Dear families,

Thank you for a very smooth start to Term 1.

I hope your lessons are going well ☺️

TL;DR*

News:

• Review Raffle: Enter to win a free lesson in Term 2 by publishing or sending a new review for All Hands Piano Academy (details below).
• If you are interested in the April AMEB intensive, please express interest by Sunday 8th March (more details below).

Reminders:

• Drum lessons are now available on Mondays and Saturdays with Andy Gander.
• Neon is now managing our calendar — booking queries should go to admin@allhandspianoacademy.com and cancellations via the AHPA cancellation form.
• Term 1 runs from Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April (Easter public holidays are not included in Term 1).
• Other term dates are listed below.
• ​Expressions of interest are now open for upcoming recitals and school holiday programs (minimum numbers required to proceed).
• The waiting room drinks station has been replaced with a homework zone.
• Fortnightly bulletins will now be sent every second Saturday morning with key updates and reminders. Anyone can subscribe here.

*In case you're not up to date with the latest internet lingo, TL;DR is shorthand for 'too long, didn't read'...it's a summary for those who don't have time for too many details! ☺️

Review Raffle

AHPA is seeking new reviews. If you'd like to go into a raffle to win a free lesson in Term 2, please either:

1. ​Publish a review on google and send a a screenshot to emma@allhandspianoacademy.com; OR
2. Email your review + star rating (out of five) to emma@allhandspianoacademy.com

If you are comfortable doing so, please mention your teacher's name in the review ☺️

All reviews will be published on our website.

The winner of the raffle will be announced at the end of Term 1.

April AMEB Intensive:

What: A focused school-holiday program supporting students preparing for AMEB exams through aural skills, sight reading, performance practice, and mock exams.
​ When: April 15–17 (3 full days).
​ Where: All Hands Piano Academy

If you are interested in having your child participate, please express interest by Sunday 8th March. We will make a decision about whether to proceed with this program based on number of expressions of interest.

[reminder] Drum Lessons

All Hands Piano Academy (which we may need to rebrand to All Hands Music Academy 😁) is now offering drum lessons with renowned drummer Andy Gander on Monday and Saturday afternoons. Andy is a giant in the Aussie music scene and we are seriously lucky to have him (and his wonderful wife Leah!). Existing clients, in case you're concerned about the noise, I want to reassure you that we have a quiet electric kit which will be used while there are other lessons occurring.

[reminder] Neon is Managing our Calendar

Neon will be managing our calendar going forward. You can direct any correspondence regarding your bookings to Neon at our admin email: admin@allhandspianoacademy.com

Please don't forget to fill out the AHPA cancellation form if you will not be attending any of your lessons.This is the most efficient way for us to keep track of changes and to ensure that your requests to reschedule do not get lost.

If your child is sick, we really appreciate you keeping them home and selecting another option on the cancellation form.

[reminder] Term dates

Term 1 is an 8.5 week term, which runs from Monday 2nd February to Thursday 2nd April (inclusive). Easter Public Holidays (Fri 3rd - Sun 5th April) are not included in these term dates. Lessons may be arranged on these days if clients request them, in which case a separate invoice will be sent.

[reminder] Other Term Dates

Term 2 2026 runs from Monday 20th April to Sunday 5th July (inclusive).

Term 3 runs from Monday 20th July to Sunday 27th September (inclusive).

Term 4 runs from Monday 12th October until Sunday 20th December.

[reminder] Expression of Interest for Other Events...

Due to the considerable cost of running recitals and workshops, this year we will only be going ahead with the following events if we achieve a minimum number of registrations. To help us plan, it would be extremely helpful if you could express your interest via the links below.

Mid-Year Student Recital + Teacher Showcase​
What: A shared recital event featuring student performances alongside performances by our teaching staff.
When: Saturday 27 June, 4:00pm–6:30pm
​ Where: Turramurra Uniting Church
Express interest here.​

End-of-Year Recitals​
What: A series of small-group, end-of-year recitals designed to provide a more intimate and supportive performance experience for students.

When:

Saturday 28 November 4:00pm

Sunday 29 November, 10:00am

Saturday 5 December, 4:00pm

Sunday 6 December, 4:00pm

​
​ Where: All Hands Piano Academy (Group Room)
​ Express interest here.​

AMEB Preparation Intensives (April and July School Holidays)​
​ What: A focused school-holiday program supporting students preparing for AMEB exams through aural skills, sight reading, performance practice, and mock exams.
​ When: April 15–17; July 8–10
​ Where: All Hands Piano Academy
​ Express interest here​

General Music Camp (October School Holidays)​
​ What: A school-holiday music camp open to all ages and stages, with activities and curriculum shaped by student and family interests.
​ When: Monday 5 October – Wednesday 7 October (3 full days).
​ Where: All Hands Piano Academy
​ Express interest here​

Looking forward to the year ahead ☺️!

Emma Stephenson

Founder | All Hands Piano Academy