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Piano Recital Photos + Youtube Watching Party Link

7/29/2022

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Congratulations to all of our performers!

We had a fabulous and memorable first piano recital since Covid-19 pandemic/lockdowns. 

I'm so proud of all of my students and families and I wanted to splurge during this recital to show them my appreciation for supporting me and allowing me to continue doing what I have devoted my life to...that is to teaching, coaching, and mentoring students to do and be their best in piano and all their endeavours. 

We hired a photographer who took these amazing photos for us and this recital would not have been possible without the help of my fiance and all of the families who helped me set-up and set-down. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Warmest, 
Miss Donna

To see the student's performances, please visit our school's Youtube Channel!
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Youtube Watching Party

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Summer Piano Showcase 2022

6/4/2022

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Our first in-person recital since... December 2019!
We can't wait for our exceptional students showcase their playing. Let's do this!
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Summer Camps 2022

6/1/2022

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Make your summer extra fun and rewarding!

Register Here!
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Major Update Everyone!!!

3/17/2022

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The courage of living is - to take risks, to fail, to get up, and to try again. Try again differently.
​- 
Naide P Obiang
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I'm super excited to let you all know that...

1. I've updated the current website to the best of my ability and skills. Woohoo! I hope it's easier to navigate and understand the programs we offer. I look forward to the day when I can hire an agency to do an entire makeover.

2. We have a physical space! Yes, a magical space is a start to something new...home of Group Piano For Kids. I am so thankful for my future hubby and best girlfriend who helped me paint and make this vision I had into reality. This is now officially version 4.0 and I must say, it's humbling to start again but higher. I would love to one day turn this space into a headquarters space but for now, starting anything is better than not starting at all.  I hope everyone who comes in gets transported into... a world of anything can happen.

3. I am expanding which can mean only one thing... I am finally taking in new students or returning students. However, this time, I have created something for myself and out of my passions, I am honouring what is best for me at this stage in my journey of teaching and entrepreneurship. If you have heard about my programs, my teaching, or has a child whose been waiting, please contact me again. I am feeling the energy and it is EMPOWERING!

And, if you haven't followed me on all my social media platforms, please do so! 

www.instagram.com/happykeyspiano
www.instagram.com/grouppianoforkids

Warmest, 
​Miss Donna
Take a deep breath, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again.
​– Frank Sinatra
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2022, And we're back!

2/15/2022

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Hello, it's Miss Donna here, sharing her thoughts!

​I'm super excited to introduce you all to the new Happy Keys 3.0. We are now a Piano School that specializes in beginner's piano lessons and beyond and mentoring future students who will become the leaders of our next generation. 

I've had the privilege to learn a lot over the 18 years of teaching experiences...and I can't wait to share my knowledge. Teaching has always been my passion but what gets me more excited is seeing the changes in the families and the children's lives. In addition, I'm honoured to have worked with a handful of families for over 5 years and up to coming up 10 years! Isn't this a dream for teachers? It sure is. 

As I sit here to share my current thoughts, I welcome all new prospective families and students who would love to bask in the energy of growth, personal excellence, and dedication. The arts has played a huge role in my life and I know having a teacher that really is my mentor has changed my life. I often think of my piano teacher and how daring she was...to be more than just a piano teacher. 

I too, wish to be daring, and to my inner circle of friends, I probably am the most out there person. I personally believe that if you truly wish to learn something, you can. And, when it's time to find a teacher, then it's time to look far into the future and see if you can see your lives with them. When we start piano, our parents are our main mentors, along with our teachers. But, as we get older and move into pre-teen era, someday, that teacher may become your child's mentor as their prefrontal cortex develops well into their early 20's. And, as I look back in my life.... the times that I've excelled was when I had a mentor or mentors.  Thus, I believe, we excel when we have mentors or coaches in our lives. I now see how paramount it is that I jump into the legacy that I am creating... as my student's evolve and grow...what will they need? The basics of piano will be mastered in no time and what truly is left is a gift of a lifetime of enjoyment. And, that lifetime of enjoyment will crossover to their social lives, their inner lives, and their families and friends...like a ripple effect.

I've been learning the piano since I was 9 years old and I've dedicated 18 years of my life to teaching and growing as a teacher as I am also passionate about researching pedagogy and psychology. This type of dedication and passion is most likely what makes me unique and in a world where most people look for instant results...it can happen too! However, piano is like no other activity. Yes, you can learn a song in a month and guess what? That's just the beginning. Why? There are always steps to getting better and as we evolve as a musician, we will notice even more the subtle nuances. The life-long journey of learning to play any instrument or any art is not only a dedication to the craft but a dedication to oneself. We want to play better, sound better, and ultimately achieve our highest level of playing...and it gives great joy to our parents and grandparents. Playing the piano is like reading books... you don't just read one book in your lifetime. Maybe you do? Well, then it's time to find some new books and jump right in! It's surely can be an adventure if you have the courage to get started.

I wish for everyone to grow, evolve, and to find their own path to personal excellence in 2022. There's a lot happening in the world and it's more important than ever that we contribute our energy to the world by creating love, kindness, and peace. How do we do that? First, we may want to begin with ourselves...and music such as playing the piano is one way to find that love, kindness, and peace within.

~Miss Donna
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VIRTUAL Holiday Recital 2020 REcap!!!

12/29/2020

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Thank you parents and students for a wonderful VIRTUAL piano recital! This would not have happened with everyone's efforts and I am so thankful for this opportunity to showcase our student's learning, growth, and talents!

You can view our recital performance in our NEW Youtube page here! Hope you all enjoy! I'm looking forward to what 2021 has to bring and I'm super excited to share with you some new projects. Take care and stay safe! 
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5 Steps to recording your HOLIDAY virtual recital video from home

12/7/2020

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#1: CAMERA ANGLE
  • Position your phone or camera "horizontally" before filming which creates a more open more and will fill up the entire screen.
  • Make sure we can see your smiling face and your piano in the video.

#2: BE READY
  • Recital "Fancier/Formal" Outfit.
  • Lesson Book(s).
  • Printed Songs: If you have not memorized your piece and have various pages, tape them together side by side to avoid having to flip pages.
  • Pre-adjust your bench distance and height.
  • Find a place where you will stand to introduce yourself and your song(s).
  • Decorate your space or surrounding to bring in your holiday vibe! Not necessary at all but if you wish or want to.

#3: PERFOMANCE ETIQUETTE
  1. Walk into the "stage" screen and introduce your name and the title of your songs. For songs that are famous, you can name the composer too such as "Fur Elise" by Beethoven.
  2. Take a nice bow. Your style.
  3. Take a deep breath.
  4. Do a nice lift onto the piano with your hands. Find your position.
  5. Play your first song.
  6. End your first song with a nice lift and place it on your lap.
  7. Repeat doing a nice lift onto the piano with your hands for the next song.
  8. End your second song with a nice lift. And repeat if you are doing one more song.
  9. At the end, stand up and complete the recital with a nice bow.
  10. Walk off the screen "stage" confidently.

#4: LIGHTING & SMILE
We want to see your beautiful smiles and enjoyment when playing. This means you want to look into the following:
  • Lighting Natural? If it's too dark, we aren't able to see you.
  • Room Set-Up / Props.
  • Camera angles. If the camera is too close, then we may not be able to see you. Ensure you have a parent/sibling help you film~

#5: HAVE FUN & PATIENCE
You may need to re-film several times since being on camera can be challenging and nerve-wracking. But no worries, this just means we have an active imagination and it's not a bad thing. And, since you are filming from home, you can film as many times as you wish! So, be prepared to have patience when filming. It might be a one-take wonder or it might be 20 takes later.

See this activity as something fun and involve your child in creating the holiday atmosphere by letting them choose their outfits, background props, and encouraging them to keep going. Have fun!

Good luck everyone~~!!! It'll be a fantastic experience.

Warmest, 
Miss Donna
​Your online piano teacher.

If you are wanting to make piano recital practise fun, check our my FREE recital preparation BINGO activity! Click on the photo to download instantly.
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Ready, set, Go! piano lessons in January 2021! ~ FREE TRIAL GROUP SESSIONS ~

12/1/2020

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Sign up now!
Join me for a FREE trial group piano lesson for kids ages 4 to 11 online!

​Give the gift of music education in a fun and enriching space!

Get prepared to start piano lessons in January!

This FREE class is for YOU and your child if you have these questions in mind...

​》Do piano lessons online work? How does it look like? I don't know how to play but I want to learn too.


》I have a piano/keyboard sitting at home. My child likes music and seems to be interested in the piano. Is this the right program for him/her? When should I start my child with piano lessons?

》My child cannot sit still yet but I want to know if they might be ready for piano lessons. He/she loves music and I know how to play a musical instrument. I can support them.

》I tried teaching my child how to play but it is challenging. I need help and I think I need lessons?

》We are busy but I want them to get started on an arts activity as they are in a lot of sports. I think piano will help them learn to focus and express themselves. How will online piano lessons help with this?

》I'm not sure when Covid-19 will be over...and I want them to learn something because I cannot homeschool them on every subject. Can this piano program provide a sound educational experience?

》My child loves online learning. We want a teacher who is fun, engaging, and understanding. They also like interacting with other kids. I want to try a group class and I love music! I think January will be a good start.

》I am looking for in-person lessons but am willing to try online lessons. Let's see how it goes...

》 I don't know how to play the piano and I want to learn too so I can support my child. Will I get support in helping them to learn at home?

》I am looking for flexibility and convenience as I work shift work. How can this work? How much homework is involved?

》My friend's child is learning online so I am interested in getting them started in piano lessons. I want them to learn the fundamentals and try online piano lessons.
​

If you have any these questions and more, please feel free to ask me during our Q&A session at the end of the group class or after the free trial session.
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I'm now offering free trial piano lessons online to help you decide if this is a great choice for your child and your family. The programs are for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 11. Depending on the # of students interested, I will create openings as my availability opens up too!

I cannot wait to meet new students online and help you begin your musical piano learning journey! If you are the only student registered, then you will still receive a free trial class from me!

Learn more about my group programs here:
☆ http://www.happykeysmusic.ca/ages-3-to-11-online-group-lessons.html
☆ www.instagram.com/happykeyspiano
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Miss Donna's Online Interactive "holiday" Piano Room Edition 2020

11/28/2020

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🎄🎁 Oh what fun! MISS DONNA'S BITMOJI INTERACTIVE HOLIDAY PIANO ROOM! 🎹🎅🤶🎶

Parents, friends, and colleagues, looking for fun free activities leading up to the holidays?

🌏 Parents and teachers, there are lots of fun activities that I've curated for you and your kids/students. I've spent several hours curating activities for everyone and you do not need to know how to play the piano only. Please like, comment, and share!!! Tag someone!

🙋🏻‍♀️ My vision is for you and your child or students to click around the room and do an activity together over the holidays. All art activities will only require pencil, crayons/felt, paper (any type) and occasionally glue, tape, and scissors. That's it!

Over 20+ activities related to music and art! 🎄Supporting creators online. 🎄

⭐SOMETHINGS you will find...⭐

• Frozen performance 🎶🎹
• Pusheen drawing ✏🎨
• Pokémon drawing ✏🎨
• The Child / Mandalorian drawing ✏🎨
• Grinch story listening 🎧
• Beethoven (Dec 16th - Birthday) 🎁🎵
• Read alouds Xmas Books 🎧
• Jingle Bells piano 🎅🎹
• Xmas Dance routine to learn 💃🕺
• Christmas Tree Orgami Craft 🎄
• And much more!

⭐ Be creative. Be committed. Be the best you! ⭐
💗 Follow us on IG @happykeyspiano

Click on the link below to download my interactive .pdf and click on all the holiday-like objects with fun activities that I've curated for you and your kid!

Get a 🆓️ copy!
Download

Thank you for coming by! If you like this sort of activity, subscribe to my email listing and you will receive directly to your email box when I release the next one!

You can subscribe by going here: http://www.happykeysmusic.ca/subscribe.html

Stay safe and stay warm!

Warmest, 
Miss Donna

Tags: #christmas2020 #bitmoji #christmastree #pianoteacher #pianostudents #clicklinkinbio #downloadable #activitiesforkids #music #piano #art #fun #interactivelearning #virtualclassroom #homeschool #distancelearning2020 #artkids #musiclistening #freeactivity #yvr #music #piano #committed #fun #vancitybuzz #vancityhype #vancity #zoomlessons #onlinepianolessons #kidsfun #pianostudents #vancitykids #yvrkids #free #freebies #teacherfreebies #holidayactivity #curated #grinch #teachingresource #winter #freethings #holidayfun #falala
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Oh what fun! Holiday Piano Party time!

11/17/2020

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Hosting recitals are my most cherished and happiest times...

​and while this year will surely be different due to Covid-19 and me teaching on my own again, I always want to bring and make the best experiences to my students and families.

Those who've been around me during this time know that I just love making gifts, coordinating the events of the day, and putting together a fantastic show!

​Usually, we would also do a potluck, take a group photo, and socialize but this year we will be doing it online! And, I know it'll still be fun. In fact, we will be pre-recording all of our performances which brings in new challenges and experiences for students. 

In spite of all the ongoing changes in the world, we will continue forward with recital traditions and keep music alive and well! Recitals are 5 weeks away and everyone is learning new songs.

I'm super stoked and this year...I look forward to sharing with you a few things that I'll be doing at the studio. 

Have fun and stay safe!

Warmest, 
Miss Donna

Teachers & Colleagues...

The first is...our Holiday Recital Bingo Challenge! I really wanted to make it fun and keep everyone motivated. And, who doesn't like BINGO and collecting studio points?! Well, that is what the students are up to!
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Teachers & Colleagues, you can download my free shareable copy to use with your students. Good luck and have fun!
FREE Editable COPY
​
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  • Home
  • Apply Now
    • 3-Week Trial Sessions
  • Programs
    • Piano Lessons >
      • Adult Piano
    • Theory Lessons
    • 2023 Summer Piano Club
    • 2023 Summer Camps >
      • Ages 5 - 6.5 Under the Sea: July 10 - 14
      • Ages 6 - 8 Royal Tea Party: July 17 - 21
      • Ages 7 - 10 The Sorcerer's Apprentice: July 17 - 21
      • Ages 7 - 11 Carnival of the Animals : July 10 - 14
      • Ages 9 - 18 Song Writing For Teens: July 17 - 21
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    • Join Our Team!
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    • Testimonials
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