“Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.” – Dr. Sinichi Suzuki

To say that 2020 has been a “wild ride” would be an understatement of the highest degree. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to come up with a superlative that is too extreme or extraordinary for the unprecedented challenges we’ve all faced this year. As the year draws to a close, and we sit back and reflect on all that has happened over the course of the past twelve months, Kirby and I have been struck by just what a constant joy and pleasure making music, teaching music, and navigating all of the challenges of this year with each and every one of you has been. We always feel blessed to have the opportunity to do what we do, to bring the joy of learning music and developing musical ability to children and their families, but we have never felt that blessing more profoundly than this year.

This has caused us to think back not only on this year, but on the 12 years that we have now been in St. Louis teaching music. The number of wonderful relationships that music has brought us into, the number of children we have been able to see go from forming their first bow hold to heading off to college and beyond, and the number of special, unforgettable musical and relational moments that we have had as music teachers is overwhelming. That’s why this year we wanted to send this message not only to all current West County Strings students and families, but to everyone who’s ever been a part of our teaching here in St. Louis. You are all part of a special group of people to us. We’re so thankful for you, and the ways in which you have enriched and continue to enrich our lives.

As noted above, Dr. Suzuki was famous for his belief that, “Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.” Stated differently, it is only when there is a mutual understanding, respect, and closeness between parents, the student, and the teacher that ability can truly be developed to its highest degree. We’re so thankful that due to the relationships we’ve been able to develop with each of you, West County Strings has been a place where love has been deep and much has been able to be accomplished, and we look forward to 2021 as an even better and brighter year than all that have come before.

For all current students and families, we will be on Winter Break from Wednesday, December 23, 2020 – Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Private lessons will resume on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and we plan for our group class sessions of the Spring ’21 Semester to begin in March. There’s a lot coming up at the start of the New Year, including All-State auditions on January 13. So, be sure to use your time over break wisely, both to rest and relax and to listen, prepare, and practice well!

If you are an alumni or former member of West County Strings, we would love to hear from you this holiday season. We hope that you have all been safe and well, and would love to know what you and your families are up to these days. You have all played a special part in our lives, and we’d love to stay connected with you.

To everyone that music teaching has brought Kirby and I into contact with – Happy Holidays! We are blessed to know you, and so thankful for you. We’ll see you in 2021!

– Brad & Kirby