The Serious Fun of Adult Learning!
My 88 year old piano student, Jim, would tell you that if you want to learn a musical instrument, it’s never too late, and just as importantly, there’s no reason to wait!
I’ve been teaching adult students since the very beginning, in fact, my first student was an adult. I’ve always enjoyed working with adults, mainly because they’re there because they want to be - nobody’s forcing them. It’s always interesting to hear why they’re learning music. Some are seeking artistic fulfilment, others have very specific goals. I once taught an adult student how to play the slow movement of the Moonlight Sonata. Nothing amazing about that, except that she had no interest in learning to read music, so I had to teach her the piece, one small section at a time, week by week, by rote! She’d watch me play a couple of new measures, then she’d play it over and over, and then rush home and practice everything she knew, including the new material. The entire process took several months, but she successfully learned the piece and even performed it at a recital.
I also teach a couple of ladies who are taking lessons with the express purpose of keeping Alzheimer's at bay. At least, that’s what they joke about at nearly every lesson! I encourage them, assuring them that every new piece they learn is like working out a puzzle, where your mind and fingers have to work in complete coordination. There’s nothing else like it!
I often hear adult students talk about their time practicing being a very special time of the day for them, their small gift to themselves. They’ve managed to carve out 30 minutes a day to allow for the enjoyment of losing themselves in the process of learning something new and interesting. It’s a process that allows you to forget the problems and worries of everyday life. Over a period of time, it’s felt to be their oasis that they wouldn’t give up for anything!
Whatever the reasons that adults seek out musical instruction, the teachers at STAMD would love to help you reach your goals! Maybe you started lessons as a child and had to stop. Maybe you started lessons as a child and drove your parents crazy until they let you stop! Either way, at some point you’ve experienced the regret of stopping and want to pick up that instrument again (unless your instrument is piano - you shouldn’t pick up a piano). All joking aside, don’t wait. You deserve the happiness that comes with being engaged in the creative, enriching journey of learning to play or sing music. Isn’t it time we quit letting the kids have all the fun?
- Craig Lynch, Director
Please Welcome NEW STUDENTS For JANUARY!
Aditi A.
Elias A.
Ryder A.
Faith B.
Prince B.
Oskar B.
Zoie C.
Ria D.
Kaylyn E.
Liliana G.
Charlotte H.
Cora H.
Isaac H.
Grace H.
Melissa J.
Ebba J.
Harper K.
Alisha M.
June N.
Nirvaan P.
Roxie P.
Emily R.
Julian R.
Jovani S.
Sean S.
Colton S.
Viola S.
Annabella T.
Victoria T.
Nila V.
Sloka Y.
St. Valentine’s Day Fun at STAMD!
Have you taken your picture in front of our Conversation Hearts backdrop? Next time you’re iin, get your photo taken, or take a picture yourself and share it with us on Facebook or Instagram!
Also, don’t forget to register your guess as to how many candies are in the jar on the front desk. The contest is open to all of our students and their siblings, 18 years of age or younger. The winner will be announced on February 15. Good luck!
Too Old to Learn a Musical Instrument? I Don’t Think So!
The cover article this month is about adult learning. Is it ever too late to learn music? Nope. Here’s a short list of people who started something big a little later in life.
Colonel Sanders founded KFC at the tender age of 62.
Frank McCourt, of Angela’s Ashes fame, started writing at the age of 65.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, began writing her immensely popular Little House on the Prairie books when she was 65.
Peter Roget was 73 when he created his famous Thesaurus.
“Grandma” Moses famously turned to painting after she couldn’t embroider any longer. She was 78!
Fauja Singh began running marathons at the age of 89, and completed a full marathon at the age of 100! He’s still alive, aged 108.
Important Upcoming Dates
March 8: Daylight Savings —Set your clock 1 hour ahead!
April 7—April 12: Spring Break — Academy Closed.
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!
Dance Student of the Month: Camilla V.
Meet Dance student, Camilla! She is 12 years old and has been studying at STAMD since 2015.
What are you studying at Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance?
Jazz dance and piano.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like pop music.
What are your hobbies?
Being with my friends.
What is your favorite food?
Tamales!
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Frozen 2.
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons so far?
Firebird.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to want to work at a middle school and be the person that students can come and talk to when they don’t have anyone else.
Music Student of the Month: Katie L.
Meet Music student, Katie! She is 10 years old and has been studying at STAMD since 2015.
What are you studying at Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance?
Voice and piano.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Minor mode pop music.
What are your hobbies?
Being on the computer, being bored, or doing chores.
What is your favorite food?
All, except vegetables.
What is your favorite movie?
My Hero Academia.
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons so far?
Megalovania.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A figure skater.
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 January please contact us at 408-226-8742 or info@academyofmusicanddance.com
Mr. Quentin (drums & guitar): Monday - 1 spot / Friday - 2 spots
Mr. Craig (piano): Monday - 2 spots / Friday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Matthew (piano): Wednesday - SOLD OUT
Mr. Kris (guitar & ukulele): Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday - 2 spots
Mr. Jeremy (piano, guitar & voice): Tuesday - 1 spot / Wednesday - 2 spots /Thursday - 1 spot / Saturday - SOLD OUT
Miss Aileen (piano): Sunday - 1 spot
Mr. Soroosh (piano): Wednesday - SOLD OUT / Friday - 2 spots
Mr. Zachary (guitar): Sunday– 3 spots
Miss Natasha (piano & ukulele): Saturday - 2 spots
Mr. Shand (guitar & ukulele): Saturday - 2 spots
Miss Jillian (voice & piano): Sunday - SOLD OUT / Tuesday - 1 spot / Friday - 1 spot
Miss Mary (violin): Monday - SOLD OUT / Wednesday - 2 spot
Miss Karla (piano): Tuesday - 2 spots
Mr. Joshua (piano): Monday - 2 spots / Thursday - 3 spots / Saturday - 2 spots
Mr. Brett (voice & piano): Wednesday - 1 spot / Thursday - 2 spots
Miss Lori (violin): Thursday - 1 spot / Saturday - 3 spots
Mr. Angel (guitar & piano): Friday - 2 spots
Enya Murray (voice): Monday - 2 spots
Quotes from Misty Copeland, Ballerina
“Perseverance has always just been something that was in me. And it was a tool that came in very handy as a ballerina.”
“Every time I dance, I’m trying to prove myself to myself.”
“Most ballerinas take their first ballet class when they are 5 or 6 years old. I was 13 when I took mine on the basketball court of the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club in California.”
