Category Archives: Adult Music Lessons

NMA Welcomes New Violin and Piano Instructor

February 9, 2024Adult Music Lessons, Music Lessons, nashville music academy, News, piano lessons nashville, special needs music lessons, Teacher Spotlight, violin lessons Nashville, violin teachers NashvilleNashville Music Lessons, piano instructor, piano lessons, piano teacher nashville, violin instructor, violin lessons, violin teacher nashvilleTatia Rose

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.

NMA Welcomes New Banjo Instructor

August 30, 2023Adult Music Lessons, Banjo Lessons, guitar lessons, Mandolin Lessons, music, music academy, Music Lessons, nashville music academy, Teacher Spotlightbrianneemmedia

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.

Presidential Musicians

November 4, 2020Adult Music Lessons, Instrument Spotlight, music, music academy, Music Lessons, nashville music academy, NewsTatia Rose

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/

Nashville Music Academy Featured on Undercover Celebrity Boss

June 14, 2018Adult Music Lessonsguitar lessons, jewel, nashville music academy, songwriting classes, undercover celebrity boss, voice lessonsTatia Rose

Nashville Music Academy was recently featured on Undercover Celebrity Boss. Jewel (yes, the Jewel) presented contestant Amanda E. with a scholarship to NMA for guitar lessons, voice lessons and songwriting classes. Amanda has been studying with NMA instructor Michaela Neller, who is also a well-known internationally touring Americana/Alt Country songstress herself. Our favorite thing about this is our students reaction. It’s great to know that our clients and students are excited to work with us.

If you are an amateur or professional musician looking to fine tune your vocal or instrumental ability, please give us a call. Appointments are taken 7 days a week and can be made online at HERE. In the meantime, please watch the video. We hope you enjoy as much as we do at Nashville Music Academy.

Serenade Your Valentines Day Sweetheart With Help From a Top Rated Vocal Coach

February 13, 2018Adult Music LessonsTatia Rose

Valentines Day is upon us and we are sure you have picked out a lovely gift for your sweetheart. But it’s not too soon to be thinking about next year. For example, if you started voice lessons this Spring, you would be able to pull off a phenomenal serenade by next year. Every year, many voice students come to us to prepare a special song for their wedding, proposal or special occasion. We know what it takes to build the confidence and the technique to make an unforgettable moment. Our voice lessons are taught by top rated vocal coaches with years of touring and stage experience. Any age or experience level is welcome. So what are you waiting for? Get more info today by calling 615-521-1937 and mentioned code SERENADE. You can also reach us HERE. And in case you were wondering if this is a good idea… check out this video.

Subscribe to the Nashville Music Academy Youtube Channel!

December 30, 2017Adult Music Lessons, autism and music, Music Lessons, nashville music academyautism music lessons, Nashville Music Academy Youtube, Nashville Music Lessons, win a gift cardTatia Rose

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.

NMA Director Tatia Rose, Receives The Louisa Nelson Award (2017)

October 4, 2017Adult Music Lessons, autism and music, autism music therapy, autism piano lessonsTatia Rose

The Louisa Nelson Award is a prestigious award given to three Nashville business women who exemplify service and community awareness. This year, NMA Director Tatia Rose was chosen as one of the winners. The awards are “In the spirit of their triple-great grandmother, who led the family whiskey business upon her husband’s death in 1891, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery leaders Andy & Charlie Nelson founded the Louisa Nelson Awards, to honor Nashville business women excelling in industry and serving the community.” Read more from the original article HERE.

The other nominees, Beverly Byram and Kenetha Carr, inspire future generations of Nashville women to #LeadLikeLouisa. We are honored to have one of our own in such illustrious company as the latter two ladies. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery made a donation of 1,000 to a charity of each ladies choice. Ms. Rose requested her donation be made to The National Museum of African American Music.

Her nomination came largely in recognition of her work with Autistic students at Nashville Music Academy. She has been teaching piano lessons to individuals with special needs for over 10 years. Rose also founded and trademarked Rock The Walk, a fundraising vehicle started to raise money for Walk Now For Autism.

Guitar Lessons, Everything You Need to Get Started!

September 20, 2016Adult Music Lessons, Instrument Spotlight, music, music academy, Music Lessons, Newsguitar lessons, guitar lessons nashville, nashville music academyTatia Rose

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.

Music Therapy and PTSD

April 3, 2016Adult Music Lessons, music academy, nashville music academy, Newsmusic lessons nashville, music therapyTatia Rose

Music Therapy is a different practice than music lessons, however the therapeutic qualities of music lessons cannot be denied. When I first began teaching, the studio offered free music lessons to the children of active duty military. I witnessed first-hand some of these parents struggling with PTSD. It affected their whole family. But I also saw how much the students brought joy to their parents when they would perform their songs, or conquer their fears and give a grand performance at the annual recital.

This I found interesting for many reasons, and apparently so did the US Military in 1945. At that time, the U.S. War Department issued Technical Bulletin 187, which introduced a program that used music for “reconditioning among service members convalescing in Army hospitals.” Today, these initiatives have been further expanded so that they range from a program for active duty airmen to “foster coping and stress management around deployment, to programs that center on the use of songwriting to address issues associated with symptoms of PTSD, to programs that address the needs of service members and veterans with polytrauma in rehabilitation.” Personally, I have had students that used the activity of playing an instrument to lesson anxiety, deal with insomnia, and also cope with the depression and isolation that PTSD produces.

Music Therapy has been proven, over many decades, to help those suffering from many maladies. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the therapeutic qualities of music lessons, please reach out for a personal consultation at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org.

Citations found HERE.

So you want to learn to play an instrument?

March 28, 2016Adult Music Lessons, music academy, Music Lessons, nashville music academy, NewsAdult Music Lessons, Music Lessons, nsahville music academyTatia Rose

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.

The Stress Relieving Power of Making Music

March 14, 2016Adult Music Lessons, Music Lessons, NewsAdult Music Lessons, nashville music academy, stress relievingTatia Rose

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

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

February 23, 2016Adult Music Lessons, Music Lessons, NewsAdele, Nashville, nashville music academy, voice lessons, voice lessons nashvilleTatia Rose

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).

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.
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.
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).
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.

Classic Rock: Learn How to Play Your Favorite Songs Quickly

February 13, 2016Adult Music Lessons, Music Lessons, NewsTatia Rose

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.”

The Guitar, a Historic American Instrument

February 13, 2016Adult Music Lessons, Instrument Spotlight, Music Lessons, NewsTatia Rose

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

Alzheimers Patients Find Music Therapeutic

January 12, 2016Adult Music Lessons, Music Lessons, News, Resources, Special NeedsAlzheimers, music and memory, Music Lessons, music therapy, nashville music academy, piano lessonsTatia Rose

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

Music Healing Our Mind and Bodies

December 10, 2015Adult Music Lessons, music academy, Music Lessons, nashville music academy, News, ResourcesAdult Music Lessons, drum lessons nashville, guitar lessons nashville, music and health, music lessons nashville, music school, music school nashville, nashville music academy, Nashville Music Lessons, piano lessons nashville, Special Needs Music Lessons, violin lessons nashvilleTatia Rose

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.