Yesterday, I shared some thoughts on whether beginning guitar players should start on an acoustic or electric instrument. While I recommended acoustic guitar for most beginners, many will still choose to start with electric — and that’s perfectly fine. If you’ve decided to begin with electric guitar, here are a few important points to keep […]
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Acoustic or Electric. What should beginners play?
By Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff Beginning guitar students are often faced with an important decision: Should they start on an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar? It’s a common debate. Some have heard that everyone should begin with acoustic guitar, while others argue that starting with electric is easier because the string tension is […]
Winter Recital Grosse Pointe Music Academy 2011
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Winter Recital AnnouncementSaturday, December 10, 2011Session 1: 6:00 PM | Session 2: 8:00 PMGrosse Pointe Unitarian Church17150 Maumee Ave., at the corner of St. Clare, Grosse Pointe City We are excited to invite you to the Grosse Pointe Music Academy Winter Recital! This special event is open to all family and […]
Stocking stuffers for that special guitar player
With Christmas fast approaching, I am having more and more people ask what my suggestions for “stocking stuffers” are. Most people are already aware of the standard small gifts to get for that special guitar player in your life such as picks, and strings, but there are some other gift ideas that they might not […]
The Guitar: A Functional Sculpture
An instrument can be seen as an extension of one’s own self to many people. Guitar players are certainly no exception to this. Guitars are more than they appear to many players. The instrument is not only a tool by which a musician can create their music, but also an extension of their own bodies. […]
A song you can learn on any instrument with no training!
“Four Minutes and Thirty-Three Seconds” is a three-movement composition by American composer John Cage. This work consists entirely of 4 minutes and 33 seconds of silence — yes, pure silence. John Cage (1912–1992), often labeled an experimental composer, challenged the conventional understanding of music with this piece, written in 1952. While it is commonly perceived […]
Play Chopsticks while eating sushi
Chopsticks is the most popular piano song of all time. Some would make the argument for Heart and Soul or Beethoven’s Fur Elise. They’d be wrong. It’s Chopsticks. More people play Chopsticks than any other song when they come across an open piano. Why? Because it can actually be played with a pair of chopsticks. […]
Reflecting on Mitch Albom’s Tribute to Matt Michaels
Recently, we came across a moving article by Mitch Albom, published in the Detroit Free Press, honoring the life and legacy of jazz pianist and educator Matt Michaels. Albom’s heartfelt writing paints a vivid picture of a musician who not only mastered his craft but deeply influenced thousands of students, leaving a lasting impact on […]
Google Doodle Guitar Songwriting Contest
Looking for a fun and easy way to test your songwriting skills? The Google Doodle Guitar is a great tool to spark your creativity! Originally featured on Google’s homepage, this interactive digital guitar lets you create simple melodies using either your mouse or your computer’s number keys. The Doodle Guitar is tuned to the key […]
Take your guitar playing to new heights!
Grosse Pointe Music Academy is proud to offer a Guitar Ensemble program for guitarists of all ages and skill levels! This exciting opportunity allows students to perform as part of a group, participate in recitals, and potentially record and perform at special events, concerts, and community showcases. Ensemble classes provide guitarists with a valuable experience […]
Musical Boxing – Success vs. Excellence
by Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff Recently, I was reflecting on a memory from my childhood—my dream to become a professional boxer. My father had a heavyweight prizefighter as a friend, and after watching him perform live, I was completely hooked. I begged my parents to help me get into boxing, but they always gave […]
Why Guitarists Should Learn to Read Music
During my first year studying guitar in college, I remember seeing a comic pinned to my instructor’s wall. It showed a frazzled conductor, baton in hand, standing amid flames, surrounded by a disorganized group of guitarists and banjo players. The caption read: “Conductor’s Hell.” It was funny—but also revealing. The joke lands because there’s a […]
Violin-t Behavior
History books will tell you that the violin is actually an Eastern European descendant of the Japanese Kyoto. They’ll say something about Marco Polo bringing the idea of the violin back to Eastern Europe after his highly publicized jaunt to the Far West in the 1200’s where he enjoyed a Kyoto concert with Kubla Khan. […]
Air Guitarist Chad Cooper to give drums a shot
Dudes: So, I’ve finally done it. I’ve invested in a set of drums. I set ‘em up and started pounding the skins right away in my mother’s basement/my bachelor pad. Man, I’m rockin’ now! I’m thinking I might start up a rock band once I get my timings down. How do you feel about […]
We teach air guitar too!
Dudes: I know that you guys offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, flute lessons, ukulele lessons…basically lessons for every instrument known to mankind. But, I’m writing to find out if you offer air guitar lessons. I mean, I love the guitar and all its intricacies but, what I want to be able […]
Pave the way with music
This past July, I attended the The Guild of American Luthiers’ Twentieth National Convention/Exhibition in Tacoma, Washington. Beyond learning a plethora of new and interesting information, I discovered something very simple that I keep thinking about. The convention was held on the campus of Pacific Lutheran University (for that week it became Pacific Luthier University), […]
Electric Guitar Classes Near Grosse Pointe Woods
Looking for a fun and engaging way to keep your child creatively active this summer? Electric guitar classes near Grosse Pointe Woods are a perfect choice—especially for young musicians eager to explore rock, blues, and pop styles in an exciting, group-based environment. One standout option is the Rock Band Jam Camp, hosted by Grosse Pointe […]
Why Budding Musicians Should Play Open Mic Nights
If you’re learning an instrument or working on your vocal skills, one of the best ways to grow as a musician is by performing live—and open mic nights are the perfect place to start. Open mic nights offer a low-pressure, welcoming environment for musicians of all experience levels. Whether you’re a guitarist, vocalist, pianist, or […]
Passing Down the Joy of Music: A Message from Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff
There’s something magical about a child’s first recital.When a young student steps onto the stage, takes a deep breath, and strums their first guitar solo or plays their first piano piece for an audience, it’s a moment parents will treasure forever. But it’s not just parents beaming with pride—teachers feel it too. As music educators, […]
Group Piano Classes for Young Children
At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we offer group piano classes specially designed for young children ages 4–6 who are just beginning in music.Our goal is to introduce children to the fundamentals of music and piano in a fun, exploratory, and age-appropriate environment. Children at this age learn best through play, movement, creativity, and hands-on discovery, […]