Fall Semester Starts Soon
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 | news
We are rapidly approaching the end of summer and school will be back in session in two weeks - where did the time fly? Summer was a total blast at NMA this year - there were camps and puppies that came to class and new Early Ears groups and summer music fun, but what's next? Well...........
Have we got some news for you this year.
As you've probably already noticed, NMA now has an active website! Class and lesson information is available online, along with the ability to pay, view the calendar, correspond with instructors and more. We've spent the summer adding content and planning new programs for Fall 2019. And now here we are, almost there!
So what else is new?
- Regular guitar class is a thing of the past! We're absolutely still offering guitar lessons, but in a new Rock Band program - students will get to try out acoustic/electric/bass guitars, drums, keyboards and more! We talk about the "light up" effect a lot and it refers to that beautiful life-changing moment when you find something you love. Ms. Tanya has always had piano and Ms. Brittany feels that way about guitar but sometimes it takes a while for that affirming moment to happen. And thus, Rock Band has been born. There are different levels for different ages and ability and literally all instruments are welcome. If you're currently a private student and are interested in being a member of Rock Band 101 or 201, ask Ms. Tanya or Ms. Brittany for more information or check out the page here.
- The Cenla Youth Choir is officially starting up!!! This program has been a few years in the making and is one of NMA's largest goals. Choir is an excellent way to introduce children to music, build social skills, and is a great way for us all to give back to the community. Learn more and join now by clicking this link!
- Triple the amount of performance opportunities this year - we're adding more "coffee house" style nights in the recital hall and have some new venues around town.
- Fun "bring a friend" events and new incentives to play at home and gain more musical skills!
We hope you're ready, because we are! It's going to be the best year yet!
Dog Days at the Academy
Saturday, July 27, 2019 | just for fun
There was a VERY fun break at the Academy this afternoon. 2 (!!!!) doggos got to visit and were showered with laughter and love while all the people were showered with love and puppy licks. Finn (the goldendoodle in the top picture) even tried to play "Eye of the Tiger" on boomwhackers with all of us, but he's not the best at keeping a steady beat just yet. Maybe next year when he's a little older. Penelope (the malshi) couldn't quite fit a boomwhacker in her tiny little dog mouth, but we're going to try her on a bell kit at some point - the mallet is basically a stick!
It's Not Always Work!
Thursday, July 25, 2019 | just for fun
Many people can tell you absolute horror stories of being forced to practice and hating music lessons - and that's clearly no good for anyone, right? The young student eventually grows up and may have a real distaste for playing music. Maybe they feel like a failure because they gave it up. (Maybe their parents or teachers feel like failures too.) Ever heard a version of this story? We firmly believe that music should never feel like that. It should be fun, memorable, enjoyable, life-changing, and self-affirming. It should lead to better things in people's lives like the ability to feel empathy, a future career, or learning how to be a member of a team. We can't promise that every lesson will be a mind-blowing experience or that they'll go on to sell out huge arenas - but we absolutely can promise to produce future music makers who care about music, education, and the people around them.
