Gen Leung Piano Studio

I know I work too hard and too much when I have students ask me “when do you ever take time off?” I had probably three of my students this week ask me that very question, and I know they all asked because they care. To me that said a lot, and it made me feel really good because I knew that I meant something to that child asking me that question.

I can’t say it enough, I love what I do. I’m so incredibly fortunate to be able to share what I know when some absolutely amazing kids. But even with that, I do need time off.

So I’m happy to say that after the recital, I’m taking a well deserved two week break. I don’t think I’ll even look at my piano at that time ☺.

So on my break, I’m going to read. It sounds so simple, yet there hasn’t been enough time this year to do that. I have so many books and titles of books that I just want to get my hands on. I know I won’t be able to finish all the books I want to read in my two weeks off, but it’s a start.

I’m also going to see my family. With my brother finishing his PhD, I’ve seen him maybe twice this year so far. Definitely not something I’m proud to admit, but with both of us being such perfectionist (Thanks Mum and Dad ☺ lol) neither of us have had the time to just hang out and have coffee. So I plan on going down to see him and my sis-in-law before they get their new little puppy! (I’m so excited for them!!!)

And the least exciting thing I’m going to do on my break; clean my basement. ☹ I sort of wreaked my washing machine last week (Note: Outdoor seat cushions REALLY can’t be washed!!) and lots of things got very wet. But with both Andy and I being so busy this past year (with the move, Andy’s promotion, my crazy work schedule, little friends coming and staying with us, and I could go on… but won’t) things have found their way into the basement and just end up sitting there. Plus it’s driving me nuts trying to find things I know we have, but can’t find!!

Oh, and as some of my students and their families have seen, I’m making a “living room” on my front porch and it’s coming along nicely. That’s also on my to-do list for my break. Maybe I should do that first so that I can sit and read there… that sounds like a good plan. ☺

So thanks to those three wonderful kids who actually thought of me as an actual person and not just the lady who teaches them piano. It means so much to me just having been asked simple questions like "When do you get time off?" 

So I finally made my way to the Sandylion Sticker Outlet. I first heard about it from a good friend when i was in school and she was giving me stickers (Thanks Jen!!) and she told me about the factory. At first I wondered if such a magical place existed! 

It was wonderful! Imagine a store that sells ONLY stickers! I think I was in heaven!

Andy asked me once if it was painful to give away my stickers, because he knows how much I like stickers myself, and I don't think I gave him a very convincing answer... but when I buy stickers, I tend to save some for myself! 

I don't think I will ever be able to buy stickers anywhere else anymore! It's too bad they're a little far away from me (they're in Unionville) but I think I would make trips out that way just to buy stickers! 

I'm sure all my students will be happy to hear that the sticker box is now filled and you guys will no longer need to wonder why I'm low on stickers (and yes, I bought smellies for everyone!)

Here's a map to where they are if anyone is interested

So it's been awhile since I've written here... but so much has been happening. 

I've been keeping myself busy with learning some new music. I've really been enjoying my pianos again! It's great, it's been so long since I've been able to sit and really enjoy playing and making music. I am in the process of learning Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata. A cousin of my husband came over and played it on my Pramberger Piano and I was sold . it's such a beautiful piece.... so I'm trying it with my small hands. So I'm hoping my hands and arms will keep up with the music!

I also just discovered Brahms' Variations on a theme by Robert Schumann. I had heard the theme before as I learned the Clara Wieck Schumann Variations on the same theme. I absolutely love that one, and I have to say the Brahms' Variations are running a very close second!

Those who know me well (and know my musical taste) know how interesting I find both Brahms and Clara Wieck Schumann; so I was so intrigued about the Brahms Variations... it turns out that he wrote the piece for Clara when he was only 21! 

So I've been working on it for the day and it's going pretty well. Not at any performing level of course; but still I'm enjoying the process... which again is something I have forgotten about a long time ago!

Hope you all enjoy the new look! I was thinking, since it's a new year, why not have a new look to my website! Plus this one seems to suite me much more 

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and healthy New Year!

Make this a year to remember and live life with no regrets!

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

Just wanted to take a little time out for the festivities (ok, Andy and I are just bumming around the house and enjoying a quiet Christmas) to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! I hope that everyone gets what they want and wish a safe and happy holiday to everyone!

Now, must clean up the mess from the presents Santa left... he did leave one of my cookies though. Guess he doesn't like Orange cookies! 

I know it's been a long time since I've written anything; but things have been so crazy busy getting the recital ready and just trying to make sure all the little details are finalized.

But it's finally over, I'm so proud of everyone! I think everyone did such a great job! 

I'm so impressed by all the kids; each time I think I know they, they always seem to surprise me. I don't think I could have done what they did when I was their age. 

I'm truly blessed to work with such amazing kids and their equally amazing parents! The recital was truly a success and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all their help and support.

Now I'm starting to work on a new piece. But haven't really decided what to play yet. I'm listening to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata the third movement and it's always been one of those songs that I've wanted to play, and just didn't either have the ability or the time.... now I have (or think I have) both. 

Of course, I'm still trying to learn the third movement of the Temptest. I truly love that song and wish there was some way that my hands could either stretch out to be able to play it, or.... i don't know, maybe have some way to play it for small hands. 

I'm also thinking about maybe the Chopin Nocturnes. My brother bought me the complete Nocturnes for my 18th birthday and said to me that he wants to hear my play the whole book one day... of course that would take such a long time... so maybe I'll learn a few at a time for him . I need to figure out a way to get him to come to the recitals as well... I keep inviting him, but he's so insanely busy that he always seems to forget about it. 

Anyways, everyone did such a great job last Saturday! I'm so proud of all of you! If you have any videos, send me a link and I'll post them on the website! 

All the best!!! Keep making music over the holidays!

I'm so excited! The new school year is about to start so that means a new year with my students is about to start. And this one is even better because now it's in my new house with my own studio! I think the move made me happier than I realized  

I know it's the long weekend; I'm actually away right now and typing this in my hotel room (free internet access! ;) ) and I don't know what I should be happier about: a weekend to relax or the new year just around the corner. Maybe I do work too much  :p 

Just a quick reminder to those who read my blog regularly: lessons do start on Monday (I know some will be away) and also I will be away September 17th so there are no lessons that day. Also please have your post dated cheques ready on the first lesson. You can use the calendar that I sent home back in May for the number of lessons each month. If you are a new student and do not have one of the calendars; just send me a quick email and I will send one to you. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I will see all my students next week!

So, I've been trying to find a way to allow parents and students register online. My friends have been great sending me links and friends of friends of who can create somekind of program for me. After staring at my computer for hours on end, I could not find anything that works, until today... but it has it's kinks. 

Now, if you are interested in signing up for lessons, all you will need to do is click the left side where you see Register Online Now. That will take you to another website that will help you register online. From there just click on the day of the week you want your lessons to be, and the list of available times will appear. There is no need to worry about the month or the exact date (that's the kink), just let me know the day of the week and the time that you want; I will take care of the rest. 

Hopefully I will be able to find something that works even better, but for now; I'm going to give it a try.