January 16, 2026: Friday Medley
Happy Friday!
The Importance of “Tension-free”
At our music studios, we strive toward tension-free technique and playing, as well as tension-free learning and learning environments.
Tension-free technique and playing helps make music sound better and feel better. We want students to experience relaxed shoulders, calm and easy breath support, natural hand shapes, and free arm movement so they can produce warmer tones, so that faster passages feel easier and more organized, and so that their body stays more comfortable for longer-term, more enjoyable practice and performance.
We pair tension-free technique with tension-free learning: a supportive and encouraging studio culture, attractive lesson rooms, calm and simple routines, kind feedback, honoring students’ preferences and choices, and setting and achieving meaningful goals together. We want practice to become discovery rather than pressure, we want students to experience autonomy rather than judgment, and we want music to be rewarding and joyful, while making steady progress at the right pace for each unique student. We offer frequent, low-anxiety chances for students to share their music — in small group masterclasses, at monthly Forum, and at regular welcoming recitals — so stage skills grow, confidence builds, and a can-do attitude develops.
Concert Performance Team
Our next CPT performance is this Sunday, January 18, at 3:00pm, at Trabuco Hills Post-Acute, 25652 Old Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630.
Music Playdates in the Parks
Our upcoming music playdates are (click here for calendar on website):
Saturday, 1/17: Lake Forest Sports Park, Lake Forest
1/21 & 1/24: Florence Joyner Park, Mission Viejo
1/28 & 1/31: Central Park, Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM)
Most Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 10:30-11:15 am. Bring friends, and find us near the playgrounds!
Q: What studio recitals are coming up?
A: We have three recital opportunities coming up this Spring, 2026.
Our Spring Quarter Studio Recitals take place Saturday & Sunday, 3/28 & 3/29, in the afternoon, at the Laguna Hills Community Center. You can sign up early to reserve your spot!
Just before that, we are offering a special Theme Recital opportunity, “Songs of Ireland & Latin America,” on Friday, March 13, evening, at Chamber Music OC in Lake Forest. Participating students will perform both Irish and Latin American music. Signups for this recital are also open. Please remember that this special recital has certain requirements that must be met, with teacher approval.
The objectives for participation are: Play at least two songs, pieces, or movements; Play from memory (some exceptions may apply); Play at least one song or piece that is related to or expresses each theme; Wear Irish or Latin American style costumes and accessories!
Our annual Destination Recital takes place Mother’s Day weekend, on Saturday, May 9, all day. We will travel by train to the Namba Performing Arts Center, located in historic downtown Ventura. We will leave in the morning, have lunch, perform the recital in the afternoon, attend a special event / activity after the recital, and then enjoy an ice cream treat before we head home! Each student will receive a recital t-shirt, certificate, and fun gift bag! Sign up early here!
In addition to these performance opportunities, we also offer Forum over the first full weekend of each month, our Concert Performance Team (CPT), who perform monthly at locations throughout Orange County, Certificate of Merit, and the chance for more advanced students to put on their own solo recital. Please email office@dennisfrayne.com with questions, requests, and for more information.
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Have a magical Friday, a musical weekend, and a safe, happy, and healthy coming week(s).
Thank you,
Dennis Frayne
"Dr. Dennis"
Laguna Niguel School of Music
Dennis Frayne Music Studios
30110 Crown Valley Pkwy, Suites 105/107/108
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 844-9051 (office cell)
(949) 468-8040 (personal cell)
www.lagunaniguelschoolofmusic.com
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