It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my physical studio.
As I was sifting through pictures, I found this one of my 3 children while we were setting up for one of my Saturday classes at Saint Mary's Church back in 2011-2012. At that time my son was around 2 and my daughters were 4 & 5. I've been teaching classes for more than 5 years!
I started my journey teaching music and movement classes because I was inspired by the teacher I took classes with when my oldest was an infant. When I had my 3 kids, I felt it was something I could do because I love making music and sharing it with other people. I wanted them involved too.
I've had quite the journey of success.
Back in 2011, I used spaces in my community but then I found a space in Hillsborough that was perfect for my vision of my studio. My first class ended their session at my new studio back in June 2012. I held many parties, playdates and classes over my 2 years there.
I stayed in my Township Line Road location until 2014 when I moved my studio closer to home so it would be easier for me and my family. With the demands of them being in school, the 10-15 minute drive across Hillsborough was very time consuming on a tight schedule.
I relocated my studio to Manville and had a Grand Opening where I invited Jason Didner to play and also had an appearance by Elsa. I loved my small, bright green studio that I decorated with fun wall art that the kids enjoyed.
At the end of June 2016, I say goodbye to my studio.
Looking back it has been a long road. Making this decision has not been easy.
I think of all the families that I have met over the years. If you stayed one semester or more, you made a difference. I kept teaching my classes because I was inspired by your children. I'd show up to class and their smiles and laughter would inspire me.
It's really hard to even think about not having my own space!
I've been going through a grieving process over my decision.
If you've been with me a longer time, you might have noticed that I didn't do as much this past semester. You might have noticed that I didn't say much about the upcoming summer or fall session. It was hard for me to tell you to your faces that I had come to a decision.
My decision came because of my family - my children.
I have spent 5 years arranging my schedule to create a wide range of classes for families to enjoy the benefits of music. I have had to put my kids in aftercare, get babysitters or even include them in class. Sometimes they were not all that cooperative about it which was challenging. I gave up a lot of my time with my family when they were young making memories for other families. While I truly loved every minute of what I did, it is very time-consuming when you have 3 children.
This past year my kids have been getting more involved with their own interests. We have dance,
4-H, Religious Education classes, soccer and school activities. My youngest also has speech/OT once a week outside of school. It has become very hard to create a schedule where I can give enough time to my studio AND be there for my family.
The reality of it was, I really couldn't run many more classes then the few I did and there were few afternoon or evening options because of commitments with my own kids.
I do love my studio like my family so it was very difficult to make a decision.
In the end, I decided it was best not to renew my lease.
I will continue to teach in the libraries and preschools. I will also continue to write and create my own music. I plan on continuing the Hillsborough Recreation class on Monday mornings. I will continue with birthday parties and other entertaining opportunities. I will focus on writing some more original kid's music and also doing my videos.
I don't look at this decision as an end, by an opening to more new opportunities.
I've been blessed by my family and my children.
I've been blessed to get to know so many wonderful families communities.
Thank you for your support over the years!
Continue to follow me on my website, facebook and youtube!
