Hello Haliburton Guitar Studio Students,
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer!
My own summer has been wonderfully full—not only with private lessons at the Studio, but also with many performances and concerts across Ontario. I've also really enjoyed collaborating with several artists, supporting their music through composition, production, and session guitar work. It's been a busy and inspiring season.
I thought I'd send along a few updates regarding August and beyond.
1. August Schedule
I will be away on the following dates in August:
Monday, August 3
Wednesday, August 12
Monday, August 24
Tuesday, August 25
Wednesday, August 26
Thursday, August 27
If your lesson falls on one of these dates and you'd still like to connect that week, please get in touch. We may be able to find an alternate lesson time.
2. September Schedule Change
Beginning in September 2026, I will no longer be offering private lessons on Sundays.
If Sunday has been your regular lesson day and you'd like to continue lessons, please get in touch soon. I currently have availabilityMonday through Thursday, and I'm happy to work with you to find a new weekly lesson time that fits your schedule.
3. Haliburton Sculpture Forest Alive 25
I'm excited to be participating in Sculpture Forest Alive 25, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. Throughout the final week of August, I'll be collaborating with a wonderful group of artists in a series of events featuring contemporary dance, harp, guitar, visual art, and more. I'll also be giving an artist talk and performing during week.
You can find the full schedule and event information here:
https://www.haliburtonsculptureforest.ca/events
or by following the Haliburton Sculpture Forest on social media.
On a related note, I was honoured to be commissioned this spring to compose an original piece of music for the Sculpture Forest. The work combines field recordings collected throughout the forest with contemporary composition and has become a permanent part of the Sculpture Forest collection.
You can listen to the piece and read more about the project here:
https://www.nicholasrussell.ca/atmosphere
The composition is also available through the Bloomberg Connects app. The official launch will take place during Sculpture Forest Alive 25, when a plaque with a scannable QR code will be installed beside the sculpture, allowing visitors to experience the work while exploring the forest.
That's all for now.
Thank you all for being part of the Haliburton Guitar Studio community. I truly appreciate your support, enthusiasm, and commitment to making music. I look forward to seeing you at the Studio soon.
Cheers!
Nicholas Russell
Haliburton Guitar Studio