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!
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Guitar
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. About 2 years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Imagine Dragons
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Reading, Legos, and Basketball
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Noodles
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Reading
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Tiger
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Hawaii
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. "The Pink Panther"
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Practice so much!
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
Congrats to Olivia P and family for winning the Spring Referral Special. They are receiving a $500 gift certificate to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City!
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 July or August, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655.
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!
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Acoustic guitar
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. Eighteen months
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Taylor Swift
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Horseback riding, art, reading
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Strawberries, sweet potatoes, and spaghetti
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Music and Reading
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Horses and dogs
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Paris and Athens
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. How to read music
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Listen to your teachers, and practice!
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
SPRING REFERRAL SPECIAL!
Any referrals between March 1 - May 31 will be entered in a raffle to win a $500 gift card to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.
Check in with your friends and neighbors to see if they want to give summer lessons a try!
Drawing held June 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Payne Family
Langlois 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 June or July, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655.
Thank You for Helping the Academy of Music Raise $1,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
Academy Honor Students and Teachers perform at the Grand Rapids Art Museum for the Academy of Music’s Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fundraiser.
NFMC FESTIVAL
Congrats to the 31 of our students that participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival on March 10, performing two prepared solos for a judge. 25 received a Superior rating, and 5 received an Excellent rating. We're so proud of their hard work!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN AND CREATIVE FOR YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER?
Online registration is available now for Summer Music Camps at the Academy of Music!
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!"
Congratulations to teacher Careta on her new bundle of joy, Acari!
SPRING RECITALS
Recital dates are:
Saturday, May 12
Saturday, May 19
Sunday, May 20
Follow the link below to access teacher availability and other important recital information.
Online Sign Ups are now closed, but it is not too late to sign up! Just contact the office at 616-965-1655 to secure your recital spot!
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. Piano, guitar, and violin.
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. Ten months.
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Camila Cabello and Taylor Swift.
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Building with Legos, drawing and reading.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Ice cream an candy.
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Math and reading.
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Kittens.
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Hawaii.
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Breathing Techniques.
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Practice makes perfect!
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
WE LOVE REFERRALS!
MARCH-MAY REFERRAL SPECIAL
Any referrals between March 1 and May 31 will have a chance to win "Wolfie" the stuffed wolf and a $500 gift card to visit Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.
Drawing held June 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Anderson Family
Van Leeuwen 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 April or May, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655.
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!"
You can now TEXT MESSAGE the Academy of Music office at 616-965-1655
-ALSO-
More options to sign up for our weekend group make-up classes!
WHAT:Academy of Music Annual Benefit Concert for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
FEATURING:Academy of Music Honor Students and Instructors
WHEN:Saturday, March 24 3:00-5:00pm
WHERE: Grand Rapids Art Museum - Cook Auditorium
COST:No tickets - donations will be accepted at the door and during intermission.
NEW STUDENTS
Hailey E, voice
Debby W, ukulele
Corbin B, drums
Jeffrey A, drums
Jonas B, guitar
Ava V, guitar
Ainsley R, piano
Kenzie R, piano
Aalayah B, piano
Sophia S, voice
Makayla G, piano
Vivian Z, guitar
Buggus S, piano
Ankush J, piano
Jocelyn D, voice
Penelope K, piano
Elliot K, voice
Loren M, guitar
Peter S, guitar
Jack P, drums
Erica S, ukulele
Ella S, ukulele
Thomas B, drums
Dilynn B, voice
KayLee D, drums
Isabella T, guitar
Tayler C, piano
Hunter C, guitar
Zoe L, voice and piano
Lilia F, piano
Abigail V, piano
Maja V, piano
Will M, guitar
Adriana G, voice
Carson E, Mar 1
Mary L, Mar 1
Kyle M, Mar 2
Kaylee M, Mar 2
Sophia L, Mar 4
Sahit M, Mar 4
Ella S, Mar 5
Dylan S, Mar 5
Ethan L, Mar 5
Mikey H, Mar 6
Derrick R, Mar 7
Kieron B, Mar 8
Caroline B, Mar 8
John B, Mar 8
Braden S, Mar 10
Sawyer H, Mar 11
Alyssa E, Mar 11
Nathan T, Mar 12
Quinn S, Mar 13
Benjamin C, Mar 13
Rachel D, Mar 14
Lily K, Mar 14
Maja V, Mar 17
Zack S, Mar 19
Amelia M, Mar 19
Addysen R, Mar 21
Taylor W, Mar 22
Kathryn L, Mar 22
Mia N, Mar 24
Amado A, Mar 25
Lucy S, Mar 25
Santana L, Mar 26
Kya K, Mar 27
Amelia M, Mar 27
Grace R, Mar 27
Harlequin L, Mar 27
Leticia T, Mar 31
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Jelena N.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. Ukulele
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Piano
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 2.5 years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Grace Vanderwaal, she plays ukulele too!
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Playing on my ipad, with slime, and cooking.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Eggs, scrambled is my favorite.
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Writing and typing
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Pandas
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Australia or the UK
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. When I first started lessons, I was surprised to learn the notes only go to G, and not all the way to Z!
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Keep trying even if it's hard, and maybe when you grow up you can be a music teacher too!
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
WE LOVE REFERRALS!
MARCH-MAY REFERRAL SPECIAL
Any referrals between March 1 and May 31 will have a chance to win "Wolfie" the stuffed wolf and a $500 gift card to visit Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.
