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When the Going Gets Tough....(Growth Through Struggle!)
When one of my students stops taking lessons, I always follow up and try to find out why. I hear the usual: too busy, not practicing, etc., but sometimes I hear, "She says she doesn't like it anymore." Now, I'm familiar with how kids think, and the translation of "I don't like it anymore" is usually "It just got harder than I thought it would be. Dancing (or playing piano/guitar/violin/singing) is supposed to be fun, but now that I've been dancing/playing/singing awhile, the moves/songs are getting harder, and I actually have to work at it!"
Learning an instrument can be hard work, but it can be even tougher in dance class; imagine how it feels when the student right next to you is getting it, and you're not! Even adult dance students can easily identify with that feeling. This is a crucial moment, and can provide an empowering lesson in how to overcome difficulty and challenge. Do you throw in the towel? Or do you persevere, try harder and work smarter?
There's a couple of pieces in the Alfred Piano series that all students seem to struggle with. They're the first pieces that a student might spend three or four weeks on before they have the breakthrough that allows them to play the piece with ease. After the first week, the student will come to the lesson and tell me in all seriousness that they'll never be able play this, that it's simply impossible.
I hear them out, and promise them that if they practice the piece the way I tell them, that they'll be able to work it out. I really love teaching these pieces, because after a couple weeks of struggle and failure, I get to see the joy the student experiences when they can finally do it!
Don't let your child miss out on one of the most important experiences that they can have: the feeling of accomplishment that comes through achieving success after hard work, failure, and more hard work. Here's a wonderful YouTube video that features researcher Brené Brown, who does an amazing job of explaining how hope and perseverance can be taught to our children if we allow them to experience struggle and (OMG!) failure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJo4qXbz4G4 (gets going at 2:40)
Craig Lynch, Director
Please Welcome NEW STUDENTS for DECEMBER and JANUARY!
Rayan A.
Tarah B.
Lena B.
Oliviana C.
Lavinia C.
Pooja C.
Asher C.
Olivia C.
Zoey C.
Jeni D.
Azelin E.
Landon G.
Paul G.
Zara G.
Barrett G.
Manyu I.
Aleksandra K.
Aanya K.
Viney K.
Jamie M.
Leilani M.
Laila M.
Bao N.
Kelsey N.
Alexa O.
Evie O.
Anay P.
Korou P.
Kristina P.
Priyo P.
Julian Q.
Ekam R.
Simran S.
Diana S.
Meryem S.
Eeva S.
Eli S.
Taiga S.
Ayaan S.
Vikrant S.
Jayden S.
Grace S.
Lynett U.
Now Registering for Sunday Classes!
Is your music student over-booked during the week? Before COVID, we had several teachers available on Sundays and we’re ready, once again, to welcome back our students to a great day to take your music lessons. Music lessons are offered in-person (with mask) or on Zoom, whichever you prefer. We’re currently offering piano, guitar and violin. We’re looking forward to having you back and learning with us!
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, April 12 - Sunday, April 17
Spring Break - STAMD Closed
Saturday, June 18
Dance Showcase!
Tell Your Friends About STAMD and Earn Gift Cards!
Do you know that you can earn unlimited gift cards from STAMD? Let your friends know that STAMD is the best place to take music lessons or dance classes and make sure they mention your name when they register. Your friend will receive a free registration and you will earn a gift card for every friend that you refer.
We have a selection on hand, including Starbucks, Target, Lowes, Le Boulanger or Baskin Robbins!
Student of the Month: Olivia R. (age 8)
What are you studying at Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance?
Piano with Mr. Joshua and Ballet with Miss Rebecca.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.
What are your hobbies?
I collect rocks and crystals.
What is your favorite food?
Cheese pizza!
What is your favorite movie?
Sing 2.
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons so far?
How to play “Easy On Me,” by Adele
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Marine biologist.
Tell Your Friends About STAMD and Earn Gift Cards!
Do you know that you can earn unlimited gift cards from STAMD? Let your friends know that STAMD is the best place to take music lessons or dance classes and make sure they mention your name when they register. Your friend will receive a free registration and you will earn a gift card for every friend that you refer. We have a selection on hand, including Starbucks, Target, Lowes, Le Boulanger or Baskin Robbins!
Is Your Music Teacher Sold Out?
Many of our teachers have almost full schedules! If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a specific time, please contact our office staff. If you are not a student yet, there are still limited lesson spots available.
To inquire about openings for April, please contact us at 408-226-8742 or info@academyofmusicanddance.com
Mr. Quentin (drums & guitar): Monday - SOLD OUT / Thursday - 1 spot / Friday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Craig (piano & guitar): Monday / Friday / Sunday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Kris (guitar & ukulele): Tuesday - 2 spots / Wednesday - SOLD OUT / Thursday - 2 spots
Mr. Jeremy (piano, guitar & voice): Tuesday - 2 spots / Wednesday - 1 spot /Thursday - 1 spot / Saturday - SOLD OUT
Miss Jessica (piano): Tuesday / Friday - SOLD OUT
Miss Jane (piano): Tuesday - 1 spot / Wednesday - SOLD OUT / Thursday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Joshua (piano): Saturday - SOLD OUT
Miss Lori (violin): Thursday - SOLD OUT / Saturday - 2 spots
Mr. Angel (guitar & piano): Friday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Nate (piano): Monday - 1 spot
Miss Galina (guitar & voice): Tuesday - 1 spot / Friday - SOLD OUT / Saturday - SOLD OUT
Miss Yelena (piano): Tuesday / Wednesday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Brian (voice & piano): Wednesday / Friday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Sergio (violin): Monday - 2 spots / Wednesday - 1 spot
Miss Tatiana (piano): Monday - 2 spots / Thursday - 1 spot
Mr. Brian (guitar): Sunday - 3 spots
John Hammond, Sr.: Talent Scout of the Century
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· Hammond discovered or furthered the careers of jazz greats Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday.
· Hammond signed both Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan (who was called “Hammond’s Folly’ by Hammond’s colleagues..
· Hammond also discovered Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
· Hammond was responsible for popularizing the Delta Blues revival and the release of the famous King of the Delta Blues Singers album of Robert Johnson.
