As we begin another year, Academy teachers and staff would like to thank all of our students, parents, and families for the wonderful memories of 2018.
We have loved working with you and celebrating your achievements in your musical growth, Musical Ladder milestones, and your first, second, and tenth recitals!
We are committed to being the best place for Music Lessons in the Grand Rapids area, and we THANK YOU for being with us. Please watch your emails for an annual survey and an opportunity to let us know how we are doing!
We wish you all an amazing 2019!
Be sure to plan ahead for these special Academy events:
FEBRUARY 10-16: Academy Teacher Appreciation Week. Share the love!
FEBRUARY 15-28: Jump the line for summer camp registrations. Current enrolled families SAVE $50 through March 31!
MARCH 9: National Federation of Music Clubs Festival at St. Cecilia Music Center.
MARCH 23: Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Recital by Academy Honor Students. Calvin College Recital Hall. Donations accepted at the door.
JUNE 8, 9, 15, & 16: Spring Recitals at the Grand Rapids Ballet Auditorium!
SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS 2019: Give your child a memorable summer music experience. Visit our website for details!
DECEMBER 7, 8, & 15: Winter Recitals at Wealthy Theatre
BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!
Just a friendly reminder that the Academy of Music communicates snow day cancellations via text, email, Facebook, and WOODTV8. We make our lesson cancellation decisions independent of school districts, and will alert you before 1 pm if the studio will close.
Because Academy students drive to lessons from a wide area, it is impossible for us to ensure that travel conditions are safe for everyone. Please use your best judgment about safe travel to and from the studio. It's always easy to sign up for a group make-up class if you are not able to make the trip - contact the desk or look for "Weekend Music Classes" on our website.
All weather related cancellations are rescheduled as a private lesson on the next available break. Winter snow days are typically rescheduled during spring break. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled lesson, feel free to sign up a for group make-up class whenever it's convenient.
Thanks for the Pop Performances!
There's a time for scales and metronomes and breathing exercises and etudes. But, as composer Elissa Milne says “Some days are 'holy days' when our musicianship is about our connection to others, not our devotion to the practice room. These times of connection to our communities are the essence of musicianship.” Many thanks to students who shared their music with us during our Pop Performance Week at the studio! Let’s make it an annual event!!
Everyday practice days have returned but we hope that the experience of sharing music in recitals, in the studio, or in any of your communities during the holiday season has renewed your focus on an important goal. Music lessons are about learning to be a better musician while also learning to be a better person, and that includes connecting with others.
Musical Ladder Celebrations
WINTER REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between December 2 - January 31 will be entered in a raffle to win:
$500 CASH
DRAWING WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Singla Family
Dempsey Family
Messer Family
Jones Family
Sherman Family
Schneider Family
Cole Family
Cummings Family
Is Your Teacher Sold Out?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
PIANO
Keith - 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
Tracy - 1 SPOT Wed
Careta - 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
David - 1 SPOT Wed
Ken - 1 SPOT Wed
Susan - SOLD OUT
Chrisann - 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
Janet - SOLD OUT
Mary Beth - SOLD OUT
Betsy - 1 SPOT Fri
GUITAR/ UKULELE
Evie - 1 SPOT Thurs
Adam - SOLD OUT
Carsten - 1 SPOT Mon, Fri
David R - 1 SPOT Sun, Thurs
VOICE
Tanya - 1 SPOT Wed, Fri
Jon - SOLD OUT
Jacqui - 1 SPOT Mon
VOICE/ PIANO
Elia - 1 SPOT Fri, Sat
Annie - SOLD OUT
Sandra - 1 SPOT Mon
VOICE/ PIANO/ UKULELE
Sasha - SOLD OUT
Corinne - 1 SPOT Fri
VOICE/ GUITAR/ UKULELE
Ryan - 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
STRINGS/ PIANO
Anne Marie - 1 SPOT Thurs
STRINGS
Anna - SOLD OUT
Alex - 2 SPOTS Mon, Sun
Bea - 1 SPOT Mon
Marlae - 1 SPOT Sat
Tina - 1 SPOT Sun
DRUMS
Dan - 1 SPOT Thurs
Garrett - 1 SPOT Wed
DRUMS/ GUITAR
Mitch - 1 SPOT Tues, Wed
Nathan - 1 SPOT Wed
Jared - 1 SPOT Thurs
NEW STUDENTS
Aakash I, drums
Jason J, piano
Aidan M, guitar
Braelyn B, ukulele
Aryan M, piano
Yohan G, drums
Yahir G, guitar
David C, guitar
Colette C, piano
Genevieve K, guitar
Will M, guitar
Chelsea V, ukulele
Matthew K, drums
Bronwyn A, ukulele
Krish P, piano
Miah M, voice
Kate M, voice
Mike K, cello
Lyla P, guitar
Carter Y, piano
Denia Y, ukulele
Alexa Y, piano
Mayur C, drums
Max H, ukulele
Kate S, cello
Jaci C, piano
Richard M, voice
Adam O, voice
Lindsey S, ukulele
Nathan M, drums
Kiana C, guitar
Kate M, piano
Kierra P, guitar
Kristina B, voice
Alex Y, piano
Joey A, piano
Capri S, Jan 2
Max H, Jan 4
Vrisan P, Jan 4
Lyla P, Jan 4
Laila G, Jan 6
Daniel V, Jan 7
Isabella Y, Jan 8
Liam M, Jan 8
Ethan M, Jan 8
Evan J, Jan 10
Minte O, Jan 10
Grace S, Jan 11
Kaylie M, Jan 11
Kate M, Jan 12
Tanisha H, Jan 12
Elle S, Jan 13
Maina D, Jan 14
Jason J, Jan 19
Isaac F, Jan 19
Bashaar K, Jan 19
Sarah L, Jan 19
Julia H, Jan 20
Olivia H, Jan 20
Sai R, Jan 20
Josh G, Jan 22
Kierra P, Jan 23
Lindsey S, Jan 23
Lauren B, Jan 24
Jacob L, Jan 25
Philip V, Jan 25
Kenzie R, Jan 26
Gabrielle W, Jan 30
Banon S, Jan 30
Reia W, Jan 31
Student of the Month
Colin D.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. I play piano and guitar.
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Drums
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 2 Years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Deep Purple and Pink Floyd
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Video Games and Legos
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Pears
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Math
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Dog
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. The Bahamas
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Cords
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
As we approach a brand new year, we are excited to share that the Academy of Music is knocking on the door of 700 students! We appreciate each one of you and continue to focus on ways to improve your music lesson experience - gifts for you!
Giving you the the best musical training in West Michigan is always a priority, but we also want to provide the most organized and effective administration. That means we have excellent full-time office staff at the front desk to serve you every day and a full-time Studio Manager who supervises it all. This fall, we created a dedicated office space near the front desk for the Academy Studio Manager. We love the additional storage space and cabinets that help us keep things running smoothly. And we appreciate having a room available for teacher interviews all day long! Even better, the manager can pop out at any time to assist the front desk when the studio gets really busy!
Sharing student achievement photos on Facebook is a daily joyful task, so we decided to create a new wall space for a photo background. Check out the new Academy of Music sign on our front entry wall! (Great job, FastSigns!)
We know that a clean and comfortable waiting area is important to you, so we also decided to replace our fabric chairs with easy-to-clean IKEA wooden chairs! The newly installed carpet covered 2x4s (baseboard “chair rails”) will help us keep the walls from getting marred by chairs!
And, last but not least, teachers now have a larger dedicated work space to help them stay organized!
Many thanks for being part of our community. We can’t wait to make more musical memories with you in 2019! The best is yet to come!
Holiday Hours
We areCLOSED FOR LESSONS
December 23 - January 1
Lessons resume January 2
The Academy of Music OFFICE WILL BE OPEN December 26th-30th to respond to phone calls and emails.
If you are not yet a student, feel free to stop in for a tour or to ask questions about lessons!
NEW STUDENTS
Tristan D, piano
Cephas C, guitar
Sydney G, drums
Zachary V, guitar
Samantha B, ukulele
Amelia N, piano
Taylor O, violin
Abigail L, piano
Levi C, piano
Jameson P, guitar
Dilara E, guitar
Laura V, piano
William S, piano
Ada V, voice
Rose H, violin
Kurt M, guitar
Henry M, guitar
Aadhya A, piano
Kellan W, guitar
Gemma B, voice
Lauren C, voice
Molly N, voice
Francesca D, ukulele
Carsten F, violin
Veer P, piano
Kiley D, voice
Victor J, piano
Olivia O, voice & drums
Greg M, violin
Adrina N, guitar
Macy W, drums
Jennifer B, piano
Macy B, Dec 2
Jayla J, Dec 2
Abby H, Dec 3
Molly N, Dec 4
Jotham N, Dec 4
Jacob A, Dec 6
Harrison G, Dec 6
Adam F, Dec 6
Lily Ann C, Dec 9
Christopher L, Dec 9
Helena S, Dec 11
Oliver D, Dec 11
Aadhya A, Dec 11
Jacobus V, Dec 12
Graham B, Dec 13
Magger M, Dec 13
Olivia O, Dec 13
Makayla K, Dec 14
Sophia W, Dec 14
Evie P, Dec 15
Izzy R, Dec 15
Alayna L, Dec 17
Gwen A, Dec 17
Wylie W, Dec 18
Isabelle T, Dec 19
Gemma B, Dec 19
Michael E, Dec 20
Cassidy B, Dec 20
Virinchi K, Dec 20
Lexi S, Dec 21
Chase L, Dec 21
Kelly D, Dec 22
Jacob L, Dec 22
Jaelyn M, Dec 22
Gerardo Emmanuel D, Dec 22
Selah V, Dec 23
Nathan D, Dec 23
Abby R, Dec 24
Zachary V, Dec 25
Jenna L, Dec 25
Lydia V, Dec 25
Tessa R, Dec 27
Grant A, Dec 27
Sophia J, Dec 28
Vincent S, Dec 30
Lia S, Dec 30
Brooklyn C, Dec 31
Student of the Month
Lauren B.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. Voice at the Academy, but I also play the saxophone and clarinet
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Violin
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 1 Year
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Kelly Clarkson and Lin Manuel Miranda
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Odyssey of the Mind, reading, and softball.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Grandma's Meatloaf
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Math and Language Arts
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Dragon
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. New Zealand to Hobbiton
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Increasing
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Be confident in yourself and stretch your limits!
Musical Ladder Celebrations
WINTER REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between December 2 - January 31 will be entered in a raffle to win:
$500 CASH
DRAWING WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Haughey Family
Thurston Family
Kriekard Family
Aksenova Family
Is Your Teacher Sold Out?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
Whether they were spooky, silly, or something else entirely, our students, staff, and faculty had a great time with Halloween costumes this year! Thanks to our Academy students for your fabulous entries!
Staff and Teachers got in on the fun too!
Congratulations to Amelia J for winning the $25 cash prize!
CANDY GIVE BACK
Thank you Academy families and friends for your generous donations to the Academy of Music Halloween Candy Give Back event! Your candy help put smiles on the faces of our deployed Service Members and First Responders! We collected 13 boxes for Operation Gratitude this year!
We are excited about the benefits of our new TeacherZone studio management software.
Check your email for login information and head toteacherzone.com
Once logged in,click on the face iconin the upper left hand corner to access your user profile (shown in image below).
1) Add your payment information.
2) Update your notification settings.
Contact the office if you have any questions!
NEW OFFICE STAFF
Meet Ellen!
6 Interesting Facts About Ellen
Recently moved here from Nashville, Tennessee.
My interests include sports, public policy, and all things crafty.
I can speak conversational American Sign Language.
My dog, Mae, is my best friend in the entire world.
I put some form of hot sauce/cayenne on every. single. thing. I. eat.
I grew up spending my entire summer swimming, sailing, and playing tennis and golf in Northport, MI.
WINTER RECITALS
Where: Wealthy Theatre
When: December 8, December 9, and December 16
No tickets will be sold. Feel free to attend additional recitals and support your fellow students!
The show will proceed regardless of weather conditions so be sure to leave extra driving time so that you or your child will arrive relaxed and ready to perform.
Participation in recitals boosts confidence, provides goals, and builds new skills for students. Please be sure to speak to your teachers to ensure that you are ready to perform.
If you have not yet signed up for your recital day and time, please visitacademyofmusicGR.com/recitals! The sign ups will close at the end of November so be sure that you have your time reserved!
Questions? Call 616-965-1655
NEW STUDENTS
Ian M, piano
Hannah J, viola
Evan J, guitar
Nathan D, piano
Kelly M, guitar
Carter M, guitar
Rory B, ukulele
Ben M, voice
Ben Y, guitar
Quinn S, drums
Don S, guitar
Addyson C, piano
Lukas C, piano
Kate C, violin
Lilliana C, voice
Maxton H, drums
Marissa L, guitar
Kiernan C, piano
Claudia G, ukulele
Sam S, ukulele
Addison G, violin
Ian L, guitar
Michael E, violin
Dustin R, piano
Jen S, voice
Annabelle I, piano and guitar
Deacon I, piano and drums
Ryan V, voice
Brian B, ukulele
Eloise L, piano
Elliot L, piano
Abby B, voice
Tyler H, drums
Amadeo S, drums
Makayla S, voice
Julie T, voice
Gwen A, guitar
Rick W, guitar
Sana M, piano
Mason S, Nov 1
William B, Nov 2
Ethan K, Nov 3
Logan M, Nov 4
Addysen C, Nov 4
Søren M, Nov 4
Matthew V, Nov 5
Lydia B, Nov 6
KenZen L, Nov 6
Emmerson M, Nov 6
Madeline M, Nov 7
Nora J, Nov 10
Sydney W, Nov 10
Marissa L, Nov 11
Rowan Z, Nov 11
Minhao C, Nov 12
Ian S, Nov 13
Ella G, Nov 14
Rylee L, Nov 15
Roman B, Nov 16
Emery C, Nov 16
Marc S, Nov 17
Maxx B, Nov 17
Arcadia P, Nov 17
Ashley G, Nov 18
Lauren B, Nov 18
Kaylee N, Nov 19
Ryan R, Nov 19
Luke G, Nov 19
Isabelle M, Nov 20
Joey S, Nov 22
Ivy M, Nov 23
Adam K, Nov 25
Ashley D, Nov 25
Ellexis K, Nov 25
Shallan W, Nov 26
Cozzie Z, Nov 26
Mahima D, Nov 27
Wade M, Nov 28
Aaron S, Nov 29
Jazmary R, Nov 29
Dylan L, Nov 30
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Liam D.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. Piano
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Saxophone
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 4 Years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Brackendra, 2Cellos, Lindsey Sterling, Led Zeppelin, Queen
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Reading, playing video games, math
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Pad Thai
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Definitely science
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Snakes, the Reticulated Python because its super long... and cats. My favorite cat is my pet, Phineas.
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Hawaii
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Playing piano with more than one finger.
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Agree with your teacher and don't argue.
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
FALL REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between September 1 - November 30 will be entered in a raffle to win:
FOUR ORCHESTRA SECTION TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER BALLET (value $350)
Tickets are for the 2pm show on December 22
DRAWING WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Sales Family
Camp Family
Lunt Family
Manne Family
Umlor Family
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for December, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
Our Office Team is busy working to improve your music lesson experience at the Academy of Music. We’re close to rolling out Teacher Zone studio management software, and that will give you an option to communicate online directly with your teacher. Watch for an email that will share login information and ask you to update your credit card.We anticipate the software will be up and running in November!
PIANO GIVEAWAY
West Michigan Piano has just launched a really exciting new program as part of their mission to support music education! They will be giving away one piano each month for the remainder of 2018. To learn more follow the link below!
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Violin
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 10 Months
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. For King and Country, and John Williams
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Reading, playing outside, and making videos with my friends.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Turkey Tenderloin
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Reading or Math
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Snowy Owl
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. London
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Für Elise
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Don't give up and keep trying!
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
FALL REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between September 1 - November 30 will be entered in a raffle to win:
FOUR ORCHESTRA SECTION TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER BALLET (value $350)
Tickets are for the 2pm show on December 22
DRAWING WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Kriekard Family
Lopez Family
Goldberg Family
Clark Family
Aylsworth Family
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for October, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
A) Our recitals are approximately 40 - 50 minutes in length, and occur on the hour every hour.
Q) Is there a participation fee or cost for tickets?
A) Recitals are completely free and all students of every level are welcome to participate. Be sure to talk to your teacher if you are interested in performing in the 2018 Winter Recitals.
Q) How do we schedule our recital?
A) Students will be able to sign up for their desired recital hour on a first come, first served basis. Recital sign ups will open at 8:00am on Monday, October 15. Students will be notified of their teacher's recital availability approximately one week prior to recital sign ups. Times fill fast! If you have limited availability be sure to sign up early!
COMING SOON
We're always working to improve your music lesson experience. This fall, we are focussing on a new teacher communication tool! We've signed up for TeacherZone software and staff is busy getting that system ready for you.Our favorite feature is that teachers will be able to upload and share files for you to use at home!Plus, you will get an alert whenever your teacher shares something for you. Stay tuned for updates on our progress!
ASK YOUR TEACHER ABOUT....
Bring A Friend Week!
Oct. 24 - Oct. 30
Wear your costumes
Get your picture taken
Stop at the desk for a treat
Have FUN together in your lesson!
PIANO GIVEAWAY
West Michigan Piano has just launched a really exciting new program as part of their mission to support music education! They will be giving away one piano each month for the remainder of 2018. To learn more follow the link below!
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Clarinet
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 3.5 years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. My favorite musicians are Rachel Platen and Sean Mendez.
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Reading, writing, cross country, and hanging out with friends.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Ice Cream
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Language Arts
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. A red fox.
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. The UK, and London.
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. The blues scale
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. My advice is to practice a lot, and to never give up if you are frustrated, because the end result will be worth it.
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
SUMMER REFERRAL WINNER!
KK was our referral winner, and got to take home a $300 Best Buy gift card! Congratulations!
FALL REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between September 1 - November 30 will be entered in a raffle to win:
FOUR ORCHESTRA SECTION TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER BALLET (value $350)
Tickets are for the 2pm show on December 22
DRAWING WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Kriekard Family
Zylstra Family
Lopez Family
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for October, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising from Eastern Michigan University.
She is an artist and is currently painting abstract expressionism.
She has a beautiful Border Collie puppy named Willow.
She lived and worked at a yoga retreat center in Hawaii.
She traveled to India to study traditional Indian textiles.
PIANO GIVEAWAY
West Michigan Piano has just launched a really exciting new program as part of their mission to support music education! They will be giving away one piano each month for the remainder of 2018. To learn more follow the link below!
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Cymbals
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 3 years!
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Casey Cooper
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Playing with Beyblades, and my tablet
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Chicken
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Science and Math!
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Snakes (but not cobras)
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Japan, for the special Beyblades
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Fills (all the fun stuff!)
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. You're a good musician!
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
SUMMER REFERRAL SPECIAL!
Any referrals between June 1 - August 31 will be entered in a raffle to win a $300 gift card to Best Buy!
Check in with your friends and neighbors to see if they want to give summer lessons a try!
Drawing held September 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Singla Family
Brann Family
Bissell Family
Teegardin Family
Paul Family
DiBenedetto Family
Nolen Family
Kyes Family
Cummings Family
Granstrom Family
Amos Family
Patel Family
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for September, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
On June 17, 2018, the Academy of Music in Grand Rapids presented a debut Carnegie Hall recital featuring students of all ages and levels in celebration of 15 years of excellence fostering the future of music in our community and beyond.
We are most grateful to the amazing group of students and families, who were able to imagine with us more than a year ago, the potential for personal and musical growth from a once-in-a-lifetime experience performing on such a prestigious stage as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. It was an honor to share this extraordinary journey with each one of them, a taste of how music connects us as humans, heart to heart.
We would like to express immense gratitude to all of our teachers and administrative staff who poured out their heart and soul each week to help these students reach new heights and prepare performances worthy of this venue. Our vision 15 years ago to assemble a team of musicians and staff who would share a great passion and enthusiasm for quality music education has become a reality. We look forward to continued growth and excellence as we nurture and inspire future generations in the Grand Rapids community.
Congratulations to all of our performers! May you continue to let your light shine like a star in the years to come!
Barbara Hendricks, Director
"There is no substitute for Carnegie Hall! This opportunity was worth every penny invested…from weeky lessons to a family trip crafted around my daughter’s performance. I am thrilled and most appreciative to the Academy of Music for empowering the experience for so many students and their families!” -Pamela Smitter
Reasons to Shine Like a Star Onstage
The Academy logo, a star shape of notes, was chosen to visually express our goal to help each student feel like a star while on their musical journey, no matter what their age or level. Whether performing at our celebratory Carnegie Hall Recital, one of our winter or spring recitals at Wealthy Theatre, our annual Honor Recital, or in a show band at a summer music festival, Academy students reap many benefits.
New piece, new skill: Our teachers use recitals to motivate students to learn a new piece or a new skill. The performance deadline keeps them motivated to tackle the challenges of a new piece and stick with it until it’s mastered.
Perfecting a Piece: Recital pieces offer an opportunity to encourage students to put forth extra effort to perfect a piece. That takes discipline, focus, and perseverance. What results is the great joy and pride in a successful performance.
Retention: There’s a special performance smile that results from the applause, hugs, and congratulations at recitals. Students arrive pumped at their next lesson and ready to tackle more learning with new confidence and desire. We’ve observed that students who participate in recitals stick with lessons longer.
Assessment: The daily and weekly peaks and valleys of learning to play an instrument can sometimes cloud a parent’s judgment on whether lessons are worth the time and money. Recitals offer a perfect opportunity for parents to more objectively review their child’s progress.
Performance skills: Performing is a challenging task, and it takes practice to be on stage, play with poise, and manage anxiety. Students gain confidence from performance experiences and learn that they can cope with stress and the unexpected.
Enjoyment: Music performances can and should be positive and enjoyable experiences. We love offering our students recital experiences in a professional venue with red carpet photo opportunities. We keep them well organized and encourage as many students as possible to participate. Even though recitals are a formal event, they can be both fun and inspiring.
FROM NIKKI
Mark your calendars for our FALL OPEN HOUSE! We would love to see you all there! Saturday, August 18 10-2 pm. Free sample lessons, instrument petting zoo, raffles, performances, food, and more! A great way to help us celebrate 15 years and see all that the Academy of Music has to offer!
Be sure to say hi to the newest addition to our Office Team, Nikki!
PIANO GIVEAWAY
West Michigan Piano has just launched a really exciting new program as part of their mission to support music education! They will be giving away one piano each month for the remainder of 2018. To learn more follow the link below!
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Ukulele
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 3 years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Taylor Swift, Pink, and Adele
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Ballet, and Baking
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Cake
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. History
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Elephants
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. France
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Different vocal techniques
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Have fun!
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
SUMMER REFERRAL SPECIAL!
Any referrals between June 1 - August 31 will be entered in a raffle to win a $300 gift card to Best Buy!
Check in with your friends and neighbors to see if they want to give summer lessons a try!
Drawing held September 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Singla Family
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for August or September, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655.
Over 400 students performed in our Spring Recitals held overtwo weekendsat the Wealthy Theatre. We are so proud of everyone who performed!
Academy of Music goes to Carnegie!
Congratulations to the 36 Academy performers on Carnegie Hall stage who showed us that they Dream, Believe, and Achieve!
Watch for our special Carnegie Hall newsletter in July!
A HUGE thank you to all of the
students who participated in the Face of the
Academy Commercial Shoot!!!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN AND CREATIVE FOR YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER?
It is not too late to enroll! We have just a few spots left! Call 616-965-1655 or register online (link below) to reserve your spot before they're all filled!
BENEFITS OF SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
Daily lessons that will help your child learn faster and better.
State of the art equipment and spacious classroom space.
An opportunity to explore an instrument before starting private lessons.
Top-notch Academy teachers who will make learning an instrument feel more like fun than practice.
A family safety plan (background checks, observation windows, video cameras in every room, full-time office staff during all camps and lessons).
Parent friendly services and comfortable waiting space.
Testimonial from camp parent Courtney Yarch:"My daughter attended singing camp last summer, with the help of peer pressure from a friend. In one week, she went from a fearsome girl with stage fright to a (mostly) confident young woman on stage who demonstrated such a stage presence. Within 6 weeks she signed up for ukulele lessons, and has since started voice lesson s as well. Now my youngest daughter also takes piano lessons. We love Academy of Music!"
PIANO GIVEAWAY
West Michigan Piano has just launched a really exciting new program as part of their mission to support music education! They will be giving away one piano each month for the remainder of 2018. To learn more follow the link below!
