12/06/2022
TO ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS:
Hey friends, lesson goers and HITW supporters!
Just checking in after a long hiatus. Illness still abounds at my home (sinus infections and some have the flu now, too) so we've all been on a long break. I hope everyone had an amazing holiday despite the sickness that seem to be hitting all the schools! We will get through it, I’ve no doubt. I haven't heard from some of you since our last cancellation/ reschedule, and some are due to come back this and next week. I wanted to reach out via text AND email since I don't have everyones email. (Though this will be sent via email too, and some of you may be reading this there now.)
I have made the extremely hard decision to stop teaching through Hole in the Wall Studio for now, and focus on music publishing/ administrative duties only until my new office at the home in West Brookfield is built. I have tried to make the downstairs floor work, but with every piece of new construction in Warren it becomes more difficult. Students are cramped, I am unable to give the lessons the time they deserve, and as you are all wonderfully talented I want more than that for you. 💜 I am also diving into real estate in the new year, which is taking up a good portion of my daytime, so I can no longer teach 'home school/mothers' hours consistently. Know I don't make this decision to stop teaching lightly, and it comes after long and hard discussion with family, friends and even myself. I am sad to see you all move on to greener musical pastures.
To those of you who I owe a balance, expect a check within the week. For those that owe for past lessons, consider them my thank you for letting me be your teacher for a time, and a holiday gift from me. (Please don’t trouble yourself about the remaining cost.) I am happy to reach out should I continue teaching once the new studio is built, but until then I can't afford to keep going at the expense of your quality of lessons. I hope you understand.
For those that may want to discuss this personally I am available after my meetings at 5pm today and you have my cell. I am happy to refer you to other fantastic studios (which I have personal experience with and positive reviews of) such as: Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield, Tony Valley out of Bondsville, MA (for all instrument-centric lesson needs) or the local elementary schools also typically offer lessons. Also, if you’re looking for something small to do in the music world I am teaching a one-off course this February: “Songwriting for Healing”; which will be just a few hours about the art of songwriting in Shelburne Falls, MA at our sister studio (BOW TIE STUDIOS) February 4th, One day only. Other than that, my class schedule will remain silent for now.
Thank you again for not only allowing me into your lives but coming into mine. You’ve taught me a lot about being a teacher, and I am grateful for the lessons. Please also don’t hesitate to reach out on a personal level to say hi or to check in, as I do want to know how everyone is doing. In the meantime have an outstanding holiday and know I am thinking if you all with a smile.
Warmest of thoughts,
A.J. Kiernan
