It has been three weeks since my last blog post, and what a whirlwind it has been!
Between Halloween, Remembrance Day, Coffee House performances, the Holiday Heroes kick-off event, concert planning, teaching, curriculum writing, report cards, and Vera’s extra-curriculars, the days have flown by in a blur of activity and artistry. In what feels like a blink of an eye, we’ve gone from warm, golden fall afternoons to snow-covered mornings and twinkling holiday lights. From Halloween to Christmas—just like that. 🎄
With all the excitement and change, I have one question for you: How has your practising been going? ☺️
Back in September, many of you made a commitment to consistent daily practice—whatever that looked like for you. Have you been able to keep that promise to yourself? Even the smallest daily effort counts. In fact, especially the small, consistent efforts. Short, regular practice sessions are better than one long practice session for your overall growth and development as an artist.
As we head into a busy season of concerts, events, and celebrations, now is the perfect moment for a gentle check-in.
This month, our featured colour is Yellow—the hue of enthusiasm, opportunity, spontaneity, happiness, and positivity. A perfect colour for November, even as the days grow darker.
So let me ask you this:
→Are you starting to feel more positive about your journey as an artist and singer?
→Is your enthusiasm for your singing, your music-making, your growth beginning to light you up?
I hope so! There are some amazing things happening around the studio;)
In this season of brightness, there’s one more element I want to highlight—one that often goes unnoticed but has the power to transform everything: how you speak to yourself.
Your inner voice matters.
How you talk about yourself—and about your voice—shapes how you show up in your practice, your performance, and your growth.
The truth is simple: you believe what you tell yourself. So, pay attention!
Are you speaking with kindness?
With encouragement?
With patience?
And with grace?
Or are you holding yourself back with quiet doubts or unkind words?
At our recent student-only Coffee House, we saw students of all ages step forward to perform—some for the very first time. Yes, they were nervous. But they chose to offer themselves compassion, courage, and belief. And it showed. Their bravery created beautiful, heartfelt performances that inspired us all. 💛
Every performance is a building block. Confidence is not something we wait for—it is something we build. One small step, one brave moment, one encouraging word at a time. Action.
As we look ahead to our upcoming holiday concert, Believe, less than a month away, I encourage each of you to prepare with focus and determination—and with enthusiasm and positivity. Let this season of light ignite something in you.
Your challenge this week: Practice positive self-talk.
Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend or fellow artist. Notice your inner dialogue as you practise. Celebrate the small wins. Gently reframe the doubts. Choose words that lift you up rather than words that limit you.
Because…you are growing.
You are building.
You are becoming.
And the voice you use with yourself matters every single step of the way.
We believe in you—and we want you to believe in you, too.
Keep singing,
— Andrea “progress over perfection” Donais