May Newsletter – Summer is almost here!

Dear SKCMA students and parents,
Each Spring I often get asked these questions about the summer:
Q. “How do lessons work in the summer?”
A. The Academy is open year-round, & we do not close for the summer.
Q. “Do a lot of students quit during the summer?”
A. We actually grow in enrollment in June! Some students withdraw but we get an influx of students in June that continue into the Fall.
Q. “How full is SKCMA?”
A. As of today, we are at 94% capacity and many teachers are sold out.
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 a spot for you in the Fall as we will open the spot to new students.
The big question for all parents and students to consider is:
Do you want to stay with the same teacher in the Fall?
If the answer is YES there are 2 ways to do this:

1. Take advantage of our summer make-up lessons.
   We realize that some of you will be out of town for a portion of the summer. By signing up for make ups, you can make up as many lessons as you miss and keep your same teacher and spot for the fall. It’s easy to do—Click the “Make Up Lessons” tab on our website and sign up for the dates that works for you. If you need two lessons made up, you can even make a request for an hour–long lesson in the notes area.
2. Take virtual/video lessons while you travel.
   If you will be somewhere conducive to virtual lessons, let us know which dates you’d like a virtual lesson and we’ll get it set up! We can also have teachers record a video-lesson and email it to you, for you to go through when time allows. Please give us 24 hours notice for either of these options!
   If you love your teacher, keep your spot by using the summer makeups and video lessons!
   If you have any questions, please call me direct at (816)419-8526. Thanks!
   Laura Lee Crandall

Student of the Month – GIDEON ROBINSON-Green

Gideon takes guitar lessons at SKCMA with teacher Bryson Thomas. He has a great attitude and has been working hard learning lots of new chords on guitar!

Grade & School: 9th grade, Blue Ridge School
Why did you choose to take guitar lessons?
To learn to play songs that I really like.
Do you play any other instruments?
I’ve played drums and piano
What your favorite song you’ve learned in lessons?
Treacherous by Taylor Swift
Any hobbies besides music?
Drawing and being outside with my dog, Sugar.
Any advice for other student musicians?
Take your time. Try easier songs at first.

We’re proud of you, Gideon!