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As a reminder, Metro Music Makers is on Winter Break until January 3. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday break, and that you find moments to share the joy of music with family and friends!

When One Song Brings Back 14 Years

A simple text reminded me why music stays with us long after the moment ends.

Dear ,

Last week, I received a message that took me right back to the meaning of what we do. It came from a customer I worked with 14 years ago, and it truly made my day. She wrote:

“Merry Christmas! One of my favorite memories is the duet you did with Emily at Christmas — Last Christmas by George Michael. Can you send me the video? I can’t find it on YouTube anymore. Maybe it’s been too long. I smile every time I hear the song on the radio… always brings back such fond memories. Love this song and you both playing it.”

Fourteen years. And a single piece of music still brings her back to a moment that mattered.

Messages like this remind me that lessons are not just lessons. Performances are not just performances. These musical moments become part of people’s lives in ways we sometimes forget. They stick. They grow. They stay woven into holiday seasons and family traditions long after the final note is played.

🎵 If you want to revisit that moment too, here is the video of Emily and me playing our piano duet of “Last Christmas.” 👉https://youtu.be/t9cDr0o3whk?si=WxVLaIXMoQbbczfl

Fun Holiday Trivia:
True or false… “Last Christmas” was originally performed by Wham!?

Answer: True. It was released by Wham! in 1984, but here’s the fun twist. George Michael actually wrote the song, produced it, and performed every single vocal and instrumental part. So while it is officially a Wham! release, the entire track is pure George Michael magic.

As we look toward 2026 and our focus on Connecting Through Music, this message felt like the perfect reminder of what connection really looks like. It is the feeling of hearing a familiar song and being transported to a joyful memory. It is sharing something creative with another person and having it live on long after the moment ends. It is the quiet magic that music creates between people, year after year.

I hope you find a little of that magic in your home this season. Encourage your student to play something festive for family and friends. Capture a moment or two on video. You never know which one will become a memory someone carries for the next 14 years and beyond.

Wishing you a warm and musical holiday season.

Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way.

Allison Jarrell 🎵

Founder & CEO

It's Not Too Late to Give the Gift of Music!

Looking for a last-minute gift idea?! This Christmas, give the gift of music to someone in your life who loves music and would like to learn to make it on their own! 

Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount you choose and can be applied toward online or in-home private lessons. It's a flexible, thoughtful way to support a musician at any stage of their journey:

And thanks to our expanded online program, you can now gift lessons to friends and family anywhere in the world. All they need is a device with Internet access and an instrument, and they're ready to begin their musical journey.

Happy Shopping!