Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
As you may already have read (A) has begun drum lessons at New City School of Music. We knew that he was musical- he has a general love with it. Sleeps old school with his radio on listening all night, and asked for a record player for Christmas last year. We just weren’t sure which instrument he would choose. In fact, we have tried several instruments to see which was the right fit. He chose drums. I thought I would provide you with some insight as to what the Music School is truly about.
He’s already loving it 2 months in. I’ve raved about Andrew his teacher before and I will touch on that again but first I want to let you know about some great behind the scenes going on at New City School of Music. (A) was welcomed with a sign at the entrance when he began which made him feel super special. He was then welcomed in the online and print newsletters <3
New City School of Music is INVOLVED in their students, its not just a once a week relationship. The school ran Halloween contests with students to post hashtags on photos of them in costume for the prize of an amazon gift card. They have a special reward program for students as they progress (I will tell you more at another time), and there’s more.
I received emails regarding optional (free) professional photos of the kids playing (be still my photo crazy heart), and an upcoming recital that we could sign up for. My first instinct was that it was waaaay too soon for (A) to be performing, he simply doesn’t know that much yet. But after speaking to Andrew we decided to do it. NOT because the school makes money off of participants and/or the families that watch them, the performance and the tickets to attend are FREE.
What about his skill level? Could he possibly play at such an early stage? Yep. Andrew encouraged him to so that he could get used to performing in front of people. THEN HE LET HIM HAVE INPUT IN HIS PIECE!!!! He asked about songs that (A) likes to listen to. He mentioned one and Andrew said it was a perfect fit. The only problem is that its SUPER repetitive and could get boring if it was just the drum part….. So what did Andrew do? He composed three similar parts that fit the song perfectly, but will provide the audience with the change that they will be craving during the piece. It teaches (A) some super valuable lessons about playing as well. He is to practice all three lines along with the music and without in addition to his other “homework” each week.
Andrew always makes lessons fun, (A) looks forward to them weekly, never complaining that he wants to stay home. He practices nightly and loves calling us in to show us what he can do. It also helps him to get out some of his energy in the evenings. Needing to concentrate so hard on the music and movements plus keeping time exhausts him. I can see his passion for music and for playing developing every day. Its exactly what Andrew said was going to happen. He said he wanted to nurture that love of music and turn it into passion for playing. He certainly has.
(A) is beyond excited he can’t wait to show everyone what he can do at their concert. The family has been notified and we are all ready to attend. It’s going to be a BLAST!!
