January 23, 2026: Friday Medley
Happy Friday!
Autonomy and Choice Help Students Gain Confidence
When kids get to make real choices in their music lessons — what to start with, what to prioritize, how to practice a tricky spot, whether to invent their own rhythm or song ending, which fingering is best for them, which problems to solve, which piece to share — they stop “performing” for us so much, and start learning more for themselves, and their confidence grows fast.
Trying an idea, hearing the result, and adjusting builds problem solving and a healthy “I can figure this out” attitude. Choice also sparks creativity, because kids aren’t just following directions, aren’t just doing what they’re told, they’re making decisions that feel like their own. Ownership increases.
In lessons, we strive to offer two or more good options rather than one command, and appreciate and encourage the steps they take rather than always a perfect result. The goal isn’t to hand over the wheel, but to share it — so children feel both guided and capable, in music and in life.
Concert Performance Team
Congratulations and Thank You to our CPT performers this past Sunday at Trabuco Hills Post-Acute.
Our next CPT recital is coming up in February, on Sunday, 2/15/26, at Ivy Park in Mission Viejo.
Next Forum Sessions Coming the First Full Weekend in February
Performing music for others should be enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Practice performing at Forum to make it easier and easier! Plus, receive some additional one-on-one coaching from awesome teachers.
Our next Forum sessions are (30 minute sessions):
Friday, February 6, 7:30 & 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 7, 8:15 am & 8:45 am
Sunday, February 8, 5:00 & 5:30 pm
Forum is offered the first full weekend Friday, Saturday, & Sunday of each month. You do not need to register in advance… just show up and participate! Forum takes place upstairs in Suite 205 of the Laguna Niguel School of Music, 30110 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.
Recitals Coming Up
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.
Q: What days do you offer (FREE!) Music Playdates in the Parks?
A: Wednesdays and Saturdays!
Our upcoming music playdates are (click here for the calendar on our website):
Tomorrow, 1/24: Florence Joyner Park, Mission Viejo
Next week, 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!
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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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