Lessons
Goals, Commitments and Philosophy of
Live Music Academy

We strive for excellence in every aspect of musical instruction. From technique to theory and improvisation, we offer levels of proficiency designed for casual, recreational music students to college-level classical and commercial music students.

We pledge to help each student attain the maximum music satisfaction possible and believe that although each student will not want to be a professional musician - each student is capable of acquiring the musical skills and knowledge that will enrich his or her life.

We believe that the study of music is a multifaceted learning tool. In addition to providing enjoyment, therapeutic value and achievement, the student of music also contributes to the development of language, mathematical and scientific skills; imagination, creativity, short-term and long-term memory, positive self-concept, social skills, coordination and self-discipline.

Admissions

How to Apply:
1. Schedule lesson time at LMA office.
2. Complete and sign "LMA registration form."
3. Pay required fees.

Registration Fee:
An annual $20.00 registration fee is charged for each new student enrolled. For students who have discontinued - and are re-enrolling - a $20.00 registration fee will be charged.

Supplies:
Some class fees include supplies. All other students must purchase their own music supplies as needed on the recommendation of their instructor.

Tuition Payment Policies:
Tuition billing covers four lessons(with the possible exception of your first statement which is adjusted so that your account is paid through the end of the month). Because of holidays or special commitments, there will be an occasional three lesson month - which is averaged by an occasional five lesson month. If the student loses proper time due to teacher of office cancellations, we will make adjustments on the student's next statement.
There is no tuition credit given or make-up lessons available for student absence or cancellation.

Late Charge:
Monthly tuition is due and payable on the first day of the month and is past due by the 10th of the month. A late charge of $15.00 is added when payments are not received after the 10th of the month.

Absence Policy:
If the student cancels a lesson, the student or parent may call the teacher within the first 10 minutes of the lesson time for the next week's lesson plan. There is no tuition credit given or make-up lessons available for student absence or cancellation.

Student Vacation:
Two weeks of credit can be given to the students for summer vacation and their lesson time will be held during their absence.

Scheduling Lessons:
Teachers are not permitted to schedule lessons. Scheduling is handled only by our school director.

Discounting Your Lesson:
If you decide to discontinue your lessons, our business office must receive written notice from you 30 days in advance. Forms for this are provided in our office. Notifying the teacher instead of the office is not acceptable. The current month's tuition is non-refundable.

Course Descriptions
For prices and more information call us at (707)448-1511

Musicland: ages 3 thru 8
Introduction to music, keyboard, woodwind, brass, strings, percussion, ear-training, rhythm, melody-reading and writing. These classes may be seperated by age groups. Students who show readiness may pass from musicland to one of our specific instrumental programs.

Pianoland: ages 9-11, 12-15
Correct keyboard hand position, five finger songs, keys of C, F and G, basic chords, hands together playing, not and rhythm reading.

Guitarland: ages 9-11, 12-15
Correct holding and playing position, six string chords, basic strums and populars songs.

Bluegrass Banjo: ages 9-adult
Basic three finger picking in the bluegrass style tablature.

Drums: ages 9-adult
Basic sticking, rhythm reading, drum terminology.

Beginning Violin: ages 6 & up
Basic violin introduction. A prelude to private lessons and/or string orchestra ensembles.

Wind Instrument/Recorder: ages 8 & up
Introductory class in recorder technique and performance. Students may advance to recorder ensembles or brass and woodwind study.

Wind Instrument: ages 9 & up
Separate classes in clarinet, flute, saxophone, oboe, trumpet, trombone and low brass.

Small Ensembles:
Various instrumental group rehearsals and performances.

Beginner, Intermediate String Orchestra:
Rehearsal and performance of standard string orchestra arrangements and literature.

Advance String Orchestra:
Advanced chamber orchestra work - by audition only.

Percussion Ensemble:
Ensemble playing from duets to septets using most Western percussion instruments.

Jazz Improvisation:
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes in jazz improvised solos.

Jazz Combo:
Rehearsal and performance of jazz standards.

Music Theory 1,2,3:
Offered to students taking private lessons(applied music students). Classes cover beginning, intermediate, and advanced theoretical study of music and ear training.

Music Study Reinforcement-A:
Required for applied music students. This class covers review and application of materials covered in music theory 1, 2, 3, as well as ear training.

Harmony and Arranging 4, 5, 6:
Required for all applied music students. Classes covering elementary to advanced harmonic studies, as well as arranging and ear training.

Music Study Reinforcement-B:
Required for all applied music students. Classes covering review and application of materials covered in harmony and arranging 4,5,6 as well as ear training.

Music Study Reinforcement-C:
Designed to review music theory, harmony and arranging for students who have passed reinforcement-B at least six months prior to class start date.

Vocal Ensembles:
Small vocal ensemble rehearsal and performances.

Private Lessons:
We have specialist to give beginning to very advanced private intruction on a wide variety of musical instruments: flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, cello, viola, bassoon, guitar, piano, voice, recorder.

Recitals Quarterly

Special Classes, Clinics, and Seminars:
LMA schedules special classes on a wide variety of musical subjects.
LMA also schedules many special clinics featuring guest professional musicians and educators.

Applied Music Student Program:
(Achievement in Music Certificate)
LMA's highest award for promising musicians.
Requirements:

Student Development

Recitals:
Recitals are scheduled on a quarterly basis with teacher approval for all applied music students at LMA.

Festival Concerts:
Festival concerts are scheduled annually. Solo and ensemble playing by LMA may be available to those enrolled at a college in "Applied Music" and theory. Check with your counselor.

College Credit:
College credit for private lesson study at LMA may be available to those enrolled at a college in "Applied Music" and theory. Check with your counselor.

Student Records:
Attendance, tuition payments and grades are available upon request.

Student Progress:
Students and parents are encouraged to consult with teachers regularly regarding fulfillment of expectations and student progress. Grade slips are issued quarterly.

Continuing Education:
LMA strongly supports students wishing to go on to a music college or conservatory. We are willing to help with entrance and scholarship auditions, applications and catalogs for many major music colleges such as Berkeley, Eastman, Juilliard and other are on at our office.

Codes of Behavior:
It is assumed that each student who enrolls at LMA agrees with the institution's purposes and policy and will cooperate in furthering these by adhering to the regulations governing students' behavior. We will reserve the right to terminate the enrollment of any student when such action is deemed to be in the best interest of LMA or the student.

In order that the purpose and goals regarding behavior are clearly understood, the following is suggested:

1. All students will demonstrate respect for themselves as well as the rights, values and privacy of others. Physically disruptive conduct which constitutes a substantial and material threat to the orderly operation of the education process, and any form of violence, are illegitimate means of dissent. These are forbidden and such violations may result in immediate expulsion from LMA.
   
2. All students agree that acts of dishonesty in any form including plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of LMA docuements are as detrimental as theft or damage to property. These actions may lead to expulsion or surrender of privileges.
   
3. All students must agree to abide by tuition payments, absence and vacation policy.

Practice:
For success with a musical instrument you will need a weekly lesson and regularly scheduled practice time. Minimum practice times are set by your instructor.

Rules for Practicing:
You will hear the term "self-discipline" used many times during the course of your lessons, whether in class or private. Unless lessons are followed up with thorough and well-planned practice periods(even though they may be very short)little - or no - progress can be made. Here are a few suggestions which, if carefully followed, will without fail produce results:

1. Practice slowly and carefully, thinking constantly of what you are trying to accomplish.
   
2. Always use the same fingering, strumming or pedaling.
   
3. Avoid playing wrong notes or using incorrect time values from the very first time an exercise is played.
   
4. Concentrate on the work at hand, and avoid automatic practice.
   
5. Practice short sections at a time.
   
6. Follow all dynamics and articulations.
   
7. A few minutes of thorough practice are worth hours of haphazard, careless work.
   
8. Remember that no question is unimportant. That is why you take lessons.

Both your lesson periond and your practice period will be enjoyable if you have the feeling that you are constantly making progress. Rest assured that your rate of progress will be in direct relation to how thoroughly you follow the above rules.

Student Responsibilities

As you would expect to read a history assignment from school, so you must also expect daily practice.
Arrive at lessons on time.
Maintain a positive attitude toward you teacher, music lessons and practice.
Talk with your teacher regularly about expectations and achievements.

Parent Responsibilities

It is a fact that children usually do not drop out of music, parents do. The responsibility for staying with a consistent learning program is yours, not your child's. Learning music is a try and try again process and successes are extremely important. Your child might become discouraged one day. It is normal. At this point, let your child know you realize the problem and you're proud he's working at it.

Gentle encouragement is needed, both in the classroom and at home, if your child is to achieve the success he deserves. while he should not be forced, it is important that he attend classes on a regular basis. Set aside a regularly scheduled time each day for practice. Do not leave it to chance or interrupt a favorite play time. Give him your support and we'll take it from there.

Profile of Achievement
The Fifth Sony Innovators Award winner - Jazz: Teodross Avery

The son of James L Avery of Beaumont, Texas and Selmone Kebede of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Teodross Avery is a native Californian who "grew up listening to Eastern and Western African music, rap, R&B, rock 'n roll, reggae and jazz." As a thirteen year old, he started sax lessons on the alto saxophone at "Live Music Academy" with instructors Ralph Martin and Ken Stout.
By the time he was eighteen, he had performed in the Monterey, Redwood, Oakpart and Oakland Jazz Festivals. He has already shared musical moments with Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard and many more. He is currently attending the Berkeley College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

"I'm very, very excited because Sony is such a dominant force in the music industry." Mr. Avery said, "I'm pleased that Sony recognizes me and believes in my talents."

5 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MUSIC LESSONS

These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning an instrument. These are practical tips that we have discovered from years of teaching and our experiences with teaching hundreds of students each year.

1. HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG - STARTING AT THE RIGHT AGE

Adults can start any instrument at any time. Their success is based on how willing an adult is to commit to practicing. We teach many beginner students in their 60’s and 70’s.

For children, starting at the right age is a key element to the success of their lessons. Some people will tell you “the sooner the better” but this attitude can actually backfire and be a negative. If a child is put into lessons too soon they may feel overwhelmed and frustrated and want to stop lessons. The last thing you want to do is turn a child off music just because they had one unpleasant experience which could have been prevented. Sometimes if the child waits a year to start lessons their progress can be much faster. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age usually do very well. The following are guidelines we have found to be successful in determining how young a child can start taking music lessons.

3 - 4 Years Old

If a pre-schooler has a keen desire and wants to start music, a group preschool music class will give them a good foundation in music basics which will be helpful in later private lessons. At this age, private lessons generally do not work as the child has not yet experienced the formal learning environment of kindergarten or school and learns more effectively through the game oriented preschool environment.

Piano/Keyboard

At our school 5 years old is the youngest age that we start children in private piano lessons. At this age they have begun to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with ease.

Guitar - Acoustic, Electric and Bass

8 years old is the earliest we recommend for guitar lessons. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 8 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar students generally are 10 years old and older.

Voice Lessons

10 years old is recommended as the youngest age for private vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung capacity), the younger body is generally not yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. For children younger than 10, we have a children’s choir (ages 6-9) and a preschool singing program (ages 3-5) that teaches them how to use their voices properly, in a fun, relaxed environment.

Drums

The average age of our youngest drum student is 8. This varies greatly depending on the size of the child. They have to be able to reach both the pedals and the cymbals.

Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone

Due to lung capacity (and in the case of the saxophone the size of the instrument), we recommend that most woodwind beginners are 9 and older.

Violin

We accept violin students from the age of 5. Some teachers will start children as young as 3, but experience has shown us the most productive learning occurs when the beginner is 5 or older.

Trumpet

The trumpet requires physical exertion and lung power. 9 years and older is a good time to start the trumpet.

2. INSIST ON PRIVATE LESSONS WHEN LEARNING A SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT
Group classes work well for preschool music programs, and theory lessons. However, when actually learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior since in private lessons it is hard to miss anything, and each student can learn at their own pace. This means the teacher does not have to teach a class at a middle of the road level, but has the time and focus to work on the individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary focus of the teacher. The teachers also enjoy this as they do not have to divide their attention between 5 - 10 students at a time and can help the student be the best they can be.

3. TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENT
Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on music education. In a professional school environment a student cannot be distracted by t.v., pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time is learning music. Students in a school environment are also motivated by hearing peers who are at different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very seriously.

4. MAKE PRACTICING EASIER
As with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice every day. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:

Time
Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the child to practice.
Repetition
We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we use repetition. For example, practice this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instrument, but knows if they are on repetition number 3 they are almost finished.
Rewards
This works very well for both children and adult students. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. In our school we reward young children for a successful week of practicing with stars and stickers on their work. Praise tends to be the most coveted award - there just is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Sometimes we all have a week with little practicing, in that case there is always next week.

5. USE RECOGNIZED TEACHING MATERIALS
There are some excellent materials developed by professional music educators that are made for students in a variety of situations. For example in piano, there are books for very young beginners, and books for adult students that have never played before. There are books that can start you at a level you are comfortable with. These materials have been researched and are continually upgraded and improved to make learning easier. These materials ensure that no important part of learning the instrument can inadvertently be left out. If you ever have to move to a different part of the country, qualified teachers and institutions will recognize the materials and be able to smoothly continue from where the previous teacher left off.

HAVE FUN!!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.

©copyright 2004
Live Music Center