Andrea

Raise your hand 🙋 if you regret quitting piano lessons as a kid or teen! If you’re nodding, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, less than half of students who start piano lessons continue beyond the first year. And honestly? It’s not because they lack talent—it’s because learning to play piano can feel really hard. […]

This week, my husband had the opportunity to attend a conference in Oklahoma, where he listened to a survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing share her story. Buried under 10 feet of rubble, unable to move, and uncertain of her survival, she found a singular source of calm: singing. Amid the chaos, her voice

Imagine stepping onto a stage and feeling completely confident.  You’re not just standing there; you feel at home, happy, and fulfilled. ✨ ➡️What would that mean for you? How would that confidence ripple out into your relationships, your work, or your studies?  We spoke with a remarkable 15-year-old singer, Emma,  who shared her thoughts on

I am continually inspired by our students here at Donais Studios. But today, I want to shine a spotlight on our adult students. Their unwavering commitment and willingness to pursue their passions—to carve out time for themselves and their goals—never cease to amaze me. Why? Because the arts touch every facet of our lives in

Performance is powerful. It teaches us SO MUCH about ourselves—the more we perform, the more we learn, and the more we grow. “But, I get so nervous,” you might say. Yes, that’s normal. And? “I get butterflies in my stomach, and my voice gets shaky.” Absolutely, that can happen. And? “I’m afraid I’ll forget the

As a teacher, one of the greatest joys is witnessing how the arts continue to shape and influence the lives of students long after they leave the studio. I LOVE learning about how my students continue to SEE and FEEL the impact of the arts in their life once they move on to university and

When did “practising” become a dreaded chore? Seriously. Music practice has somehow become synonymous with work, chores, and major eye rolls. Just another task on the “to-do” list… IF you ever get around to it. 😉 But why? Why are we so resistant to practising? What happened to the fun, the excitement, the novelty of

I would describe Shawn as fearless. Does Shawn get nervous or worry sometimes? Of course. But he is not afraid to step out and give it his all. Shawn is incredibly inspiring. His experience in the arts is diverse and rich (as you will read below). Shawn has never shied away from an opportunity or

Are you willing to show up and let yourself be seen? I mean, to be really SEEN?  To be vulnerable.  To be courageous. Are your palms sweating a little? Is your heart beating just a little faster at the thought of being vulnerable?  Full disclosure: when Donais Studios first opened, I was afraid to show

The arts are POWERFUL. Truly. We witness the transformative power of the arts every day. How the arts impact a person is as unique as each individual. Each person’s journey through the arts is special.  The arts shape how we see and interact with the world, influencing our emotions and self-perception.✔ The most profound impact