We are currently enrolling
students of all ages and skill levels for piano, guitar, percussion, bass,
saxophone, trumpet, trombone or voice lessons. What makes this instruction unique is our band
program.
Here is how it works:
1. In addition
to studying theory, classical repertoire and technique all students are
assigned a song. Because we want the lessons to be tailored to the students'
interests and goals, these songs are usually selected by students. In this
example, a student chose "Life Is A Highway " by Tom Cochrane:
2. Over the
course of a few weeks, each student works on the song with their
instructor. Please keep in mind that our goal at MMA is to provide each
student with a solid musical education. This band program is only available
if the student works on the additional assignments their instructor gives
them. For example, Georgia memorized all of the major & minor chords and
scales, performed several pieces by Debussy and Mozart and then worked on
Peter Frampton's "Do You Feel Like We Do". In this example you can see
Georgia playing the song:
3. The
students practice the song together by going to the monthly performance and
technique class. We will then videotape the performance and put it on the Maineville Music Academy website. We also use the monthly classes to
videotape individual performances. In this example Athena performed
"Fidelity" by Regina Spektor in front of 5 students. This helps students
deal with performance anxiety and prepares them for the recitals.
4. The students
then perform the song in one or all of the 4 recitals we have every
year. These performances usually take place at Putters Sports
Grill, local churches or summer festivals. In this example, the students performed "Soul
Man" by Sam & Dave at Hamilton Township Festival in Testerman Park:
5. The process
starts all over again. However, the song they select must be more
challenging or be a from a different genre (jazz, afro-cuban, punk rock,
reggae etc...). For example, the students chose "Freebird"
which was very difficult:
6. The
final step is going to a professional recording studio. This is
for intermediate to advanced students. In this example the
students recorded Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" at Ultrasuede Studios: