Many musicians like to define themselves in specific ways, often proudly claiming that they “play by ear.” While this phrase is commonly used, I’ve noticed it can sometimes be a defensive way of saying, “I don’t read music.” But it’s important to recognize that all musicians—whether they read music or not—must use their ears. Music […]
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Teacher Spotlight
At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we’re proud to offer comprehensive guitar instruction for students of all skill levels—from beginners picking up their first instrument to advanced players preparing for college auditions or public performance. Our instructors bring a wide range of musical backgrounds and specialties, including Jazz, Classical, Rock, Blues, Pop, Latin, and Country guitar […]
10 Commandments of Guitar Playing
In 1976, guitarist Moris Tepper joined Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band and became part of an era rich with musical experimentation and boundary-pushing artistry. During this time, Tepper received what would become one of the most iconic pieces of offbeat musical advice in rock history: “The Ten Commandments of Guitar Playing,” written by Don Van Vliet—better […]
Considering compensation for twelve string guitars
So, do you calibrate a twelve string guitar or not? It is a common question and a very valid one. With fretted instruments we are always battling the limitations of the equal tempered scale. I’ve discussed in previous posts how intonation and calibration works. Basically, frets are placed at a place where a mathematical compromise […]
Ben Steel at Marge’s Bar & Grill in Grosse Pointe Park
Ben Steel and His Bare Hands: January Performance Recap & Upcoming AppearancesSubmitted by John Denomme Ben Steel and His Bare Hands returned to Marge’s Bar & Grill in Grosse Pointe Park on Sunday, January 15th, for their regular monthly engagement. The band performed from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and with the following Monday being MLK […]
Who came up with the blues?
Blues music is unique in that it blends the structure of classical harmony with the expressive, raw tonality of altered melodic scales. Unlike traditional major or minor scales—where the harmony is built directly from the notes of the scale—the blues melody often includes variable third, sixth, and seventh degrees that bend between major and minor. […]
Meet Our Music Together Teachers
Meet Our Music Together TeachersBy Sarah Boyd, Director – Music Together of Grosse Pointe At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we are proud to offer the internationally recognized Music Together® program led by highly qualified and passionate instructors. All of our teachers undergo comprehensive Music Together training and bring with them a wealth of musical experience, […]
The Value of a Great Music Teacher
When you sign up for music lessons at Grosse Pointe Music Academy, you’ll receive more than just quality information—you’ll gain access to dedicated educators with formal university training in music. Our instructors are not only knowledgeable, but committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date instruction available. However, while information is important, it’s not the […]
Meet our Music Together Director!
It seems kind of funny to write a blog about myself, but I hope to share my passion and commitment to the Music Together program through what I write. I can remember making music as early as 3 years old, practicing my Suzuki violin lessons while my mom accompanied me on piano. Making music was […]
A MUSICAL CHEST OF DRAWERS
As a teacher myself, I relish those opportunities to talk with parents about what they see to be happening musically in their children. I have a fantastic class where most of the families have been attending the program since we began, for 5 consecutive semesters now. The growth I’ve seen in those continuing children and […]
What’s the buzz?
A guitar can buzz or rattle for many reasons. A large number of repairs that come into my shop are due to complaints of buzzing or rattling when the instrument is played. When these kinds of complaints arise, I like to have the musician play for me and show me what they are hearing themselves […]
MUSIC TOGETHER WELCOMES YOU!
Happy New Year from Grosse Pointe Music Academy!By Sarah Boyd, Director of Music Together As we welcome 2012, I’m thrilled to share that the Music Together program at Grosse Pointe Music Academy is continuing to grow and thrive! In 2011, we expanded from just one class a week in 2010 to seven weekly classes. Last […]
Understanding Intervals on Guitar
It’s common for beginning guitar players to start with a basic chord chart, focusing on essential open-position chords that span 4, 5, or 6 strings. While this is a great entry point into playing, what’s often overlooked is the study of intervals—specifically simple melodic intervals on a single string and harmonic intervals on two adjacent […]
Happy New Year 2012
As we welcome 2012, many of us are taking this opportunity to reflect and reset. The new year often brings a fresh sense of purpose—whether it’s spending more time with family, improving health, reducing stress, or pursuing personal passions. One resolution we frequently hear is the desire to learn a musical instrument or to dedicate […]
Drummers: The Unsung Athletes of the Music World
Drummers: The Unsung Athletes of the Music WorldBy Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff It’s easy to associate rock musicians with the late nights and high-energy shows, but few people realize the extraordinary physical demands placed on drummers in particular. A recent long-term study has shown that professional drummers operate at fitness levels comparable to elite […]
Matt Watroba and Robert Jones Performing in Grosse Pointe
Modern Folk and Acoustic Blues Concert at Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church The Outreach Committee of Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church is proud to host an evening of modern folk and acoustic blues featuring Matt Watroba and Robert Jones on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 16th at 7:00 PM. The church’s chapel offers an ideal setting […]
Ukulele Christmas
Guitar Players, Piano Players, Violin players, and all instrumentalists have enjoyed picking up the Ukulele and learning to strum simple chord accompaniments. Relatively speaking, Ukulele is an easy instrument with only 4 strings. Everybody thinks that the ukulele came from Hawaii. Well, while it’s true that the word ukulele is a Hawaiian word (it means, […]
The Victory Song of the Detroit Lions
When the Detroit Lions storm the field and the crowd jumps to its feet, one tradition consistently sets the tone: the thunderous sound of their team anthem. Sung with excitement and loyalty, these fight songs have long served to rally both the fans and players, amplifying the spirit of game day. The Lions’ anthem dates […]
What should I do about poor rhythm?
By Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director The key to understanding rhythm—especially for beginning musicians—is surprisingly simple: slow down. It’s one of the most overlooked but essential principles of learning music. Yet, time and again, students become frustrated, discouraged, or even give up altogether because they try to play too fast, too […]
Music Together Demo Classes in Canton
Grosse Pointe Music Academy in Canton Township is offering free early childhood music demo classes for families with young children. The upcoming sessions will be held on: These free demo classes are designed for children from birth through age five, along with their parents or caregivers. This is a great opportunity to experience the benefits […]