GarageBand is the popular music production app that comes included with every new Apple computer or tablet. If your child (or you!) has discovered GarageBand and plays with it constantly, our experienced instructors can take that random-loops-thrown-together sound and help your your child create music they'll be proud of and want to show off to their friends.
You see, what your child often won't tell you is that the music they created -- while they are pleased with it -- just isn't exactly working and they can't figure out why. Our teachers know why, and they'll help your budding creator put the pieces together and build skills in ways that will amaze your child, their friends, and you!
(Equivalent apps exist for nearly every platform out there, so if you don't have Apple gear, no worries!)
When you enroll at the Academy, we'll begin with an evaluation to determine initially what your strengths and challenges are. How well do you know GarageBand? We work with each student or parent to craft a lesson plan that fits the beginner's unique needs and favorite type of music. These private lessons are not just for kids, of course -- adult learners are always welcome at the Academy!
Whether you're a seven year old creating computer-based music for the first time, or a fifty year old returning to the studio after many years, our friendly, experienced instructors will share their passion for creating original music and help you set goals to get the music currently residing in your heart and mind out into the world! Private lessons can be scheduled both in-studio and online.
Director's interjection here: I'm perfectly well aware that every music school says the above. Every. Single. One. The difference -- and I've felt a passion about this for 40 years -- is that we actually mean it. We are not a music lesson factory.
GarageBand is extremely versatile. The app comes with such a variety of musical "lego blocks" built-in that, basically, if you can imagine it, GarageBand can do it.
Our production lessons are taught by instructors who have extensive studio experience, and have received their education from prestigious institutions such as University of California at Berkeley (music dept), Berklee College of Music, Music For The Media, and University of California at Los Angeles (music dept). Many of our instructors have gone on performance tours of the US and Europe and have over 25 years of professional performance and teaching experience.
In addition to their teaching credentials, our teachers have warm personalities, are extremely friendly, and strive to get to know each student and their parent on a personal level. All have extensive experience working with children and adults alike.
Every instructor's goal is to create a supportive environment, whether in private lessons or group classes. Every student matters, beginner or not -- and learning music is supposed to be fun!
GarageBand students learn how to manipulate the app, find loops, create original arrangements, originate new material of their own, edit their work, and finally publish it to their platform of choice - we recommend SoundCloud. This is a hands on class; music composition with the computer requires "getting your hands dirty." :-)
Knowledge and understanding come through application. Beginners especially require tailored training to establish a strong foundation for their art.
If you are a serious student interested in music production on a higher level...
All of the school computer systems have been upgraded to Logic Pro (GarageBand is actually a stripped-down, simplified version of Logic). This is fully professional software and opens up a world of possibilities to students who want to take their skills to the next level.
Advanced music production lessons cover sound design, audio engineering, and recording practices. Students in music production courses learn the entire music production cycle. Greenwich Arts Academy can begin this process for interested students -- it will be up to them to pursue mastery of these skills in their higher education later on.
While we're on the topic... advanced students learn skills that can actually lead to a career path within the music industry -- often with study at a recording school further down the line. Often the goal is to write, arrange, record, and perform your own music on a stage somewhere.
However, music professionals work in a range of jobs beyond performing, including Music Teacher, Music Director, Composer, and Music Therapist. Many musicians continue to pursue Bachelor of Music (BM) or Master of Music (MM) degrees to support and advance their careers. Strong technical skills and flexibility are essential for today's musicians to succeed in a changing industry. It is important to participate in training that will teach you the ability to remain flexible!
But even for those who don't pursue a degree, the skills learned through music education can still be beneficial in any career path. For example, musicians develop strong communication and collaboration skills, as they often work closely with others to create and perform music. They also learn discipline and time management, as practicing an instrument or preparing for performances requires dedication and organization.
In addition, music education can improve cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This can translate into success in various fields that require these skills, such as business, science, or technology.
No! It's important to have a good ear, and that's what we'll help you achieve.
You will need...
(No idea what we're talking about? Just ask us, we'll happily steer you to the right gear.)
Take the next step call 203-439-5677 now to grab a great lesson time as space is limited.
Once their song is finished, we'll help your child publish their work. This can mean uploading to DropBox and generating a link you can email so that Grandma can download the song; or creating a SoundCloud profile for your student so they can start to develop a musical presence online.
Sign up is easy and parent-friendly, with a kind, helpful person to answer the phone seven days a week. We are here to serve you. Because we only offer music lessons on a month-to-month basis, there are no large upfront payments, no complicated contracts, no annual material fees, and no semester minimums.