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 […]
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Group Lessons or Private Lessons???
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 […]
About The Detroit Concert Choir
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 […]
The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner
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 […]
Why Cutting Music Education Hurts Students (and Why the “Math and Science” Argument Doesn’t Hold Up)
In recent years, many U.S. schools have drastically reduced or eliminated music programs to focus more heavily on math and science, citing fears that America’s international education rankings are slipping. But a closer look at the data challenges this narrative. According to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the countries that consistently lead global […]
Meet the Makers Behind the Music: Raggin’ Jazzin’ Rockin’
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 […]
Tips for making the most of your piano practice times
Piano Practice Guidelines
Why Every Child Deserves a Music Education
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 […]
Why Play Bass Guitar?
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, […]
Am I too old to learn Guitar?
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 […]
Blues Guitar Classes in Grosse Pointe Farms
If you’re interested in learning blues guitar in Grosse Pointe Farms, now is the perfect time to dive into the expressive, soulful world of blues. Whether you’re picking up the guitar for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of blues technique, Grosse Pointe Music Academy offers expert instruction tailored to your goals. […]
Music and the Brain
The Power of Music on the Mind and Body Throughout history, music has played a central role in human culture, influencing everything from memory and learning to physical health. Scientific studies have shown that music can shape emotional, mental, and physical responses. Listening to classical and baroque music, for instance, can slow the heart rate, […]
How to Raise Kids Who Love Music
How to Introduce Music to Young Children Helping children develop a love for music can be both simple and joyful. Here are some easy ways parents and caregivers can bring music into a child’s life: Simple tools like children’s music CDs, musical storybooks, and family-friendly concerts can help nurture your child’s musical journey. Summary based […]
Music moves brain to pay attention, Stanford study finds
How Music Reveals the Brain’s Ability to Organize Information In a study published in Neuron by researchers at Stanford University, scientists used functional MRI scans to investigate how the brain processes music — and what they found has wide-ranging implications beyond music itself. The team observed that music activates brain regions involved in attention, prediction, […]
5 Ways To Get The Most From Your Music Lessons
At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we believe learning music should be a rewarding and lifelong experience. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to music after many years, the following tips can help set the stage for success. 1. Start at the Right Age For Adults:Adults can begin music lessons at any time! Success depends […]
Music lessons provide a workout for the brain
Scans of the brains of child musicians before and after musical training have yielded compelling evidence that proficiency and skill relies on hard graft, not innate genius. Earlier studies have shown that adult musicians have different brains to adult non-musicians. But the latest results settle arguments about whether the brain differences were there from birth, […]
If I buy an instrument, can I tell how much it will be worth if I decide to sell it later?
On Buying and Reselling Musical InstrumentsSummary based on Frank Ford’s insights Predicting the resale value of a musical instrument isn’t easy. Well-known brands and popular models tend to have more consistent secondhand values, but there’s never a guarantee. Buying used instruments from reputable dealers can make it easier to trade or consign them later if […]
The Importance of Guitar Repair and Maintenance
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the importance of guitar repair and maintenance is essential to keeping your instrument in optimal playing condition. Just like a car requires regular oil changes and tune-ups, your guitar needs periodic attention to perform at its best and maintain its longevity. As the seasons change, fluctuations […]
Rock Band Classes
Grosse Pointe Music Academy: Rock Band Classes Do you want to learn how to play in a band? Grosse Pointe Music Academy offers rock band classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors will teach you the basics of playing in a band, including how to read music, how to play […]
Healing the Hidden Wounds of Learning: A Reflection on Musical Growth
MusicalFossils.com In Musical Fossils, Matthew Hare explores a powerful truth about adult music students: often, the greatest obstacles to learning aren’t aging hands or minds, but the emotional bruises left from childhood education. These early experiences — moments of harsh criticism, humiliation, or pressure to please — leave lasting imprints that make it difficult for […]