New Year, New Vibes, and a New You with Music 2026 is here, and Scottsdale’s creative energy is louder than ever. The live shows, the jam nights, the up-and-coming local artists, it’s all happening around us. If you’ve ever thought about picking up a guitar, sitting behind a drum kit, or finally learning how to […]
🎶 Find Your Sound: 5 Ways to Make 2026 Your Most Musical Year Yet Read More »
As we roll into the final stretch of 2025, the Scottsdale Music Academy family is buzzing with energy, anticipation, and that unmistakable spark that comes when musicians are gearing up for something big. Last week, we talked about setting your musical goals for 2026, dreaming bigger, playing louder, and owning your unique sound. This week,
Turn It Up: How to Start Your Musical Year Strong with Scottsdale Music Academy Read More »
As the year draws to a close, the halls of our school buzz with an energy that only musicians truly understand. The nervous tuning of violins, the rhythmic tapping of drumsticks, the hush before a recital begins, these are the sounds of courage, growth, and joy. At SMA, this season isn’t just about performances. It’s
Music as a Gift: How Learning an Instrument Enriches Your Life Read More »
There’s a moment right before a performance, when your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and you swear the metronome in your mind is ticking louder than usual. Whether you’re sitting at the piano, gripping your guitar, taking a breath before your solo, or stepping up to sing, that moment defines courage. It’s raw,
Shine On Stage: Why Performing (Even in Small Settings) Builds Unshakable Confidence Read More »
The holidays are complicated. They’re full of family, reflection, and quiet moments where we inevitably ask ourselves: How much have I grown this year? For kids, growth is visible, new skills, taller heights, louder voices. For adults, growth is quieter. It’s more internal, and sometimes harder to measure. That’s where music comes in. Music isn’t
From Practice Room to Real Life: Life Lessons Music Teaches Us Read More »
Holidays have a way of slowing us down, whether we like it or not. We gather with family, pause from work, reflect on the year, and sit with the small (sometimes uncomfortable) spaces in between. And in those spaces, we’re asked to look inward. For families, it’s the recognition of growth, watching kids master a
The Role of Music in Building Patience and Gratitude Read More »
Ever watched someone play an instrument and thought, How do they remember all that?All the notes, all the chords, all the rhythms, it looks like magic. But here’s the truth: it’s not about superhuman memory.It’s about how you break it down. That’s where the Chunking Method comes in.  What Is Chunking? Chunking is a simple (but powerful) learning
The Secret to Learning Music Faster: The “Chunking” Method Read More »
At Scottsdale Music Academy, we love keeping up with our alumni and hearing how music continues to shape their lives. Recently, we caught up with Brett Striztch, a guitarist, songwriter, and member of the band Cuttlefish, to talk about his journey with music, his biggest inspirations, and where he’s headed next. When did you first
Student Spotlight Read More »
 If you’ve ever asked your child to practice piano, guitar, or any instrument, you probably know the struggle: they start out excited, but before long, practice can feel like a chore. The truth is, practice doesn’t have to be boring, it can actually be fun, motivating, and something they look forward to. Here are a
Keys to Making Practice Fun for Kids Read More »
How Music Lessons Help Shy Teens Come Out of Their Shell Let’s be real: being a teenager isn’t easy. Especially for kids who are more on the introverted or quiet side. Social scenes can feel overwhelming, and speaking up, let alone being seen, can be a serious challenge. But here’s the cool part: music can
From Quiet to Confident: Music Lessons In Scottsdale Read More »