Grosse Pointe Music Academy

Guitar (Electric, Acoustic, and Bass Guitar)
Our private guitar lessons include acoustic, electric guitar and bass guitar. We have an excellent guitar teaching staff and teach guitar lessons in everything from rock to jazz, classical to pop, Spanish to chording. Many of our teachers actively perform in bands. Our guitar teachers have college or university music training so they know the proper theory and technique no matter if a student is interested in metal or in classical. Guitar lessons at our schools are enhanced by the opportunity of learning how to jam with other musicians in a rock band setting, guitar ensemble or how to perform solo in one of our recitals. No matter what type of guitar lessons you are interested in, we have the teachers to help you. Typically a student would be 7 before starting guitar lessons, due to their hand size, but some younger students start with a junior sized guitar.

Piano and Keyboard Lessons
Our school offers piano lessons for students of all ages and abilities from beginners to late intermediate students. We offer every style of piano lessons from classical to jazz and pop. We have students who want to play just for fun and students who excel with a University Music curriculum. As we have several piano teachers on staff we are able to match students with a teacher that works best with their particular age, ability and interest. We start piano lessons from age 5 onwards. Before age 5 we recommend our group Music Play program or our Piano Transitions Class. Our piano lessons are all private one-on-one instruction and lesson lengths are 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour. While our piano lessons are all private, parents are more than welcome to sit in on their child's lessons.

Drums
Drums, in modern popular music represents the back beat of the music. The drummer has a crucial responsibility to keep perfect time within the group. Even though they typically sit in the back their role in the group is vital. Many drummers relish the role of being responsible for the rhythm and timing for the group. We offer a wide variety of drum lessons or percussion lessons. Most of our students learn on a drum kit. We have both male and female students and typically do not start drum lessons before age 8 as students need to be able to reach both the pedal and the high hat. We do have some younger students but suggest they come in for a trial drum lesson to see if they are big enough to get started. Drum lessons are taught on a drum kit in our studios but students are able to get started practicing at home on practice pads before purchasing or renting a drum kit. Our drums lessons stress proper technique so students become good drummers quickly.

Voice
We have many students who take voice or singing lessons at our school. Our voice lessons are all private on-one-one instruction. Students sing all kinds of music from their favorite artists to classical arias. Our voice teachers all have a university degree in music specializing in voice and sing everything from pop and jazz to opera. Our teachers all have performance backgrounds as well. Just a sample of what a student will learn in singing lessons includes how to breathe properly, how to increase their range, proper pitch, how to project and stage presence. Our schools offer 2 optional performance opportunities each year with our Christmas recital, and Spring recital. We provide a professional accompanist who rehearses with the students and plays for them at the recitals. Many of our students also perform at local festivals.

Violin, Fiddle, Viola and Cello Lessons
Our strings program offers private instruction in violin, viola or cello. Our private violin lessons start as young as age 5. Due to the size of the instrument, most cello lessons start at 10 years of age or older. We have students of all ages from adults to children. For younger children we highly encourage a parent to sit in on the lesson to help the student at home with things such as posture and hand positioning. Basic restrictions are usually due strictly to the size of the child e. g. hand size for piano or lung capacity for brass and woodwinds.

Saxophone and Clarinet
Our private saxophone and clarinet lessons start from age 8 onwards. Earlier than age 8, a student typically does not have the lung capacity and strength to handle these instruments. Our saxophone and clarinet instructors are proficient on both instruments so a student can start with clarinet lessons if they wish and switch to saxophone lessons without having to change instructors. Our saxophone and clarinet instructors actively perform in all types of bands and ensembles and as soloists. Saxophone lessons and clarinet lessons are offered in 30 minute, 45 minute and 1 hour lengths.

Ukulele
The ukulele is a simple instrument that is easy to tune, easy to play and enjoy. Most chords on the instrument utilize three fingers or less. With ukulele you are able to quickly and easily learn to play songs you know and enjoy.

Group Rock Band Classes
The group rock band class is a fun and productive program for students who have at least 6 months experience on their instrument. All classes will have 3-5 students per class and are 2 hours. The group will meet once per week for band practice where they will be guided by an experienced instructor who will help the band members play together using exercises and songs as methods to achieve this. The instructor will help choose the material that best fits the class level and taste. Rock Band Students will get the opportunity to perform in our twice year recitals that are sure to be a blast!

Guitar Ensemble
In most schools, children who play guitar do not get the same opportunities as those who play orchestral instruments. Learning how to read music and eventually perform with others in a group setting is vital to a student's overall music education. The Guitar Ensemble classes will provide students of any age or skill level an opportunity to not only read music in a group, but to also learn practical, and FUN ways to use the musical tools that a guitar (or bass guitar) player needs to perform all styles of music. Also unique to Guitar Ensemble is being around a number of musicians every week who are working on the same things that you are! When students surround themselves with others working to become better musicians as well, they'll find encouragement from each other and maintain a healthy and productive outlook on their musical development. Guitar Ensemble is a wonderful supplement to private lessons, and is highly encouraged!

New Class! Theory and Composition
We are now excited to offer a Music Theory and Composition class at GPMA where all students are welcome. This class will teach fundamental knowledge that all musicians need to understand the music that excites them. Students are encouraged to bring their instrument to class so that it can be their tool for understanding new ideas (and if you play piano, keyboards will be provided) . After some basics are covered in the first half of the course, we will look at some of history's most influential composers and their works to gain inspiration for writing our own pieces of music. Every student will finish the class having written their own original music, and understanding music theory in a way that will directly improve their playing and writing. We're looking forward to seeing you there with your instrument!

Group Guitar Class
Learn fundamentals of guitar playing in a fun group setting. Learn how to read notes, chords, scales, licks, riffs and songs. Students may bring an acoustic or electric guitar and small amplifier. Classes available for ages 8-12 and 13&up.

Group Piano Class
Introductory piano class for students who want to learn in a group. Learn now to read the treble and bass clef, scales, melodies and basic accompaniments. Classes available for ages 5-7, 8-12 and 13&up.