Hello Everyone,
With the current health crisis we are facing I have decided that for the time being it is best if I suspend in-person operations at Otto Percussion Studio until a time that we can be more certain of the impact on our area. A full suspension of lessons and classes may seem like a bit much for what consists mostly of one on one instruction, but over the week there are many families that spend time at the Studio and I want to be certain that we do not become a vector. My tentative plan is to reassess week by week, but as it stands I expect that we will be out as long as the school systems are closed.
This of course means that we will also need to postpone the Spring Recital that was to take place next Saturday, March 21st. I have already spoken with the venue as well as Paco and Tom and everyone is excited to reschedule. Paco called this recital’s program his “favorite cover set list ever.” While the shift in momentum of learning a piece and then having to wait to perform it can make it feel anti-climatic, this will provide some time to make the songs even better!
If you have prepaid lessons, all of those lessons will carry forward to when the studio reopens. If this policy creates a particular financial hardship during this time, please let me know and I will refund the lessons we miss. If you are interested, Skyping your lesson is an option. All you really need is a computer or mobile device with a camera and we can get going!
If any students feel that they’ve worked through their material and are looking for some new challenges, or if your student is stuck, please reach out. I’d love to spend some of this time answering questions and passing along more material to work on.
I want everyone to know that I am always in support of the choices you make to keep your family safe. Your safety and health are more important to me than any music lesson or class. If it comes time to open the studio again and the time is not right for your family, please do what is right for you. I understand and support your decisions.
Thank you everyone for your continued support. It is an honor to get to work with you and your students. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you have.
Jeremy Otto is a percussionist with over 15 years and hundreds of students worth of teaching experience. He holds a degree in Music Education from Oakland University. Along with running Otto Percussion Studio he is an in demand clinician and performer.