Policies, Procedures, & Processes

Educational Philosophy

We don’t actually teach “music” - we teach life lessons through the metaphor of music.
- Whether it’s learning self-discipline and time management by maintaining a consistent individual practice routine; inter-dependent responsibility and teamwork by playing in a band; determination and perseverance by conquering a fear of live performance; or interpersonal social skills by interacting with an eclectic array of artists in the community, eventually all students discover that we aren’t actually teaching music lessons at all - we’re preparing young people to be successful and productive in society by developing real-world skills.
We don’t “work” music - we play music
- As with all things in life, this process is meant to be enjoyed. If it ever turns into something that’s not, we make the necessary adjustments to ensure that it remains a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. If the music ever stops being playful, a useful skill is to “hack your brain” to find out what motivates you, and use it to succeed. If it still feels like work after giving a focused and varied effort, all students are warmly encouraged to find something else that makes their soul sing.
Music is a language, and as such is an inherently shared experience.
- While finding one’s sound and developing their individuality is a critical aspect of the art, music is ultimately meant to be a communal adventure. Forming a squad of homies, doing dope stuff and taking over the world is one of the most important aspects of what we offer here.
- In a world of iPad Kids and paradoxical social media isolation, authentic live human interaction could accurately be described as an act of rebellion against a cold, computerized future. Find a squad, find your sound, and fight the good fight.
Above all else, this process encourages relentlessly unapologetic artistic expression.
- Sing your song - whatever that may be! If you want to write a typical pop song, a cringey teenage angst ballad, or a literal song about cats, do it! Your weirdness is not only allowed but actively encouraged.
- We welcome all ages, all genres, all proficiencies and all instruments.
The curriculum should always reflect the goals and ambitions of the student, and adapt and shift with them as they grow.