Come experience West Michigan’s largest music school for a day of fall fun at a Halloween themed musical event! Enjoy wicked good treats and student performances!
Win great door prizes, a free month of lessons, or even a guitar!
Try out an instrument in our Crazy Fun Instrument Classes! You could even meet your future music teacher!
This event is FREE and open to the public, so please stop by and be sure to bring a friend!
Schedule of Events
10:30 - Student Performance #1
11:00 - Crazy Fun with Strings Class
11:30 - Crazy Fun with Ukulele/Guitar Class
12:00 - Crazy Fun with Piano Class
12:30 - Student Performance #2
1:00 - Crazy Fun with Drums Class
1:30 - Crazy Fun with Voice Class
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR
LABOR DAY - Open
Monday, Sept. 2
THANKSGIVING BREAK
No Lessons
Tuesday, Nov. 26 - Saturday, Nov. 30
Lessons Resume Dec. 1
WINTER RECITALS
Friday, Dec. 6
Saturday, Dec. 7
Sunday, Dec. 8
Sunday, Dec. 15
WINTER BREAK
No Lessons
Monday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Jan. 3
Lessons Resume Jan. 4
SPRING BREAK
No Lessons
Sunday, Apr. 5 - Sunday, Apr. 12
Lessons Resume Apr. 13
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
STUDENT OF THE MONTH - Derrick
Derrick has been playing piano here at the Academy of Music for 3 years! His other interests include playing baseball and basketball and riding his bike. He has had many accomplishments during his time here, but his favorite was learning to play the theme song to Mission Impossible. His advice for other students learning to play an instrument is to "try hard and never give up!"
REFERRAL CONTEST
WIN 4 TICKETS TO SEE THE LION KING
Any referrals made between August 1 and October 31 will be entered to win 4 tickets to see the Lion King at GR Broadway.
Drawing November 1
Special thanks to the Davies, Singla, Verghese, Hart, Weidman, Ostrander, Smith, Lieuwen, Daniel and Scheppers families for their referrals!
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
Adelina K.
Advit K.
Ally M.
Charlotte D.
Emma S.
Frankie L.
Kathy K.
Kylie M.
Paulina M.
Sydney D.
Tom F.
Veronica V.
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
PIANO
Bertram - 2 SPOTS Tue
Betsy - 1 SPOT Fri
Carol - SOLD OUT
David Y - SOLD OUT
Janet - 4 SPOTS Tue, Thur
Joe - 1 SPOT Thur
Keith - 1 SPOT Mon
Susan - SOLD OUT
Tracy - 1 SPOT
Zach - 2 SPOTS Sat
VOICE
Bria - 1 SPOT Wed
Jon - SOLD OUT
Tanya - 4 SPOTS Sat, Sun
VOICE |PIANO
Annie - SOLD OUT
Chrisann - 4 SPOTS Sun, Mon, Wed
Elia - 4 SPOTS Tue, Wed
Elizabeth - 2 SPOTS Wed, Thu
Sandra - SOLD OUT
Sasha - SOLD OUT
VOICE | GUITAR | UKULELE
Ryan - 2 SPOTS Tue
STRINGS
Alex - 1 SPOT Wed
Anna - SOLD OUT
Anne Marie - SOLD OUT
Bea - 1 SPOT Mon
Marlae - 4 SPOTS Fri, Sat
Tina - 1 SPOT Sun
GUITAR | UKULELE
Josh - 2 SPOTS Sun
Adam - 1 SPOT Mon
Carsten - 5 SPOTS Mon, Wed - Fri
David R - 3 SPOTS Thu
GUITAR | DRUMS
Jared - SOLD OUT
Nathan - 2 SPOTS Mon, Sat
Mitch - 1 SPOT Wed
DRUMS
Aaron - 3 SPOTS Sun
Dan - 2 SPOTS Mon, Thu
Garrett - 1 SPOT Wed
West Michigan's Largest Music School
Contact Us
(616) 965 1655
info@academyofmusicgr.com
Follow us on social media!
NOW ENROLLING!
(616) 965 1655
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
FALL IS IN THE AIR
2019 FALL OPEN HOUSE
WINTER RECITAL FAQs
Q) How long are Academy recitals?
A) Our recitals are approximately 40-50 minutes in length and will run on the hour Friday/Saturday this year, and on the half-hour Sundays this year.
Q) Is there a participation fee or do we have to purchase tickets?
A) No. The Academy bi-annual recitals are completely free, and no tickets are required.
Q) Who may perform?
A) All Academy students of all levels are welcome to participate. Be sure to talk with your teacher now about participation!
Q) How do we schedule our recital time?
A) Recital sign-ups will be open on Tuesday, October 1. Watch for an email. Teacher availability will be available through the sign-up link; however, be sure to ask your teacher about their availability. New this year - All teachers have a recital card they can fill out for you that will indicate their availability. Students can pick them up during their lesson.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR
LABOR DAY - Open
Monday, Sept. 2
THANKSGIVING BREAK
No Lessons
Tuesday, Nov. 26 - Saturday, Nov. 30
Lessons Resume Dec. 1
WINTER RECITALS
Friday, Dec. 6
Saturday, Dec. 7
Sunday, Dec. 8
Sunday, Dec. 15
WINTER BREAK
No Lessons
Monday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Jan. 3
Lessons Resume Jan. 4
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
STUDENT OF THE MONTH - Lucy
Lucy plays piano and has been taking lessons here at the Academy for over 2 years! Outside of the Academy, she enjoys reading, running, listening to music, watching television and traveling. Her advice to other students is to always be determined, try new things and find joy in whatever you’re playing. “Practice does make perfect!”
REFERRAL CONTEST
WIN 4 TICKETS TO SEE THE LION KING
Any referrals made between August 1 and October 31 will be entered to win 4 tickets to see the Lion King at GR Broadway.
Drawing November 1
Special thanks to the Singla, Verghese, Hart, Weidman, Ostrander, Smith, Lieuwen, Daniel and Scheppers families for their referrals!
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
Ada V.
Addlyn N.
Adler D.
Andrew Y.
Anish V.
Ava W.
Avery D.
Balamitra N.
Ben K.
Brynn T.
Calvin G.
Carter L.
Celine D.
Chen D.
Cindy P.
Dennis D.
Dilynn B.
Disha S.
Eesha L.
Ena P.
Esther H.
Ethan K.
Grace L.
Harper D.
Ian G.
Isabel C.
Isabelle M.
Jack V.
Jacob S.
Jay S.
Joe K.
Julien P.
Kaelyn W.
Kaleb W.
Leah K.
Liam D.
Lilla H.
Lilly C.
Lindsey S.
Livia B.
Lucas W.
Lucy V.
Luke S.
Lyla P.
MaCallen R.
Maja V.
Mara H.
Marieka W.
Martin O.
Matthew L.
Morgana D.
Nathan D.
Navya U.
Nishtha L.
Nolan T.
Olivia T.
RJ L.
Rohan L.
Ross H.
Sam D.
Sophie H.
Swaraa B.
Ziana B.
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
PIANO
Bertram - 2 SPOTS Tue, Fri
Betsy - 2 SPOTS Thu, Fri
Carol - 1 SPOT Mon
David Y - SOLD OUT
Janet - 2 SPOTS Tue, Thu
Joe - 2 SPOTS Thu, Fri
Keith - SOLD OUT
Susan - SOLD OUT
Tracy - SOLD OUT
Zach - 1 SPOT Saturday
VOICE
Jon - 2 SPOTS Thu
Tanya - 2 SPOTS Sun
VOICE |PIANO
Annie - SOLD OUT
Chrisann - 1 SPOT Mon
Elia - 2 SPOTS Tue, Wed
Elizabeth - SOLD OUT
Sandra - 1 SPOT Wed
Sasha - SOLD OUT
VOICE | GUITAR | UKULELE
Ryan - 1 SPOT Wed
STRINGS
Alex - 1 SPOT Mon
Anna - SOLD OUT
Anne Marie - SOLD OUT
Bea - 1 SPOT Wed
Marlae - 1 SPOT Sat
Tina - SOLD OUT
GUITAR | UKULELE
Josh - 2 SPOTS Sun
Adam - 2 SPOTS Mon, Tue
Carsten - 2 SPOTS Wed, Thu
David R - 1 SPOT Thu
GUITAR | DRUMS
Jared - 1 SPOT Thu
Nathan - 2 SPOTS Mon
Mitch - SOLD OUT
DRUMS
Aaron - 2 SPOTS Sun
Dan - 2 SPOTS Mon, Thu
Garrett - SOLD OUT
West Michigan's Largest Music School
Contact Us
(616) 965 1655
info@academyofmusicgr.com
Follow us on social media!
NOW ENROLLING!
(616) 965 1655
AUGUST NEWSLETTER
It's back to school season!
BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
Still need to schedule music lessons? Missed our OPEN HOUSE? Lots of lessons spots were filled that day, but we're extending our Open House FREE REGISTRATION offer just for you! For best choice of lessons spots, give us a call or reply to this email TODAY!
CALENDAR
LABOR DAY - Open
Monday, Sept. 2
THANKSGIVING BREAK
No Lessons
Tuesday, Nov. 26 - Saturday, Nov. 30
Lessons Resume Dec. 1
WINTER RECITALS
Friday, Dec. 6
Saturday, Dec. 7
Sunday, Dec. 8
Sunday, Dec. 15
WINTER BREAK
No Lessons
Monday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Jan. 3
Lessons Resume Jan. 4
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - Isabelle
Isabelle plays piano and has been taking lessons here at the academy for almost 3 years! She says that one of the coolest things she has learned was the songDancing Queen.Some of her favorite bands/artists are Hillsong United and Beethoven. Outside of the academy, Isabelle enjoys tennis, biking, reading, and Chick-fil-A.
REFERRAL CONTEST
$500 WINNER
Congratulations to Grace R. for winning our summer referral contest! Grace won a Visa gift card for $500.
Thank you to everyone who referred new students to the academy!
WIN 4 TICKETS TO SEE THE LION KING
Any referrals made between August 1 and October 31 will be entered to win 4 tickets to see the Lion King at GR Broadway.
Drawing November 1
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
Ava T.
Cecilia G.
Celine D.
Daniel F.
Grace D.
Henry M.
Josiah K
Katie M.
Lucas G
Octavian H.
Ryan B.
Rylann P.
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
PIANO
Bertram - 2 SPOTS Tue, Fri
Betsy - 2 SPOTS Sat
Carol - 1 SPOT Mon, Tue
David Y - 1 SPOT Mon
Janet - 1 SPOT Wed, Sat
Joe - 2 SPOTS Thu
Keith - 1 SPOT Mon
Susan - SOLD OUT
Tracy - SOLD OUT
VOICE
Elizabeth - 1 SPOT Wed
Jon - 2 SPOTS Thu
Tanya - 2 SPOTS Sun, Wed
VOICE | PIANO | UKULELE
Sasha - SOLD OUT
Zach - SOLD OUT
VOICE | PIANO
Annie - SOLD OUT
Chrisann - 2 SPOTS Mon, Wed
Elia - 2 SPOTS Tue
Sandra - 2 SPOTS Mon
VOICE |GUITAR | UKULELE
Ryan Vegh - 1 SPOT Tue, Wed
STRINGS
Anna - SOLD OUT
Bea - 2 SPOTS Mon, Wed
Marlae - 2 SPOTS Sat
Tina - 2 SPOTS Sun
STRINGS | PIANO
Anne Marie - SOLD OUT
GUITAR
David S - 2 SPOTS Tue
Josh - 2 SPOTS Sun
GUITAR | UKULELE
Adam - 1 SPOT Tue, Wed
Carsten - 2 SPOTS Mon
David R - 2 SPOTS Thu
DRUMS
Aaron - 3 SPOTS Sun
Dan - 1 SPOT Mon, Tue, Thu
Garret - 1 SPOT Wed
DRUMS | GUITAR
Jared - 2 SPOTS Thu
Mitch - 2 SPOTS Wed
Nathan - 2 SPOTS Mon
West Michigan's Largest Music School
Contact Us
(616) 965 1655
info@academyofmusicgr.com
Follow us on social media!
Your generosity helped the Academy of Music raise $1500 for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Foundation.
"Thank you so much for another wonderful benefit concert! From the concert line up to the cute guitar pick necklaces, your fundraising ideas were thoughtfully presented. We appreciate the hard work and planning that goes into an event like this, but also appreciate that the Academy of Music cares about our family, and cystic fibrosis. We are grateful for the awareness that was made and the funds that were raised!"
The Townsend Family
Congratulations on the nuptials of two of the Academy's amazing teachers!
We are so excited for Ryan (pictured left) and Joe (right) to embark on these new chapters in their lives.
Student of the Month
Alondra C.
What is your instrument?
Piano
What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
Percussion
How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
4 years
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendez, Thomas Rhett
What are some of your hobbies besides music?
Reading and Marching Band
What is your favorite food?
Seafood
What is your favorite subject in school?
English and Science
What is your favorite animal?
DOGS!!!
Where would you most like to visit?
Europe
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
How to play really cool songs and seeing the progress I make when I learn new songs.
Do you have any advice for other music students?
Always remember the magic you are making that is music; That yes, sometimes it will be really hard but remember at the end when you are playing that there will always be a girl or boy that you inspired looking up to you
Musical Ladder Celebrations
Referral Special
Referrals made between February 1 - April 30th will be entered to win:
ALICE IN WONDERLAND GRAND RAPIDS BALLET PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 5 at 2pm
Four Tickets + Parking Space + $100 Dinner Gift Card
TOTAL VALUE $330.25
Drawing will be held May 1
To the following families for their referrals:
The Wang Family
The Dowling Family
The Brace 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
Bertram - 3 SPOTS Tues
Betsy - 1 SPOT Fri
Careta - SOLD OUT
Carol - 2 SPOTS Mon
Chrisann - 1 SPOT Mon
David Y - 1 SPOT Wed
Janet - 1 SPOT Sat
Joe - 2 SPOTS Thurs, Fri
Keith - SOLD OUT
Mary Beth - 1 SPOT Tues
Susan - SOLD OUT
Tracy - 1 SPOT Thurs, Fri
VOICE
Jon - SOLD OUT
Tanya - 2 SPOTS Fri, Sat, Sun
VOICE/PIANO/UKULELE
Corinne - 1 SPOT Fri
Sasha - SOLD OUT
VOICE/ PIANO
Annie - 1 SPOT Tues
Elia - SOLD OUT
Elizabeth - 1 SPOT Mon, Wed, Thurs
Sandra - 1 SPOT Sun, Mon, Thurs
VOICE/GUITAR/UKULELE
Ryan - SOLD OUT
STRINGS
Alex - 1 SPOT Sun, Mon
Anna - SOLD OUT
Bea - SOLD OUT
Marlae - 2 SPOTS Sat
Teresa - 2 SPOTS Sat
Tina - 1 SPOT Sun, Tues
STRINGS/ PIANO
Anne Marie - 1 SPOT Wed, Thurs
GUITAR/ UKULELE
Adam - 2 SPOTS Mon, Tues
Carsten- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed, Sat
David R- 2 SPOTS Sun
Edward - 3 SPOTS Sat
Evie - 1 SPOT Tues
Fred - 3 SPOTS Sat
DRUMS
Dan - 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
Garrett - SOLD OUT
Tim - 3 SPOTS Sat
DRUMS/ GUITAR
Jared - 2 SPOTS Thurs
Mitch - 1 SPOT Tues, Wed
Nathan - 2 SPOTS Sat
Looking for something fun and creative for the kids to do this summer?
BENEFITS OF SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
1. Daily lessons that will help your child learn faster and better.
2. A productive option to reduce screen time.
3. Fewer summer “ boredom” complaints.
4. An opportunity to explore an instrument before starting private lessons.
5. An opportunity to work with top-notch teachers who will make learning an instrument feel more like fun than practice.
6. Lessons in a safe environment with a trusted, local, family-friendly music school.
7. Increased interpersonal interactions with peers (instead of texting!).
8. Increased self-confidence.
9. Focus on creativity and expression.
10. A longer list of great summer memories.
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 lessons as well. Now my youngest daughter also takes piano lessons. We love Academy of Music!”
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
International Music World Takes Note of Academy of Music
Instructor and Student
This photo of Academy strings instructor Tina and her son Cameron clearly shows the joy and connection they share with music and playing the cello. Hearing their show stopping performances together on stage only increases one’s understanding of their unique gifts and love for music. After Cameron’s first amazing Academy recital cello performance at age 5, I approached Tina and suggested that that her son was a music prodigy. With the smile of both parental and teacher pride, her response revealed the excitement and enormity of the challenge - “It’s a lot of work to keep up with him!”
Tina has now been enjoying doing exactly that for 2 years...keeping up with Cameron, nurturing his love of music, intertwining the intricacies and demands of family life and music instruction, giving him the freedom to be a little boy while at the same time helping him develop his unique musical potential. Notably, she does so while juggling the many other roles she plays in this stage of her life, one of which includes teaching violin and cello at the Academy of Music! She’s the kind of teacher I work hard to find for our students – a kind and friendly personality with a university music degree, competitive performance experience, and a shared passion for quality music lessons. I count her among the more than 40 excellent Academy instructors who pour out their hearts and souls each week to inspire our students to dream, believe, and achieve. Cameron endorses his mother’s success as both a parent and teacher when he says that what he loves most about cello is “being with my mom and having cello time together with her. I also love playing for others.” His enthusiasm about music makes it easy to fall in love with this young performer both on and off stage.
It was in June 2018 when Cameron was just 6 years old that he participated in his first Carnegie Hall recital. The Academy of Music organized a recital with 36 performers, including Cameron, at Carnegie to help us celebrate 15 years of excellence offering music lessons in the Grand Rapids community. While enjoying NYC and the Carnegie experience, he and his mother noticed promotional material for the 2019 American Protege International Competition - Young Musicians Piano & Strings. It was an easy decision to accept that challenge, work hard, and begin hoping for the opportunity to return to Carnegie for the Winners Recital in the Spring of 2019. Their hard work the next six months paid off, and Cameron learned this month that he won the FIRST PLACE prize. Like a true performer, he can’t wait for that performance at Carnegie in New York City. And even though he is only a second grader, he knows that he wants to be a professional cellist someday. His dream is to be in a famous chamber music group, like a quartet, when he grows up!
The Academy heartily congratulates Tina and Cameron on their hard work and accomplishment! We’re proud to have them as part of the Academy of Music community, and wish them both continued success as Cameron follows his dreams.
by Barbara Hendricks, Director
BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!
We know you all are tired of the snow and ice! But...just in case... 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.
Musical Ladder Celebrations
REFERRAL SPECIAL
Any referrals made between February 1 - March 31st will be entered to win:
Four Tickets + Parking Space + Family Dinner Gift Card ($100)
ALICE IN WONDERLAND GRAND RAPIDS BALLET PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 5 at 2pm
TOTAL VALUE $330.25
DRAWING WILL BE HELD MAY 1
Congratulations to the Singla Family for winning our Winter Referral Raffle prize of $500 cash!
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
