May Newsletter
In This Issue
-Guitar lessons or guitar hero?
-Student of the Month
-Teacher of the month
-Refer a friend/Get free lessons
-Is your teacher sold out?
Important Dates
-Current student priority pre-registration - April 28 – May 12
-Spring recitals, Oakville- June 10. Georgetown June 9
-Funfest – July 15. music competition, ask for details
-Summer camps – Throughout July
-Summer lesson series, rock band and glee - August
Guitar Lessons or Guitar Hero?
Ever since the rise of “Guitar Hero” interest for guitar lessons has exploded. Guitar Hero is a very popular video game that allows users to play their favourite rock songs in a fast paced game. I am certainly not going to complain about guitar lessons being more popular than ever. We are more than happy with the increase in guitar students at the school.
There is however; one potential issue with taking guitar lessons after the initial inspiration is created by the game. Actually playing the guitar is nothing like playing a video game. Video games by their very nature are designed to be easy. If they weren’t easy no one would make it past the first level. The game does give you the impression that you are playing the guitar because there are buttons on the neck and a switch that is supposed to represent guitar strings. You kind of strum it with your right hand and put your fingers on the buttons with your left. This is where the similarities end.
Playing the actual guitar requires the development of fine motor skills; this takes a lot more time than making it through a couple of levels in a video game. There are 6 strings and in between 20 and 24 frets on a real guitar. The only way to get the notes to sound good is to have your finger in exactly the right spot in the fret and to pick the right string at the right time. You can imagine how much more challenging it can be to get the fingering just right on a whole series of strings and frets, all at what could seem like lightning speed.
Unfortunately some student’s start their guitar lessons with an unrealistic idea of how long it will take to be able to play like their favourite guitarist. A few disillusioned months later they quit lessons thinking that guitar lessons are not for them. This is a sad situation and it’s one that can be avoided
When your kids are begging you for guitar lessons because they totally rock in Guitar Hero please take a moment and remember this article. They may have the potential to become great guitarists however; you should take the time to explain that learning the guitar is not like playing a video game. It requires patience, dedication, time, and tons of support. If the time comes and they don’t quite sound like Slash, or Angus Young don’t let them give up too easily. Learning how to play the guitar can be an incredible experience. I know from personal experience that the longer you play (learn) the better you get, the better you get the more you want to learn. There is no end to the rewards you can receive by making the guitar a regular part of your life
James Franczek
Student of the Month
Farrah Ross - Piano
1) What instrument do you play?
The Piano
2) Who is your favourite musical artist?
Adele is one of my favourites
3) Favourite Food?
Spaghetti
4) What are your other hobbies besides music?
Gymnastics and walking
5) Do you do any volunteer work?
I volunteer at the food bank |
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Teacher of the Month
Sandy Karpiuk– Kindergarten Dance
1) What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy the smiles and laughter of my 2 -5 year old dancers. Their brains are like little sponges and just knowing that they have absorbed a little bit of my knowledge and guidance is rewarding.
2) How do you inspire your students to practice more?
I'll be honest with you, at the age of 2, bribing my students with extra bonus points and Cinderella stickers works like a charm.
3) What do you feel the recital plays in the students development?
The recital is an opportunity to showcase the wonderful talent and energy my little dancers have. It brings the shy ones out of their shells.
4) If you could give a quick tip for dance students what would it be?
Feel free as the wind, and dance as if no one was watching you. |
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Is your teacher sold out?
Many teachers have sold out. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day, or time, please contact the office and we can add you to the waiting list. There are still limited lesson spots available. To enquire about openings for March or April send an email to info@academymusic.org or call the office.
Here's a partial list of who's currently full:
Ella Klis – Piano, Voice, Flute
Monday 4:30 – 8:00 pm FULL
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:30 pm FULL
Hillary Jamieson – Piano, Voice, Violin
Tuesday 2:30 – 8:30 pm FULL
Wednesday 3 – 8:00 pm FULL
James Franczek – Guitar, Fiddle
Monday 4:30 – 8:30 pm FULL
Tuesday 3:30 – 8:30 pm FULL
Wednesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm FULL
Alex Kirby – Drums
Monday 7:00 – 8:30 pm FULL
Tuesday 5:30 – 7:30 pm FULL
Thursday 4 – 7:30 pm FULL
Anne Marie Martins – Piano
Tuesday 4 – 7:30 pm FULL
Gail Stoneman – Violin, Viola
Wednesday 6 – 8 pm FULL
Thursday 6 – 8:30 pm FULL
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Ally Sereda – Piano, Voice
Saturday 9 am – 12:00 pm FULL
Clara Wu – Piano
Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 pm FULL
Saturday 11 am – 2:30 pm FULL
Rachel Bosveld – Piano
Monday 4:30 – 8 pm FULL
Ryan Dornan – Guitar
Monday 5:00 – 7:30 pm FULL
Maria Lesnniak – Piano
Wednesday 4:00 – 8:00 pm FULL
Thursday 5:00 – 8:30 pm FULL
Andrew Barbisan – Guitar
Wednesday 4:30 – 7:30 pm FULL
Jennifer Franczek – Piano, Voice
Saturday 10 am -12:30 pm FULL |
Refer a Friend & get a FREE lesson!
Do you have a friend that might like to take lessons? If you refer them to the Academy and they register for lessons we'll give you a lesson for free! It's very easy to refer someone. Just tell them how much you love your lessons and remind them to mention you when they register. There is no maximum to the amount of lessons that you can receive!
1) To redeem your free lesson, call the office and sign up for an additional lesson any day of the week, with your teacher or any of our other teachers. You are welcome to try another instrument if you like or give this to a friend. Lessons cannot be rescheduled once they have been booked with the office.
2) Certificates cannot be used as refunds to your account or as cash.
