Sign Up Now for Summer Music Camp at Grosse Pointe Music Academy! It’s not too late to register for next week’s Music Camp at Grosse Pointe Music Academy! This will be the second of two camps we’ve offered this summer, and we are currently welcoming new students—both instrumentalists and vocalists—who are eager to learn, improve, […]
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Thelonious Monk, A musical genius
Creative Advice for Musicians – Inspired by Thelonious MonkBy Henry Bahrou Jazz legend Thelonious Monk was known not just for his playing, but for his unconventional wisdom. In the 1960s, saxophonist Steve Lacy captured a collection of insights Monk shared with bandmates—guidance that has continued to resonate with musicians of all kinds. While the original […]
February 20th – On this Day in Music History
Is February 20th special? What Happened on February 20th? February 20th might just be one of the most musically active dates in history. Over the years, this day has seen the birth of influential composers, iconic recordings, and major cultural events in music and entertainment. 🎼 Notable composer birthdays on this day include: 🎶 Memorable […]
Is music a higher revelation for you?
Is Music a Higher Revelation?By Henry Bahrou, Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff There’s a well-known quote often attributed to Beethoven that suggests music is a “higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” Whether or not he meant this literally, the idea sparks a valuable question: Can music reveal something deeper than what we gain through […]
Vibration Creates Matter
The Power of Sound: Exploring Music, Vibration, and Our Connection to the WorldBy Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff While it’s not our goal here to dive into philosophical or religious debates, there’s a fascinating area of thought that connects sound, music, and the natural world—and it’s worth reflecting on. Some scientists and researchers have proposed […]
So You want to be President?
Music and Leadership: U.S. Presidents and Their Musical BackgroundsBy Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff Throughout American history, many of the nation’s leaders have had a strong connection to music. From early presidents to more recent public figures, music has played a formative role in the lives of several prominent individuals. President Harry S. Truman, known […]
Foreground and Background: Creating a Balanced Sound at the Piano
One of the most important elements of creating a beautiful sound at the piano is learning how to balance the melody and the accompaniment. Rather than playing all notes with the same weight, effective pianists know how to prioritize different voices within the music — bringing the melody forward while keeping the accompaniment supportive and […]
Can Playing Guitar Help You Keep Your Hair?
Can Playing Guitar Help You Keep Your Hair? According to an article from the Times of India, pop icon Prince once claimed that a lifetime of playing electric guitar helped him avoid going bald. Prince, who was known for his musical genius across 27 different instruments, believed that the constant flow of electricity through his […]
A Common Mistake That’ll Grow Hair on Any Guitarist’s Palms
Why Sticking to Your Comfort Zone on Guitar Holds You Back At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, we often remind students that real growth on an instrument doesn’t come from playing what you already know — it comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. We recently came across a great article by Nicholas Tozier at […]
If birds can learn to sing, you can too!
The Joy of Singing and the Value of Voice LessonsI’ve always found it fascinating to watch birds imitate the sounds and songs of other animals—especially human voices. Anyone who has spent time around birds can see that they are deeply interested in sound and music. While many animals have sharper hearing than humans, birds seem […]
Why Do We Remember Old Pop Songs But Forget Where Our Keys Are?
Music and the Brain: A Reflection on Memory and MelodyBy Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff Music has long fascinated scientists and educators for its unique impact on the human brain. One of the most compelling findings in recent years is how music can awaken memory in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Even when names and faces […]
This is Your Brain on Music
Music and the Brain: A Look into Neuromusic with Daniel LevitinDaniel Levitin, a prominent researcher and author in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, has made major contributions to our understanding of how the brain processes music. As a professor at McGill University, his research has explored topics such as perfect pitch, musical memory, and […]