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| LA Music Academy Celebrates 10th Anniversary LA Music Academy, which offers traditional music instruction for adults over 18 in vocal, bass, guitar and drums, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its first graduating class this October. As the Fall semester kicks off October 1st, the Academy, which is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, is observing a decade of music education by offering a second year program to students who want additional in-depth studies. In addition, M-Audio, the leading provider of innovative tools for today's computer musicians and audio professionals, is pleased to work with the Academy and offer qualified current students and alumni paid internships. According to LA Music Academy President Tom Aylesbury, “LA Music Academy's exceptional course completion rate, recent accreditation and revamped programs make us one of the most effective and desired music education facilities worldwide.” Aylesbury says that about half the students have come from foreign countries, which provides a diverse learning experience for US born students, not only in music but also in various cultures. Highlights of LA Music Academy's many accomplishments over the last 10 years include: maintaining an admirable ratio of 150 students to 35 instructors per year; preparing numerous alumni who have gone on to perform with artists such as Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, Paul Anka, Lifehouse, Ricky Martin, Steps Ahead, Hilary Duff, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Calling, Sepultura and Airto; significant community outreach and involvement; teaming with M-Audio, Remo, Yamaha, Zildjian Cymbals, Tech 21 NYC and Gallien-Kruger and bringing them into the educational setting; and designing and building a brand new recording studio. Speaking on why high-schoolers, college grads and aspiring or professional musicians should attend LA Music Academy, Aylesbury says, “Our school is known not only for its seasoned, professional instructors, successful alumni and intimate class sizes, but for providing daily real life situations and ensemble performances in which students largely play with professional musicians as opposed to peers.” He adds, “What sets us apart from other schools in the country is our ability to provide the students with a significant amount of playing opportunity with seasoned professional musicians hired from the Los Angeles music scene, the heart of the music industry.” A typical day for an LA Music Academy student is structured around lectures, ensemble workshops (playing your instrument with professional musicians and receiving performance critique from them and your instructor) and intense practice. On average, students spend eight to 12 hours per day on their craft; the school is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This intense and focused approach rapidly improves playing skills. Moreover, students experience a very personal relationship with instructors, thanks to the approximate four to one student/teacher ratio. This October, LA Music Academy inaugurates new programs for drummers, bassists, guitarists and vocalists. Now spanning two years, and offering a wider array of courses, as well as deepening each subject, the entire curriculum has been optimized to maximize the efficiency and time one spends at the school. “This is always our goal,” says Tom. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the efficiency of our teaching approach.” For example, the ensembles with pro-musicians will be upgraded with increased frequency and length, giving every student more time to play in a real-world context.” Aylesbury adds, “We are already incredibly strong at developing instrumental competency, but we wanted to take our special approach further for those desiring more education.” Elaborating on the benefits of the second year program, “We really want to increase our focus on challenging each student according to his or her needs and skill level,” says Aylesbury. “Students can customize their experiences with a wide range of new electives including Music Marketing Essentials, Producing and Recording, Conducting, Vocals for Instrumentalists, Computer Based Notation and much more.” LA Music Academy and its instructors focus intensely on performance but also provide students with great opportunities to develop other relevant skills, like production, composing, arranging and orchestration. “Music's a tough career, and we think you should have the opportunity to build skills that go beyond just your instrument,” Aylesbury says. In addition to gig referrals, teaching opportunities and creating relationships with professional musicians, the Academy's commitment to leading students to a career in music was recently highlighted by its agreement with M-Audio to provide qualified students and alumni with paid internships. “We are very pleased to begin this relationship with M-Audio, which joins an impressive list of our partners, sponsors and corporate friends,” says Aylesbury, “including Remo, Yamaha, Zildjian Cymbals, Tech 21 NYC and Gallien-Kruger.” Students can apply online and compensation is based on experience, potential and internship level. LA Music Academy in Pasadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, CA, offers an intimate and friendly, yet serious and rigorous contemporary music education to male and female students 18 and over through its vocal, drum, bass and guitar programs. Founded in 1996, the Academy is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and has provided a solid musical foundation for more than 1,000 international and domestic students. LA Music Academy's 35 instructors immerse students in practical courses. The Academy offers a significant number of real world playing situations with professional musicians, not just peers, setting the school apart from other prestigious music institutions. LA Music Academy gives its students the skills necessary to apply their learning in a wide variety of professional situations in the music industry. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |