Private Voice Lessons Welcome Letter January 6, 2014

Dear Parent/Guardian, I want to write a quick note to introduce myself and my role in your childs music education this semester. My name is Rachel Niewiada and I am in my fifth year at Grand Valley State University pursuing a BME (Bachelor of Music Education) degree with a Vocal/Choral emphasis. Last semester, I did my teacher assisting in a 2-5 elementary general music setting at Comstock Park and am ecstatic to be student teaching 6-8 choral scholars at Forest Hills this semester with your director, Pam Kriekard. Your child is already receiving a superb education and experiencing musical growth while being in the ensemble. I want your child to get the most out of their choral involvement and would like to extend an offer of providing voice lessons to my students. Voice lessons would take place weekly for half an hour after school in the choir room Monday through Thursday. Your child and I will work together on repertoire that is age-appropriate to help your childs voice grow. This added assistance outside of the classroom allows for one-on-one time with the student. If the student is self-conscious about their vocal instrument or merely wants extra assistance to get the most out of their voice, voice lessons are a great idea. One time voice lessons are available if the student is auditioning for the talent show, preparing for solo and ensemble, or practicing a song to sing at their church and want to perform the piece for a few pointers. Voice lessons are a fantastic way to get your child comfortable with his/her voice. I would also like to let you know a little about my musical background. I attended Grandville High School and graduated in 2009. For five years, I was an active member of the MSVMA (Michigan State Vocal Music Association) State Honors Choir and the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) Honor Choir. Through countless auditions, I was granted the privilege to perform at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan and DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids for the annual Michigan Music Conference. Throughout high school, I attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in the summer of 07 and Interlochen Arts Camp in the summer of 08. I also attended Knollcrest Music Camp at Calvin College through the summers of 06-08. In my years at Grand Valley, I was enrolled in multiple choral ensembles, participated in musicals, assisted with solo and ensemble, and was on the executive board for our ACDA chapter. Last year, I was even able to work with one of the collegiate ensembles and conduct them at their spring concert. I want to nurture your childs talent in a warm, hospitable environment to influence their musical experience and expertise. I will provide a friendly atmosphere that embraces all members and their individual contributions. No matter what level of talent the student possesses, each and every one of them will know how important they are to the ensemble. As their student teacher this semester, I will assist them in becoming independent and conscious musicians and help them express themselves through music. I look forward to teaching your child. To inquire about lessons or any further questions, feel free to contact me: niewiadr@mail.gvsu.edu. Sincerely, Rachel Niewiada