🎶 Layston Music Newsletter – September 2025 🎶
- Talena Cuthbert
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
🌟 Welcome Back!
We’re already into the flow of September, and it feels wonderful to see so many students back for a brand-new academic year. A new term always brings fresh energy, new challenges, and exciting opportunities for growth. Whether your child is preparing for an exam, building confidence in performance, or simply exploring music for the joy of it, we are so excited to be on this journey with you.
📅 Term Dates to Note
Here are the upcoming holiday and break dates for your diary:
Half Term: No lessons from Monday 27th October – Sunday 2nd November
Gig Date: No lessons Saturday 29th November (Talena & Paul away)
Christmas Holidays: Last lessons on Monday 22nd December. Lessons resume on Tuesday 6th January.
🌙 Sister Company Event – Song & Sound
I’m thrilled to invite you to our next Sound Healing Workshop:📍 Sunday 28th September 2025This workshop will focus on using sound for anxiety relief, followed by a deeply restorative Sound Bath. A wonderful opportunity to experience the power of sound for wellbeing — perfect for parents who might enjoy taking a little time for themselves.
🎄 Winter Shindig – Save the Date!
We are so excited to announce details for our Annual Winter Shindig on Saturday 13th December 2025. This is always one of the most special events in our calendar — a chance for students to showcase their hard work, celebrate their progress, and share music with family and friends.
Two Concerts This Year
To make sure every performer shines, this year we will hold two concerts:
Early Concert: For younger and beginner students up to Grade 2
Later Concert: For more advanced students
This way, each student will perform alongside peers of a similar level, creating a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.
Tickets
Performers: Free entry
One Chaperone per Performer: Free entry
Additional Guests: £10 per ticket (payable in advance)
⚠️ Please note: There will be no tickets available on the door as the event is always very busy.
Performer Sign-Up
This year, we are introducing a new sign-up system via MyMusicStaff.
Once the bookable times are live, I’ll let you know.
Please make sure to sign up promptly to secure your performance slot.
We cannot wait to see our students perform — whether it’s their very first time on stage or another step in their musical journey, the Winter Shindig is always a joyful celebration of their progress and creativity. 🎶
🔔 Updates for This Term
We’ve made a few important changes for this academic year to keep everything running smoothly. Please take a moment to read carefully:
Payments
From September, PayPal will only be available if you include a 5% fee. To avoid this, please pay via bank transfer (details are always at the bottom of your invoice).
Timetable
Our new fortnightly timetable with built-in breaks is working really well. These short pauses between lessons give us time to refresh, write detailed notes, and ensure students get the very best out of each session.
Late Payments
We’re reintroducing late payment fees. If an invoice remains unpaid after 2 weeks, a small charge will be added. This helps us keep things fair and focused on teaching.
Student Packs
Every student now has a folder containing sheet music, tabs, lyric sheets, and their practice diary. Please remember to bring this pack to every lesson — it’s essential for tracking progress and keeping everything in one place.
Zoom Lessons
If your child is on Zoom, please make sure “Original Audio” is enabled. Without it, we can’t hear instruments properly.
🎤 About Me – Talena Cuthbert
For those new to Layston Music, here’s a little about me.
I’m Talena Cuthbert BA MCMA, a Singer/Songwriter, Music and Health Practitioner, Piano Teacher & Music Mentor, Song and Sound Therapist and Vocal Coach with over 20 years’ experience. I hold a BA (Hons) in Popular Music & Recording, and further qualifications in Sound Therapy, Music Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Children & Young People’s Mental Health.
I’m passionate about helping children not only develop musical skills, but also grow in confidence, resilience, and creativity through music.
💖 Thank You
Thank you so much for being part of the Layston Music Family. It’s a joy to teach your children and watch them thrive musically and personally. Here’s to a wonderful term ahead!
With music and gratitude,
Talena 🎶
Comments