Grady has accepted an academic scholarship to study for a music major at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. He is also expecting to hear good news on a music scholarship at Belmont at the time of this writing.

This is very exciting news, as there are only a handful of U.S. colleges and universities that offer degree programs in contemporary music. Some of the best-known schools are Belmont, Berklee College of Music, USC Thornton School of Music and Frost School of Music at the Univ of Miami. And besides the acceptance levels being quite hard, these schools are quite expensive to apply and attend. Grady has interest in country music, so applying to Belmont in Nashville for scholarships seems a smart route.

To understand the difficulty of Grady’s quest to attend Belmont, consider this: Music performance majors first have to pass a musical audition. Fewer than 20% are accepted from the 2,000 students who audition annually for Belmont. That number includes ALL performance majors; classical music, jazz, musical theatre, voice, and contemporary music. Very few of the guitar players who audition are accepted as a performance major in contemporary music. It’s a testament to Grady’s talents, practice habits and musical knowledge that he passed the audition! He becomes one of a few students nationwide selected to be a music performance major in guitar in the contemporary music program! 

Background

To those of us in the SMA band coaching program who know Grady, this is a great step on the way to a music career! Grady started playing guitar when he was 7 years old in formal practice lessons. He comes from a very musical family, where it’s said that music is a family member, along with father, mother and siblings. Dad’s an audiophile, Mom organizes the very popular Rock the District competition her in the Valley, and both parents believe that music and arts are essential in education.

Grady is an example of an SMA student making the most of what his parents can provide for him in the way of lessons and teaching, and then using his drive, talents and determination to move forward to bigger and better musical opportunities in life!

If you’re ready to take your musical skills up a notch, contact us at Scottsdale Music Academy! You can sign up with our instructors to improve your talents on guitar, piano, bass or vocal lessons. Call us in Scottsdale, AZ on 602-751-3527 for a free lesson and intro tour. We’re Scottsdale’s leading music instruction academy in Scottsdale, between Scottsdale Road and Hayden Road.

# # #

John deserves the credit for not only providing an excellent music education, but for knowing how to keep Grady challenged.  The importance of mentors, coaches and teachers can not be overemphasized.  Grady is so fortunate to have found the right one!

John deserves the credit for not only providing an excellent music education, but for knowing how to keep Grady challenged.  The importance of mentors, coaches and teachers can not be overemphasized.  Grady is so fortunate to have found the right one!

But don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what Shane has to say about his lesson experience at Scottsdale Music Academy.

Not already a student? Click here to take a trial lesson on us!

What is Voice Vibrato?

So what exactly is voice vibrato? As the name implies, voice vibrato is a variation in pitch, resulting in an enhanced, fuller sound. More technically speaking, voice vibrato occurs when a singer quickly switches back and forth between two pitches. Oscillating the voice in this way adds expression to the song and is used primarily for musical effect.

How to Achieve Good Voice Vibrato

While vibrato is simple in theory, it’s easy to butcher if you don’t have adequate training and knowledge. In fact, there’s a fine balance when it comes to singing vibrato, meaning that it’s easy to have too much vibrato as well as not enough.

To achieve good voice vibrato, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

• You must open your throat, but keep your vocal cords closed…that’s because oscillation of the vocal cords is only achieved by a combination of the two occurring simultaneously. To open up your throat, mimic a yawn and tilt your head back while signing, thus enabling your throat to open up fully.
• Good vibrato is heavily tied to good posture and proper breathing.  Keeping a steady breath of air while singing vibrato is essential to prevent wobbling of the voice and to achieve the desired sound you’re looking for.
• Voice vibrato should always be subtle and used in moderation. Remember, vibrato is used to add flair to a song and as a stylistic tool. In other words, limit your use of vibrato. Save it for certain points of a song where you really want to kick up the drama, usually best reserved for the end of a phrase or moments of a song that need extra emphasis.

In summary, good vibrato is the result of a relaxed, open throat, optimal body support, and a consistent, even stream of air. Thus, learning good voice vibrato can not be achieved overnight. One has to master the basic elements of singing first in order to execute good vibrato.

For help learning essential singing techniques and developing your voice, Scottsdale Music Academy is here to help. With vocal instructors that are passionate about music and sharing their knowledge, there’s no better place to hone your craft. From voice vibrato to stage presence and show setup, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to make the most of your vocal talents and establish yourself as a true singer.

Call 602-751-3537 to get started with you singing lessons in Scottsdale, AZ today!

So, you think you know everything there is to know about music? You’re convinced you know your music facts inside and out? Well, think again, my friend! When it comes to the wondrous world of music, there’s more than meets the eye…or rather ear.

To help you fully appreciate the phenomenon that is music, we’ve compiled a list of the most awe-inspiring, astounding, and downright bizarre facts about music. Even the most seasoned pros and regular Phoenix music lessons attendees will walk away with some new music trivia after reading this list.

Without further ado, let us present the music lesson of all music lessons guaranteed to take your love of this art form to a whole new level…Scottsdale Music Academy’s very own version of Believe It or Not music facts for music fans!

Astonishing Music Fact #1: Music makes you happy.

If you’re a music fan like we are, you’re probably saying “duh” right now.  It’s no secret that music = happiness. But did you know there is actually a scientific reason why? The chills you get when you hear an Adele song on the radio go deeper than her heavenly voice or heartbreaking lyrics. Studies have shown that listening to music causes the brain to release a special feel-good chemical called dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure and euphoria. No wonder our students always leave their music lessons in Scottsdale with a smile on their faces! (Source)

Astonishing Music Fact #2: Music stimulates all areas of the brain.

Have you ever listened to a really dope song and felt pumped up, emotional, and creative all at once? That’s likely due to the fact that music activates all areas of the brain, including the networks responsible for emotions, creativity, and motor skills. Musicians have long-since known that music is a powerful medium…but now there’s actual proof to backup this popular belief. When it comes to unbelievable, but true music facts, this one takes the cake! (Source)

Astonishing Music Fact #3: Music lessons can have a positive impact on a child’s academic success.

Here’s yet another reason why children should take music lessons. Not only are music lessons a great way for children to express their creativity, build self-esteem, and learn self-discipline, they’re also linked to children’s long-term academic success. Music education is believed to have a positive impact on a child’s overall education and coursework, resulting in advanced reading skills, a large vocabulary, and the ability to work well with others. With both private and group music lessons, Scottsdale Music Academy can give your child the edge they need to excel in music…and life. (Source)

Astonishing Music Fact #4: Music can influence your heart.

Any teenage girl who has ever cried because she’s been so moved by a song knows that music can trigger an emotional response, but now scientists have proven that music can also impact you in physiologically ways, such as influencing your heart rate. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between a person’s heart rate and musical tempo, with up-tempo music causing the heart to beat faster and slow tempo music causing the heart to beat at a decreased rate. Essentially, music has the power to produce cardiovascular changes within a person, causing their heart rate to mirror the tempo of the music. Whoever said, “music is good for the soul” was spot on! (Source)

One Last Incredible, But True Music Fact

We hope that this list of music facts gives you a deeper appreciation of the remarkable power that music has on our bodies and minds.  It’s no wonder that man has been captivated by music from its very inception, and why music holds such a sacred place in our culture…we’re hardwired to love it! But no matter how many new scientific studies on music come out, remember the most important music fact of all: learning music with Scottsdale Music Academy is infinitely better than learning music on your own! See for yourself by signing up for music lessons in Scottsdale to conduct your own scientific study!

 We may specialize in music lessons, but Scottsdale Music Academy is all about music education of every kind.  At Scottsdale Music Academy, we’re all about music education and revealing the power and wonders of music!

The sun is out in full force, the AC is cranked to the max and the ringing of school bells has finally quieted. In other words, summer has officially begun!  If you’re like most people, this means long drives to the lake with the windows rolled down, plane rides here and there to destination spots, or lazy days of vacation bliss at home. But as amazing as summer vacations are, they often throw a wrench in the everyday practice routine of musicians. After all, lugging your guitar with you on your cross country road trip isn’t always feasible.

But, rest easy, fellow music lovers…you can still stay connected to your craft even without your instrument by your side. The next time you’re on vacation and forced to miss out on your regular guitar, keyboard or bass lessons in Scottsdale, hit the books instead!  The long car rides and boring plane rides inherent of summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to crack the spine of a book and catch up on some reading. Below we’ve highlighted some of the best books for musicians that will not only help you get your music fix in while on the go, they’ll give you a new outlook on your craft.

Happy reading!

1. This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession

by Daniel J. Levitin

For musicians looking to delve deeper into the hows and whys of music and emotions, this is the go-to book. Levitin examines the psyche and science behind music, exploring everything from musical preference to the basic ingredients needed for a hit song, all through the lens of the neurological workings of the brain. Whoever said science and art can’t coexist, clearly never read this book!

2. All You Need to Know About the Music Business

by Donald S. Passman

Passman’s book is considered to be a staple guide for aspiring musicians. Not only does Passman explain the ins-and-outs of the music industry, he does so with a humor that’s so original readers of the book will be both informed and entertained. After reading Passman’s book, you’ll have all the know-how to impress your instructor during your next vocal or bass lessons in Scottsdale and maybe even teach them a thing or two.

3. Do Not Sell At Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt For The World’s Rarest 78rpm Records

by Amanda Petrusich

Do Not Sell At Any Price will resonate with music lovers who appreciate the rich history of the music industry and like learning about the vintage recording formats of yesteryear.  In this book, author Amanda Petrusich investigates the world of 78rpm records that first became popular in the 1920s, and introduces us to the small group of vinyl record collectors who are working to preserve this forgotten, but important music artifact.

4. The History Of Rock ‘N’ Roll In Ten Songs

by Greil Marcus

There are plenty of good books on the history of rock ‘n’ roll, but none are quite as innovative and original as this one. For starters, this isn’t a chronicle or summary of the most iconic rock performers of all times; instead, it is an exploration of ten songs, their meaning, legacy and reinvention by various performers over time. Overall, Marcus’ book is a fascinating look into the complex inner workings of a song and all of the factors that contribute to its success or failure.

5. Chronicles: Volume One

by Bob Dylan

What better way to get to know a legendary singer-songwriter than through his own words and reflections on his rise to the top. With Chronicles: Volume One, you’ll get to know a whole new side of music icon Bob Dylan. Written by Dylan himself, this memoir not only offers insights into his musical stardom, it gives fans a look at the man behind  the music, and the personal experiences and events that have helped shaped him along the way.

Feeding your inner musician with these music-focused books will give you just the right amount of inspiration and creativity to hold you over until your next jam session during your guitar, keyboard or bass lessons in Scottsdale. Kick off your summer vacation with these books and we promise you won’t regret it!

So your child has expressed an interest in music – now what? If you think that enrolling them in a music program for kids is enough to help them succeed musically, you’re dead wrong. Whether you realize it or not, your child’s musical development begins and ends with you.

Numerous studies have shown that parental support and their long-term encouragement are crucial factors for success when it comes to children and music. As parents, you have a responsibility to not only allow your child to explore their creativity and interests, but to help them grow these skills and channel them into meaningful experiences.

So what can you do to help your child reach their full musical potential? A lot, actually! Supporting your child’s musical education and abilities is easier than you might think. Help guide your child into the magical world of music-making by following these simple tips, and then watch as their musical talents blossom before your eyes.

Tip 1: Invest in Private Music Lessons

Let’s face it. There are certain things a parent just can’t teach their child without outside help, and playing an instrument is likely one of those things. That’s where private music lessons come in! Private music lessons are a great way to ensure your child receives the one-on-one attention they need to develop their skills, no matter what level they’re at. Here at Scottsdale Music Academy, we offer private music lessons for a wide variety of instruments. Whether you’re looking for guitar lessons, drum lessons or keyboard lessons in Scottsdale, we do it all and we’re happy to help. Our music programs for kids are created to teach children how to play the guitar, piano, or other instrument at a pace that’s right for them while always making sure that the process is fun.  By signing your child up for private music lessons, you’re not only supporting their musical interests, you’re laying the foundation for musical success.

Tip 2: Attend Performances

One of the smallest actions you can take to show you support your child’s musical endeavors is to regularly attend their performances. Nothing means more to a child than to see their parents smiling proudly in the audience after a big performance. But showing your support doesn’t have to end there. For extra parental points, take your child to a concert by their favorite artist or musician to inspire them to dream big and practice hard.

Tip 3: Set Up a Routine

No matter how many guitar, drum, or bass lessons in Scottsdale your child takes, without regular and consistent practice, their skills will never improve. That’s why setting up a strict practice time is crucial to a child’s development as a musician. A regular practice time encourages your child to take their music seriously and helps them to view practice as part of their regular routine, not as a chore or punishment.

Tip 4: Show Interest

While sitting with your child through their keyboard, guitar or vocal lessons in Scottsdale might be one way to show you support them, you can show you’re interested in their musical hobby in other ways, such as by asking them regular questions about their music, rewarding them when they’ve mastered a difficult song, and encouraging them to hold impromptu concerts for family and friends. Knowing what piece your child is practicing, what issues they’re struggling with, and what skills they have left to master will go a long way toward ensuring they stick with music in the long run. If your child knows they have someone on their team rooting for them and celebrating their accomplishments, they’ll be more likely to tackle musical obstacles rather than give up.

Recap

Whether you’re a musician yourself or you can’t even carry a tune, your child’s musical development is heavily influenced by your actions and attitude. Don’t be the parent whose child quits music simply because you didn’t do your part to foster their musical talents. Who knows….with a little parental encouragement and support, your child could be the next big music superstar!

If you’ve ever dreamt of playing the guitar and rocking out in front of millions, you’re not alone. Guitars are one of the most popular instruments in the world and are loved by both young and old alike. Stars like Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, and Taylor Swift have all made their bread and butter thanks to this iconic instrument, and many more hope to follow in their footsteps.

Yet, in spite of their dreams, some people shy away from learning to play the guitar because they are wary of guitar lessons or have preconceived notions about the process. That’s where we come in. Here at Scottsdale Music Academy, we’ve mastered the art of guitar lessons and we’re happy to set the record straight and clear up some of the most common myths.

Separating Fact From Fiction

Myth 1: Guitar lessons can only be taught to young people.

This is completely false! Through our years of teaching guitar lessons in Scottsdale, we’ve learned that there is no ideal age for a guitar student. Whether you’re 15 or 50, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you have the drive and desire to learn. That’s how real guitar players are made…at any age.

Myth 2: Knowing how to read music is a prerequisite for guitar lessons.

Many people mistakenly assume that they must know how to read music before they can take a guitar lesson, but that’s simply not true. Although our skilled instructors can certainly teach a student to read music, their main priority is to teach the student to play the instrument. With our help, we guarantee you’ll be able to rock out, with or without knowing how to read music.

Myth 3: All students must learn to play on an acoustic guitar first.

When it comes to guitar lessons, there is no rule that says beginners must learn to play an acoustic guitar before transitioning to an electric one. In reality, you can choose to play on the guitar of your choice. In fact, some people find it easier to play an electric guitar over an acoustic one because acoustic guitars have heavier gauge strings and require more pressure when playing. We say choose whichever guitar makes you most excited!

Myth 4: A student has no say in what songs are taught during lessons.

At Scottsdale Music Academy, we believe that learning should be fun and we recognize that a big part of that depends heavily on song selection. That’s why we let our students pick what types of songs they want to learn. Whether you’re interested in jazz, blues, or pop, we’ve got you covered. Stick with us and you’ll be able to imitate the sounds of your favorite artists in no time.

Myth 5: Practicing long hours in between guitar lessons is mandatory.

While it’s true that practice is a necessary component of learning to play the guitar, it shouldn’t take up hours of your time. Actually, thirty minutes of practice a day is all that’s needed to bring out your inner guitar god. No matter if you’re a newbie or an old pro, the key to conquering guitar lessons is not the hours, but the effort.

Guitar Lessons in Scottsdale

Now that we’ve debunked the major myths about guitar lessons, there should be nothing holding you back from giving it a try. If you’re tired of playing air guitar and want to graduate to the real thing, give us a call at (602) 751-3537. Our guitar lessons in Scottsdale are taught by real musicians whose sole mission is to help you achieve your dreams, whatever they may be. With our help, you can finally become the guitar guru you’ve always dreamed of…no myth about it!

Top 10 Reasons Why Your Child Should Take Music Lessons at Scottsdale Music Academy

1- It’s Fun!!

There are many reasons to get your child involved in music at an early age but there is no better reason than allowing them to have FUN! At Scottsdale Music Academy, that is our #1 priority! It has been proven that playing music can promote stimulation to areas of the brain that promote increased joy and decreased stress. Whether you are learning to play guitar or starting off with voice lessons, SMA will make sure that having fun is mandatory!

2- Build Self Esteem

In addition to the morale that the student gains from working hard at a skill and succeeding, the positive individual attention given in one-on-one lessons fosters self-esteem and self-worth in the student by showing them that they are worthy of personal attention and that others believe in their success.

3 – Make Lifelong Friends

When you become a musician or a vocalist, you become a part of a bigger community. Not only is it fun to play music that you enjoy, but it feels awesome to join together with others to create a unified sound. Friendships and relationships are strengthened through common interests and artists typically find that their most meaningful relationships are found through those they meet through the sharing their art form. At Scottsdale Music Academy we take you from private music lessons into group lessons all the way to a band creation!

4 – Learn Self Discipline

Learning to play an instrument takes time and effort, which teaches patience and perseverance. Musicians have to work through difficult sections of music multiple times in a row before they can play it correctly. Practicing often and working through the tough times requires perseverance. The best musicians in the world are masters of discipline. Our instructors will take the time with each student individually to hone their skills to become the best of their chosen craft.

5 – Develop Creativity and Artistic Awareness

Music allows children to retain (and adults to rediscover) much of their open and creative outlook on life as other areas of education and society push them towards conformance. Scottsdale Music Academy wants you to be yourself and use your artistic gifts to do it!

6 – Increase your memory skills

Research has shown that both listening to music and playing a musical instrument stimulate your brain and can increase your memory. A study was done in which 22 children from ages 6-9 years old were given either singing lessons or keyboard lessons. A control group of 15 children received no music lessons at all. Both groups participated in the same preschool activities. The results showed that preschoolers who had weekly keyboard lessons improved their spatial-temporal skills 34 percent more than the other children. Not only that, but researchers said that the effect lasted long-term!!!

7 – Express Yourself!

Develop a new and deeply powerful medium of emotional education and expression through “playing” the emotions of the composers and creating pieces of the student’s own. When the student participates in the production of quality music and really understands and connects with it, the intellect and the emotion are profoundly stimulated and the student comes away from the experience with an enriched and more meaningful life.

8 – Our Amazing Instructors

The instructors at Scottsdale Music Academy understand that each student is different. Every student has a different background, a different skill set and a unique way of learning. We take the time with each individual to improve on their weaknesses and enhance their strengths with our one on one learning sessions. Each instructor at SMA has had real life experiences with music but has also been educated in the art of music and this helps relate to each one of our students.

9 – Build Character

Studies have shown that students who study music develop stronger moral character, are much more likely to score high in their classes and standardized tests, and much less likely to engage in substance abuse or criminal behavior.

10 – Self Expression!

Self-expression is the pinnacle of art. Every feeling in the emotional spectrum finds release in it. The single greatest skill you can develop as a musician is the ability to consistently create music that allows you to express yourself. Most musicians would agree that such a skill is the holy grail of true musical freedom. Learning to play an instrument can provide an outlet for your energy and emotions. Elements such as melody, dynamics (range of soft and loud), harmonic qualities, and tempo all serve as expressive tools. As we become more proficient in our playing, so too will we become better equipped to express ourselves through the music emanating from our fingertips. Self-expression helps shape our identity and individuality and contributes to our overall sense of well-being.

To learn more on how we can help you or your child improve their talent, click on this link: www.scottsdalemusicacademy.com

There are times when most practicing musicians at some point experience a feeling of being off course. Finding the motivation to practice can be tough, especially when there is not a clear path and motivation to stay on that path. I, as well as many other musicians that actively seek to grow as guitarists, have experienced this. Sometimes we are feeling as though we are not able to push forward or feeling uninspired, passionless or plain out bored! You can begin to doubt yourself and the passion you have for learning guitar. Having been through this I can say there is a light at the end of the tunnel! First knowing that you are not alone and second that getting through a time like this will come immense musical growth. Lets take a look at some relatively simple solutions for restoring your passion for guitar, so that you can begin to practice and play guitar with passion and purpose.  Keep in mind i refer to guitar in this blog because i am a guitarist.  However, these tips and ideas are for musicians in general and are definitely not instrument specific.:)

1) Let’s start with looking for the things that first inspired you to practice or play guitar to begin with. I know that for myself, watching some of my favorite guitar players perform is highly motivating for me. Soaking in the music and fire that comes from a guitarist that is in his/her moment of inspiration is extremely contagious. For me, watching my favorite guitarist would give me enough inspiration to practice for months. Their performances etched in my mind I would continually draw on it for inspiration. Find that player(s)whom you admire, and let their music and playing be the spark for reigniting the fire inside of you.

2) Make sure you set musical goals for yourself and that you have a clear path to achieve those goals. Having goals is essential to your progress and gives purpose to your practice. You wouldn’t take a cross-country trip without charting out your direction. If you did, you would very likely get lost, waste time and energy getting there and you are more likely to give up from your lack of direction. Take a look at your musical goals and ask yourself, are you practicing things that will bring you closer to what you want from guitar. Also, ask yourself “are my goals still relevant?” Over time you may need to adjust your goals or change them completely. As time goes on you may find you want something different than you originally set out to accomplish. Adjusting your goals is completely acceptable but be truthful with yourself. There is a difference between modifying a goal and simply giving up, you’ll know the difference.

3) Find an experienced music instructor that is a good fit for you. Great instructors are hard to find. This may be the biggest challenge you may possibly face but will pay off in spades when you find one. A good instructor should keep you focused and motivated and help you to refine your goals as you progress. A great guitar or music instructor will inspire you through times of frustration and give you the confidence to continue your quest of learning guitar. Great instructors will be interested in your advancement and growth as a musician and help you to see a clear path of how to get to where you want to be. *Beware of the burned out guitar instructor they will only add to your frustration.

4) Be sure to take time away from your instrument. Take time away! You may be asking yourself how is taking time away going to help motivate me to practice? I have found that if you are on a serious practice regiment you are likely to become so close to your playing that you do not notice your progress. Not being able to see your improvements will cause you to question you talents and become unfocused. This will eventually dampen your desire to practice. Scheduling a day every so often where you do not physically practice can be a good time for reflection on your playing and your evolution as a guitarist. For example, do you remember all the changes your face made as you grew from a young child? Every time you looked in the mirror did you see a significant difference in the way you looked? Of course not, change happens gradually. It is only those times that you step away or outside yourself for a moment that you notice growth or change.

5) Find other like-minded musicians to jam with. This will serve as a huge outlet for you. The feedback you are likely to get may surprise you, which will only deepen your aspiration for becoming a great guitar player and motivate you to practice. Playing with other musicians is the time you can begin to implement all the things you have been working so hard at. There has to be a means to an end with practice. What I mean is, you don’t practice just because. The time you put into practicing usually serves to accomplish a bigger goal e.g. play with other musicians, writing and playing your own music, recording your music. Jamming, writing and recording music are like the dessert of practice! So, be clear on why exactly you are practicing the long hours, so that you can more easily find the pay off.

If you are looking for that inspiration, fire and top-notch instruction click here to fill out this FREE lesson form or better yet, give Scottsdale Music Academy a call at 602-751-3537 to schedule your FREE no obligation guitar, bass, voice drum or keyboard lesson! You won’t regret it!

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Whew! What a whirlwind of a ride these last few months have been. I can hardly believe it’s already November, and we’re still in full swing. We’ve got our schedule filled with music lessons, student rock concerts, and even a FREE drum clinic with our drumming instructor Joe Costello. Be sure to check out the SMA Facebook Page for more details on that.

When the school year began, Scottsdale Music Academy partnered up with Horizon High School (alma mater of our very own John Davis! to spread the word about our instructors and latest music events. High school students, along with parents and younger grade school kids, make up a large portion of the SMA population. We really like to do our part to reach out to the community by being involved with local Scottsdale-based schools.

We’re really proud of the high school students who take music lessons or band coaching at SMA. You can see it in their eyes and feel it in the way they play or sing that they are SUPER PASSIONATE about music. One of our very own voice students, Kathryn Ziegner just got her first song on iTunes called “Ghost” She’s been taking singing lessons with SMA instructor Jen Durkin. After listening to the song, Jen suggested adding a minor chord in the verse, an idea that Kathryn started working on and incorporated into the final product.  Be sure to check out “Ghost” on Itunes. It’s an amazing tune!

Another group of SMA high school students we’re proud to boast about are Nick Debeurre, Katie Gibbs and Reid Lyscio Within three short months, this rockin’ trio became a band named Saving Suburbia (such a cool name!), booked their own gig, promoted it, created their own band logo, and even designed their merchandise! With this much drive and commitment, we’re bound to hear great things about them in the near future. Way to go, guys!

These are just a few examples of the high school students that take music lessons at Scottsdale Music Academy who really, truly love music. Believe me, they’re making the world a better place because of their love of music. With them it’s PURE FOCUS. They don’t do anything but live, eat, and breathe music. They’re fighting for spots to come down to the Academy and rehearse their newest solo. They’re always asking for band coaching and advice on how to write a better song or how to master a challenging chord. They have this constant, never-ending hunger for playing music with other people. And they’re constantly talking about it. You can just tell – music is their everything.

Does this sound like you or someone you know? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to try the drums or bass guitar, and you’re finally gathering up the courage to play? Whether you’re in high school, grade school, or the school of life, take a music lesson with one of our expert SMA music instructors. The first lesson is always FREE for new students. You’ve got nothing to lose! Who knows – maybe you’ll be the next student that we can’t help but brag about.

Call us at 602-751-3537 to schedule your lesson today!