Gift the gift of music this Holiday season with a Nashville Music Academy Gift Certificate. Gift certificates are good for online or in-person lessons for any age and ability. We offer lessons for every instrument, voice and songwriting. You can order a printable PDF here. There is no expiration date for our gift certificates. If you have any questions, please email us at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org. Happy Holidays!
Nashville Music Academy is pleased to welcome Kelsey Blackstone to the staff as a music instructor. Blackstone offers lessons for voice, piano, guitar and cello. She is a Berklee College of Music graduate with over 5 years of teaching experience, and is great with students of any age or ability. Blackstone is also an award winning songwriter and avid performer. Call/text us (615-521-1937) to set up a music lesson with Kelsey. Read her bio HERE
Nashville Music Academy is pleased to announce the addition of a new Guitar Instructor. Charles Fuertsch is available for guitar, voice and mandolin lessons. He specializes in all styles of American Roots Music including bluegrass, country, blues, classic rock and jazz. He is also a historian. Fuertsch is a graduate the Berklee College of Music. If you would like to book a lesson with Charles, please call or text 615-521-1937 or email us at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org. You can view his bio here: Guitar 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.
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.
“The Banjo Lesson” as painted by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1893. Oil on canvas, on exhibit at the Hampton University Museum in Hampton VA.
Tanner is an extraordinary legacy of Black History, as are his works. The Banjo depicted here, and played today, was introduced to America by enslaved Africans, where it soon became popularized here and in Europe.
Henry Ossawa Tanner painted “The Banjo Lesson” after spending some time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It had only been a mere 25 years prior that slavery had been abolished. Although Tanner was born in Pittsburgh at the time of “a burgeoning African-American intelligentsia”, his mother was born enslaved and escaped through the Underground Railroad to Pennsylvania. His father was a Methodist minister and an abolitionist.
The time that Tanner spent in Paris particularly intrigued me as a classical musician. It was there that he combined and refined the styles of American realism and European tradition into something of his own. There is a trait of Black Excellence to take something artful and expressive, and enhance it further. Tanner was a master of such traits, and his artwork and family history are valuable pieces of Black History.
Read more HERE
Otherwise known as the Black Mozart, the Chevalier St. Georges is an exceptional figure in the history of European Classical music. He was a contemporary of Mozart, and at a time when the Atlantic Slave Trade was raging, he offered a stark contrast of Black life. As a conductor he led an orchestra in Paris, was a virtuoso violinist, and a respected composer. I first became aware of Chevalier St Georges through Roy Wooten and his Black Mozart Ensemble which I STRONGLY recommend exploring and listening to.
Artist: “Saint-Georges with Violin, watercolor for AfriClassical”
© Copyright 2020 AfriClassical; Artist: Olesia Panaseiko
Gift Certificate are the gift that keeps giving. They are good for any age and every instrument (including voice and songwriting lessons). You don’t have to be in Nashville to enjoy the experience of learning music either! These gift certificates are good for online and in-person lessons. Within 24 hours of ordering, you will receive a PDF of the Gift Certificate to print and present, so these make an excellent last minute gift as well. Have questions? Email us at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org or click HERE to purchase.
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.”
Sources: https://nafme.org/the-most-musical-united-states-presidents/
Outdoor music lessons are a great solution for those ready to get back to in-person lessons, but still very cautious about Covid19. All lessons can be done outdoors. We are offering $5 off the first lesson so you can see if it’s for you!
Learn more about outdoor COVID-19 transmission.
Read up on our Back to School Special here!
This school year will present us with unprecedented challenges, and also opportunities. Our 2020 Nashville Music Academy Back To School Special recognizes that homeschooling and distance learning will be a big part of your scholar’s educational experience this Fall.
We are excited to welcome many new online students, and to say THANK YOU we are taking $5 off their first virtual lesson and shipping a FREE pack of music flashcards to assist with distance learning. Online lessons are available for any age and every instrument. Call or text today to set up your lesson or ask any questions: 615-521-1937.
Introducing Eilliot McClain!
Our newest piano instructor, Elliot McClain, has multiple piano awards, is a Belmont graduate, and is also blind. We are so excited to have his talents join us at NMA. Watch the video to learn more.
Such an inspiring day made possible by Make Music Nashville. Megan Lavell, a student with autism from Nashville Music Academy performed and then Jason Eskridge played and sang for the group which was comprised almost entirely of individuals with special needs. At the end we did a Q&A about how music helps people with special needs feel seen. It was beautiful.
Watch Jason’s performance below
The Nashville Music Academy is excited to announce a new partnership with the Nashville Arts Coalition! Nashville Arts Coalition is a group of individuals and organizations who advocate for public policy and public funding that supports a healthy arts ecology in Nashville.
NMA is looking forward to helping increase the advocacy for the arts in Nashville through this partnership!
Learn more about the Nashville Arts Coalition here
NMA is proud to welcome Elliott McClain to the staff. He specializes in session recording and live performance. Blind since birth, Elliott started playing the piano when he discovered a keyboard and has been known ever since for his exceptional aural and improvisational skills in diverse musical styles.
Elliott has a Master of Music degree in commercial piano performance from Belmont University. As a freshman at Belmont University, Elliott was awarded the Woods Piano Scholarship by Belmont University’s School of Music, a four-year scholarship awarded annually to one freshman entering Belmont as a piano major.
We are excited about the opportunity to diversify our staff and provide our students with disabilities the proof they can overcome their obstacles with music.
Rock The Walk is an annual fundraiser to bring awareness to Autism (April is Autism Awareness month) in our community and raise funds for Autism Speaks. This year’s performers are Shelly Fairchild, Kyshona Armstrong and Meg McCormic. Hosted by: Jason Eskridge
Buy tickets HERE.
Megan Lavell is 26. She has autism, has been taking piano lessons for 10 years and it shows. Her teacher, Tatia Rose, is the owner of Nashville Music Academy.
Click HERE to watch.
Gift Certificates are available for music lessons at Nashville Music Academy! They make a great gift for children or adults. They are easy to purchase, just click here. Just choose the 30 minute or 60 minute option and we will mail you a PDF. Certificates are valid for any instrument or voice lesson.
Guitar Instructor Adam Korsvik was recently interviewed by MONO and it just showcases what we already knew… he’s pretty awesome. Read the article here and then make an appointment today. He currently has availability on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays after 5 pm and on weekends. An appointment can be made by calling 615-521-1937 or emailing us at info@nashvillemusicaceemy.org. You can also make appointments with Adam online, here.
Back to School time is here again! Our schedule is picking up at Nashville Music Academy. We are currently booking the late August and early September schedule. The most popular times for back to school lessons during the week are between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. On the weekends Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons also book up fast. If you are interested in any of these times, please contact us at 615-521-1937 or email us at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org. Lessons can also be made online here: Schedule A Lesson!
Lessons for: Cello, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Violin, Banjo, Voice, Acting, Saxophone, Flute, Trumpet and More!!
Mentor Spotlight – By Tatia Rose (Director, Nashville Music Academy)
Hopefully, we all have that teacher, mentor or advisor who has shaped our lives for the better. For me, this was a fortunate collection of individuals who came in and out of my life over the years… my father who taught me to be curious about the truth, my mother who taught me to be kind (and was also my first piano teacher), and later in life business mentors who showed me the result of the audacity of believing in yourself. However, there was one person whose advice stood out above all others, and that was of my college advisor Dr. Crotti (WVU). He saw me struggling at a difficult crossroads in my life. I had just changed my major from Finance to Music, and mostly because I was lost in life in general. I was rebellious, and discipline was unfamiliar in my piano practice. At home, my father was in the final stages of Alzheimer’s and the man who was once my moral compass, was drifting away himself. Unlike some of my other instructors (who brushed me off as lacking the seriousness needed to succeed), Dr. Crotti pushed me hard to acknowledge the personal choices I was making and their impact on my life. For someone like him, a professor (Written Theory, my least favorite subject), to see something worth saving in me, turned the whole thing around. I think that’s one of the important roles of a mentor; to reflect your own potential. Today, I am the Director a nationally recognized academic institution. Dr. Crotti gave me the key to open these doors, and it’s such an honor to share this Mentor Spotlight about him today.
The Summer Violin Camp at Nashville Music Academy is now accepting registration. The beginner camp will meet from July 16th – 20th (minimum age of 5) and the intermediate/advanced group will meet from July 24th – 28th. This is an ensemble group and the participants will work on playing together and on solo performances. The fee for both programs is the same for beginners and advanced students, $249. All classes will take place at the NMA studio in Berry Hill from 10 am to noon. Students must bring their own instrument or rent one. We are able to make recommendations on renting an instrument. Groups will work on the following (scaled to their ability). Learn more about the instructor, Leandria Lott, HERE.
Research has shown that piano lessons increase math skills in children. This is often described at the “Mozart Effect”. The studies conducted around this subject noted that the benefits are seemingly isolated to spatial temporal reasoning. Spatial-temporal reasoning is the cognitive ability to picture a spatial pattern and understand how items or pieces can fit into that space. If you’re curious about what that term means in actuality, take this quick quiz.
While the Mozart Effect has been in debate since 1999, the concept is nothing new. As Pythagoras said, “There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres.” As a pianist myself, I have long seen the benefits of music for my inductive reasoning. In my students, I’ve noticed that children who started making progress with their instrument were also starting to make progress in language and math as well. So does this prove that piano lessons increase math skills? Not conclusively, but there are some compelling facts getting us closer to understanding the connection. Watch the video below to learn more. To schedule a lesson, please click here.
Small Business Saturday is right around the corner on November 25th! We have gift certificates available now, with the low price of $90 (three half hour music lessons of your choice). You can give the gift of music by clicking HERE. Payment is easy and convenient with a Visa or MasterCard. You can also give us a call at 615-521-1937 for more information. We offer music lessons for students of every age, ability and disability.
Trumpet lessons are available at Nashville Music Academy! Instructor Nick Haynes joined the staff a couple of weeks ago and we are delighted to have him onboard. He has years of teaching and touring experience and has played with renowned artists and bands like MercyMe, Tim Akers & The Smoking Section, and Denver & The Mile High Orchestra. This experience has definitely contributed to his teaching ability. Nick says about teaching, “I strive to push a student to the fullest potential that can be achieved in each and every lesson. In my own experiences as a player, I have developed the best by playing along side a player that is a strong player rather than playing only by myself.” By playing side by side in lessons , the student is able to check the progress made in personal practice each week. Every lesson includes work in the following areas: warm up, fundamental technique on air, finger dexterity and scales, performance technique, ear training, sight-reading, and repertoire. You can learn more about Nick on his website: nickhaynestrumpet.com
Pricing for trumpet lessons is as follows: half hour $30, forty-five minutes $40 and the hour at $55. We accept cash, check, Visa and MC. Students of all ages and abilities are welcome. If you need recommendations on renting a trumpet, please give us a call at 615-521-1937.
The first Nashville Music Academy after-school music program is up and running at Valor Collegiate Academy. Scholars are grouped based on interest and experience. These groups are comprised of Orchestral Ensemble, Singer-Songwriter, and Music Business. The program mixes both contemporary compositions and classical technique. Scholars also work towards a performance goal.
NMA instructors involved in the after-school music program are Director Tatia Rose, String Instructor Leandria Lott, and Singer-Songer coach/mentor Georgia English. The orchestral ensemble is a good place for the beginner to intermediate string, woodwind, or keyboard player. Vocalists and guitarists/keyboardists who are interested in writing music and performing contemporary music are recommended to the singer-songwriter program. Finally, those scholars interested in the basics of the Music Business (management, copyrighting, and touring) will enjoy the music business group, led by the music program administrator, Tatia Rose.
The music program meets from 1:45 until 3:45 pm. If you are interested in enrolling your scholar, please reach out to us at info@nashvillemusicacademy.org. Payment for the semester can also be found here.
NMA is honored to serve our active duty and retired military. In appreciation of your tremendous sacrifice to our country, we are offering a 5% military discount on music lessons. This discount is good for piano, drum, guitar, voice, violin, woodwind and cello lessons. It is also applicable to any length of lesson (30, 45, or 60 minutes). This discount also extends to the spouses and children of active duty personnel and veterans.
Besides enjoyment, many military personnel are finding health benefits in music lessons and music therapy, particularly in the treatment of PTSD. A recent article from NPR highlights these benefits and the popularity of the program, Guitars for Vets. You can read about it HERE.
Those eligible for the military discount can call or email us at any time and use the code “Military” to receive the discount. Lessons are available 7 days a week from 10 am until 8 pm. and there is parking onsite. The lesson rooms are private and suited for individual lessons. Beginners or advanced students welcome.
Cello teacher Hannah Koshgarian is a valuable addition to the Nashville Music Academy. She has an impressive educational background that begin at the University of Kansas, where she performed with the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra. Hannah transferred to Fort Hays State University in 2012, where she continued to study cello through private lessons, as well as performing with the Hays Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Hays Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra, and various musical and opera pit orchestras. Koshgarian was also the 2014-2015 recipient of the Edwin Moyers Orchestra Award, given each year to an exemplary string student. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology. Hannah currently plays with the Spring Hill Orchestra, various worship teams, and several recording artists throughout Nashville, while devoting time to being a cello teacher. Her students enjoy a wide variety of instruction in various genres ranging from classical to pop music.
Cello lessons with Hannah are available throughout on weekdays and on the weekend. To make an appointment with Hannah, give us a call at 615-521-1937 or make an appointment online here. Appointments with Hannah, our cello teacher, can be made under the selection “music instructor” at this link. If you are considering taking lessons, it is important to consider an instrument purchase. Cellos come in different sizes. Standard cellos are referred to as “4/4” and smaller cellos may be referred to in fractional sizes, such as 7/8, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10 and 1/16. Smaller cellos are the same as their full-sized counterpart, just scaled down for children. While it is a large instrument, the cello is relatively light weight, weighing only 5 – 7 lbs. Hannah is available to make recommendations about where to purchase or rent a cello.
Reading music is a goal of many students who come to Nashville Music Academy. Given my own struggles with sight reading as a young student, I always find this to be a valiant request. Learning to read music is like learning another language, and therefore comes with the benefits that you would expect from the latter. Adding to the challenge is the fact that each instrument has it’s own method for reading music. These include tablature for guitar, rhythmic notation for percussion, both bass and treble clef for piano, and the list goes on. Let’s discuss the challenges and benefits of reading music!
When I was first learning to play piano, it was by Suzuki method. Suzuki method is largely reliant on ear training. The student listens to a piece of music many times and watches the instructor perform it. Then with minimal assistance from the sheet music, the student attempts to play the song again, and again…. and again. When I enrolled in the music program at WVU, it was clear that I would have to become proficient at sight reading. It was a struggle. Of course I had been familiar with all the grade school techniques of memorizing the lines and spaces on the staff. We all know the old moniker Every Good Boy Does Fine. The challenge immediately became figuring out those notes while reading the rhythm and trying to keep up a decent tempo. Over time though, it became easier and today I am a decent accompanist.
Reading music is definitely like learning a foreign language. I would equate it to Russian, Chinese, or Arabic since it requires a new symbol charter. Like a new language, it opens you up to a whole new world. Like language, it has different dialects as well. Most are familiar with sheet music. The old familiar staff and notes sprawled out over many pages, marked with classical symbols for loud (f) and soft (p), staccato, slurs, ties, crescendos, etc. However, when I moved to Nashville I learned the “slang” of music known as charts. While some charts can be very complex, Nashville has it’s own language called the number system. This system uses numbers to represent chords, and various other markings to let you know how to emphasize certain parts of the music. Yet again, I found myself speaking as a “foreigner” and this time I had the privilege of being too formal.
Now I am able to navigate the formal and informal settings of music because I know how to read both sheet music and charts. Because piano was my first instrument, I can also read all the other forms of sheet music for the various other instruments. For this reason, many recommend starting with the piano. Reading music requires a patient student, but when it’s all said and done it’s definitely worth it. All of our instructors at NMA are proficient in both sight reading and ear training, and are literate in charts and score. To set up an appointment today, give us a call or text at 615-521-1937!
Author: Owner and Classical piano instructor/Tatia Rose
The job of being a music teacher is a wonderful one. Today I received a wonderful text from a parent (see attached photo). Not only was it accompanied by an illustration by my student Jack (who is 7 years old), it reflected what he thought about our piano lessons together. It’s a great honor to sit with a child (or adult) for an hour or more every week and help them learn how to play an instrument. As many a music teacher knows, music lessons are often more than just instruction. They are a time to listen, share, and be a friend.
This particular student of mine has been studying with me since he was 5. He is quite advanced now (not a surprise since both his parents are musicians). It is my joy to see him enthusiastic about music and the progress he has made. I have many students that I started with at Jack’s age and now graduating high school. While my tenure as a music teacher lends to the fact that I’m getting older, it is one of the most wonderful things about sharing the gift of music with others.
(Written by owner/piano instructor Tatia Rose)
It’s the first of the year, so we know what that means! New Years Resolution time! We often receive a lot of new requests for lessons at this time, and rightfully so. People are looking for a way to enrich their lives and expand their horizons. Music lessons are a great way to achieve that goal. Whether it’s conquering a life long goal of stage fright, picking back up with an instrument you haven’t played since childhood, or scratching something off your bucket list – we have all the ways to help you. Here are some things to keep in mind before sign up!
First, it’s very important to be prepared to fully commit to your new resolution! Practicing at home is crucial to your success. Also, owning or renting an instrument to practice on is a must. Our instructors are ready and willing to help you with that task. Second, it takes time to learn to play an instrument. Most students can expect to pick up the basics within a couple of months of weekly lessons. Mastery of an instrument can take years, so it depends on your goals. Make sure to communicate your goals with your instructor so that they can help you understand the length of time needed to accomplish your New Years Resolution!
If you would like to set up a lesson, visit our appointment scheduler today to see available appointments. Or call 615-521-1937. A representative will be in touch within 24 hours of your request.
Music and memory; a topic that interests parents, care-givers, physicians, and educators. You have probably seen the video of elderly dementia patients listening to music and traveling back in time mentally to a place they previously couldn’t remember. Several studies support that music and memory are connected, most notably the recent ones outlined in the article here that outline how music aids in learning language, repairing damaged brain, and activating the auditory, motor and emotional regions of the brain.
My father had Alzheimer’s Disease, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that there is a connection between memory and music. When I would go to his Alzheimer’s unit and play the piano or sing for him, he would draw closer to me. Sometimes he would even make eye contact and speak (this was in the later stages of his disease). The other residents on his floor would also come over and listen. They would appear more relaxed, and their anxiety would lessen whenever music was being played. Because of that experience, I have strongly campaigned for more music volunteers and listening programs for nursing homes and Alzheimer care units.
Music also assists with learning new languages. It is often found that when students sing the phrases they are trying to learn, their retention rate increases dramatically. This is because music activates parts of the brain known as the auditory cortices (on both sides of the brain). Listening involves the memory centers in the brain which assists with retention. When you incorporate a rhythmic movement, like tapping along with the music, your cerebellum becomes involved. All of this simultaneous action is excellent for the mind and it’s development.
Besides learning new languages, music can benefit many people suffering from brain injury. When neuroscience began mapping the brain while it was engaged in either listening or performing music, they discovered that music accesses and activates the systems of auditory perception, attention, memory, executive control, and motor control. It can drive complex patterns of interaction among them and repair damaged parts of the brain by increasing neuropathic activity. It’s kind of like a jump start for the damaged parts of the brain.
We have always enjoyed music, but now the benefits to music and memory are proving to be more than just enjoyable. Whether you want to give your child a leg up in math, science, or language; or you have a parent suffering from dementia, music can be a great gift.
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.
Childhood development is the concern of every parent, and I am no exception. As a music teacher I am acutely aware of the advantages certain children are afforded when they are exposed to private tutoring, particularly music lessons. If are children are to, “Climb Every Mountain” as Julie Andrews sang, then we need to prepare them properly. Music lessons at an early age (as early as 2 -3 y/o) can give them cognitive and memory abilities that will give them an edge later in life.
There are several ways ways music lessons are a positive influence during childhood development. In an article on Bright Horizons, they list several of these:
“Music ignites all areas of child development: intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills.”
As a piano teacher, I have witnessed all of these benefits. The intuitive nature of musical intellect, the social relationship between the teacher and student, the emotional outlet and expression, practice and technique improving fine motor skills, expanded language through musical terms, and of course literacy (words and music have been partners forever). Most of my very youngest students are around the age of 3. Within 4 – 6 lessons, I’ve seen the aforementioned improvements in childhood development. Typically, it usually take 6 months before they are playing a song on their own, at age 3. So remember parents, if we are going to help them “Climb Every Mountain”, we have to start sooner than later.
About the author: Tatia Rose is the Director/Classical Piano Instructor at Nashville Music Academy.
A guitar teacher is not an endangered species in Nashville. However, a great guitar teacher is definitely something a little more difficult to find. At Nashville Music Academy, we are very grateful to have several wonderful guitar instructors. One of them is Rebecca Frazier. Rebecca is great with beginners and advanced students, and has a remarkable career as a writer and performer. Frazier came to national attention in 2006 as the first female on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, and was later picked up by Compass Records for her flatpicking/songwriting solo showcase When We Fall (2013). The album received heavy airplay on SiriusXM Radio and peaked at #3 on the national Roots Music Report Chart. Other honors include Rebecca’s 2009 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year award for her work on the Daughters of Bluegrass’ Bluegrass Bouquet album. She also had a feature appearance singing “Keep on the Sunnyside” on Hank William’s biopic, 20th Century Fox The Last Ride movie soundtrack released by Curb Records in 2012.
While her primary focus is bluegrass (particularly flat-picking), she is also well versed in Pop, Country, and Americana. She is available for guitar lessons as well as mandolin and ukelele lessons. Rebecca teaches in both our Berry Hill location, and in East Nashville as well. To book a lesson with her, please give us a call at 615-521-1937.
Guitar lessons at Nashville Music Academy are available for all abilities. We have a long history in Nashville of making music lessons accessible for people with disabilities. In 2013 we received an award for Nashville Mayor Karl Dean for our outstanding work with special needs individuals. So what makes all of this possible?
The first thing to understand about people with “disabilities” is that they have other really special abilities and gifts that compensate for the challenges they face in their everyday lives. For example, visually impaired students often have an amazing aural (ear) ability that allows them to learn songs quickly by just listening. The ear becomes the eye, and guides the fingers along the ever constant guitar neck. We have had several visually impaired students experience success with guitar lessons at NMA for that reason.
In addition to the natural abilities of our students with special needs, our staff makes all the difference. An intuitive music teacher can coach any student to success by finding their strengths and building upon them. The rapport that’s developed between student and teacher largely determines success, second only to practice! If you know someone who could benefit from music lessons at Nashville Music Academy, please have them call 615-521-1937 today to set up an appointment.
Latin music is a large part of our American society. No more do we realize this than on Cinco De Mayo when our senses are flooded with the rhythms and instruments of our Latin American friends. Latin music combines the “musical traditions of Mexico, Central America, and the portions of South America and the Caribbean colonized by the Spanish and the Portuguese. These traditions reflect the distinctive mixtures of Native American, African, and European influences that have shifted throughout the region over time.”
Instruments indigenous to Latin American music are mostly stringed and woodwind instruments as well as percussion. These stringed instruments include guitar and guitar-like instruments, lute, mandolin, harp, and violin. As for the woodwind instruments, many of them are flutes. Most are single-pipe vertical flutes with “either whistle-type (e.g., the pincollos of the Inca) or end-notched (e.g., the Andean quena) mouthpieces. Whistles and ocarinas are also found throughout Latin America.” The percussion instruments are the prominent sound of Latin Music and include a rich history of use. These include “slit-drums, single-headed small drums, cup-shaped ceramic drums, double-headed drums (e.g., bombos), and a great variety of shaken rattles (maracas), scrapers, and stamping tubes.”
At Nashville Music Academy, we offer music lessons for genres, styles, and instruments specific to Latin American music. We have two instructors at NMA that have experience to help you reach your latin music performance goals. They are Chris Leidecher (percussion) and Michael Gutierrez (woodwinds). Guitar instructor Adam Korsvik is also available for Acoustic and Spanish Guitar instruction. Call today! 615-521-1937 to make an appointment.
Woodwind Teacher Michael Gutierrez has been teaching at Nashville Music Academy for over 5 years. He offers instruction for flute, clarinet, and saxophone. Originally from Peru, collectively he has over 20 years of performance and teaching experience with woodwinds including saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Studying under Belmont’s Associate Dean of Music Dr. Jeff Kirk, the Head of Jazz Studies at MTSU Don Aliquo, and University of Maryland’s Head of Jazz Studies Chris Vadala, Gutierrez developed a broad range of classical technique, jazz theory, and improvisational skills that make him the premier choice as a Nashville woodwind coach. He has performed and/or recorded with such artists and bands as 5-time Grammy winner Roy “Futureman” Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Steve Cropper, Black Mozart Ensemble, and the Nashville Symphony.
Micheael is available for daytime and weekend appointments. In-home lessons with our woodwind teacher are also available upon request. The hour lesson is $55, the 45 minute lesson is $40 and the half hour lesson is $30. We also offer a 5% discount when you purchase four or more lessons in a package. We accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. Our cancellation policy is 24 hours notice (or in any case of dangerous weather). Don’t wait! Learn to play today!
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.
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.
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.
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
Phil Yochum is our most tenured drum teacher at the Nashville Music Academy. He is also one of our best instructors. He is a graduate of Belmont University where he received a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Percussion. There he was exposed to different genres of commercial and classical music under the instruction of Brian Fullen, Chester Thompson, Todd London, Dr. Chris Norton and Derico Watson. In addition, Yochum has over ten years of teaching and studio/touring experience. He is also one of our most popular teachers for individuals with special needs and our students who are under the age of 5 because of his patience and intuitive teaching style.
He offers instruction for hand-drums, bells, xylophone, and many other percussion instruments. Mr. Yochum has availability for lessons on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (after 4 pm) and Monday through Thursday daytime (10 am to 1 pm). The drum studio at NMA is private and comes equipped with all the percussion instruments needed to make your lesson a success. Some of the most memorable performances at the recital have been given by our drum students. Call us today at 615-521-1937 to make an appointment. Lessons are only $30 for the half hour and $55 for the hour!
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).
Follow us on Facebook for more info on voice lessons and the instructors who offer them.
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 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
Tatia Rose founded Nashville Music Academy in June of 2015, but it had previously thrived as Rose Music Group since 2006. Rose is not only the owner, but also a piano instructor at the academy. Her primary focus is Classical Performance and Music Theory and Composition. Rose also serves as director of the Special Needs Music Program at NMA.
Upon graduating from West Virginia University in 2003, Rose moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a songwriter and pianist and eventually left that pursuit to work from home as a teacher and entrepreneur. This arrangement worked well for a young working mother, but the business (much like the baby) refused to stop growing. Her entrepreneurial work began including more diverse projects that reconnected her with the Nashville artistic community. Under the banner of Rose Music Group, this included production of concerts, artist bookings, and talent management.
In 2015, the school and the entertainment agency (RMG) were separated, and Nashville Music Academy was created in the rebranding. Tatia Rose serves as President of both companies. She is a member of the Nashville Chapter of the Nashville Recording Academy, proud supporter of Autism Speaks and the Alzheimer’s Association, and received an award from Nashville Mayor Dean recently for her work with individuals with disabilities. Her executive experience also includes aggregate management.
Please check out our sister company Rose Music Group LLC.
Matt Love started taking drum lessons at Nashville Music Academy several years ago. His skill developed very quickly (as you can see from watching the video below). By creating a foundation of strong rhythm and sight-reading skills, Matt and his drum instructor (Chris Leidecher) were able to transition him into piano and violin lessons additionally and easily. In the 2016 recital, Matt performed all three instruments. Drum lessons are available Monday through Thursday 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 11:30 am to 3 pm. It is recommended that a student have a drum kit when beginning lessons.
Violin lessons have long been the first instrument studied by many great performers. Elton John being one of those. What is it about this instrument that gives beginning musicians such an edge? It’s all about the ear. Learning the violin requires intonation, which is a very intuitive and self-sharpened skill where the ear is the only true measure of correctness. It also requires the mastery of emotion and performance technique, whereas other instruments strictly start off with technical and sight-reading components.
If you’re considering violin lessons for yourself or a child, we have two great violin instructors at Nashville Music Academy: Maria Kowalski and Lauren Douglas (see our instructor page for bio’s). Both have great experience teaching classical and fiddling styles. The violin and viola performances at the annual recital are always a crowd favorite. Often students start seeing beginning mastery of the instrument after six months.
Here are some interesting facts about the violin that you may not have known (compliments of sheetmusicplus.com):
http://blog.sheetmusicplus.com/2013/06/12/10-interesting-facts-about-the-violin/
Providing the highest echelon of music education is the goal at Nashville Music Academy. We strive to meet this goal because we know how important music lessons are in the lives of all our students, especially those from disadvantaged homes and others who must daily overcome physical and cognitive disabilities. As teachers, we have seen first-hand the benefits of music education in the form of self-confidence, reading and math ability, and social skills. The latter benefits are the cornerstones of every successful individual.
Northwestern University conducted a study where researchers “looked at the impact of music education on at-risk children’s nervous systems and found that music lessons could help them develop language and reading skills.” It was the first of it’s kind to document the positive influence of “after-school music education on the brains of disadvantaged children, as opposed to affluent children receiving private lessons.”
This is something that music educators have known for a long time. We see the growth of our students take place over a span of years; sometimes from Kindergarten to College. In the aforementioned study, “researchers from the Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern spent two summers with children in Los Angeles who were receiving music lessons through Harmony Project, a non-profit organization providing free music education to low-income students.” The first thing that the researchers discovered was that children’s brain activity only started to respond to music education after two years of lessons. (We have personally seen results sooner, often as soon as 8 months to a year). Once responses became able to be documented, the proof was clear. Music lessons increased children’s reading and math ability, and activated parts of the brain that could only be stimulated during the process of playing or reading music.
So what do we take away from all of this? The world is competitive. Our children need every advantage to seize upon opportunity. Music builds a foundation for success by accelerated the processes of reading and calculation, and also builds an intuitive nature necessary to becoming a beneficial member of society. We would love to help your child start this journey. Call us to make an appointment for any instrument and every age.
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.
Piano lessons are the most popular choice for students when it comes time to choose an instrument to study. Perhaps it’s because of the familiarity, or the absolute joy that comes from sitting at the piano. Either way, the piano teachers are often the busiest at Nashville Music Academy.
When George came to the studio, he was looking for voice and piano lessons. He had heard about our work through the great folks at ARC (an adult resource for individuals with special needs that met at Vanderbilt). George had played the pipe organ his whole life, but wanted to improve his technique and perhaps find an advocate who could help him find work as a church organist again. He was assigned Tatia Rose for piano lessons and Janine Le Clair for voice lessons. Both teachers immediately fell in love with George, who was a funny and bright (and highly talented) individual with Autism.
As time went by, George eventually shared a secret with his piano teacher. He had been working on a complete Symphonic work for organ and had been using the theory he was learning at piano, to complete the score. He asked Ms. Rose if she would help him find a place to perform his work. In August of 2015, George did just that at Vine Street Baptist Church. This also led to George securing a job as an organist at a church in East Nashville.
All of this good news came from George’s choice to better himself with music lessons. The dedicated staff at Nashville Music Academy recognized his potential and gave him the encouragement and support he needed to achieve his goals. Here’s to the power of piano lessons, and of course… a great student.
Follow Us on Twitter for more personal stories and updates about our students.
If any one individual could tell us about the lifetime success associated with music, it would be Beethoven. As a young pianist, I would listen to vinyl after vinyl of his magnificent symphonies. As a young college student, I would often use his quote “One must be a genius to understand genius.” I spent a long part of my career as an instructor and pianist as a fan of the composer dubbed “the first rock star.”
What is it about musicians (especially the prodigies) that creates an insatiable drive for success and recognition? I came across this amazing article by Flavorwire that allows a rare glimpse into the brain of 20 brilliant musicians. The article highlights the benefits of music as a catalyst for success that is fueled by creativity and self-confidence. These two traits allow us to be ourselves, but also to share our thoughts and ideas with others. Leadership demands that we be able execute the latter. The ability to do so is the number one corollary between every successful person. So dare to dream friends, and find success on your own terms while enjoying the benefit of music lessons in your home our at our studio located conveniently in downtown Nashville (Berry Hill Districit).
A personal letter from owner and piano instructor, Tatia Rose… As a music instructor, I have been working with people who have special needs (predominantly autism) for almost 10 years now. The most important thing I have learned is that music is indeed the universal language, even for those who are non-verbal. The connection between vibration and sound allows all of us (even those with severe disabilities), to participate and create in a method of expression.
In addition, the confidence that is born from self-expression, enhances the social interaction of people who have difficulty connecting with others. The recitals we have every year are a great example of this. A parent of one of my autistic students relayed a great story to me…
“I picked up John from school, and the teacher pulled me aside and said, “Who is this Tatia that he keeps talking about today. And he said something about playing for people.”
She relayed that I was his teacher, and he had just done a great job at his recital and was very proud of himself. The best part of this though, is that John was communicating. I consider him a prodigy given his aural and theory skills, but John lacks the ability to use words like you and I. Since starting piano lessons, John has started singing along with some of his songs, and he’s using clumps of words as opposed to sign language and out of context, one-word responses.
This is the power of music. It is healing, connecting, and divine. It enables us individually and collectively to do amazing things. If you or someone you know could benefit from music lessons, please contact us info@nashvillemusicacademy. If you would like to know more about autism or programs for individuals with special needs, please visit http://autismspeaks.org.
Looking for voice lessons? Janine Le Clair is one of Nashville’s best acting coaches and voice teachers. She played the leading-lady for international musicals and productions like The Sound of Music, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Secret Garden, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Annie. LeClair also has extensive on-camera experience, and has been acting in network television commercials for financial institutions, home furnishings, restaurants and tourist destinations as far away as Australia.
Teaching under the same principles she was taught under (Stanislavski), LeClair also includes Uta Hagen and Meisner in her technique. Her personality is warm and inviting. This compliments her coaching style, which is patient, fun, and goal effective. She has been a music instructor at Nashville Music Academy (formerly Rose Music Group) for 10 years. Best-known for the results she achieves for both beginners and advanced students, LeClair provides a professional and experienced background enabling her to sculpt each lesson to the needs of the student. She is available (by appointment only) on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
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.
Hello future students! This is an invitation to get to know our music school and music teachers! We offer music lessons for EVERY instrument and ANY age. We are also honored to serve the special needs community. We have students of every range of ability and disability, which is why Nashville Music Academy is a proud partner of http://autismspeaks.org. Most of our instructors have been with us for 7 or more years and have AT LEAST a Bachelor’s Degree in their area of teaching expertise. The studio, located in Berry Hill, is comfortable and laid back. There’s free Wi-Fi and a kid-friendly waiting area. We look forward to meeting you!
Being a part of the Nashville community as a premier music school is an honor. We get to work with so many great folks, like the guys and gals over at Cumulus station, NASH FM 103.3. Check out our “enhanced” radio spot! Also, check out our FB page for deals http://facebook.com/NashvilleMusicAcademy
