Students and Parents:  

I really miss seeing you in-person and hearing your beautiful music fill my studio classroom. In the meantime, I have been busy making plans for the time when we can all come together in-person again. While I don’t know exactly when that time will come, I anxiously anticipate that it will be sometime in early to mid-May. When that day does come, I will be ready for you and I am so excited to see you! 

Online lessons have been great and will still remain an option even when I am able to return to my studio. I understand from your survey responses that many of you will want a combination of some online and some in-studio lessons even after the doors re-open. Some of you will decide to continue with your online lessons and may wait until a later date to return to the studio. And like me, many of you can’t wait to get back to the studio. There are options available and I want to work with you to find the best option in our current circumstances. I am here for you! And I thank you for staying with me during these uncertain times.

The health and safety of all my students, families, and others working out of the studio facility is my biggest concern. That is why I will patiently wait for the day when I know it will be safe to re-unite and will be taking all the necessary precautions when that time arrives. Things will be a little different when we do come back to the studio. Some of the things you can expect are physical distancing, facial coverings, hand washing, and guidelines regarding instrument preparation and lesson supplies. Coming back together in a healthy and safe manner will be a collaborative effort on all our parts. We are all in this together!

Below are guidelines to keep everyone safe. Please carefully read all the guidelines. We all need to continue to do our part so that students, teachers, staff and our community are protected.

1. Studio Cleaning and Available Areas
1. The studio will be sanitized daily and throughout the day.
2. Lobby areas will be closed until further notice. Please keep reading for guidelines regarding lesson arrival and pick-up.
3. Water dispensers will be disconnected and unavailable. Please bring your own water bottle if you need to drink water during your lesson. And please remember to take your water bottle and other items home with you. Any items left behind will be discarded.
2. Clean Hands
1. I will maintain clean hands and use hand sanitizer before and after lessons.
2. Students and parents, please wash hands before entering the studio and use hand sanitizer before and after your lesson.
3. Illness Policy
1. If you or your child are feeling ill or showing any signs of fever, achiness, sneezing, coughing or a runny nose do not come to the studio. Instead I ask that you take the option of an online lesson. Just email or text me ahead of time so that I am prepared to meet with you online.
2. Same rule applies for me. If I am sick or showing any signs of fever, achiness, sneezing, coughing or a runny nose, I will contact you and request an online lesson or make-up lesson.
4. Physical Distancing
1. Physical distancing of at least 6-feet will be followed in all areas of the studio at all times.
2. One parent or guardian will be allowed in the classroom with their child during the lesson while still following the physical distancing guidelines.
5. Arrival and Pick-up
1. Please wait to enter the studio at the time of your lesson and walk directly to my classroom. If there is another lesson in session in the classroom when you arrive kindly step back at a safe distance and wait until you are instructed to enter. Do not arrive early as the lobby area will be closed and all are expected to maintain appropriate physical distancing.
2. Please walk your child into the studio and escort them to my classroom. If you will not be staying in the classroom with your child, please wait in your car or parking lot at a safe distance from others. If you need to leave the general area during your child’s lesson time make sure you return at least 10-minutes before their lesson is over so that you are present when their lesson time ends. When lessons conclude, children will be instructed to go directly to their parents and will not be allowed to wait in the classroom or the lobby. 
6. Facial Coverings
1. Facial coverings must be worn by myself, students, and anyone else entering the studio. 
7. Lesson / Instrument Preparedness
1. Students should arrive to the classroom with their violin and bow removed from the case and any required accessories and music in-hand. Also, please rosin bows before coming into the classroom. I recommend unpacking instruments in your vehicle before walking in the studio. Students also need to bring their own pencils to class so that they can take notes and mark their music. 
8. Make-Up Lesson Policies
1. Due to physical distancing requirements, in-studio group make-up lessons continue to be suspended until further notice. Online group make-up classes are available on Mondays at 4:30 pm with prior sign-up.
9. In-Home Lessons
1. In-home lessons will be suspended until further notice. This is for the health and safety of our families and myself. For those that have requested in-home lessons, on-line lessons will continue, or you also have the option of in-studio lessons.

Thank you for joining me in doing our part in keeping each other safe and healthy. These policies and guidelines are put in place so that we are able to come together and still stay safe and healthy during these uncertain times. I will make adjustments and lift restrictions as appropriate when the time comes. If you are not able to adhere to these guidelines I ask that you continue with your online lessons until I am able to loosen some of these guidelines.

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Griffin Violin Studio Remains Open Online … Lesson Prep … Free Online Violin Party for Students

GRIFFIN VIOLIN STUDIO REMAINS OPEN ONLINE and I will continue to be available to you throughout this challenging time. I am teaching 100% online from my HOME STUDIO until this situation passes. I do not plan on taking a spring break this year either. It has been a tough week, and I am so proud and encouraged by each of you more than ever as we do our best to protect each other, stay healthy and remain positive.

I have been thinking that with so many activities being cancelled for our kids that it might be fun to have an online violin party. This will be a first for me; and I have no idea how it will turn out. It could be wildly fun and successful … or it could be a big flop. But I do think it sounds like a lot of fun. On Monday, March 23, from 2:00-2:30 pm I am planning a “SODA POP UP ONLINE VIOLIN PARTY.” There is no cost; and all students are welcome. They can show up online with a soda pop, juice, water, or what ever their favorite drink is; and of course their violins. It is not a lesson, just fun play time. They can choose to play a song for the group, just listen, or maybe just chat a bit. I will send out an invitation to a link to join soon. If it turns out to be successful and something the kids enjoy, I will schedule 2 or 3 online parties a week for a while.

Yesterday I completed my third full day of teaching online from my home. For the most part, everything has been working out very well. As I get into the flow of things with these necessary changes, I am making some modifications in my teaching style. I started this week with with high hopes of emailing each of you practice notes and links to lesson videos at the end of the day. I soon realized that this may be a bit too much for me right now. The videos quickly exceeded my storage capacity and I have been unable to get them to you. If you still would like a video of the online lessons you have the option of recording them from your end and saving to your hard drive; but for now I will not be recording the lessons. And instead of my emailing you practice information I will be taking my own notes and asking students to take notes and write down their assignments at the end of the lesson. They will need to have a pencil and some blank sheets of paper in their binder or a notebook available to write in during their lesson.

Also, each student needs to have a music stand available at home. It is important for good posture and technique. If you don’t already have one in your home I recommend the Manhasset Music Stand. You can find it on Amazon here. https://www.amazon.com/Manhasset-Model-Sheet-Music-Stand/dp/B0002FOBJY/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3OYY0FZPSSLAO&keywords=manhasset+music+stand&qid=1584703362&sprefix=manha%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-2

A violin tuner is also good to have. I recommend the Snark clip on tuner.

https://www.amazon.com/Snark-SN5X-Guitar-Violin-Current/dp/B01H74YV56/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OQY5QGD9CZ63&keywords=snark+tuner+violin&qid=1584703453&sprefix=snark+tuner%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-2

Spare strings are important as well. If you end up breaking a string I can walk you through installing a new string. Below is a link to my article about violin strings I wrote a while back and I thought it might be interesting to you.
https://griffinviolinstudio.blogspot.com/2019/11/have-you-ever-wondered-if-its-time-for.html

I appreciate you all so very much. Please email me or text me if you have any questions or concerns; or just need some encouragement.

Always with joy and gratitude (even in the midst of chaos),

Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

San Diego is enforcing new mandates with regard to social distancing. In an effort to do my part to help keep each other healthy I will be conducting all my lessons online until the COVID-19 situation passes. I have set-up all lessons through Zoom and am in the process of contacting each of you individually with details to join your classes. This past Saturday I taught eight online classes which included one group class with five students and all went well. You will need to use a computer or device with a webcam for the lessons. Thank you for your understanding and help in keeping each other healthy. Please text or email me if you have any questions.

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Social Distancing, Online Classes, and Certificate of Merit Results

It has been interesting times to say the least as we are all doing the best we can to stay healthy. I have had many requests for online classes. On Saturday, I taught 8 online classes over zoom, which included one group makeup class with 5 students. All went very well. If you are interested in setting your child up with online classes for the next few weeks while we ride out this coronavirus situation please let me know. It is easier if I know in advance so I can schedule the meeting and send you a link ahead of time. I have been keeping my studio wiped down and sprayed with Lysol and have hand sanitizer in the room if you choose to come into the studio.

On a happy note, I am so pleased to report that I received great news this morning that all my students that took their Certificate of Merit evaluations last month have passed, 15 students also received state honors. If you would like to know more about the statewide Certificate of Merit program for your child please let me know. Enrollment is once a year in October and evaluations are in February. 

Stay healthy!

Ms. Jill

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Important Billing Information

As mentioned in my email sent out on March 2, 2020 I will be taking over billing for violin lessons. I need to have this all in place in the next couple of weeks so we are ready to go by April 1, 2020 when April billing will start.

I will need to set up billing accounts for each of my students. I take all major credit cards. I am using a secure payment processing platform through Bank of America and Clover. I DO NOT want to be personally responsible for storing any of your credit card information and need your help as I set up each of the accounts. The process is simple and only takes a minute or two.

Here are options and process:

1. You can come into the studio at the beginning of your child’s lesson with your credit card. We can set up your account and I can take your card information from my chip reader so your credit card will be securely stored. Everything is secure and nothing will be billed until April 1.
2. You can call me on the phone and give me your credit card details over the phone. I will not be writing it down; just entering it into the system. After it is entered I can’t see your credit card details. Again, everything is secure and nothing will be billed until April 1.
3. I can send you a text link through my merchant service and you can enter your credit card details so that I can set up your account. Again, everything is secure and nothing will be billed until April 1.

Thank you for your help. Please let me know if you have any questions … and please help me to get all of this set up as soon as possible so that I’m not having to do this all at the last minute and chase down payments.

With joy and gratitude,

Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

COVID-19 Precautions and the Option of Online Lessons

With all this concern about the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) I wanted to reach out to you. The last thing that I want to do is add to the over information about the situation. I am not overly concerned; but I do want to be sure we are doing what we can to stay healthy.

Please make sure your child has clean hands before coming into the studio. I keep my room clean and have hand sanitizer in my room. I also spray the room with lysol at the beginning and end of the day.

I also wanted to remind you that I offer online lessons over Zoom. If your child is not feeling well and you are concerned about bringing them into the studio ... but they well enough for a violin lesson ... you have the option to meet with me online. I just need to know a bit ahead of time so I can prepare and send you the online link to meet with me.

With joy,

Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Announcing Griffin Violin Studio and US Music Lessons Partnership

Griffin Violin Studio (GVS) and US Music Lessons (USML) have an exciting announcement. It’s official! GVS and USML have formed an alliance and are now business partners. This is really good news and is a mutually beneficial agreement for both GVS and USML.

You may be asking how this partnership affects you. This collaborative partnership means enhanced programs and services; some of which you have already begun to see roll out. For example, theory study classes, online lessons, ensembles, recitals and US Musical MilestonesTM will be available to all GVS students.

Jill Griffin (aka Ms. Jill) will continue to teach out of USML studio’s room 9; and you will still have access to the beautiful waiting area, streaming videos and wifi. Tuition rates will remain the same; however billing for those currently being billed through USML will be billed through GVS beginning April 1, 2020. Nothing will change for the clients currently making monthly tuition payments directly to GVS. For others, GVS will be contacting you soon with instructions on transferring payments for violin lessons directly to GVS.

Ms. Jill has been teaching violin lessons through USML since 2015. It has been a great working relationship since day 1. The GVS/USML partnership is a natural progression and strengthens both parties. Vince Hanvey (USML Founder and President) says, “Jill has been the driving force behind the successful violin program at USML. I’m thrilled about this new partnership and look forward to what’s in store for USML and her students. USML will continue to support Jill in her efforts to provide an outstanding musical education and share her love of the violin to our community.” Ms. Jill adds, “I am so appreciative for the opportunities that working through USML for the past five years has provided me as a violin teacher. I’m excited about this new phase of our alliance and how it is going to help me to be even more creative in my teaching style and how that will benefit my students and families.”

At your service,

Jill Griffin, GVS                Vince Hanvey, USML

www.griffinviolinstudio.com

https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/

Studio Updates ... Ensembles, Theory Study Hall, Calendar Information

I hope all are doing well on this beautiful but windy day. It's been a while since I have written to you. Here we are post recital and just days from the Certificate of Merit (CM) evaluations for those that are participating in the CM program this year. It has been a busy season for sure ... and incredibly rewarding.

Certificate of Merit evaluations are taking place this Saturday. Twenty-one of my students are participating this year and I am so proud of all of them. These students have been working so diligently for months preparing for this evaluation! I am sending them all good vibes, prayers, and best wishes! I am looking forward to hearing good results.

Please continue to read for more information regarding ensembles, theory study hall, calendar information and an invitation to come hear Ms. Jill play with the Kensington Baroque Orchestra and Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra on March 7th for our "Game of Tones" concert.

Ensembles:
The ensembles for the winter recital were so much fun. It was such a great learning experience for all of us; especially me. The most fun really was in the group rehearsals. I had the joy of watching as friendships were developed and memories were made. It was beautiful to see how the students encouraged each other and had so much fun as they played and made beautiful music together. The process was amazing and I would love to do more of it. Three weeks of rehearsals went by too quickly and I think we all wanted more time. This summer I would love to form some groups just to give students an opportunity to gather and play with other students. It is a skill set that is completely different than playing solo pieces and even than being in an orchestra. Please let me know if you are interested. The earlier you can let me know helps me greatly as I form groups and select a variety of music for them to play.

Theory Study Hall:
I started a series of Theory Study Halls back in November for students participating in Certificate of Merit. It was very successful and extremely helpful for students to have a place to study their theory while I was there to guide them and monitor their progress along the way. And when they were ready they had the opportunity to take practice exams provided to me by the Music Teachers Association of California. I will be continuing this program and plan to open it up to all of my students. For my Certificate of Merit students; this ongoing program will provide them with an opportunity to "stay ahead of the game" so to speak as they prepare for the next level. And for all my students; this type of learning really helps to build confidence and develop a good understanding of the principles behind making music. I will be resuming this program in April.

Calendar:

Certificate of Merit: (applies only for those enrolled in CM)

• Performance Evaluations: February 29, Cuyamaca College
• Theory Tests: February 29 & March 1, March 7 & 8, Cuyamaca College​
• ​(Note: if you plan on taking your theory test on March 8th you will need to make an appointment)

Group Makeup Classes: (Send Ms. Jill an email to sign-up)

• Mondays, 4:30-5:30 pm (Live Online Video over Zoom)
• March 14, 2:45-3:45 pm (Studio)​​

Studio Breaks:

• April 12 through April 18 (no classes)
• June 29 through July 5 (no classes)

Upcoming 2020 Student Recital Dates:

• June 14, 2020, 4:00-6:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido
• October 11, 2020, 4:00-6:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido

And lastly, I will be performing with the Kensington Baroque Orchestra and Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra on March 7th at 4:00 pm at Kensington Community Church and again on March 8th in South Pasadena. All are invited to attend. I would love to see you there.



Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com