November 2018

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In This Issue

  • Musical Ladder Achievements
  • Teachers with waiting lists
  • Mark your calendar
  • Student of the month – Harleena
  • Vote for us- Top Choice Awards
  • Welcome New Students
  • Halloween Costume Contest Winner – Paula
  • Referral Contest – Win Indoor Skydiving Package

Got news for the MFAA Newsletter? We welcome and encourage all submissions!

Mark Your Calendar

• Top Choice Awards Voting
November 1st 2018 – January 2nd 2019

• Winter Recital
December 15th – 16th 2018

• Winter Break
December 23rd 2018 – January 3rd 2019

• RCM Theory Exams
December 14th & 15th 2018

• RCM Practical Exams
January 14th – 26th 2019

“Roller Coaster of My Life”

Vadim

 Our director Vadim has been well versed in the music industry throughout his entire life. Recently, he has wanted to share his story with the dedicated members of our school. The story, much like a roller coaster, has many ups and downs, but these events and pivotal moments helped to define Vadim and, as he says “it’s why I am doing what I am doing”.

“My whole life was coloured by music. Music has been around me since the day I was born and immediately become an integral part of my life. I was born in a small town in Eastern Europe, and raised by a single mother. When I was first born my mother was in the process of completing her bachelor’s degree in music. Her fellow classmates often times would babysit me in the hallways of her lectures, while she attended her classes. I had grown up in an environment so rich in music that I truly had no choice but to become a musician! I started to study piano at the early age of 5, and by the age of 9 I picked up the guitar, and I never was able to put the instrument down again. Guitar became my first love, greatest passion, and largest tool for self-expression. The war in Transnistria had reached its peak in 1993. At the time, I was still studying at the music college to get my bachelor’s degree and taking my exams, all the while seeing death and sorrow around me. I lost two classmates to this war, music, and guitar more specifically remained my constant outlet throughout this trying time. 

In 1995, I made my way to Russia. I moved to Moscow, to continue my music education, where I studied double bass at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. I was fortunate to perform with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra on famous stages, such as the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, with world-renowned conductors Yevgeny Svetlanov and Antonio de Almeida. Despite my success musically, struggles to afford my rent, and even to feed myself at times seemed almost impossible. During these times, I was still studying guitar and I eventually pursued my career as a solo guitarist.

From 1995 to 1998, I struggled to find work. Settling as a magazine salesman at a subway station, it was hard to believe my dreams of playing guitar professionally seemed like a distant memory. Working 16 hours a day for very little money, I did what I had to do to survive, but my soul was broken because of this.

After the 1998 Russian financial crisis, my wife and I finally decided to chase our dreams across the world, in the hopes of better opportunities and financial success. After a two-year long process and many obstacles, we arrived in Canada on March 11th, 2001. Knowing no one, we landed at Pearson Airport with nothing but our determination for a better life, and a little bit of faith. We landed at the Pearson Airport knowing absolutely nobody in the foreign country, but full of plans and hope for a better life.

Our transition into Canada, however, much like our life in Russia was not always easy. With little knowledge of the language we scraped all our money together and managed to rent a small apartment. Finding a job proved difficult, so I began attending school to study English, cutting costs by walking to and from school every day. One hour in each direction. Within two months I had landed a job at a gas station. My days now consisted of English school from 9am-3pm and work from 4pm-11pm. 7 days a week, for the next four and a half years.

A successful life in Canada was not an option without learning English and having a job, however, neither was my dream to pursue a career as a musician. So, I finally found a way to combine my love for music, and need to work in order to support myself. I became a passionate and dedicated teacher at Pianos Plus School of Music teaching guitar, as well as Meadow Green Academy as a music teacher. During this time, I taught over 500 students over the course of 15 years. Watching the passion and love for music in the eyes of my students motivated me to be the best teacher I could be for them.

But I still felt I could do more. Wanting to create an environment where children could discover the world of music, my vision extended beyond the boundaries of a single class. This was a time for me to step out of the classroom, and take over, and grow the school that I had worked in for 15 years. This became my new mission.

I strongly believe that every child is talented and has the ability to play a musical instrument, including children with disabilities. I believe that every child on the planet deserves musical education, and a chance to experience the joy musical education can bring a person. Music was one of the leading motivators and reasons for joy in my life. For that reason, I will always encourage musical education, and all the wonderful experience that comes with being a musician, to others.

Our mission today is to change our world. To make our world a better place by growing a generation of musically educated, loving, caring individuals. With open minds and hearts, and great souls who will pass on their knowledge to future generations, our world will undoubtedly become a better place.”

We thank you for your words Vadim and we look forward to seeing how much you’ll be able to help the school flourish!

Halloween Costume Contest Winner- Paula A

Congratulations to the winner of our Halloween raffle, Paula! She came dressed up as a beautiful Ballerina this year, and we were all so happy to see her costume.

Thank you to everyone that participated in our BIGGEST Halloween turn out EVER! Teachers and staff alike all had fun dressing up and seeing the enthusiasm and energy in the students. 

We’re looking forward to seeing what different costumes we’ll get to see next year!

Costume Winner Paula A 2

Student of The Month

Harleena P

For months now, teachers have been letting us know all about their students and their accomplishments, and this month we’ve got a very special girl to talk about! Harleena is 5 years old and has been working with her teacher Sam to prepare for the upcoming Winter Recital.

We asked Harleena a few questions about herself and her time at the Academy and this is what she told us:

What instrument do you play?: Piano

How long have you been taking lessons?: Almost 6 months at MFAA

What’s your favourite song to play?: My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

What is your favourite food?: ChocolateWhat is your favourite thing you’ve learned in class recently?: Learning to play chords and pedalWhat is your favourite colour? Rainbow!

Student of the Month Harleena P 2
Student of the Month Harleena P 1

We asked Sam to tell us a little bit about Harleena, and he told us the following: “Harleena started off as a vocalist and quickly learnt that the piano was more her speed, she still sings occasionally while she’s playing (she has an awesome voice too). She comes in focused and practiced and because of this she is blazing through her piano workbooks. Harleena is also quick with her theory work, correcting her own mistakes before I even get to say anything. She always walks in dancing or smiling and makes the lesson fly by.”

Once again congratulations to Harleena and we look forward to her performance at the Winter Recital!

Musical Ladder Achievements

Musical Ladder Alicea
Alicea Piano lessons with Lesya K.
Musical Ladder Praveen
Praveen Vocal lessons with Kathleen F.
Musical Ladder Jayden
Jayden Guitar lessons with Mike M.
Musical Ladder Valeria
Valeria Violin Lessons with Augustin S.

Vote for us! Top Choice Awards

Last year, we had the honor of winning Top Music School with the Top Choice Awards.

We would love to keep up our recent trend of showing the community how great we are, so please VOTE!
Voting starts on November 1st, so be sure to check 

https://topchoiceawards.com/vote?survey_id=bgvCaD 

to let your voice be heard.

 

 

 

 

Welcome New Students

Danielle C

Steven Z

Nishta M

Dylan C

Emma C

Fiona Y

Steve R

Zara S

Ratu S

Kyle B

Veronica G

Sophia W

Nathaniel C

Lamvien P

Emma S

Felipe S

Olivia B

Nazar R

Devanshi S

Stacey C

Caitlin C

Maya T

Kayelynne J

Is Your Teacher Fully Booked?

Many teachers are fully booked. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact us and we can add you to the waiting list. There are still limited lesson spots available.

To inquire about openings send an e-mail to info@mississaugafineartsacademy.com or call us 905-276-0521.

Here’s a partial list of who is currently full:

Guitar

Alex H - 2 spots remaining

Michael G. - 2 Tuesday spots remaining

Peter S - 3 spots remaining

Mike M - 1 spot remaining

Nick R- Fully Booked

Jack L - 3 spots remaining

Violin

Vira B - 1 spot remaining

 

Piano

Geoff M - 2 spots remaining

Jerry Z - 2 Friday spots remaining

Karan K - 2 Monday spot remaining

Lesya K - 2 spots remaining

Mariana C - Fully Booked

Monica V - 1 spot remaining

Nadiya R - 1 spot remaining

Oksana I - 2 spots remaining

Stella L - 1 spot remaining

Vilija V - 4 Sunday spots remaining

Voice

Kathleen F - 3 spots remaining

Sam M - 2 spots remaining

Stephen G - Fully Booked

Drums

Sean C - 1 spot remaining

Luke J - 1 spot remaining

Cello

Augustin S -  Fully Booked

Saxophone

Savic P - 1 spot remaining

Stephen L - Fully Booked

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