Learn new music this holiday season, and also play your old songs again!

Revisiting last year’s holiday pieces invites students to step into ease and expression.

American folk music and children’s songs carry gratitude in plain, durable ways—easy words, hummable tunes, feelings you can share without a music degree. Think of “Simple Gifts” and “Shenandoah,” “You Are My Sunshine” and “This Little Light of Mine”: songs that thank the ordinary—home, friendship, daylight, safe harbor. They travel well across generations because they’re short, sincere, and memorable; one chorus is often enough to say what you mean.

Why Music Gives Students an Edge in College Admissions

Parents often ask: Does studying music really make a difference for college admissions? The answer is a resounding YES!

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At Dennis Frayne Music Studios and the Laguna Niguel & Lake Forest Schools of music, performance opportunities are woven into the learning experience — not treated as rare, high-pressure events.

Frequent recitals, themed concerts, and the unique Forum give students safe, supportive stages to share music, build confidence, and learn from peers.
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Families looking to enrich their lives with the joy of music will find a welcoming home at Dennis Frayne Music Studios—the studio behind the Laguna Niguel and Lake Forest Schools of Music.

Every Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, and of course—music! Patriotic songs have long been a beloved part of the holiday, filling the air with familiar melodies that stir pride and joy. From stirring anthems like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” to folk classics such as “This Land Is Your Land,” patriotic music reflects the country’s diverse history, landscapes, and dreams. These songs bring generations together and remind us of the ideals and struggles that helped shape the United States.

American music has deep roots in the songs of enslaved African Americans, who used music as a way to express pain, hope, faith, and resilience. These early songs—often called spirituals or slave songs—were full of coded messages, biblical imagery, and emotional depth. They weren’t just a form of survival; they were a way of holding on to identity, building community, and dreaming of freedom.

How Does the Summer Work?

As the end of the school year approaches, we often get asked these questions:

Q. How do lessons work in the summer?

A. The Dennis Frayne Music Studios and Laguna Niguel School of Music are open year-round, and we do not close during the summer.

Q. Do a lot of students quit during the summer?

A. No! Most of our students continue taking lessons during the summer. It’s the best way, as it maintains continuity and prevents learning loss. Some students withdraw but then many new students start lessons during the summer months.

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 the same spot for you in the Fall, as we will open the spot to new students. Also, we increase our rates to offset inflation each year at the Fall quarter, and you would come in at the new rate.

Holidays are special because they give us a break from our regular routines and remind us of what truly matters. Whether it’s a big celebration or a quiet day of reflection, people love holidays for many reasons.

Springtime is a season of renewal, joy, and growth, and nowhere is this spirit better captured than in the lively and heartwarming music of the Irish. Irish songs and springtime music share themes of nature’s beauty, hope, and celebration, creating a harmonious blend of melody and meaning. From traditional Irish folk songs to cheerful popular tunes and even music found in movies and children’s stories, both genres invite us to feel the energy of life awakening after winter.

For young music students in California and beyond, structured evaluation programs such as the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit (CM) program and the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) testing program offer incredible opportunities to grow as musicians. Both programs provide a comprehensive framework for learning and assessing musical skills, but they each have unique features that cater to different needs and goals.

African American spirituals are a powerful and beautiful part of American music and cultural history. These songs, born from the experiences of enslaved African Americans, carry deep emotional resonance and timeless messages of hope, faith, resilience, and freedom. Passed down orally through generations, spirituals blend African musical traditions with Christian themes, creating a genre rich in harmony and rhythm that has shaped the landscape of American music.