Category Archives: Music Lessons

Alexia Apablaza

NMA Welcomes New Violin and Piano Instructor

We are very excited to welcome new violin and piano instructor Alexia Apablaza to Nashville Music Academy. Originally from Chattanooga, Alexia is a talented musician with over 15 years of musical training as both a pianist and violinist. She currently studies music at Belmont University and has over 5 years of teaching experience. Her teaching style is centered on developing a passion for music and exploring different styles. Fundamental technique and theory are also a focus. While she is primarily classically trained, Alexia teaches many styles of music including Fiddle and Folk music, Pop, Rock, Blues, Ragtime, Gospel and Country. As a performer, Alexia has played in a number of ensembles including religious bands, the Chattanooga Youth Orchestra, the Orchestra at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Belmont University’s Chamber ensemble and several classical quartets. Apablaza believes that putting practice to performance is an essential skill for any musician. Alexia is also great at adapting to the learning style of any student in order to give them a personalized and well rounded musical education.

Gift Certificates for Music Lessons

Holiday Gift Certificates for Music Lessons

This time of year is a bright spot that happens every year when people purchase gift certificates from Nashville Music Academy for a spouse, grandchild, friend, parent… There’s always a story about why they are making the purchase. There is also never a shortage of excitement to present the gift certificate. We truly love these acts of giving a skill or experience versus something material. While both are important, there’s something beautiful about a gift that keeps on giving and music lessons are definitely that gift.

If you would like to purchase a gift certificate, they are available at this link. Once purchased, please email us at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org with the personalized information and you will receive your gift certificate for music lessons (any instrument, any age) within 24 hours.

Graham Northrop banjo teacher

NMA Welcomes New Banjo Instructor

Graham Northrop banjo teacher

Nashville Music Academy welcomes banjo, mandolin and guitar instructor to the staff. Graham has over 10 years of experience as a professional multi-instrumentalist. He has played banjo, guitar, dobro, and lap steel in several different bands since 2012. He graduated from Berklee College of Music summa cum laude in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Writing and Production. In person at our North Nashville location, and online lessons are available with Graham. Banjo lessons are available for any age or experience level. 

Learn more about Graham Northrop here.

Contact us today to book your lesson!

Summer Music Lessons in Nashville

Summer Music Lessons 

Summer Music Lessons in Nashville

School may be out, but the learning continues!

We have summer online and in-person music programs for students of any age or experience level. Music lessons are a great way to reinforce reading and math skills during a break. In home lessons are also available.

Pricing for all lessons and discount packages can be viewed here.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an appointment please email info@nashvillemusicacademy.org or call/text 615-521-1937. 

Drum teacher Ben Hans

Teacher Spotlight on Ben Hans, Drum Instructor

Ben Hans is a Nashville based musician and drum teacher. He has performed with many artists such as singer/composer and Grammy nominated artist Kip Winger, Eric Martin the voice of Mr. Big, Steve Brown, Todd Kerns (of Slash), in addition to Blues artists Altered Five, Jonny T-Bird and the MPs as well as Tallan Latz. Hans has also worked with Legendary Rudimentalists John S. Pratt, Dominick Cuccia and Mitch Markovich, as well as Percussionists Jim Sewrey, Jeff Salisbury, and Kaili Francisco.

As an author, Ben has released the amazon bestselling book “How to Play Drums in 14 Days” from Troy Nelson Music (https://a.co/d/d1s2cPj).  Ben is also a contributor, proofreader, freelance editor and session performer for Hal Leonard Publishing, with published works including: “Workin’ Drums – 50 Solos for Drum set,” “40 Intermediate Snare Drum Solos,” “Rudimental Solos for the Marching Snare Drummer,” “Modern School for Mallet Keyboard Instruments,” “Hal Leonard School for Snare Drum,” transcriptions of Ray Luzier’s “Double Bass Drum Techniques”, the compilation book “First 50 Solos You Should Play on Snare Drum,” as well as performing on and writing for the Hal Leonard DVD “Traditional Rudimental Drumming” by John S. Pratt.

Previous music instructor positions include the Milwaukee Area Technical College, the Wisconsin Lutheran College, the Wisconsin Academy of Music, SAE Institute – Nashville and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Ben is a Yamaha Performing Artist who also endorses Aquarian Drumheads, Mike Balter Mallets, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Tycoon Percussion and Impression Cymbals.  Ben is a member of ASCAP and John S. Pratt’s ‘International Association of Traditional Drummers’. Learn more about Ben at http://nashvillemusicacademy.org/instructors

 

 

Drum Lessons for Beginners

Portrait of small girl indoors at home, playing drums.

Drum lessons are a great option for the young beginner student. There are many benefits to music lessons for your child; it builds language skills, makes them academically stronger, teaches them discipline, and supports the healthy development of motor skills and muscle development! Learn more about the benefits of music lessons for your little one HERE.

Call us at 615-521-1937 to get your little musician started on their journey.

Presidential Musicians

As we all await the decision that will decide our next President, I pondered to myself… how many of our Presidents have been musically talented? Of course we all remembered Bill Clinton playing the saxophone on late night television, but there had to be others.

Interestingly enough, only 13 of our 45 Presidents have been able to play an instrument. The first was Thomas Jefferson, who played both cello and violin. Tyler and Lincoln both also played the violin. John Quincy Adams was the only woodwind player in the group. Flute was his instrument of choice. These were all common “parlor” instruments of the time.

As time wore on, the instruments changed. Chester Alan Arthur played the banjo, Roosevelt and Wilson were both competent singers, while Coolidge and Reagan both enjoyed playing the Harmonica. Truman was an accomplished pianist whereas Nixon was the lone accordion player in the group.

My favorite was Harding though. He was a true musical bi-partisan. As 29th president of the United States, he organized the Citizen’s Cornet Band, which would perform at both Republican and Democratic rallies. He once remarked that, “I played every instrument but the slide trombone and the E-flat cornet.”

Gov. Bill Clinton, sitting with the band, turns out an impressive version of "Heatrbreak Hotel" as Arsenio Hall gestures approvingly in the musical opening of "The Arsenio Hall Show" taping at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, June 3, 1992. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Sources: https://nafme.org/the-most-musical-united-states-presidents/

Gift Certificates

Nashville Music Academy gift certificates are the perfect way to give the gift that keeps on giving: music. NMA offers Skype lessons for long distance students, so those not located in Nashville are still able to receive lessons.

Our highly accomplished staff of instructors are among Nashville’s best. The staff consists of 17 skilled musicians, with lessons ranging from voice to strings, piano, drums, brass and more. With award winning drummers Phil Yochum and Ben Andrew, your student is guaranteed the best. Piano instructor Elliot McClain has a Master of Music degree, and is blind, with his lessons focusing on aural and improvisational skills. Shelly Blair, violin instructor, is a creative teacher who also works with our Valor after school music program. Our diverse staff will teach both music and life lessons.

Give the gift of music today with a Nashville Music Academy Gift Certificate.

piano lessons increase math skills

Piano Lessons Increase Math Skills

Research has shown that piano lessons increase math skills in children. This is often described at the “Mozart Effect”. The studies conducted around this subject noted that the benefits are seemingly isolated to spatial temporal reasoning. Spatial-temporal reasoning is the cognitive ability to picture a spatial pattern and understand how items or pieces can fit into that space. If you’re curious about what that term means in actuality, take this quick quiz.

While the Mozart Effect has been in debate since 1999, the concept is nothing new. As Pythagoras said, “There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.” As a pianist myself, I have long seen the benefits of music for my inductive reasoning. In my students, I’ve noticed that children who started making progress with their instrument were also starting to make progress in language and math as well. So does this prove that piano lessons increase math skills? Not conclusively, but there are some compelling facts getting us closer to understanding the connection. Watch the video below to learn more. To schedule a lesson, please click here.

Nashville Music Academy Youtube

Subscribe to the Nashville Music Academy Youtube Channel!

The Nashville Music Academy Youtube Channel has helpful tutorials and recital videos! Subscribe to our channel HERE and enter to win a $100 VISA gift card.  Currently featured on the channel are recital videos from our recent Fall Recital at The Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville. These videos feature performances from students of all ages and abilities. Our most inspirational moments are often the performances by students in our Special Needs Music Program. Have questions? Reach out by phone or email via our CONTACT page.

holiday gift certificates for music lessons

Holiday Gift Certificates for Music Lessons

Holiday Gift Certificates are a great way to give the everlasting gift of music. A Nashville Music Academy gift certificate is good for any music lesson that we offer. Your recipient can choose from guitar lessons, piano lessons, violin lessons, piano lessons, voice lessons, drum lessons, saxophone and woodwind lessons, and much more. There is also no expiration limit for our certificates and they can be transferred to anyone. Once you purchase a gift certificate, an associate will be in touch within the hour to help customize your certificate. Once they have all the information you would like included, a printable PDF of the certificate will be emailed to you, or to the recipient with a message of your choice included. There are no age limits for our music lessons and the certificate is also good for our special needs music programs as well. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 615-521-1937!

 

Click here to purchase a Gift Certificate now!

Reading Music

Reading Music: A Primer

Reading music is a goal of many students who come to Nashville Music Academy. Given my own struggles with sight reading as a young student, I always find this to be a valiant request. Learning to read music is like learning another language, and therefore comes with the benefits that you would expect from the latter. Adding to the challenge is the fact that each instrument has it’s own method for reading music. These include tablature for guitar, rhythmic notation for percussion, both bass and treble clef for piano, and the list goes on. Let’s discuss the challenges and benefits of reading music!

When I was first learning to play piano, it was by Suzuki method. Suzuki method is largely reliant on ear training. The student listens to a piece of music many times and watches the instructor perform it. Then with minimal assistance from the sheet music, the student attempts to play the song again, and again…. and again. When I enrolled in the music program at WVU, it was clear that I would have to become proficient at sight reading. It was a struggle. Of course I had been familiar with all the grade school techniques of memorizing the lines and spaces on the staff. We all know the old moniker Every Good Boy Does Fine. The challenge immediately became figuring out those notes while reading the rhythm and trying to keep up a decent tempo. Over time though, it became easier and today I am a decent accompanist.

Reading music is definitely like learning a foreign language. I would equate it to Russian, Chinese, or Arabic since it requires a new symbol charter. Like a new language, it opens you up to a whole new world. Like language, it has different dialects as well. Most are familiar with sheet music. The old familiar staff and notes sprawled out over many pages, marked with classical symbols for loud (f) and soft (p), staccato, slurs, ties, crescendos, etc. However, when I moved to Nashville I learned the “slang” of music known as charts. While some charts can be very complex, Nashville has it’s own language called the number system. This system uses numbers to represent chords, and various other markings to let you know how to emphasize certain parts of the  music. Yet again, I found myself speaking as  a “foreigner” and this time I had the privilege of being too formal.

Now I am able to navigate the formal and informal settings of music because I know how to read both sheet music and charts. Because piano was my first instrument, I can also read all the other forms of sheet music for the various other instruments. For this reason, many recommend starting with the piano. Reading music requires a patient student, but when it’s all said and done it’s definitely worth it. All of our instructors at NMA are proficient in both sight reading and ear training, and are literate in charts and score. To set up an appointment today, give us a call or text at 615-521-1937!

Author: Owner and Classical piano instructor/Tatia Rose

Tatia Rose Bio

guitar lessons, nashville music academy,

Guitar Lessons, Everything You Need to Get Started!

Guitar lessons are one of the most popular choices for beginning and adult students. It’s a very approachable and portable instrument, and can quickly become an accessory, depending on how much you like to play. There are just a few things to know if you are interested in taking guitar lessons at Nashville Music Academy; physical expectations, notation, type of guitar, and genre.

One thing all guitar players know, is that the instrument will physically change your fingertips. Callouses and tenderness are to be expected. For this reason, it is important to understand the commitment of practice and the pain (however so slight) it might cause, especially with very young students. The types of strings you choose for your guitar will also make a difference. Your instructor can guide you through all these decisions.

Unlike piano, guitar is notated with tablature. Tablature is a form of musical notation indicating instrument fingering rather than musical pitches. You can learn more about tablature HERE. If a guitar student is interested in crossing over to other instruments, such as voice or piano, it is important that they understand the sight-reading approach of tablature only applies to the guitar. Your guitar instructor can teach you the other methods if you plan on being a multi-instrumentalist!

Most folks know there are two types of guitar – electric or acoustic. The guitar lesson will vary depending on what type you choose. Acoustic is commonly associated with the genres of classical, bluegrass, country, Americana, singer-songwriter, and world music. Electric is often associated with Blues, Funk, Rock, and Punk. Both Pop and Jazz have crossover with both acoustic and electric. Knowing what kind of music you would like to learn will play a large role in which you choose.

At Nashville Music Academy, we have teachers that teach all styles, genres, and types of guitar lessons. Adam Korsvik, Rebecca Frazier, and Michaela Neller are all excellent teachers well versed and waiting to share their years of expertise with you. Call today, 615-521-1937 to set up an appointment.

Childhood development

Music and Childhood Development, Climb Every Mountain

Childhood development is the concern of every parent, and I am no exception. As a music teacher I am acutely aware of the advantages certain children are afforded when they are exposed to private tutoring, particularly music lessons. If are children are to, “Climb Every Mountain” as Julie Andrews sang, then we need to prepare them properly. Music lessons at an early age (as early as 2 -3 y/o) can give them cognitive and memory abilities that will give them an edge later in life.

There are several ways ways music lessons are a positive influence during childhood development. In an article on Bright Horizons, they list several of these:

“Music ignites all areas of child development: intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills.”

As a piano teacher, I have witnessed all of these benefits. The intuitive nature of musical intellect, the social relationship between the teacher and student, the emotional outlet and expression, practice and technique improving fine motor skills, expanded language through musical terms, and of course literacy (words and music have been partners forever). Most of my very youngest students are around the age of 3. Within 4 – 6 lessons, I’ve seen the aforementioned improvements in childhood development. Typically, it usually take 6 months before they are playing a song on their own, at age 3. So remember parents, if we are going to help them “Climb Every Mountain”, we have to start sooner than later.

About the author: Tatia Rose is the Director/Classical Piano Instructor at Nashville Music Academy.

guitar lessons, nashville music academy,

Guitar Lessons & Visually Impaired Students

Guitar lessons at Nashville Music Academy are available for all abilities. We have a long history in Nashville of making music lessons accessible for people with disabilities. In 2013 we received an award for Nashville Mayor Karl Dean for our outstanding work with special needs individuals. So what makes all of this possible?

The first thing to understand about people with “disabilities” is that they have other really special abilities and gifts that compensate for the challenges they face in their everyday lives. For example, visually impaired students often have an amazing aural (ear) ability that allows them to learn songs quickly by just listening. The ear becomes the eye, and guides the fingers along the ever constant guitar neck. We have had several visually impaired students experience success with guitar lessons at NMA for that reason.

In addition to the natural abilities of our students with special needs, our staff makes all the difference. An intuitive music teacher can coach any student to success by finding their strengths and building upon them. The rapport that’s developed between student and teacher largely determines success, second only to practice! If you know someone who could benefit from music lessons at Nashville Music Academy, please have them call 615-521-1937 today to set up an appointment.

Click HERE to learn about famous blind musicians!

learn to play any instrument

So you want to learn to play an instrument?

When one chooses to learn to play an instrument, several thoughts come to mind. Will I have time for this endeavor? How much will it cost? And how soon will I be able to play with ease? These are the most common questions we receive at Nashville Music Academy. First, congratulations if you have made the choice to start taking music lessons! Being able to play an instrument will bring hours of joy and comfort to your life. Now, let’s discuss further the FAQ’s of beginning music instruction.

Time. It’s a factor in everything we do, and now technology has made multi-tasking your busy life even more possible. This allows for other pursuits, like music lessons. Lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions with most students attending once a week. It is recommended that students come no less than bi-weekly. Practicing at home is the second part of the student’s time commitment. In the beginning, as little as 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Once the student becomes more advanced, sitting down for 30 minutes several times a week is recommended.

Cost. If you want to learn to play an instrument at Nashville Music Academy, it’s going to be affordable. We have always wanted our music programs accessible to many. The 30 minutes lessons are $30, 45 minute lessons are $40, and the hour is $55. We also offer a 5% discount if you purchase 4 music lessons in advance.

When does “learn to play”, turn into “I can play.”? This depends entirely on how much time you commit to practice. In most cases, with regular lessons and reasonably frequent practice, students can play through one or two pieces within a couple months. At NMA, we encourage our students to also participate in the annual Fall recital.

To learn more about us, follow us on Twitter.

stress relieving music lessons

The Stress Relieving Power of Making Music

Music has many stress relieving powers. It allows the mind to meditate on a melodic and rhythmic structure. This frees the mind from compulsive and repetitive thoughts. A recent article in Psych Central outlined some of the proven benefits of music and it’s stress relieving powers.

  • Music’s form and structure can bring order and security to disabled and distressed children. It also encourages coordination and communication.
  • Listening to music on headphones reduces stress and anxiety in hospital patients before/after surgery.
  • Music can help reduce both both chronic pain and post-operative pain.
  • Listening to music can relieve depression.
  • Making music can reduce burnout and improve mood among nursing students.

At Nashville Music Academy, we offer music instruction for many instruments (including singing) that are found to be soothing and therapeutic. Among these are acoustic guitar, piano, hand drums, chimes and bells, flute, voice lessons, and many more. Over the years we have had many adult professionals come for lessons to decrease the impact of high-stress jobs ranging from lawyers to heart surgeons. Music lessons are a great way to improve the quality of one’s life. Give us a call today and mention “stress relieving” to receive 10% off your first lesson.

Source: Psych Central

voice lessons nashville, voice lessons, sing like Adele

Sing like Adele: 4 tips to help you gain vocal power!

Power. That’s what EVERY singer wants. And you can achieve it to, but it takes confident control of the proper technique. After all, not everyone is born like Adele. And yes, sometimes people are “born with it.” However, that should not be a deterrent to the beginner. By mastering breathing, vocal chord anatomy and care, control of the diaphragm, and the proper formation of the mouth and tongue during singing, one can easily access their power with a reliable and familiar tool. This must be achieved before the confidence factor of an “Adele” can be born. Here are some simple things to remember. If you find these helpful, give us a call at 615-521-1937 to set up an appointment with one of our excellent vocal instructors (Janine Le Clair, Elise Hayes, or Michaela Neller).

  1. Hydration – The time to replenish is at least an hour before singing. Your tissue needs to be hydrated, not just the exterior surface of the throat.
  2. Breathing – Is all about the “passive” approach. You build room for air (Power) by extending the diaphragm and then use it to push air out during projection.
  3. Know your limits – Warm ups and scales should be practiced a capella on a regular basis. You have to know when you’re reaching (falsetto)and when you’re standing on solid ground (chest voice).
  4. Can you hear me now? – Think about all the different accents of the world! The importance of pronunciation and the role of the tongue in singing is VERY important. There are many different approaches to achieving the quality performance you want, but controlling the enunciation confidently meanwhile applying various facial muscular techniques to further emote in performance is a master’s tool.

Follow us on Facebook for more info on voice lessons and the instructors who offer them.

Adam Korsvik, Classic Rock, Nashville Music Academy, guitar lessons

Classic Rock: Learn How to Play Your Favorite Songs Quickly

As defined by Wikipedia, Classic Rock  “…is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on commercially successful hard rock popularized in the 1970s.” A fine list of examples can be found here.

There are a few basic “101 Playing Techniques” of that will surely impress your friends at the next Christmas Party (videos here > Instructional Videos ) but nothing advances your progress like taking lessons with an instructor at the Nashville Music Academy studio. Our guitar instructor, Adam Korsvik, specializes in both acoustic and electric Classic Rock styles and technique. Whether your flavor is Pink Floyd or Dylan, the basic chord structures and rhythms are easily mastered in the beginning stages of music lessons.

We also offer piano lessons in the Classic Rock style. These are available with Elise Hayes or Michaela Neller and include learning how to chart songs, write in the aforementioned style, and play in a rock ensemble. For both the guitar or piano, the instructors will provide you with sheet music. However, it is helpful to bring a sound recording of the song you would like to learn.

To conclude, I will leave it to the late, great Lou Reed… “One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you’re into jazz.

 

 

 

 

 

guitar lessons, nashville music academy,

The Guitar, a Historic American Instrument

The Guitar is undeniably one of the most recognizable instruments in American Music. Whether acoustic or electric, this instrument of West African origin, has become a defining element for Country, Blues, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, and more. As a resident of Nashville, I have been several times to the site of the Nashville residence of Jimmy Hendrix (now an empty overgrown lot about to become a parking lot). He said of Nashville, “That’s where I learned to play the guitar.” When Hendrix set his Stratocaster on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival, he explained it as an act of love. “You sacrifice the things you love,” he said. “I love my guitar”.

A days drive from Nashville is the music history rich city of Memphis, whose Rock fame is already known. The confluence of talent and history surrounding the guitar are breathtaking at the very least. From Dolly Parton to Jimmy Hendrix, this country has a diverse history with the instrument.

At Nashville Music Academy, we have instructors that represent every style of guitar, for both acoustic and electric. Adam Korsvik, Michaela Neller, and Rebecca Frazier offer a wide variety of styles and techniques. Their profiles can be viewed on the Music Instructor tab of the home page. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Slideshow/Source: Rolling Stone

Tatia Rose, piano lessons, Nashville Music Academy

Tatia Rose Employee Spotlight at Nashville Music Academy

Tatia Rose founded Nashville Music Academy in June of 2015, but it had previously thrived as Rose Music Group since 2006. Rose is not only the owner, but also a piano instructor at the academy. Her primary focus is Classical Performance and Music Theory and Composition. Rose also serves as director of the Special Needs Music Program at NMA.

Upon graduating from West Virginia University in 2003, Rose moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a songwriter and pianist and eventually left that pursuit to work from home as a teacher and entrepreneur. This arrangement worked well for a young working mother, but the business (much like the baby) refused to stop growing. Her entrepreneurial work began including more diverse projects that reconnected her with the Nashville artistic community. Under the banner of Rose Music Group, this included production of concerts, artist bookings, and talent management.

In 2015, the school and the entertainment agency (RMG) were separated, and Nashville Music Academy was created in the rebranding. Tatia Rose serves as President of both companies. She is a member of the Nashville Chapter of the Nashville Recording Academy, proud supporter of Autism Speaks and the Alzheimer’s Association, and received an award from Nashville Mayor Dean recently for her work with individuals with disabilities. Her executive experience also includes aggregate management.

Please check out our sister company Rose Music Group LLC.

drum lessons, nashville music academy

Drum Lessons Are Just The Beginning For One Student

Matt Love started taking drum lessons at Nashville Music Academy several years ago. His skill developed very quickly (as you can see from watching the video below). By creating a foundation of strong rhythm and sight-reading skills, Matt and his drum instructor (Chris Leidecher) were able to transition him into piano and violin lessons additionally and easily. In the 2016 recital, Matt performed all three instruments. Drum lessons are available Monday through Thursday 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 11:30 am to 3 pm. It is recommended that a student have a drum kit when beginning lessons.

Purchase Music Lessons as a Gift!

violin lessons nashville

Spotlight on Violin Lessons!

Violin lessons have long been the first instrument studied by many great performers. Elton John being one of those. What is it about this instrument that gives beginning musicians such an edge? It’s all about the ear. Learning the violin requires intonation, which is a very intuitive and self-sharpened skill where the ear is the only true measure of correctness. It also requires the mastery of emotion and performance technique, whereas other instruments strictly start off with technical and sight-reading components.

If you’re considering violin lessons for yourself or a child, we have two great violin instructors at Nashville Music Academy: Maria Kowalski and Lauren Douglas (see our instructor page for bio’s). Both have great experience teaching classical and fiddling styles. The violin and viola performances at the annual recital are always a crowd favorite. Often students start seeing beginning mastery of the instrument after six months.

Here are some interesting facts about the violin that you may not have known (compliments of sheetmusicplus.com):

  1. The modern violin has been around for roughly 500 years. It was said to have been designed in the 1500’s by Andrea Amati.
  2. Playing the violin burns approximately 170 calories per hour. Forget about your workout and start practicing harder!
  3. Violins are typically comprised of spruce or maple wood.
  4. Violins come in many different sizes. Typically, students will start learning violin at a young age with a 1/32 or 1/16 size violin. As the student ages they will graduate up to a full sized violin.
  5. Violins are very complex. Over 70 different pieces of wood are put together to form the modern violin.
  6. The word violin comes from the Medieval Latin word vitula, meaning stringed instrument;
  7. The world record in cycling backwards playing a violin is 60.45 kilometres in 5 hours 8 seconds.
  8. The most expensive violin in the world was made by Giuseppe Guarneri in 1741. This extravagant violin was appraised with a value of $18 million.
  9. Violin bows typically contain 150 to 200 hairs. They can be made up of  a variety of materials including nylon and horse hair.
  10. Violin strings were first made of sheep gut (commonly known as catgut), which was stretched, dried, and twisted. Other materials violin strings have been made out of include: solid steel, stranded steel, or various synthetic materials, wound with various metals, and sometimes plated with silver.

 

http://blog.sheetmusicplus.com/2013/06/12/10-interesting-facts-about-the-violin/

 

 

 

 

learn to play any instrument

Music Education and Child Development

Providing the highest echelon of music education is the goal at Nashville Music Academy. We strive to meet this goal because we know how important music lessons are in the lives of all our students, especially those from disadvantaged homes and others who must daily overcome physical and cognitive disabilities. As teachers, we have seen first-hand the benefits of music education in the form of self-confidence, reading and math ability, and social skills. The latter benefits are the cornerstones of every successful individual.

Northwestern University conducted a study where researchers “looked at the impact of music education on at-risk children’s nervous systems and found that music lessons could help them develop language and reading skills.” It was the first of it’s kind to document the positive influence of “after-school music education on the brains of disadvantaged children, as opposed to affluent children receiving private lessons.”

This is something that music educators have known for a long time. We see the growth of our students take place over a span of years; sometimes from Kindergarten to College. In the aforementioned study, “researchers from the Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern spent two summers with children in Los Angeles who were receiving music lessons through Harmony Project, a non-profit organization providing free music education to low-income students.” The first thing that the researchers discovered was that children’s brain activity only started to respond to music education after two years of lessons. (We have personally seen results sooner, often as soon as 8 months to a year). Once responses became able to be documented, the proof was clear. Music lessons increased children’s reading and math ability, and activated parts of the brain that could only be stimulated during the process of playing or reading music.

So what do we take away from all of this? The world is competitive. Our children need every advantage to seize upon opportunity. Music builds a foundation for success by accelerated the processes of reading and calculation, and also builds an intuitive nature necessary to becoming a beneficial member of society. We would love to help your child start this journey. Call us to make an appointment for any instrument and every age.

 

 

 

 

 

music therapy, nashville music academy

Alzheimers Patients Find Music Therapeutic

My father (pictured) passed away from Alzheimers Disease. It began when I was a young teenager still living at home, prepping for college while continuing my studies in classical piano performance. I would practice the upright piano and he would sit quietly in the other room. Most other times, he would pace nervously back and forth between the various rooms in our modest but aging house. It was an escape for both of us…

As an article from the Alzheimers Foundation so apltly pointed out,

“Music has power—especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. And it can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of the disease.

When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements.

This happens because rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses require little to no cognitive or mental processing. They are influenced by the motor center of the brain that responds directly to auditory rhythmic cues. A person’s ability to engage in music, particularly rhythm playing and singing, remains intact late into the disease process because, again, these activities do not mandate cognitive functioning for success.”

This is a detailed way of saying something very simple. Music is therapeutic. It heals things that are broken within us that we cannot see nor explain. Somehow, we are unlocked by harmony, melody, and rhythm. The vibration that creates sound, stirs something us in as well. As a music teacher and daughter of a parent with Alzheimers, I can tell you firsthand that I have seen the healing powers of music.

http://www.alzfdn.org/EducationandCare/musictherapy.html

piano lessons, nashville music academy, student story

Piano Lessons Open Doors! A Student Success Story

Piano lessons are the most popular choice for students when it comes time to choose an instrument to study. Perhaps it’s because of the familiarity, or the absolute joy that comes from sitting at the piano. Either way, the piano teachers are often the busiest at Nashville Music Academy.

When George came to the studio, he was looking for voice and piano lessons. He had heard about our work through the great folks at ARC (an adult resource for individuals with special needs that met at Vanderbilt). George had played the pipe organ his whole life, but wanted to improve his technique and perhaps find an advocate who could help him find work as a church organist again. He was assigned Tatia Rose for piano lessons and Janine Le Clair for voice lessons. Both teachers immediately fell in love with George, who was a funny and bright (and highly talented) individual with Autism.

As time went by, George eventually shared a secret with his piano teacher. He had been working on a complete Symphonic work for organ and had been using the theory he was learning at piano, to complete the score. He asked Ms. Rose if she would help him find a place to perform his work. In August of 2015, George did just that at Vine Street Baptist Church. This also led to George securing a job as an organist at a church in East Nashville.

All of this good news came from George’s choice to better himself with music lessons. The dedicated staff at Nashville Music Academy recognized his potential and gave him the encouragement and support he needed to achieve his goals. Here’s to the power of piano lessons, and of course… a great student.

 

 

 

 

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Like Beethoven, you can find the path to lifetime success via music.

Music is the Path to Lifetime Success

If any one individual could tell us about the lifetime success associated with music, it would be Beethoven. As a young pianist, I would listen to vinyl after vinyl of his magnificent symphonies. As a young college student, I would often use his quote “One must be a genius to understand genius.” I spent a long part of my career as an instructor and pianist as a fan of the composer dubbed “the first rock star.”

What is it about musicians (especially the prodigies) that creates an insatiable drive for success and recognition? I came across this amazing article by Flavorwire that allows a rare glimpse into the brain of 20 brilliant musicians. The article highlights the benefits of music as a catalyst for success that is fueled by creativity and self-confidence. These two traits allow us to be ourselves, but also to share our thoughts and ideas with others. Leadership demands that we be able execute the latter. The ability to do so is the number one corollary between every successful person. So dare to dream friends, and find success on your own terms while enjoying the benefit of music lessons in your home our at our studio located conveniently in downtown Nashville (Berry Hill Districit).

 

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The Benefit of Music Lessons for People with Special Needs

A personal letter from owner and piano instructor, Tatia Rose… As a music instructor, I have been working with people who have special needs (predominantly autism) for almost 10 years now. The most important thing I have learned is that music is indeed the universal language, even for those who are non-verbal. The connection between vibration and sound allows all of us (even those with severe disabilities), to participate and create in a method of expression.

In addition, the confidence that is born from self-expression, enhances the social interaction of people who have difficulty connecting with others. The recitals we have every year are a great example of this. A parent of one of my autistic students relayed a great story to me…

“I picked up John from school, and the teacher pulled me aside and said, “Who is this Tatia that he keeps talking about today. And he said something about playing for people.”

She relayed that I was his teacher, and he had just done a great job at his recital and was very proud of himself. The best part of this though, is that John was communicating. I consider him a prodigy given his aural and theory skills, but John lacks the ability to use words like you and I. Since starting piano lessons, John has started singing along with some of his songs, and he’s using clumps of words as opposed to sign language and out of context, one-word responses.

This is the power of music. It is healing, connecting, and divine. It enables us individually and collectively to do amazing things. If you or someone you know could benefit from music lessons, please contact us info@nashvillemusicacademy. If you would like to know more about autism or programs for individuals with special needs, please visit http://autismspeaks.org.

 

 

 

voice lessons nashville

Voice Lessons with Janine LeClair, a Teacher Spotlight

Looking for voice lessons? Janine Le Clair is one of Nashville’s best acting coaches and voice teachers. She played the leading-lady for international musicals and productions like The Sound of MusicThe Mystery of Edwin DroodThe Secret GardenBrighton Beach Memoirs, and Annie. LeClair also has extensive on-camera experience, and has been acting in network television commercials for financial institutions, home furnishings, restaurants and tourist destinations as far away as Australia.

Teaching under the same principles she was taught under (Stanislavski), LeClair also includes Uta Hagen and Meisner in her technique. Her personality is warm and inviting. This compliments her coaching style, which is patient, fun, and goal effective. She has been a music instructor at Nashville Music Academy (formerly Rose Music Group) for 10 years. Best-known for the results she achieves for both beginners and advanced students, LeClair provides a professional and experienced background enabling her to sculpt each lesson to the needs of the student. She is available (by appointment only) on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.

http://janineleclair.com

music therapy

Music Healing Our Mind and Bodies

Billy Joel on Music Healing

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from everyone loves music.”

Today’s research agrees with Billy Joel. The healing powers of music help us cope with pain, but also benefit our physical and mental health. Fortunately, music is a common thread in every human society.

Physically speaking, music has been shown to descrease pain, motivate athletic performance and endurance, improve sleep quality, decrease over-eating habits, and enhance blood vessel function.

In terms of mental improvement, music has been proven to reduce stress, enhance the meditative state, decrease the severity and frequency of the symptoms of depression, sharpen cognitive skills, and increase successful performance in stressful environments. The benefits of music are also seen in easing patient stress related to surgery and cancer therapy.

The healing power of music is a universal medicine, one which the whole world can partake. You can begin the path to a sounder mind and body today at Nashville Music Academy. We take appointments 6 days a week from 10 am til 8 pm (see weekend hours). It’s time to start taking your music vitamins Nashville!

References/fact-check found at  http://greatist.com.

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Get to Know Nashville Music Academy

Hello future students! This is an invitation to get to know our music school and music teachers! We offer music lessons for EVERY instrument and ANY age. We are also honored to serve the special needs community. We have students of every range of ability and disability, which is why Nashville Music Academy is a proud partner of http://autismspeaks.org. Most of our instructors have been with us for 7 or more years and have AT LEAST a Bachelor’s Degree in their area of teaching expertise. The studio, located in Berry Hill, is comfortable and laid back. There’s free Wi-Fi and a kid-friendly waiting area. We look forward to meeting you!