Intro to DJing: What You Can Learn from a DJ CourseGrosse Pointe Music Academy – Detroit Area Info DJing is more than playing songs—it’s an expressive, creative craft that blends music knowledge, rhythm, timing, and technology. While we do not currently offer a DJ course, here’s an overview of what a typical program might cover, […]
Music Education
Why Music Together?
Defining our “Why” Welcome back to another terrific Music Together semester, families! This fall we will explore the Bongoscollection, which includes many well-loved favorites (think “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain),fascinating “mouth music” from the Irish culture, and beautiful songs for layering harmonies like “CanoeSong”. How many of you sang “My paddle’s keen and bright, […]
How to Listen like a Songwriter
Learning to Listen Like a SongwriterCommentary on Nicholas Tozier’s post at NicholasTozier.com At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we often talk about the value of practicing your instrument, refining your technique, and studying theory — but one of the most overlooked (yet most transformative) habits is intentional listening. In a thoughtful piece on his website, songwriter […]
How to make your kids smarter
What Really Helps Kids Succeed? Insights from Time.comCommentary by Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we’re always exploring research that supports well-rounded education. A recent article from Time.com highlights 10 evidence-based strategies that help children become more successful — both in and out of the classroom. Here are some key takeaways, […]
Music Together December 2014 Newsletter
Bells will be Ringing in 2015! Join us for the Bells Collection this winter session running January 12 – March 16, 2015. We will gallop with “Trot, Old Joe,” learn an egg shaker passing game from Ghana in “Obwisana,” drum & jive with “Rhythms & Rhymes,” and create beautiful rounds in “The Bells of Westminster” – just to name a few […]
3 String Guitars
Why I Recommend Loog Guitars for Young StudentsBy Henry Bahrou, Director – Grosse Pointe Music Academy What began as a Kickstarter® concept has evolved into a truly impressive product line: the Loog guitar. Originally praised for its simplicity—reducing the guitar to just three strings—Loog guitars have become a game-changer for early music education. I recently […]
3rd Annual Downriver Day of Percussion
Grosse Pointe Music Academy – Spreading the Word🎶 3rd Annual Downriver Day of Percussion 🎶Saturday, May 3, 2014Wyandotte Roosevelt High School | 540 Eureka, Wyandotte, MI 48192 Join an incredible day of learning, playing, and networking at the Downriver Day of Percussion, a one-day event designed for school-aged percussionists eager to expand their musical skills […]
Music Together March 2014
Sing! Sing! Singin’ Every Day! Did you know March is “Sing with Your Child” Month? It is, and we have a fun challenge for all of our Hummingbirds Music Together families – can you sing at least once with your children every day in March? Let’s set the goal together and share the fun ways […]
Steve Colucci: Arts are valuable in and of themselves
Grosse Pointe Music Academy CommentaryIn reflection on Steve Colucci’s letter published in the Providence Journal, February 4, 2014 In a thought-provoking commentary originally published by the Providence Journal, writer Steve Colucci responded to a student-written piece defending music education—echoing a concern many arts educators share: Why must we continually justify the arts in terms of […]
Inspiration In The Storm – Using my iPad to express where words fail.
Grosse Pointe Music Academy CommentaryOn Paul Shimmons’ original article “iPad Technology in Music Education” — Posted February 2, 2014, on iPad and Technology in Music Education At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we’re always inspired by educators like Paul Shimmons, who showcase the powerful role that technology—specifically iPads and apps—can play in modern music education. In […]
Richard Gill The Value of Music Education
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Commentary on Richard Gill’s TEDx TalkInspired by Richard Gill’s 2011 TEDxSydney presentationOriginally presented at TEDxSydney In his passionate TEDxSydney talk, renowned Australian music educator Richard Gill delivered a compelling case for music as an essential tool for sparking creativity and imagination. Rather than focusing solely on consuming music, Gill emphasized the […]
Rock band making noise about dwindling music programs
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Commentary on Music Education and The Darcys’ School TourBased on reporting by Roger Belgrave, Brampton Guardian Toronto-based band The Darcys is doing more than just performing their signature art rock—they’re championing the importance of music in schools. As reported by Roger Belgrave of the Brampton Guardian, the band’s Play In School […]
How music education boosts learning
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Commentary: How Music Supports Early Learning At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we’ve long seen the transformative role music plays in childhood development — and modern research continues to support this. Here are three key ways music can enhance learning and growth in children: 1. Music Stimulates Brain DevelopmentWhen children engage with […]
KU research establishes link between music education, academic achievement
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Commentary on KU Study: A major study out of the University of Kansas confirms what music educators have long believed: students who participate in music programs perform better across the board — in academics, attendance, graduation rates, and even discipline. Led by Dr. Christopher Johnson and Becky Eason, the research analyzed […]
School Music Programs. Music education offers skills for this century and beyond
School Music Programs Commentary based on an article by Amanda Siegel, Providence Journal At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we firmly believe in the lasting importance of music education — not just for artistic development, but for building critical life skills. Amanda Siegel, writing for the Providence Journal, recently made a compelling case for why music […]
Music Apps for Android
Best Music Education Apps for Android (2025 Update) By Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff If you’re learning music, whether as a beginner or an advanced musician, your Android device can be a powerful practice companion. With today’s apps, you can improve sight-reading, ear training, rhythm skills, and even compose or record your own music — […]
Beethoven boost: Classical music may help younger children concentrate in class, U.K. experts say
Based on findings by Susan Hallam, University of London’s Institute of Education New research from the University of London’s Institute of Education emphasizes how early exposure to classical music can deliver important educational benefits for young learners. The study, conducted by education and music psychology professor Susan Hallam, found that introducing children as young as […]
Music Education Enhances Children’s Quality of School Life
Commentary: How Music Education Enhances Students’ School Experience Based on findings reported by NeuroNet and the journal Music Education Research A growing body of research continues to uncover the many benefits of music education. One notable study highlights a social benefit that often goes unmentioned: students who receive extended music instruction tend to enjoy school […]
Are music lessons the way to get smarter
Commentary on the Lifelong Benefits of Music Education Based on reporting by Diane Cole, National Geographic Many people assume music lessons make children smarter, but two recent studies challenge that popular belief—at least when it comes to short-term IQ boosts in young children. However, Diane Cole’s thoughtful article for National Geographic reminds us that the […]
Music Instruction
Parents Step Up for Music Education in Long Beach Commentary inspired by reporting from Mary Plummer (89.3 KPCC) and Nadra Nittle (Long Beach Press-Telegram) When school budgets fall short, parents often step in—and that’s exactly what happened at Longfellow Elementary in Long Beach, California. As reported by Mary Plummer of KPCC and Nadra Nittle in […]