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Understanding Levels of Musical Development: Performing

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| Music Works Academy

We’re in the middle of our Fall recital season with two recitals done and one yet to go after the first of the year. These are small “mini” recitals so that we can accommodate all of our students schedules on the weekends. These small recitals are much better for me as a teacher because I can focus on a smaller group of performers at once. They take a lot less time for me to put together and feel a little more “casual”. However, for my students, a small recital is a BIG recital, especially for the newer ones with less recital/stage experience under their belts.

people at theater

HOW DOES PERFORMING FIT INTO THE MUSICAL EQUATION?

For parents that are not musically inclined or just new to the lesson process it’s important to understand where live performing fits into the levels of musical development in kids. All music students need to work towards performing on a regular basis.

In music the “PERFORMANCE” is the CHERRY on TOP of the Musical SUNDAE. The “Musical Sundae” being all of the layers need to learn to balance to become good musicians and performers. In music, we learn things in varied levels based on the ability for our brains to understand certain concepts and ideas. In learning music we are dealing constantly with an invisible variable and this is what makes music study unique and powerful all the same time.

MUSIC doesn’t happen until WE MAKE IT HAPPEN. It exists in print and on paper but we are the vehicle in which music exists. Learning music takes every fiber of your being. Your body, mind and soul are enveloped in the process. The weekly practice, the lessons, the hard work – all of this builds exponentially over time. To keep balance in the process we must constantly move between the practice room and the stage because these two things require us to be two different things in this process.

IMAGINE IF YOU WILL TWO ALTERNATE ZONES:

The best way to describe this is to have you imagine two differnt zones in your mind and being.

We’ll call these two zones 1) Analysis and 2) Creation. The two zones are part of your being but you cannot live in these two zones EVER at the same time. You know them each independently and they serve two different purposes.

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN:

  1. ANALYSIS: Analysis is simply what it sounds like – to learn we analyze facts, figures, concepts, ideas. All the time our brains are comparing and contrasting to analyze data and information. As music students we are constantly in “analysis mode” learning songs and concepts. When we analyze we learn, we use good and bad input to make the process faster. We are really “digging in” in this zone of learning music.
  2. CREATION: Creation zone is the OPPOSITE Of Analysis Zone – completely opposite. In Creation zone we are no longer analyzing data but we are moving to drop that mindset and MOVE to let it ALL GO and move into the zone where we CREATE MUSIC. We’re trying to reach the ultimate level of our art which is to be FREE to explore – in REAL TIME – our MUSIC with every fiber of our being. To truly be free to be a vehicle for music.

That is the ultimate goal – to have worked so hard in ZONE 1 that we can easily TRANSITION to ZONE 2. Because we did the work required we are FREE to move into CREATION – this is when we MAKE music – we become the vehicle for Musical ENERGY!

A lof of young students don’t realize the importance of these two zones. Mastery at this level takes years of practice. Every time we transition from Zone 1 to Zone 2 we make huge strides in our abilities and our musical development. This is why it’s important for young students to perform. To memorize, to get out of their music, to move out of their comfort zones and on to the stage – no matter how big or small.

This highest step in our learning of a song – nailing it down 100% to perform it for an audience REQUIRES us to have done ALL OF THE WORK IN ZONE 1 to move to Zone 2 – forcing us to leave the comfort of Zone 1 – where a lot of young students like to stay.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FOSTER THIS?
Encourage your child to perform for other people whenever possible. Recitals, church, school, family gatherings, video recordings, as much as possible to build that easy transitional bridge between the zones. Encourage mistakes. Many kids are terrified of the transition to Zone 2 – because of “MISTAKES”. it’s important to say here we want to aim for CONSISTENCY not necessarily perfection.

We’re not looking for perfection, it’s OK to make mistakes on stage; it’s normal. We don’t expect perfection all of the time – that is too high of a bar for anyone to reach, especially kids. We expect CONSISTENCY and hard work in Zone 1 and doing the very best you can in Zone 2.

PUSH – GENTLY!

Kids have a natural tendency when things get hard or uncomfortable to regress or retreat. This is normal behavior. We see this generally in the musical learning process around 18 months into lessons. We’re experiencing growth and development of the body and mind and easy things are getting “TOO” easy and hard things are…well…HARD and take a lot more effort in Zone 1. A child that has a lot of musical ability a lot of times needs gently pushing forward because they come up against these developmental and mental hurdles.

Kids today put A LOT of pressure on themselves that ultimately causes some self-destruction or self-sabbatage in the long run. Learning to understand how these two zones work in child musical development and when to push them forward is important for kids that are years into their music study. Always understanding that we work hard within the strong boundaries of Zone 1 so that we can FLY FREELY on stage to another level of Zone 2.

Kids a lot of time expect or imagine themselves always at Zone 2 when they haven’t done the work in Zone 1 to make that transition happen successfully. Over time they learn that there is a process of working through these two zones to find amazing success in music and on the stage. Through this CONFIDENCE we achieve BALANCE and TRUST in our own abilities to do things we can only IMAGINE in our MINDS and this in turn, spills over into every aspect of our lives.

Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students. She prepares young students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.

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Music Lessons vs. Sports for Kids: Exploring the Pros and Cons

| Music Works Academy
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Parents often find themselves faced with the dilemma of choosing the right extracurricular activities for their children. Sports and music lessons stand out as popular activities, offering unique benefits and opportunities for growth. Deciding between the two can be challenging. You might be wondering just what are the pros and cons of sports and music lessons?

Sports:

Pros:

  1. Physical Fitness and Health: Sports promote physical fitness, agility and overall well-being. Engaging in sports helps children develop coordination, strength, and endurance.
  2. Teamwork and Social Skills: Being part of a team teaches children the value of teamwork, collaboration, and sportsmanship. It also helps build social skills and helps them learn how to work towards a common goal.
  3. Time Management and Discipline: Sports often come with a structured schedule, teaching kids the importance of time management and commitment. They learn to balance academics, sports, and other activities, instilling discipline from a young age.

Cons:

  1. Risk of Injuries: Participation in sports comes with the risk of injuries. Accidents can still happen, leading to potential physical setbacks.
  2. Pressure and Competition: Intense competition in sports might lead to stress and pressure on children to perform exceptionally well. This pressure can sometimes diminish the enjoyment and fun aspect of the activity.
  3. Burn Out: Heavy sports schedules often lead to burn out and exhaustion for kids. Practice, games, tournaments and travel time all lead to long days and nights for young kids and often get in the way of school work and unstructured play time.

Music Lessons:

Pros:

  1. Enhanced Brain Development: Music education has been linked to improved cognitive skills, including language development, mathematical abilities, and spatial intelligence. Music stimulates all parts of the brain and fosters increased cognitive development.
  2. Creativity and Emotional Expression: Music lessons encourage creativity and self-expression. They provide a platform for children to explore emotions, develop artistic skills, and find their unique voice.
  3. Discipline and Persistence: Learning an instrument requires consistent practice and dedication. Through music lessons, children learn the value of perseverance, patience, and discipline and other focused skills.

Cons:

  1. Time Commitment and Practice: Mastering a musical instrument demands regular practice, which might be time-consuming and demanding busy parents. Finding the balance between practice and other activities can be challenging.
  2. Cost of Instruments and Lessons: Music lessons often involve higher expenses with instruments and lessons.
  3. Solo Pursuit vs. Group Dynamics: Music lessons can be more individualistic. Some kids find joy in practicing music on their own while other kids struggle with self-motivation and solo practicing outside of lesson time.

Sports and music lessons offer valuable life lessons and developmental benefits for children. The choice ultimately depends on the interests, abilities, and preferences of the child. Some children thrive in a team sports environment, while others may find their passion and fulfillment through music. It’s essential for parents to consider their child’s enjoyment and goals when making this decision. Music skills build academic achievement, self-awareness, cognitive and emotional development. Music also helps to develop problem solving and time management skills which help keep kids find the path to success. This can pay off for college seniors in college scholarships for both music and non-music related fields of study.

Aim for Balance

Ideally, if your child is interested in music and sports we suggest that they try to do both with balance. Choose one instrument to study and one sport to play. This allows time for kids to have unstructured play time for emotional processing and the ability to better handle stress.

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music works academy beatrice Heather Korn director

Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students. She prepares young students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.

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The Art of Unplanned Moments: Navigating the Perils of Over-Scheduled Kids

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| Music Works Academy

In today’s fast-paced world, children often find themselves juggling a kaleidoscope of activities, from school and sports to music lessons and various extracurriculars. While a structured schedule is undoubtedly valuable for a child’s growth, the art of unplanned moments is just as crucial. The pressure to excel in multiple domains has led to a generation of over-scheduled kids, often deprived of the essential time they need to process thoughts and emotions.

The Over-Scheduled Epidemic: Balancing Act or Burnout?

The enthusiasm of parents to provide a rich and diverse experience for their children is commendable. Soccer practice, piano lessons, coding classes—the list is endless. However, amidst this whirlwind of activities, what often gets overlooked is the need for downtime. The relentless pursuit of excellence inadvertently creates a generation of children who, instead of flourishing, may be teetering on the brink of burnout.

The Importance of Unplanned Moments: Mindful Reflection

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Children, much like adults, need time to process their thoughts and emotions. In a world buzzing with constant stimuli, these unplanned moments act as a respite—an opportunity for mindful reflection. Without this time, emotions can become a tangled web, and thoughts, a chaotic whirlwind. Unstructured time allows kids to decompress, to think, to feel, and most importantly, to understand themselves.

Effect on Emotional Well-being: Navigating the Storm

When a child’s day is crammed with one activity after another, the emotional toll can be substantial. Emotional intelligence is gained in those quiet, “down time” moments when a child learns to understand their feelings and reactions. Too many activities can create a scenario where emotions are suppressed or misunderstood, leading to potential emotional challenges later in life.

Furthermore, over-scheduling may contribute to stress and anxiety. Kids, like adults, need a buffer against the demands of the world. The constant pressure to perform can rob them of the joy of learning and the pleasure of simply being a child.

Cognitive Development: From Rushed to Reflective

Beyond emotions, the cognitive development of a child is also at stake. Unplanned moments provide the mental breathing space necessary for processing information acquired throughout the day. From school lessons to extracurricular skills, without sufficient time for consolidation, the learning process can become superficial.

Reflection is the bridge between knowledge and understanding. It is in these quiet, unplanned moments that children weave the fabric of understanding, connecting dots, and internalizing concepts.

Fostering Creativity and Independence: The Power of Play

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Unplanned moments are often the breeding ground for creativity. The art of “boredom”, is, in fact, a canvas for innovation. Creativity flourishes when little minds are free to wander and are unrestricted by the shackles of a packed schedule.

Unstructured time fosters independence. It allows children to explore their interests, discover their passions, and learn to navigate their world without the constant guidance of adults or the constraints of a timetable.

Balancing Act: Cultivating a Healthy Schedule

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Recognizing the perils of over-scheduling doesn’t advocate for a complete withdrawal from activities. Instead, it underscores the need for balance. A healthy schedule accommodates time for structured activities alongside ample unplanned moments for reflection, creativity, and play.

Parents play a pivotal role in creating this balance. Balance requires prioritizing activities and understanding the unique needs and interests of kids and also being attuned to signs of stress or burnout.

The art of unplanned moments is a vital component of a child’s holistic development. It is in these quiet, unstructured spaces that children grow emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. As parents, our responsibility lies not just in providing a multitude of experiences but in ensuring that there’s room for the beautiful serendipity of childhood—the unplanned, the spontaneous, and the joyfully unscripted moments that shape a child’s heart and mind. Time for healthy processing of daily activities, learning, and emotions.

The Harmonious Journey: Children in Music Lessons – the Impact of Maturity on Growth on Musical Development

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| Music Works Academy

Enrolling a child in music lessons is not just an investment in their musical education but also a gateway to holistic development. As children embark on this harmonious journey, their age and level of maturity play pivotal roles in shaping their musical growth. From the tender age of enrollment to the formative teenage years, the interplay between maturity and musical instruction contributes significantly to a child’s musical journey.

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The Early Years: A Prelude to Potential

In the early years of music education, children absorb information like sponges, and music becomes a medium for both expression and exploration. At this stage, the emphasis is on introducing foundational concepts such as rhythm, melody, and basic motor skills. Young children respond to the joyful sounds of music with enthusiasm, their natural curiosity laying the groundwork for future musical understanding.

However, it’s essential to recognize that, in these early stages, the rate of maturity varies among children. Some may exhibit an early aptitude for grasping musical concepts, while others may take a more gradual approach. A patient and nurturing environment is crucial, allowing each child to develop at their own pace, fostering a positive association with music.

Middle Childhood: The Crescendo of Competence

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As children progress through middle childhood, typically aged 6 to 12, a maturation of cognitive and motor skills occurs. This phase presents a unique opportunity for more structured musical learning, introducing instruments and more complex musical theories.

Maturity begins to exert a more noticeable influence on a child’s musical development during these years. As cognitive abilities advance, so does a child’s capacity for understanding abstract musical concepts, reading sheet music, and refining their technique on an instrument. However, patience remains paramount; some children may show early signs of virtuosity, while others may require additional time to hone their skills.

Moreover, as children in this stage of development become more self-aware, their emotional intelligence blossoms. Music becomes not just a technical pursuit but a medium through which they can express and navigate complex emotions. The maturity of emotions enhances the depth and authenticity of their musical interpretations.

Adolescence: Harmony of Identity and Artistry

In the teenage years, a confluence of biological, emotional, and cognitive changes shapes the maturation process. Adolescents, equipped with a more profound understanding of themselves and the world around them, can leverage this self-awareness in their musical endeavors.

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For many teenagers, music becomes a powerful form of self-expression. Whether navigating the stormy waters of adolescence or discovering their identity, music serves as a steadfast companion. The maturity of their emotions translates into nuanced performances, with a depth that is hard to replicate in earlier years.

Furthermore, as adolescents develop a clearer sense of their individuality, their musical tastes and preferences evolve. This is a period where exposure to diverse musical genres becomes crucial, allowing them to refine their artistic identity. Music lessons that cater to this need for exploration and self-expression contribute significantly to their growth as musicians.

Orchestrating Growth Through Patience and Understanding

In the symphony of a child’s musical education, maturity is the conductor that guides the tempo and intensity. From the playful notes of early childhood to the complex compositions of adolescence, each stage brings unique challenges and opportunities.

Music schools play a vital role in recognizing and embracing the individuality of each student, tailoring their approach to the child’s stage of development. Patience, encouragement, and an understanding of the intricate dance between maturity and musical growth are key components in fostering a lifelong love for music. As children navigate the various movements of their musical journey, the harmonies they create become not just melodies but reflections of their evolving selves.

Our Music Track Award System gives our private lesson students attainable goals that are set for their age level. This program helps students achieve continued success on their musical journeys as they grow and develop as young musicians. Moving through this program will help our students build a solid foundation in musicianship and performing at a steady and graduated pace appropriate for their age and maturity level.

Ages 7 – 12: Critical Years for a Successful Future

| Music Works Academy
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When I first entered undergraduate music school in the early 1990’s, the tides were turning as to opinions on when was an appropriate time to put kids into formal music lessons. As a parent or grandparent you may have asked this same question.

Twenty-five years ago when a new student wanted to sign up for voice lessons many teachers would not accept them for voice study until they had reached the mid-teen years/early high school age. This practice is still common today with older generations of voice teachers. We would often suggest that they should take on piano first even though the mother had just said “well, she just sings all the time, we can’t get her to stop so we thought lessons might be a good idea.”

As a newly degreed musician who began teaching like so many of my colleagues (to pay the bills), I welcomed ANY new student that wanted to study voice lessons and I trusted that hopefully I would just “know what to do.” And so young students began to come to me for voice lessons because so many of the teachers had turned them away. As I began teaching this young batch of eager little musicians I found that they were very teachable, they loved having fun and parents loved seeing them having fun and all in all everyone involved was having FUN!!….and this began my teaching career of specializing in teaching music to young musicians. It took a few years for me to get into a groove, learning the ins and outs of working the kids of the 1990’s when YouTube and the internet were in their infancy. Now I’m moving through 2023 with hundreds of kids (and parents) and tens of thousands of music lessons under my belt.

Science and the brain

Our knowledge and understanding of music and the brain over the past 25 years has helped us to learn and accept the fact that kids should be involved with the study of music as much as possible from infancy to adulthood and beyond. Music enriches our health, our happiness and benefits our lives in so many positive ways that we would being doing a dis-service in 2023 to say a child was “too young to study music“. They may be too young for certain instruments and they may be too young for advanced study for example in voice training but we know now that we’re never too young (or too old) to study music in its many vast and adaptable forms.

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So what really are we teaching in these formative years from ages 7 – 12?

The answer to that is all of the foundational aspects of musical success and how to be successful in life. Music is SO complex! To really study an instrument; to really become good at making music takes years and decades. Musicians are NEVER done learning music. We live for perfecting one thing and then move on to another song or another level of difficulty. This is what drives us; we are never satisfied with stagnancy.

We’re laying the building blocks of the foundation of musical education. What we’re teaching is so complex that our most successful students are often those we start teaching around these ages. They are excited, they are easily motivated and inspired, as a rule they absorb the complexities of music easily and willingly. They are easily transitioned to new kinds of music and new songs and new concepts. It’s easy for us to teach routines and schedules and time management. We teach them solid musical foundations in many areas like rhythm, notes, music history and terms and signs. We begin teaching the mathematics of music; addition, patterns, themes. We’re teaching them how to be students of music; how to respect the activity of learning music and to appreciate the process of hard work. We’re building self-esteem, motivation, self discipline and confidence little by little each week.

We’re teaching them how to accept constructive criticism as part of the growth process. We’re teaching them focus and how to face fears and push through challenges and to never give up. When the brain and body are at maximum frustration or maximum disappointment we teach them to “start again”…..over and over we say “it’s ok, you’re getting it,….start again”. And we’re teaching them that music is a life long learning activity that you can choose to study and improve at for years to come. All of these qualities make good and successful performers and musicians and ALL of these qualities spill over into the rest of their lives.

I work with students for the long haul, 5-10 successive years of lessons is my average. I weave the fabric of music into their lives, week after week, year after year. My students have gone on to become lawyers, doctors, NASA scientists, German opera singers, teachers, composers doctors of music, rock stars in China, pharmacists, social workers, speech pathologists, and Broadway singers just to name a few. The formative years for a child between the ages of 7 – 12 are a great time to introduce your child to the life changing and amazing benefits of music classes and lessons.

music works academy beatrice Heather Korn director

Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students full time and preparing students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Want to get our newsletters, blog post and enrollment information? Sign up for our mailing list here:

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The Impact of Music Study on College-Bound High School Seniors

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| Music Works Academy

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As high school seniors approach the pivotal stage of transitioning to college, it’s essential to recognize the profound benefits of music study in shaping their journey toward scholarship auditions, college acceptance, and overall success in higher education. Music education empowers college-bound seniors, enhancing their chances of securing scholarships, thriving in college, and achieving academic excellence across various disciplines.

  1. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Music study cultivates a range of cognitive skills that extend beyond the realm of music itself. By engaging in the intricacies of rhythm, melody, and harmony, students develop improved memory, attention span, and critical thinking abilities. These enhanced cognitive skills can be transferred to other academic areas, enabling college-bound seniors to excel in scholarship auditions, entrance exams, and rigorous college coursework.
  2. Discipline and Time Management: The pursuit of musical proficiency demands discipline, commitment, and effective time management skills. Music students learn the value of consistent practice, setting goals, and managing their time effectively to meet deadlines and balance their academic responsibilities. These invaluable skills carry over into the college environment, empowering students to excel in coursework, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.
  3. Performance Experience and Confidence: Participating in music ensembles and performing in front of an audience builds confidence and fosters stage presence. These experiences develop public speaking skills, poise, and the ability to handle pressure. Such attributes are crucial during scholarship auditions and college interviews, helping students present themselves with confidence and authenticity. Additionally, the self-assurance gained through music study permeates other aspects of academic life, promoting classroom participation, leadership roles, and overall success in college and higher education.
  4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Music education often involves ensemble performances that require teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication. By working together with fellow musicians, students learn to listen, adapt, and contribute to a unified artistic vision. These skills are highly transferable to group projects, academic collaborations, and extracurricular activities in college. Students with music experience possess the ability to work harmoniously within diverse teams, fostering a cooperative and inclusive environment in school and the work place.
  5. Emotional Well-Being: Music provides a medium for emotional expression and self-reflection. Through music study, students develop well rounded skills and possess the ability to understand and connect with others. These qualities contribute to personal well-being and social interactions in college. Music also serves as a stress reliever, offering an outlet for self-care and a way to balance the demands of academic life. Those seniors equipped with stress management skills are better equipped to navigate the challenges of college and are able to excel academically.

Music study has far-reaching benefits for high school students, positively influencing scholarship auditions, college acceptance, and success in higher education. By developing discipline, confidence, and teamwork skills, music education equips students with a robust foundation for academic achievement and personal growth. As they embark on their college journey, students with music experience possess a unique set of skills and qualities that make them better equipped to thrive in a diverse range of academic disciplines and extracurricular pursuits. The power of music resonates beyond the classroom, harmonizing success and helping to shape well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in college and beyond.

music works academy beatrice Heather Korn director

Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students and preparing students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Want to get our newsletters, blog post and enrollment information? Sign up for our mailing list here:

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The Power of Music in Child Development: Ages 3-6

| Music Works Academy
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Music has a profound impact on a child’s development, and the early years, specifically ages 3 to 6, are a critical period for fostering various skills and abilities. From cognitive and language development to emotional expression and social skills, music offers a myriad of benefits that shape young minds and lay a solid foundation for future growth.

  1. Cognitive Development: Engaging with music at a young age stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting cognitive development. Music can enhance memory, attention span, and problem-solving abilities. Children exposed to music often exhibit improved spatial-temporal skills, which are crucial for mathematical and scientific thinking. By listening to and playing music, children develop pattern recognition, sequencing skills, and a sense of timing, fostering their overall cognitive abilities.
  2. Language and Communication Skills: Music and language are closely intertwined. Exposing children to music helps develop their listening skills and promotes phonological awareness, making it easier for them to grasp language patterns and develop speech. Singing songs, rhyming, and engaging in musical activities enhance vocabulary, phonetic recognition, and language comprehension. Music provides a rhythmic structure that aids in language acquisition and expression, strengthening communication skills and setting the stage for future literacy success.
  3. Emotional Expression and Self-Regulation: Music has a powerful impact on emotions. It provides a means for children to express their feelings, develop empathy, and understand the emotions of others. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments allow children to explore different moods and express themselves creatively. Additionally, music can help children regulate their emotions, providing a soothing and comforting outlet. Learning to identify and manage emotions through music fosters emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness, all essential aspects of healthy social-emotional development.
  4. Social and Motor Skills: Participating in music activities in a group setting cultivates essential social skills. It encourages collaboration, turn-taking, active listening, and cooperation. Singing and dancing together promote a sense of community and belonging. Furthermore, playing musical instruments enhances fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. Actions like clapping, tapping, and dancing to music develop coordination and spatial awareness. Through music, children learn to work together, share, and communicate effectively, strengthening their social and motor skills.

The early years of a child’s life provide a unique window of opportunity for music’s positive impact on development. From cognitive abilities and language skills to emotional expression and social interactions, music plays a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals. By incorporating music into the lives of children aged 3 to 6, we nurture their cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and social growth and we better prepare them for the adventures they will have in Preschool and Kindergarten. Whether through listening, singing, or playing instruments, the power of music paves the way for a brighter future, unleashing creativity, fostering self-confidence, and providing a lifelong appreciation for the universal language of melody and rhythm.

Click Here for our little Pioneers Music and Movement class for ages 3 -6

music works academy beatrice Heather Korn director

Heather Korn is a master teaching artist with a career of over 25 years teaching music students and preparing students for professional careers in music and the arts. She owns and operates Music Works Academy in Beatrice, Nebraska.

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Meet our Team: Ginger Hunt – Yoga & Wellness

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| Music Works Academy

Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness Coach

Ginger Hunt studied plant science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln which gave her a full science background. Later, she completed dental assisting in an associate dental program. Today, she’s empowering others with her insight on how she brought ease to her life with yoga and meditation and embodying practices to live her best life.  She specializes in the use of the limbs of yoga and advanced knowledge in physics, neuroscience, and biology to help individuals achieve optimal wellness, health and healing.  

She’s an advanced student of the teaching of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Advanced Student of Meditation transformative workshops. She is also certified in teaching Yoga to kids as well as coping methods for dealing with PTSD, depression and anxiety.

She works to attain with her students freedom in the mind and body, less physical pain, clearing blocks in the mind and body, finding coherence in the brain and heart, improved health, inner peace, balance in the in the autonomic nervous system, joy, expressing positive mind and body energy.

She’s empowering others with her insight on how she brought ease to her life with her easy to read books which are available below on Amazon or in her classes.

Meet Our Team: Emily Rose

| Music Works Academy

A native of Abingdon, Virginia, Emily Rose completed her Bachelor’s studies at Appalachian State University where she received degrees in both Clarinet Performance & K-12 Instrumental Music Education. Currently, she is pursuing a DMA in Clarinet Performance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she completed her Master’s previously.

Emily has performed throughout Southwest Virginia, North Carolina, Nebraska, and New Mexico in various solo, chamber, and new music ensembles. She has been a featured soloist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, performer at both the Women Composers Festival of Hartford and the John Donald Robb Composers’ Symposium, and Second Place winner of the Romantic Music category in the Charleston International Music Competition. 

As a performer, Emily advocates and performs new music compositions in hopes to bolster collaborations with composers and other various media forms. Her most recent escapades have included designing and creating visual media for Fantasy compositions and serving as Chair of the Membership and Development Committee for the International Clarinet Association.

Emily is available for private clarinet and saxophone lessons and also teaches our Music and Art Class and Preschool Music.