Henry B.

Wait! The title idea for this post is completely wrong. Buying a full-size guitar for a beginning student so they can “grow into it” is one of the absolute worst things you could do for their musical future. If you subscribe to this philosophy, you may as well start buying clothes four sizes too big […]

Grosse Pointe Music Academy Consistent practice is essential for learning any musical instrument. It helps build muscle memory, improves technique, and deepens your understanding of music. Even short daily sessions can lead to noticeable progress and greater confidence in your playing.

Often times I am asked by customers what upgrades they can make to their guitars to improve the sound of their instrument. Most of the time, I advise them to replace their nut and saddle with one made from a bone material. This is a fairly low cost repair that is always an improvement. Most […]

Rock Band classes are small group lessons — typically three to five students — where musicians learn to play together rhythmically, develop performance skills, and build the teamwork necessary for successful group playing. An experienced teacher leads the class, offering individual coaching on instruments and providing objective feedback to help the group function as a […]

Introducing your child to music education early in life offers incredible benefits that reach far beyond simply learning to sing or play an instrument. Research increasingly shows that music training strengthens critical areas of brain development and helps shape lifelong skills. Here are just a few key advantages of early music education: 1. Language and […]

Music Education Helps Kids’ Brains With Sound Stimuli Many of us remember music class as a place where teachers constantly battled the noise of chatty students. Ironically, new research shows that music education may actually improve kids’ ability to communicate — even in noisy environments! A study highlighted in Science Daily found that children who […]

Many people ask us if they can take music lessons alongside their son or daughter. Most often, these requests come for guitar or piano lessons, though sometimes for other instruments as well. Taking lessons together can be an excellent bonding experience, especially for beginners. Children are often deeply inspired by watching their parents play music. […]

We often get the same questions from adults who are thinking about learning an instrument:“Is your music academy only for children?”“Am I too old to learn guitar?”“Is 65 too old to start piano lessons?”“I’ve always wanted to play the violin — can I still learn?” The answer is simple: No, we are not just for […]

Why Arts Education Matters — Insights from Brain Research For years, schools across the U.S. cut back on arts programs to focus heavily on boosting reading and math scores. But emerging brain research suggests that arts education might actually help students excel across all subjects — not just creatively, but cognitively. According to a report […]

Why Singing to Babies Matters — Even Before They’re Born Today, it’s widely understood that babies start hearing sounds as early as the fourth month in utero, and they particularly respond to low-pitched sounds. Scientific research is revealing just how much early exposure to music shapes a baby’s development — even before birth. Studies like […]

Group Music ClassesGroup music instruction is an excellent option for beginners who want to build a strong foundation on their instrument before committing to private lessons. While private lessons naturally offer more individualized attention, group classes are a fun, affordable, and highly effective way for newcomers to get started. Currently, Grosse Pointe Music Academy offers […]

The Detroit Concert Choir (DCC), led by Artistic Director Gordon Nelson, is an internationally recognized vocal ensemble celebrated for its artistic excellence and cultural contributions. Now in its 24th season, the DCC brings a rich and diverse repertoire to audiences, spanning contemporary a cappella works, American folk and gospel traditions, and major masterworks for chorus […]

Few things are held with as much reverence in the United States as the national anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner is performed at nearly every major public event, from sporting games to national ceremonies, carrying deep emotional weight for Americans. The anthem’s origins trace back to a crucial moment during the War of 1812. In September […]

If you’ve ever marveled at a Zildjian cymbal or played a Ludwig drum kit, you might wonder about the stories behind these iconic names. Author Susan VanHecke explores the innovators behind some of America’s most legendary musical instruments in her book, Raggin’ Jazzin’ Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers (Boyds Mills Press), an […]

Piano Practice Guidelines

National Association for Music Education (NAfME) – Advocacy Resources According to leading national education organizations, every student should have access to a strong education in the arts. Music, in particular, plays a crucial role in student success — not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Studies show that students involved in music programs perform better […]

While the six-string guitar often gets the spotlight, the bass guitar plays an essential role in any band. Bass connects the rhythm section to the harmony and drives the music forward, laying the foundation for the groove that makes people want to move. Bass players may not always be the center of attention on stage, […]

One of the most common concerns among adult guitar students is whether they’re “too old” to start learning. According to expert guitar instructor Jamie Andreas, the answer is simple: anyone can learn to play guitar at any age — with the right approach. Success depends not on age, but on understanding how to properly teach […]