January 2026 Newsletter
In This Month’s Newsletter
Clapping Builds Musical Brains and Help Kids Read
Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Forum
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month: Auldin Jump
Spotlight on Taichiroh Kanauchi (Miss Ty)
Did You Know?
Inspirations
Music Playdates in the Parks
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program
Clapping Builds Musical Brains and Help Kids Read
Clapping is one of the simplest, most effective ways to build musical brains. A steady beat in the hands becomes a steady beat in the eyes and ears, which is why clapping correlates with improvements in reading fluency, attention, and working memory: you coordinate timing, prediction, and left–right integration at once. In music, clapping makes rhythm visible and feelable; it turns abstract notation into something the body understands. When children can keep a pulse, subdivide it, and copy or create short patterns, they learn new songs faster, play more accurately, and listen more deeply — skills that translate to schoolwork (reading groups of sounds/letters) and sports (timing and coordination) as well.
You don’t need special gear, just hands, voices, and a tiny routine. Start with a shared pulse (walk or sway together), then layer simple patterns on top. Keep activities short, playful, and repeatable: a few minutes a day beats a long session once a week. Use clear cues (count “1-2-ready-clap”), small goals (“four perfect claps together”), and lots of success — if a pattern doesn’t land, slow it down or shrink it.
Keep tempos slow at first; count out loud together; celebrate tiny wins; and stop while it’s still fun. A few playful minutes most days builds a steadier beat, cleaner reading, stronger memory, and the kind of musical confidence that shows up everywhere — from the lesson room to the living room.
FUN and IMPORTANT DATES
New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 1
During Off-Days
(12/22/25 - 1/2/26, Closed)
Epiphany
Thursday, January 6
Lessons are ON (Open)
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Monday, January 19
Lessons are ON (Open)
Upcoming Recitals and Concerts
Recitals
Sign-up / Registration Required for All Recitals
Concert Performance Team (CPT) Recitals Concert Performance Team (CPT) Recitals are every third Sunday of each month
Forum
Forum takes place the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each month
No sign-up or registration required
Please welcome
our NEW Students who enrolled
in November
Alex A.
Androniki B.
Makenzie B.
Karmen C.
Luhan (Dora) D.
Nicole D.
Kimia H.
Campbell H.
Charlotte H.
Kian J.
Jace K.
Manuel L.
Leia L.
Camilla M.
Jasmine M.
Kerington M.
Kira O.
Christine P.
Aaron (AJ) R.
Kevin R.
Amelia V.
Neil V.
Student of the Month
Auldin Jump
Auldin started taking piano lessons in the summer of 2024. His favorite thing about playing the piano is "being able to play songs that I like!"
Auldin's teacher, Mr. Denny, says, "Auldin is a thoughtful and naturally gifted pianist. He brings a strong musical intuition to each lesson, and demonstrates determination by setting meaningful goals and pursuing them with perseverance. He isn’t afraid to ask questions or challenge ideas, which often leads to deeper musical conversations and fresh perspectives. His talent, curiosity, and taste for great music make him a joy to work with, and I’m excited to see how he continues to grow!"
Auldin also plays the clarinet, plus tackle football, lacrosse, and, he snowboards. The best thing about school is "hanging out with my friends."
Spotlight on Taichiroh Kanauchi
(Miss Ty)
Taichiroh Kanauchi (Miss Ty) is a violin and viola teacher with a Master's in Music from California State University, Fullerton, and over a decade of experience teaching both private and group lessons. In addition to teaching lessons at the Laguna Niguel School of Music, she also coaches upper strings at Buddha's Light Youth Symphony Orchestra, New Hope Orange County Orchestra, and Valencia High School.
She is passionate about applying students' favorite media to their music-making, and curating a learning experience fit for each students' tastes.
When she's not teaching, Miss Ty often performs with groups like Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles, Dream Orchestra, San Gabriel Valley Symphony Orchestra, and with Quartet 57, which she founded. Highlights of venues include: Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, and various stages in Italy, France, Germany, and Taiwan.
Enrolled families who have been with us since 2018 are still paying 2018 tuition rates today!
This is good news for new families: our Price-for-Life Guarantee means that when you enroll at today’s membership tuition rate, we lock that rate in for you — for life!...
for as long as you remain continuously enrolled. Because our studio-wide rates will increase in February 2026 to respond to inflation and to support teacher development, expanded programs, and improved facilities and equipment, now is the perfect time to start lessons and secure the current rate permanently.
Enroll soon to enjoy all the benefits of our community and keep your membership tuition steady for the long run.
Inspirations
“The old has gone, the new has come!”
“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. ”
Music Playdates in the Park
Weekly on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings
from 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Meet friends, dance a little, sing along, play with some musical instruments, and other fun toys!
Find us near the playground.
See park schedule on our website.
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
January 2026
To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!
This month’s winner is Alyson Chen
Alyson has won 10 tickets which can be redeemed for prizes at the Dennis Frayne Music Studio, Laguna Niguel!
To collect your prize tickets just bring this to the office.
Congratulations, Alyson!
Everyone, be sure to read your newsletter each month!
