Remembering Why We Do This

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

What is Music Authority Family?

#MusicAuthorityFamily.  Cute hashtag.  What does it mean?  Isn't that just a marketing ploy?  Who calls the people your kids go to music school with family?  

Truth.  #MusicAuthorityFamily was born early one morning of Rock Camp many years ago.  We wanted the kids to connect to each other, at the same time we were encouraging them to post to social media - using the hashtag allowed us to find their posts.  On one hand, the hashtag was born to help teach responsible social media skills at camp.

But then something magical happened.  By the end of the week, parents were openly referring to "The Music Authority Family" in conversation.  Unintentionally, a movement was born.

We've always wanted Music Authority to be a safe place.  To be a place where young (and not so young) musicians could come to make music, be comfortable, meet other musicians, and to have the freedom to be safe.  "Family" created a deeper reality to those values.

Parents cheer for kids that aren't theirs.  Trust starts being built between families who may have never crossed paths without Music Authority.  Lifelong friendships are forged between kids who never would have met had it not been for music.

This month was filled with gigs, graduations, parties, and events.  I saw MA kids catching rides with other MA families.  I saw parents of alumni coming to support our graduates - even though they had no kids left in lessons.  I saw "veteran" parents showing the ropes to new moms and dads at their first off site concert.  And I saw a family based on music come together to help one of our own unexpectedly bury a parent.

That is #MusicAuthorityFamily.  It isn't a hashtag.  It's a community.  It's a safe place for you and your children.  It's a group of families who maybe don't have anything else in common except music, but they'll do anything for you - because you're one of us.  It's a culture, a way of life, and a belief.

Music isn't a zero sum game.  You don't lose because I win.  We can both win.  Together, we are stronger.  Together, we have a bigger crowd, more musicians, and more hands to help each other along.

Together, we are The Music Authority Family. 

#BeDriven     #MusicAuthorityFamily

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

Make the Most of Your Summer

It's easy to drop lessons for the summer.  Many families do.  However, did you know that statistically only 7% of students who drop return to lessons?  And those who do often are unable to get back into lessons on their preferred day or with their favorite teacher.  (I remember one family.  It took them six months to get back in with their instructor after dropping for the summer.)

Let me suggest a different way of thinking.  Instead, try using your summer to try something new!  Rent a violin and take a month of violin lessons.  Have you always wanted to try out guitar?  Borrow your student's guitar and give it a try.  Both adults and children can make the most of summer freedom by trying new things.

Summer is traditionally less stressful than the school year.  Schedules at Music Authority are flexible - we have more time available to work around long vacations and day trips to Lake Lanier.  Our front desk staff is always happy to help you find make up time that are convenient and work for you.

Summer Camps keep students focused on music, introduce them to new friends, new experiences, and a great performance at the end of camp.  Campers build new skill sets and continue to develop the ones they've already started working on.

Most importantly, study of an instrument doesn't stand still.  Students who drop, even for a month, will regress without the guidance of an instructor.  Protect your investment in music.

Make the most of your summer.  Try something new.  Keep taking lessons.  And let the front desk know when we can help you make the most of your schdule.

#BeDriven     #MusicAuthorityFamily

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

Accentuate the Positive

It's so easy to focus on the negative of life.  When a situation - be it in a show, a band, or a difficult student - arises that is chaotic, our instinct as a human is to put all of our focus on the issue.  We want to solve the problem, fix the chaos, made the bad stress go away.

What we often miss is the moments of miracles that are happening at the same time.  The student who played in his first Spring Show, walking off the stage with a smile from ear to ear.  Or the parent moved to tears because they never thought they'd see their child overcome their anxiety and step on stage.

Or, perhaps even more special, the parent watching their child walk across the stage for possibly the last time after years of Spring and Fall shows - this time honored as a soon to be graduate.

These are the moments to savor.  This has been my lesson over a tough school year.  I've heard there are good years and bad years in business.  This year has been emotionally draining.  Lots of little (and a few big) growing pains weighing down my shoulders until getting out of bed is exhausting.

The day after the Spring Show, I went up to the mountains with the Music Authority Roadies for a board retreat.  I was reminded at that retreat that there are more shoulders willing to help hold the burden.  That our students - 570 of them - all will pick up the positive and carry it with them, and remind me of those small miracles when I forget.  Our families will give of themselves to help students, and staff, in need.

These are the reasons Music Authority is here.  For the smiles, the overcome fears, the camaraderie of a family built on a shared love of music.  Together, we accentuate the positive.

#BeDriven     #MusicAuthorityFamily

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

Show Your Colors

I remember in high school, wearing my school jacket, face painted in school colors, driving out of town for state football playoffs my Senior year.  Someone had put "Will the last person out, please turn off the lights?" on the billboard at the edge of town.  The stands that night were a sea of blue and gold as the snow came down on an Ohio football game.

I hadn't thought about that night for a long time until Friday morning, February 9th.  By noon, we'd had several parents come in to buy Music Authority Family shirts for Music Authority Night at Tannery Row.  That night, the crowd was a sea of black - Music Authority family's primary color - sprinkled with white splashes of "#MusicAuthorityFamily."  We'd maxed out the reservations system and there wasn't a seat to be had.  A strong statement for Music Authority, the kind of statement that keeps doors open for younger students coming up through the ranks, waiting for their chance at the big stage.

That night, driving home, I thought about the pride you put into these colors.  How you show your Music Authority pride.  Through supporting each other, developing friendships that go beyond the other parent you talk to while your child is in lessons, attending Music Authority Family nights out, or posting your recommendation for us on Focus on Forsyth when someone asks about guitar lessons, you show your colors.

You embrace the pride of what we do - over 500 families strong and growing.  You tell kids you don't know, "Great job!"  We celebrate birthdays at concerts.  We honor holidays with Easter Egg collections and Any Soldier boxes.  We cheer together, cry together, and persevere together.  We get through the hard times and celebrate the good.

We show our colors - Black, White, and Red.  

Together we are strong.  Together, we can achieve anything, overcome barriers, and make dreams, the big and the small, happen. 

Show your colors.  Be proud of the Music Authority Family you are a part of.  And watch the miracles happen.

#BeDriven

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

The Music Authority Program - A Parent's Perspective

      My name is Mary Ellen Strandquist.  Most of you know my son, Christian.  He's a member of Eclipse and a TA for both Rock Camp and Fearless.
     As some of you know, we were in Nashville for Christian’s audition for Belmont’s School of Music last weekend.  I texted Melissa a few times while there; but wanted to share a couple points with you, the Music Authority Family.
      I know we all appreciate M.A. and all their programs, but spending Friday touring the School of Music and listening to the Dean, REALLY demonstrated that point to Christian and me:

-          During the "about our program" speech, The Dean of Music emphasized how their curriculum includes ensemble classes, small and large group performances, and more.  Christian and I looked at each kind of like, “well, duh!”.  But immediately hands all around us shot up – parents and other students, “but I’ve never performed with a group – I’m a soloist”,  “I only do Marching Band”, and on and on.   Hardly anyone had any type of ensemble experience like we do.  Think of every spring and fall show, Rock Camp, Rock Ensemble, Showcase band and more!  My gosh – the experiences our kids have over others is amazing!

-          Later, The Dean and professors discussed “cross-pollinating” music styles and genres and the importance of learning all types of music.  Again, Christian and I looked at each like “no kidding”.  But again, hands shot up!  “I’m a jazz musician”, “I only played classical,” "I don't play rock music," and on and on.  How many different styles had Christian played while he was here?

      It made both of us realize 1) Melissa really is right when she says, "it's time to stretch your wings," and 2) for those kids seriously thinking of pursuing music beyond high school, these points cannot be over-emphasized.
      And thank you all for the kind messages, and FB posts – it was great!  As for the audition, he’ll find out in 3 weeks if he made into the School of Music.  He felt the audition went “okay”.  Some parts went great and some were okay – but he felt he kept his cool throughout.  The professors were running behind by the time they got to his group and so when they called him in to perform they announced “usually we give you an extra chance if you make a mistake but not today since we are running behind.  You have 7 minutes”.   
      There were students from NYC, L.A., Dallas and all points in-between.  We met several who already auditioned and were accepted into Berklee in Boston and other programs throughout the U.S.   
      Regardless of the outcome of the audition, Christian is accepted into the Music Business program at Belmont and this last visit only confirmed he absolutely loves it there:   the campus, the people, the curriculum, Nashville, and all its opportunities.  He will definitely be headed there in August with a musical resume full of experiences other kids in this country would kill to have.
      My advice to all the upcoming students and parents after last weekend?  Take advantage.  Sign up for every show, every camp, and every band you can.  Never played country music?  Try it.  When a teacher says, "you should try...", do it.  You don't know if your child's path will lead you to a music school.  We didn't.  We thought Christian was going to be an engineer.  But we're glad and grateful now for every opportunity Music Authority has given him.

- Mary Ellen Strandquist, Music Authority Roadies President and proud parent of a soon-to-be Music Authority Alumn

#BeDriven

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

Be a Champion #BeDriven

Last year, we asked you to Start a Revolution with us. 

We introduced new bands, new programs, and impacted the music lessons industry in a big way.  We went to Nashville and spoke to The National Association of Music Merchants about building a culture, introducing the Music Authority Family to the national stage.  We started the Music Authority Roadies, an opportunity for parents to be more involved.  We met some amazing musical artists and sent some more of our own onto the big musical world stage.

Together, we accomplished a lot to be proud of.

But we cannot rest on our laurels.  Getting into the band isn't enough.  Once you've made the cut, you have to work hard.  The expectations are higher, excellence is expected.  Coming to rehearsals without the music learned isn't acceptable.  

This year, we want to challenge all of you to be a champion.  Go farther this year than last.  If you're afraid to step on stage - make this the year that you do.  Just one song.  Just one performance.  Push beyond your comfort zone.

Champions aren't born.  They don't say the right magic words and click their heels together to be the best.  They take advantage of opportunity.  They listen and learn from the professionals (and not so professionals) around them.  They surround themselves with a team they trust, build relationships, and stare down fear.

Then they walk to the ledge, close their eyes, and step off - knowing that they'll fly, not because of magic, but because of the work they've put in.

2018 is a brand new year.  We have 365 (well, 364 now) days to stand up, be heard, and to look fear in the face.  Dad, have you always wanted to play guitar?  This is the year.  Mom, have you always wanted to sing?  Do it.  We believe in you.

#BeDriven

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

Being on Top - 
Striving for Excellence

What is our Showcase Band program?  Why is it different from our Rock Ensembles?  

I get these questions a lot.  From the outside, I can understand the confusion.  You, as parents, see several bands who play gigs, learn music, and perform.  

But Eclipse, the top band at Music Authority, is about so much more than learning music to perform.  These students are given opportunities that open doors in the Music Business world.  They network with professionals.  They learn to navigate professional social media in a healthy way.  They promote themselves.  They learn to be leaders by supporting younger students.

The top band, Eclipse, gives members tools that will help them be successful in their future - no matter the field.  They're more confident.  They know how to interview and how to talk to adults.  They're focused and can manage their time.

Christian Strandquist demonstrated this over the summer when a parent asked, "When are you going to stop playing Life is a Highway?  I'm tired of hearing that song!"

His reply, "We're not.  We don't play the songs we want to play, we play the songs the audience enjoys.  And the audience sings along with and enjoys that song."

He's learned a great marketing skill.

The Rock Ensemble program is the platform - the jumping off point for students who want to experience a little of what the industry has to offer.  It's a great place to start and will teach your student a lot about music and being on a team.

Eclipse, and Rise when it comes off hiatus, are the ultimate experience.  These kids are the ones younger students look up to.  These bands are the goal for students wanting a professional experience that will mold them, guide them, hold them accountable, and push them toward excellence.

Thank you, this holiday season, for making Music Authority what it is.  Please take a moment to do your holiday shopping with us.  Your purchases are what keep programs like Rise, Eclipse, Rock Ensembles, and the rest going.  We can't do it without you and we truly appreciate every purchase you make.

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

Seeing Success - 
Music Authority's Alumni on the Road

At the beginning of this summer, I had the exciting experience of hearing one of our former students on the radio for the first time.  The student, from several years ago, had moved to Los Angeles, and ultimately joined a band that you can now hear on Sirus Radio.  

How humbling and amazing to experience.

He isn't a one and only, however.  We've had former students play at The Grand Old Opry, tour with well known Christian artists, and work the local circuit at restaurants and clubs.  On any given weekend, you can find MA alumni playing from one side of this continent to the other, and frequently overseas.

I understand that not every parent, not every student, has professional goals that reach the stars.  But for those who do, take a look at our alumi.  By utilizing the tools of the MA program, they've networked, built a team, taken direction, and established a professional career to be proud of.

Brayden Segat, former member of Eclipse, told me, "Music Authority has given me confidence to market myself and the ability to develop relationships with the right people so that I can build on my success."  Brayden played on October 28 as part of the MA family at the Moonshine Festival as well as October gigs at Tannery Ale House and Brooklyn Cantina in Johns Creek.

"I didn't just learn how to play guitar at Music Authority.  I learned how to be a better person to others and myself.  I was awarded the best opportunities to become successful in music, and life in general."  Jake Lanni, former Rise member, says his experiences in Rise help mold the direction of his future career.  Only 18 years old, connections Jake made as part of Rise are helping him stay busy - gigging several times monthly.

And Nicole Fleeman, the original singer for Eclipse, plays regularly in Dahlonega.  Her most frequent haunt is the legendary Crimson Moon.

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority

A Legacy of Service
 

When I was in first grade, I joined the Brownie Girl Scouts.  That was long enough ago that Daisies didn't exist.  This year is my 30th year as a registered Girl Scout. 

My Girl Scout Leader, a lady named Phyllis Ammeling (whom we all knew as "Brown Owl"), taught us that first year one important thing that stayed with me every since.  "Feed your pet before you feed yourself." 

Sounds simple, right?  The larger lesson was about service.  Give what you can.  Give your time, your talents, and your treasures to your community.  Rake leaves for the elderly gentleman across the street.  Volunteer at the animal shelter to play with animals.  Collect school supplies for children in Foster Care.

In fairness, I did not grow up in a well-to-do area.  Today, when I go home, I see towns shrinking due to loss of jobs.  Struggling farm families.  Boarded up shop windows.  But that spirit - give to others all you can - still prevails.

That legacy of service has been part of Music Authority since the beginning.  Now, with the help of the Roadies, we're able to implement larger, more effective service projects.  In September, we volunteered at both the Dawson County Humane Society and also The Forsyth County Animal Shelter.  Earlier this year we participated in an awareness 5K for CASA of Forsyth County, took part in The Longest Day for Alzheimer's Association, and collected Easter Eggs for Meals By Grace.

Teaching our students to give back is part of the fabric of the Music Authority message.  We are blessed.  We get to make music.  We get to perform, meeting other musicians, record, and experience dreams many people would never think about.  We can do this because we have a community that supports us.

I'm proud to bring Brown Owl's legacy to Forsyth County.  I hope every student is able to participate in at least one service project during their time here.  Because when we give of ourselves, we gain so much more than what we give away.

The next project the Roadies will be sponsoring is an Any Soldier project.  We'll be collecting items to pack in care packages that will be sent to American military stationed overseas.  They'll need stuff - shampoo, hand cream, combs, razors, hard candy, snacks, to name a few.  They'll also need families to "sponsor a box" - to pay the shipping to send these boxes on their way.  On October 14, at Mandatory Dress Rehearsal for the Fall Show, we'll be making cards to put into these care packages.

To take part, reach out to the Music Authority Roadies at maroadiesga@gmail.com.

And the photo of the Brownies above, technically that's my sister in the middle of the photo.  She's looking at her hands and doesn't have a cap on.  I couldn't find a photo of myself.  But that's how I looked - full Brownie uniform in Troop 930 - behind Brown Owl's house in her amazing garden.  The line with the clothes pins above the girls?  It's where you pinned up your "good deed" for the week.

Melissa A. Loggins
Owner, Music Authority