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 […]
News
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 […]
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 […]
Gift Certificates for Music Lessons
Give the Gift of Music This Holiday Season Music lessons make a thoughtful and lasting gift for anyone with even a spark of musical interest. It’s common to hear people say things like, “I’ve always wanted to learn guitar,” or “I wish I had time to play piano.” The truth is, most people can make […]
Can I start my lessons on a keyboard rather than a piano?
Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff Modern technology has made it remarkably affordable to own a full 88-key digital piano. Many of today’s models feature hammer-action keys that closely simulate the feel of an acoustic piano. For anyone who has compared non-weighted keyboards to traditional pianos, the difference in touch and responsiveness is significant. Even between […]
They tell me to start on acoustic but I’ve decided to start with electric guitar
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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), […]
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, […]