Music Authority Family Newsletter for April 2, 2019

4/24/2019

Music Authority Family Newsletter - April 2, 2019

Keeping Summer Focus

Keeping Focus Over the Summer

Spring Break is here and that means summer is just around the corner. We know schedules change, family vacations are booked, and for some families, daytime child care is arranged. But this isn't the time to drop lessons.

Only 7% of students who drop for the summer ever return.

Almost all parents say, "we're just dropping for the summer, we'll be back in August." But only 7 out of 100 actually return.

Why is this important? Think of some of the reasons to take music lessons:
- Self-Discipline
- Work Ethic
-Higher SAT Scores
- Reduces Stress
- Improves Memory

Staying in music lessons can actually help your child do better in school. And it's fun! They're enjoying playing their instrument, preparing for a show, and they're really developing better math skills.

And then there's your investment. If you started lessons in August, you've already invested over $1,000 in music lessons by the time June arrives. Don't lose the investment, utilize credits and make up opportunities to make summer lessons make sense.

Last, improve your focus over the summer by enrolling in summer music camps. No matter what your student's age, we have the right program for you!

Thank you for being part of the Music Authority Family! Have a safe and fun Spring Break, and don't forget to let us know if you aren't going to be here.

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

CMG Mark

Check out the color on this CMG Mark! These beautiful guitars are made, one at a time, in Statesboro, Georgia.

An affordable, American-made guitar, the Mark would make a great addition to your guitar arsenal.

Try this one today at Music Authority!

Roadies Student of the Month for March: Trisha Chilukuri

Trisha has been in lessons at Music Authority since August 2018. She was in the Fall Show and now is part of Music Authority's Tribute.

Trisha likes that there are no rules when it comes to music. There are endless possibilities of what you can do, and everyone has their own style of music; no two musicians are the same.

Rock Camp, Jr. - only 4 spots left

Music Authority's Rock Camp, Jr. only has 4 spots left! This camp, for 5-10 year olds, explores instruments, plays games to help build rhythm and performance skills, has crafts, and ends the week with a performance.

Don't let your student miss out on this incredible camp experience!

June 3-7, 2019
Cost $275

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

We had a blast putting on the Spring Show, "It's My Pirate Ship," on March 22, 2019. Instructors Melissa Loggins, Jake Lanni, Shawn Jacoby, Andrew Loggins, and Brandon Faulkner started the show off with this number, Whiskey in the Jar.

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Music Authority Family Newsletter for March 26, 2019

4/22/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 26, 2019

This is Our House

This is Our House

My favorite moment from last Friday's show, "It's My Pirate Ship," was the very last song. There's something special about standing on a stage, looking out at a sea of faces (over 200 of you) that are clapping in rhythm and singing along with the performers. Most of you don't know the story behind that song, or why we do it at the end of our shows.

Let me share it with you.

It was after June's Rock Camp last summer. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, a few loved faces at Music Authority were moving on to other things. This left many students feeling hurt and abandoned. July's Rock Camp comes along; the theme is Baseball songs. Songs you hear at games, songs about the sport, songs you know from Baseball movies.

"This is Our House" by Bon Jovi was one of the songs on that set list. Before that camp, several parents had already mentioned it would be nice to close every Music Authority show with the same song. Something of a theme for the Music Authority family. A few songs were tossed around, nothing fit.

Then Rock Camp happened. Several families reached out, this is the song, this is what the Music Authority family is all about.

We made it our theme song for 2019.

To the students and families at Music Authority, the anthem stands for family. It's about working hard, making it to show night, and rocking out with a great performance. It's about solidarity; about students standing together to be successful; about supporting each other and cheering each other on to shine. It's about pride in Music Authority and pride in our "team."

Music Authority might not be a sports team, but we are a family. We're a family who will stand up for each other, cheer for each other, support each other, and encourage each other. We're a family who let young, first-time performers borrow our courage until they build enough of their own. We're performers who will reach out a helping hand when asked. We're teachers and students who will be there, no questions asked, when the community needs us.

We are Music Authority Family and we're glad you're a part of us.

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Introducing Music Authority's Beyond

Music Authority's first Showcase Band was Music Authority's Rise, starting on April 1, 2014. It's original members, Jake Lanni, Sydney Cameron, Brayden Sudduth, Drey Woodson, and Harrison Block represented Music Authority with pride. The band changed members annually until it disbanded in September of 2017.

This summer, Music Authority's Eclipse will be joined by the newest member of the Showcase Band family, Music Authority's Beyond.

Showcase Bands are audition only bands with a year long commitment. These bands are for students seriously considering a career in the music field.

Taylor 114ce-N Limited Edition

Coming this week to Music Authority - two Limited Edition, Taylor 114ce-N with Ovangkol back and sides.

Grand Auditorium Body Shape
Maple Neck
Spruce Top
Ovangkol back and sides
ES-N electronics
Venetian cutaway

Stop by Music Authority and play one today!

Rock Camp - Drums Full for June and July ages 10-18 Camp

Music Authority's Rock Camps are filling up! Drums are now full for regular Rock Camp, ages 10-18. There is still room for all other instruments, so don't miss out on the best summer camp around!

Cost: $400

For more information, or to sign up, stop by the front desk at Music Authority

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

Music Authority's Rise - first gig. Wheel in the Sky performed on June 20, 2014. Sydney Cameron, Jake Lanni, Drey Woodson, Harrison Block, and Brayden Sudduth. Members Jake Lanni and Brayden Suddeth served as part of Rise until their respective graduations from High School in 2017.

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Music Authority Family Newsletter for March 19, 2019

4/15/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 19, 2019

A Soon To Be Music Authority Alumni Mom; Melissa Loggins; Revstar; Broadway Camp; and Pirates!

The Words of a Soon To Be Music Authority Alumni Parent - Guest Article by Kim Sudduth

As parents, my husband, Gregg and I encouraged our children to try a variety of things. Over the years they've been involved in a variety of sports, martial arts, Scouts, theater, video production, film making and music.

While camping in May of 2011, our 12 year old son, Brayden struck up a conversation with Brandon McKinney, the drummer for Graham's Number. That conversation lit a spark in Brayden... soon after he asked us if he could take lessons... he wanted to learn how to play the drums! Once home, we talked to a friend whose child took music lessons (this was new territory for us) and Music Authority (MA) was recommended. A phone call was made and lessons with Mike McAllister at MA began. We had no idea that those lessons were the beginning of an amazing experience for our son (for our family)... one that would carry him through high school and into adulthood.

Performing at Spring shows, Rock Camps and Fall shows were something he began looking forward to. In March of 2014, Brayden received an invitation to be the drummer for Music Authority's first showcase band, Rise. What an honor for our high school Freshman! I could write a whole other article on the great times he/we had during his time with Rise. It was truly a blessing. Rise wasn't a sport, but it took dedication and hard work... it taught teamwork and how to communicate... it felt like MA's version of an all-star team.

Brayden was fortunate to play with Rise until he graduated high school in 2017 and aged-out of the band. Those Rise years provided several amazing opportunities... touring the Atlanta Institute of Music and SAE Institute, recording in an actual studio, performing at the Forsyth County Fair, Dawsonville's Moonshine Festival, CooCoo's Nest, 37 Main, Crimson Moon, Venkman's, Wild Wing Cafe, Rosati's... the list goes on.

About the time that Brayden was invited to be in Rise, our daughter Jordan asked if she could take guitar lessons. The answer was yes. She was fortunate to get a guitar for her 13th birthday and a spot on the schedule at MA with the amazing Justin Cain. Jordan enjoyed playing and having watched her brother perform, she signed up for Rock Camp. Not long after Rock Camp, she began taking voice lessons with Melissa Loggins. As Jordan's schedule got busier with various activities, including musical theater, she realized there weren't enough hours in the day to dedicate the time that was required for each of her hobbies. She made the difficult decision to stop guitar lessons (she still dabbles for fun), but continue with voice. Not only has Melissa been her vocal coach since 2014, but also a mentor, due to the love they share for writing, as well as a friend that Jordan could talk to about life, her health issues and/or her anxiety. Those lessons became much more to Jordan than just learning a new song. It was a time where she could be herself and decompress.

One of the things we're most thankful for about Music Authority is that both of our children considered it a safe place. A place where they were accepted for who they were and weren't judged. No one made fun of our son for his long hair or choice of dark clothing. No one discouraged our daughter from singing or playing guitar or ukulele. It gave them... our family... something special to be a part of... the Music Authority Family. And that's truly what it is... a group of children and parents that are there for each other to celebrate good times and accomplishments and support each other when life throws us something difficult.

As Jordan approaches her final Music Authority performance at this week's Spring Show, we are fortunate to say that she, like her brother, learned so much during her time at MA. Five years of lessons, Rock Camp, Spring & Fall shows, one that included a performance with her brother, recitals and Rented Christmas this past December... so many memories. We believe music will always be a part of their lives in one way or another, but they leave with something so much greater!

Brayden graduated last fall from The DAVE School with a certificate in Game Production and is currently an Associate 3D Artist at GameSim in Orlando. He played a few gigs with The Rogue Scholars while at school in Orlando and now travels north to play drums with some other MA alums in No Strings Attached. After her graduation in May, Jordan will be attending Vancouver Film School for their Writing for Film, Television & Games program. She plans to pursue a career in screenwriting and potentially directing or casting.

Although neither of our children chose to pursue a career in music, skills like commitment, confidence, communication and acceptance were gained each time they went to a lesson, practiced at home, rehearsed with a band or got up on stage. It's bittersweet that our time at Music Authority is coming to a close, but the great thing is that family will always be family... each of us have made life long friendships that will continue to offer support even after the lessons and performances have ended

Kim Suddth, Music Authority Parent, 2011-2019
Music Authority Roadies Alumni Board Member, 2017 - 2019

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Instructor Spotlight - Melissa Loggins

Melissa Loggins grew up in Northwest Ohio before attending Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She has her degree in music business and later studied photography at North Georgia College and University.

In her free time, she sings at Christ the King Lutheran Church and writes Urban Fantasy as "Anne Schlea." She released her third novel on March 15, 2019.

Yamaha Revstar 420

Balance is a simple concept that is often difficult to achieve, but the RS420 combines outstanding performance with a character all its own to hit that elusive sweet spot for a guitar that walks it like it talks it.

Set Neck Construction
Nato Body, Maple Top
Nato Neck
Humbucking Pickups/Alnico V3
Push-Pull "Dry Switch"
Slim Neck Profile

Stop by Music Authority and play one today!

Join Bree Shannon at Broadway Camp!

June 24-28, 2019 at Music Authority

It's Pirate's the Musical under the direction of Bree Shannon this summer at Music Authority! Learn music, dance, acting, build sets and costumes, and dip your toes into the world of musical theater this summer!

Cost: $275
For more information, or to sign up, stop by the front desk at Music Authority

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

The Spring Show is almost upon us, so let us take a moment to look back to last year's Spring Show, Apollo. This is Starlight (Muse).

Don't miss out on It's My Pirate Ship, this Friday at Cornerstone School. Tickets are $15 and available at the front desk at Music Authority or at the door (cash or check only).

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Music Authority Family Newsletter for March 12, 2019

4/8/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 12, 2019

Senior Spotlight: Kate Sikes; Yamaha THR5; Rock Camp, Jr.; and What Instrument Should My Child Play?

What Instrument Should My Child Learn?

I hear this question a lot. Parents call or come in with their child, usually around the age of 6, and ask what instrument their child should learn. There's usually a particular light in the parents eyes, one that silently tells me, "say piano."

Starting music lessons on piano makes a lot of sense, if piano is what your child wants to play. You'll learn how to read and write music, you'll build muscles in your hands and arms, you'll develop math skills, and pick up dozens of other benefits from playing a musical instrument. The student can also get bored, refuse to practice, and develop a dislike for music if piano isn't the instrument for them.

When the family is in front of me when I'm asked that question, I will generally next turn my attention to the potential student and ask them, "what would you like to play?"

(This is also the part where I get an unhappy look from many parents. Goodness forbid if the child says drums.)

Children who start studying music with an instrument they're excited about will last longer in lessons. (Refer back to my previous articles if you want the full story on keeping kids engaged.)

However, I do understand kids can get frustrated, especially in the beginning of lessons. The vision of playing guitar and the reality of the work that goes into it are very different. Providing carrots will often help students through the tough times. "Stick with the lessons for six months and we'll upgrade your guitar after your first recital."

Lessons can seem unending to a young person. As adults, time flies by. We have intentions to go home to see the family each year until five or six have passed. One year in the life of a forty year old is less than 3% of our life. One year to a seven year old is almost 15% of their life. Time seems much longer.

A seven year old who is in lessons for six months is in lessons "forever." If there's no payoff, no certificate of accomplishment, no recital (preferably followed by celebratory ice cream), or no change in routine, student will start to lose focus.

So, what instrument should your child take? Why don't you ask the child?

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Senior Spotlight - Kate Sikes

Kate Sikes is the youngest in a family of Music Authority students. She originally started all the way back in 2015 on guitar with instructor Chase Napier. Several teachers, and a change of instruments later, she's finishing her Music Authority years as a drummer in the studio of Brandon Faulkner.

Kate will be joining her brother this fall at Georgia Southern. She plans on majoring in Computer Systems Analysis and minoring in Music Theory.

Yamaha THR5

The THR5 offers the sound quality of the larger THR10 in a more portable form, making it perfect for use at home or when traveling. Now the THR5 has been upgraded version 2, with an even better sound that defies the convention that sound quality has to be sacrificed in a small amp with a small sound.

Stop by Music Authority and play one today!

Rock Camp, Jr. - Limited Space Still Available!

June 3 - 7, 2019 at Music Authority

Learn about instruments, play and perform in a band, do music crafts, and join the crew of the pirate ship The Adventure for the funnest week of the summer!

Cost: $275
For more information, or to sign up, stop by the front desk at Music Authority

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

The Spring Show is almost upon us, so let us take a moment to look back to last year's Spring Show, Apollo. This is Starlight (Muse).

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 5, 2019

3/30/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 5, 2019

Fellowship, Marshall Origin 20, Kylan McNichols, and Love on the High Seas

Music Lessons and Fellowship

This week's article is the last in a series on how to keep your student engaged in lessons.

Too often, students drop out of lessons because they're bored or they don't want to practice at home. In the last two articles, I talked about the importance of linear, quantifiable material, and recitals. Simply put, students need to be in books to show quantifiable progress and they need to participate in recitals or concerts to help stay focused on the reason to practice.

Having a practice chart or a routine helps, too. It's not terrible if a parent has to remind their elementary or middle aged student to practice. Remember, they won't eat green vegetables without encouragement and reminding, either.

The third part of being successful is to have a social support system in your lessons. Being at camp or involved in a show builds friendships. Those friendships, built from music, will reinforce the importance of lessons.

Students will want to do what their friends do. If you give them friends who are musicians, they will also want to participate in music. If you surround your child with kids who play baseball, chances are, your student will also want to give up guitar for baseball.

The Music Authority Roadies offer a variety of opportunities through the year to participate socially with other student musicians to help build and guide those relationships. They have picnics, concerts, student parties, and offer service projects. Follow their group on Facebook to stay up to date, or send a request to join their Roadies message board.

Summer Camp, Spring Break Camp, and the Spring/Fall Show also offer those opportunities. Families who participate enjoy themselves and find their students stay engaged in music longer - an average of 5-7 years - when they participate in occasional fellowship with other music families.

I know many of you are happy with a once a week musical experience; but I hope I've given you some options and ideas on how to be more involved. If your child shows a love of music or an aptitude for their instrument, give some of these ideas a try.

You just might be putting your child on the path to better math and science skills, better communication, and a happy and successful musical experience.

Photo Credit - Alicia Hughes - Music Authority's Eclipse sharing laughter, and a friendship that will last a lifetime, during a photo shoot.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Kylan McNichols

Kylan McNichols is a guitar and uke teacher at Music Authority. Originally from Fairborn, Ohio, he graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music before joining team of instructors at Music Authority.

Kylan served time in the Marines and loves Seinfeld. His first instrument was the trombone.

Marshall Origin 20

This 20W combo is designed for those that like expression through innovation. Using a Celestion V type speaker the Origin20C^TM provides a classic all-valve Marshall tone. A 2-way footswitch allows you to control the gain boost and turn the FX loop on and off. With classic styling and modern features this amp generates rich, harmonic tones so that you can craft a sound to suit your personality.

Stop by Music Authority and play one today!

It's My Pirate Ship!

March 22, 2019 - 7pm @ Cornerstone Schools

Join the crew of the pirate ship, The Adventure, as she sails the high seas! The crew is like family, until First Mate Jake decides he must leave the ship on a quest to find Molly, the girl of his dreams. Join Music Authority instructors and students on a pirate adventure filled with music, humor, and love.

Tickets $15 in advance at Music Authority. Cash or check only.

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

The original Music Authority showcase band, Rise, will forever have a place in Music Authority's history. At one spectacular Rock Camp, both Rise and Eclipse got together for a special performance. June 2015.

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Music Authority Family Newsletter for February 26, 2019

3/13/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 26, 2019

Recitals, Elizabeth Sherlock, the Yamaha Pacifica, Spring Break Camp, and the benefits of older adults taking music lessons.

Are Recitals Really Important?

This week's article is a continuation of last week. We're taking a look at the actions you can take, as a parent, that help keep your child engaged in lessons.

Imagine joining a baseball team. You go to the registration day, sign up your child, get all the necessary equipment, and start going to practice. Your child goes to practice for months; they learn how to throw, to bat, and to catch. But they never play a game. How long will it be before baseball gets boring?

Taking lessons without performance is a lot like that. Playing by yourself in your room can only keep a student interested for so long.

Will your student say they're nervous? Probably. Will they say they don't want to do it? Maybe. Should you encourage them and find a way around the nerves? Absolutely.

Students who perform early in their lessons career will do better. They're less likely to say "no" the sooner they sign up for a recital. The most successful teacher I know assigns his students their first recital at their very first lesson.

At Music Authority, we find that students who participate in recitals stay in lessons an average of 2-3 years. That's 2-3 years of developing better math skills, engaging the brain at a deeper level, of learning to think outside of the box. Students who don't participate in performance? They generally drop out in 6-8 months if they're in books; 90 days if they don't have books to learn from.

Are recitals really important? Yes. A recital can make the difference between a successful experience in music and a short experience.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Senior Spotlight: Elizabeth Sherlock

Elizabeth Sherlock has tried almost any lesson Music Authority has to offer. Once a piano student of Melissa Loggins, she has studied flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, and violin. What she's the most well known for, however, is playing bass. Here are Elizabeth's thoughts on her experience at Music Authority.

"Music lessons have transformed my life. Music has shaped me into a different and better person. I have made lifelong friends, and I believe music brings people together. I factor in musical programs at the colleges I look at.

In college, I will be studying nursing, because I want to help people. I am currently deciding between UNG and KSU. They both have fantastic nursing and music programs."

Yamaha Pacifica

The Yamaha Pacifica is a stellar entry level guitar for the student just wanting to start out on electric. Made with fine craftsmanship, the strat style guitar comes in a variety of colors. If your student is looking for an electric guitar, come by and check one out!

Stop by Music Authority and play one today!

Spring Break Camp!

Sign up for Music Authority's Spring Break camp - singing, dancing, costumes, sets and more fun celebrating the music of the movies.

Sign up today!

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

The NAMM Foundation show benefits of music lessons in older adults - take a look!

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February 19, 2019

3/13/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 19, 2019

90 Days of Lessons, Introducing Tina Louise, the Taylor 224ce-k, and Rockin' out with Rock Ensemble

90 Days

I love statistics. At Music Authority, we track all kinds of numbers to help us better serve our customers.

One of the most shocking numbers we track is return rates for students who drop. Each summer, Christmas season, and change of sports season, we have a group of students who drop for _________ (fill in the season). But we'll be back in two months to start lessons again!

Approximately 7% actually return. That means 93% are losing their investment in music. Even students who have been in lessons for years prior to dropping have the same statistic.

Here's another statistic - students who take lessons without a book will only stay in lessons for an average of 90 days. Hand outs, sheets of notebook paper, or hand written assignments simply don't have the same educational impact as being in a book does.

Yet, every week we have parents who insist they try out lessons without making the investment in a book. "We'll buy it once we're sure." I ask, how can you study and learn if you don't have the material? Statistics show if the material isn't purchased, then your student will almost certainly not stay in lessons.

Books create a logical path of learning. A book will also help parents to see quantifiable progress in lessons. There is no question as to if their child is learning anything, it's easy to see we're on page 12 today and were on page 8 last week. And as the teacher supplements the material, tests the student on the material, and encourages progress, the book and teacher work in tandem to educate and inspire.

How much longer does a student stay in lessons if they're in a book? 6-8 months, or the rest of the current school year. These students still have a habit of dropping for the summer, never to return. If you want to keep them engaged longer - sign them up for a recital. Students participating in performance will stay in lessons for an average of 2-3 years.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Welcoming Tina Louise to the Staff!

Tina has been singing for almost as long as she's been talking, and began singing at church, weddings and funerals at an early age. In 2000, she started writing and performing in a rock band that lead her to recording music and touring for close to 10 years.

In 2010, she moved to Atlanta to become a full time musician, where she became, and continues to be, a first call vocalist for producer/engineer, Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox 20). She's currently working on a major label release with Jessie James Dupree of the band Jackyl and is in a band with the guitar beast known around Music Authority as, Andrew Loggins.

Taylor 224ce-k

Fans of Hawaiian koa will love the look, feel and sound of this all-koa Grand Auditorium. A shaded edgeburst elevates the vintage appeal of the solid koa top, which is paired with layered koa back and sides, while a gloss finish wraps the body in a rich sheen.

Stop by Music Authority and play one today!

Rock Ensemble Concert

Have you seen the Rock Ensembles perform? Come out on Friday, February 22, at 7pm to the Backroom at Music Authority. It's fun for the whole family, great music, and you can support our young musicians at the same time! Tickets $5.

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

Who misses Rock Camp? Sign ups are open now - and we're open to all kind of instruments at camp, like saxophone, trumpet, and flute! Sign up today!

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Music Authority Family Newsletter for February 12, 2019

2/25/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 12, 2019

Introducing Bree Shannon, TKL Cases, Rock Camp, Jr, and learning new languages

Cómo estás

I have embarked on a new adventure. I am learning to speak Spanish with the help of a Music Authority dad. From the perspective of someone who spoke French fluently enough to survive in France without any English speaking help, this is a far more daunting task than I first imagined.

However, as my tutor reminded me, this isn't that much different than an adult picking up an instrument for the first time. (And then being tossed on stage in a Spring show - not that I'd ever do that to anyone. Cough.)

Music is a language, just like Spanish. You can learn to play (repeat phrases by rote without learning the whys behind what you're saying) or you can learn to speak (understand the language well enough to put together your own sentences.)

Music Authority teaches the language. We want you student to be able to speak the language with other students, to be able to function in a band or a group. To be able to write songs of their own. We don't want them just to tell us "what song do you want to play today."

Language is important. It engages the parts of your brain that do math and science, check out the studies on Google. Music makes your student smarter.

Adults, we handle you a little different. We want you to understand the language, yes, but we also want you to have fun and learn the songs you didn't a chance to play when you were a kid. Science shows music is good for you, too, helping to keep the brain engaged. Some studies even show music can delay dementia.

Much like throwing adult musicians onto the stage, I guess I just put myself out there. I'm trying my best (I can greet you, tell you my name, and ask how can I help you). Feel free to quiz me. But please also give me a sticker and tell me to keep practicing for next week.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

Introducing Bree Shannon

Bree Shannon is a native of Marietta, Ga and started singing and performing at the age of 12. She just retired from 12 years of working as a production performer and lead vocalist for Carnival Cruise Lines, where she sang and performed every genre of music, from rock, pop, r&b, country, classic soul and Motown. Bree loves to perform, loves teaching others and her main focuses are stage presence, audience connection and storytelling through song.

Bree is also a TV, film and commercial actor, a voice-over talent, and she’s a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and Actor’s Equity Association. Her passion is performing on stage for a live audience and sharing her gifts and knowledge of performance with others. She believes that you can never be too good at your talent to learn more, grow more and be better!

TKL

Music Authority is happy to now offer TKL Cases to the Music Authority Family! TKL offers deluxe gig bags and cases - an investment in protecting your gear. Don't see what you're looking for? Talk to one of our customer service specialists and we'll be happy to order what you need!

Rock Camp, Jr.

Jake Lanni, this year with the help of TA Dominic Perez, leads one of the most fun camps of the summer at Music Authority - Rock Camp, Jr. If your student, age 5-10, is looking to get their feet wet in a band, this is the camp for you! Shortened hours from our full rock camp, campers join a band, learn about instruments, do crafts, and put on a show Friday night. Sign up today! (Space is limited.)

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

Rock Camp, Jr. 2018 - Jake Barnes, Brody Higham, Ryan Britto, and TA Kaitlyn Lahr. Under the direction of Jake Lanni. Sign your 5-10 year old for Rock Camp, Jr. today!

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Music Authority Newsletter for February 5, 2019

2/18/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 5, 2019

The NAMM Wrap Up

Seeing the Forest

Sometimes, you need to get away from home to see the forest. Stuck in the daily grind of paying bills, managing students and personalities, and keeping the walls stocked, we forget to look at the big picture.

The big picture came into focus on Thursday morning when I presented my NAMM session. The room was packed. I mean, every seat was full, the overflow space where people could watch on a monitor was full, and people were lined up standing along the outside edges. I asked, is it normal to have this many people at a 10:30 session on Thursday? The reply: well, you're an expert.

Woah, let's not throw around that word. (Side note - shout out to Valencia School of Music, whom I know reads this newsletter, for bringing your people out to see the session!) Maybe instead of expert we should call it "too stubborn to give up."

A second surprise came later that day when I mentioned we'd completely recovered our student numbers from a situation over the summer that had caused something of a staffing and PR crisis. "Impossible," I was told. It should take eighteen months to recover from something like that. Well, I'm sorry to tell you, but it took six.

It's hard to see the miracles - the result of hard work by dedicated teachers, staff, parents, and students - when you're focused on solving the next crisis.

I bring back from California not a list of the new products you'll see on our shelves. (Those are coming, don't worry, watch our social media for the exciting arrivals and announcements.)

I come back with clearer vision, focus, and a drive to continue to innovate, improve, and inspire. I come back to keep working to give you, the Music Authority Family, the best in education, service, and product experiences.

And to the stores in Buffalo, Westfield, San Diego, Smyrna, Tampa, and Cincinnati who reached out to know more about the Music Authority programs and the Music Authority Family, thank you for keeping me inspired to do more, to keep improving, to continue to do better. Come for a visit if you're ever in Atlanta, I'd love to show you around.

Melissa A. Loggins, owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

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NAMM: The People

One of the best parts of the show is the people. We met an amazing guitar manufacturer from France, case makers from China, talked to Santa Cruz guitars from California, and we got to see my Inside Sales Rep (Josh) from Taylor.

It's refreshing to talk about music lessons with different stores from around the country, to share stories and brainstorm new ideas. Stores in New Jersey, Florida, California, Ireland, and Australia, just to name a few, want to know more about the Music Authority program and Family. (And boy, are there some great new ideas coming soon to Music Authority!)

Yes, it's a bit embarrassing to almost cry all over the lessons guru who helped you out over the summer because you can't think of any words to say except, "Thank you." (See Pete Gamber in the photo. And yes, I almost cried.)

Whatever your industry, if it has a trade show - Go! Make friends, keep business cards, follow up. You never know what doors will open or what friendships you might find. You might even find yourself sharing a laugh with a sales rep you thought you'd always hate. Or inspiration in a field you've never thought about being a part of.

*Music Authority invites high school students who are part of the Rock Ensemble programs to apply to attend the Summer NAMM Show held each year in Nashville.

The Coolest Guitar at the Show

Melissa doesn't get excited about electric guitars. At least not until we stumbled upon a French company with only a handful of American dealers. Wild Custom Guitars. OMG, beautiful, well crafted, incredible design and visual look, and totally out of the price range of guitars we sell.

Ah, well, we can dream for now.

Meanwhile, we also looked at Santa Cruz, Collings, Larivee, TKL cases, visited with friends from Greer Amplification, Blue Ridge Guitars, BA Ferguson, and more. We'll have new arrivals soon from Taylor (we ordered two custom builds that are going to be AMAZING), ESP, Marshall, and a new line from Yamaha we're super excited about. (Unfortunately, the new Yamaha line is top secret for now...)

Keep your eyes open - new, cutting edge gear is coming soon! (And if anyone is in the market for an incredible electric, let's talk!)

Tecate, Mexico and Taylor Guitars

As a final stop on their west coast journey, the Music Authority travelers took advantage of an opportunity to visit both the Mexican and the American Taylor Guitar factories. The state of the art factory in Tecate, Mexico was spectacular. Their dedicated staff turns out top quality guitars with evident pride.

The American factory is equally impressive. The smell of the wood when you first arrive is worth the trip by itself. Two custom build guitars, one made from Blackwood and one sporting Black Limba back and sides, will be coming to Music Authority in the future months.

If you want to hear more about the Taylor Factories, stop in and see Andrew, Melissa, or Savannah to hear about the trip!

Not in Lessons at Music Authority? Sign Up Here!

Since Melissa and Savannah didn't get any great celebrity photos (unless you count pictures of Andrew), here's a video from Andertons Music in UK. Andertons has the BEST YouTube Channel for music geeks (and a big store in Guildford, Surrey, UK). We DID see the line for this meet and greet (it was so long it was disrupting traffic into the ESP booth where we had a meeting), so does that mean we almost met John Mayer?

Check out Andertons channel. It's amazing.

The Music Authority Roadies would like to announce the addition of Gary Kerr to the Roadies Board of Directors. He will be taking over the position of Vice Chair. Alice Lopez, the previous Vice Chair, will be moving to the position of Social Director.

The Roadies Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month in The Backroom at Music Authority. Meetings are open to the public, we would love for you to join us!

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Music Authority Family Newsletter Takeover

2/12/2019

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - January 29, 2019

It's a Music Authority Family Takeover while Melissa's in California!

How Long Will It Take?
A Guest Article by Natalie Fleckenstein

“How long will it take to learn how to play?”
A perfectly reasonable and frequently asked question when registering for lessons at Music Authority. This is not to criticize anyone who has ever asked this open ended and incomplete question - but it does require some background information in order to give any resemblance of a quantifiable answer.

First, let’s complete the question: “How long will it take to learn how to play...a note, chord, riff, a song, adequately, proficiently, professionally?” The list goes on. Let’s break it down a little more.

What is your goal in wanting to take lessons?
One of the best answers I ever rescued to this: “My wife and I are having a baby soon and I want to be able to play lullabies.” Precise and relatively quantifiable given the end goal but still not easily determined. But, truth be told, there are no imperfect answers to this question. Some students take lessons because they simply enjoy music and want to learn more about the process, some wish to hone the skills they learned in their youth. Some want to be rock stars or concert pianist while others don’t fit into other extra-curricular molds and just know they like the way guitars look and sound. Each reason comes with a different level of dedication and once again, cannot be quantified. But, a desire to learn, to expand your knowledge and add “musician” to your repertoire is an awesome goal and is to be applauded on any terms.

How much time are you willing to practice?
A questions that begs to be answered in an exact number. Most Instructors at Music Authority will ask you to practice a minimum of your age in minutes per day. If you Google “how long will it take me to learn how to play an instrument?” You will find a slew of answers. The range is 30 minutes to 3-4 hours per day depending on your dedication, willingness and aptitude for learning (we will get to this later). In his book, “Outliers: The Story of Success”, author Malcolm Gladwell mentions a study that dares to put out a more specific time frame stating it takes “10,000 hours, or roughly ten years, to become a genius at something.” This is based on the fact that “every great composer practiced for at least 10 years before they wrote their master work.” Even the most honest and realistic responses to this question will not earn you a guaranteed deadline answer. Even Google agrees!

How good are you at learning a new skill or task?
This question is VERY relative but an important one for the staff and instructors at Music Authority. Each skill or task is as unique as the student willing to take it on. How do you learn? Are you a visual learner? Do you do better in a traditional structured learning environment? What is your taste in music, rock, country, show tunes? From young children to adults - when you become a student, you learn at your own pace, in your own way based on your desire to achieve your goal. Some students take to their instrument from the first lesson, practice minimally and become amazing musicians while others struggle to get through each of their first lessons, practicing endlessly before they catch on or find their groove. Not giving up is the key here and giving it at least three months before any decisions or instrument changes are made is a good time frame. Making your lessons work for you is Music Authority’s goal. Struggling doesn’t mean you’re unable to learn, it just means we need to figure out what’s not working and fix it to the best of our ability and with your help. Maybe it’s the instrument, maybe it’s the wrong size. Could it be your lesson time? Maybe it’s too late or too early or the wrong day. Maybe you do better under pressure and you need a performance date locked down.

Even with all the information gathered experts still cannot give you an exact quantifiable estimate as to “how long” it will take. But the professionals at Music Authority are here to provide a personal experience to get you closer to an answer. We do our best to make sure you have the correct instrument. Each instructor gives you personal feedback on a lesson-to-lesson basis and advice to help you get closer to achieving your goal. Once you get comfortable in your lesson, we want to know how your classes going? Are you and your instructor clicking? Not feeling your first instrument choice? How about trying another instrument? Your instructor says you’re ready to try preforming, how about a recital, show or maybe one of our ensemble bands? What do you think about Rock Camp? This is part of the personal experience that you get at Music Authority that can help us get a little closer to answering your question. How long will it take for you to learn to play? The best answer may be, “as long as it takes.”

Natalie Fleckenstein, Lessons Administrator

#MusicAuthorityFamily
#beyondthemusic

Click Here to Log In to Your Lessons Account

What Eclipse Means to Dominic Perez by Tina Perez

My son Dominic is a drummer at Music Authority. He first took piano lessons at Music Authority back in 2013, then guitar, and then finally drums.

Since starting in Unveiled in January 2016, Dominic’s goal was to one day play drums in Eclipse. That opportunity came sooner than we all expected last July. Dominic jumped in and learned 30 songs in about two weeks!

Dominic loves being in Eclipse. He was ready for the challenge, and it has made him a much better musician. He loves the opportunity to play more gigs, to write and perform original music, to meet other bands, and to get great experience seeing how things work in the music industry. It really has been a dream come true!

Jackson Warren's Favorite Piece of Gear

My favorite piece of gear is the loop pedal. The loop pedal is a pedal that records what you play and loops it over and over again. It can be used with a variety of instruments. The loop pedal can help any student practice soloing and playing along to chords or a melody. The loop pedal also gives you the ability to stack different parts of a song making an excellent tool for writing music. The loop pedal gives one person the ability to play as thousands of people making it my favorite piece of gear.

Jackson Warren is a sales employee and multi instrumentalist in our showcase band, Eclipse, Guitar Ensemble, and Tribute. He is a Lambert High School student hoping for a job in the music field. He has been playing music since he was in second grade.

Teaching Music with Shae Humphrey

Teaching music is an incredibly intense occupation, if done correctly. Our students develop technical skills and devour information with such hunger. We, as educators, have the overwhelming and exciting job of keeping students engaged by introducing them to a broad spectrum of interests. But, each student is wildly diverse. Whether it is in age, circumstances, or motivations for being a part of Music Authority.
This is what I believe makes being a teacher so fulfilling. We are able to interact and understand the student on a level that many other activities are not able to provide. We are teaching our students life and personal skills. Music teaches them patience, responsibility, how to interact with others and to feel comfortable within themselves.
“That’s what is important:
we can help make both pupils enjoy their own success at their level and,
along the way, we can try to teach them not to make the destructive (and meaningless) comparisons that can spoil it all.”

Gareth Dylan Smith (2014)

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The video of the week has been taken over by Savannah Hughes, guitarist from Music Authority's Eclipse. Savannah's favorite performance with her band from 2018 was Mr. Brightside on New Year's Eve.

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Music Authority Family Newsletter - April 2, 2019

CMG Mark

Roadies Student of the Month for March: Trisha Chilukuri

Rock Camp, Jr. - only 4 spots left

Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 26, 2019

Introducing Music Authority's Beyond

Taylor 114ce-N Limited Edition

Rock Camp - Drums Full for June and July ages 10-18 Camp

Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 19, 2019

Instructor Spotlight - Melissa Loggins

Yamaha Revstar 420

Join Bree Shannon at Broadway Camp!

Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 12, 2019

Senior Spotlight - Kate Sikes

Yamaha THR5

Rock Camp, Jr. - Limited Space Still Available!

Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 5, 2019

Kylan McNichols

Marshall Origin 20

It's My Pirate Ship!

Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 26, 2019

Senior Spotlight: Elizabeth Sherlock

Yamaha Pacifica

Spring Break Camp!

Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 19, 2019

Welcoming Tina Louise to the Staff!

Taylor 224ce-k

Rock Ensemble Concert

Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 12, 2019

Introducing Bree Shannon

TKL

Rock Camp, Jr.

Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 5, 2019

NAMM: The People

The Coolest Guitar at the Show

Tecate, Mexico and Taylor Guitars

Music Authority Family Newsletter - January 29, 2019

What Eclipse Means to Dominic Perez by Tina Perez

Jackson Warren's Favorite Piece of Gear

Teaching Music with Shae Humphrey

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