Category Archives: special needs 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.

Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month at Nashville Music Academy

April is Autism Awareness Month. At Nashville Music Academy, we are an advocate and ally of the Autism community. Many of our students are affected by Autism. While the challenges of being on the spectrum are demanding, our autistic students show an aptitude and gift for music. We have committed to making the music education experience at NMA socially inclusive. This is our way of bringing awareness to other individuals who may not have experienced a person with Autism. Our annual recitals are an excellent example of the moving and inspirational musical moments that these children and adults provide.

Autism is a topic we as an American community need to address. One in 68 children have a place on the spectrum, with an increased incidence in male children (One in 42) – per CNN and their statistics from the CDC. There is no definitive cause or cure for Autism, which is what makes the diagnosis staggering for parents. However, organizations like Autism Speaks are doing great work in raising awareness and funds to get us closer to an understanding of how to combat this disorder.

In our experience here at the Academy, we have often noticed the beneficial effects of music lessons for individuals on the spectrum. These include increased vocabulary, emotional expression, and improved social skills. However, many of these children and adults come to us with very elevated skill levels in the area of music. It is not uncommon to find an Autistic student with perfect pitch, or an incredibly memorization ability. An excellent article which highlights the benefits of music lessons can be found here.

If you know someone with Autism who could benefit from music lessons, please have them call our director, Tatia Rose, at 615-521-1937. In addition to being a fundraiser for Autism Speaks, Ms. Rose has over a decade of experience as an educator with Autistic children and adults. During Autism Awareness Month we will offering a 5% discount on all lessons for special needs children and adults.