Music Authority Family Newsletter for March 19, 2019

4/15/2019

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

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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).