This summer, a record number of students signed up for private music lessons through the Minnetonka Community Education (MCE) music learning program, the Minnetonka Music Academy (MMA). MMA invites participants of all ages to begin or continue their musical journeys by meeting once a week in-person or online for lessons in the instrument of their choice. Students can choose from a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, saxophone and more.

Music lessons were able to continue safely throughout the pandemic because of their one-on-one nature, following district guidelines, explained Amber Yang, the program manager and a piano teacher. The music program was a steady support for students, said Yang. “The connection they had with teachers was still there on a weekly basis.”

While many of the academy’s students are beginners, the curriculum extends to the intermediate and advanced levels as well. Students learn about musical concepts from a series of method books, which cover theory, performance, and technique and increase in complexity as students become more proficient in their instrument. The academy also uses assignment books, allowing teachers to choose certain exercises and pieces they believe their students should work on during the week. As a student becomes more advanced, they also have the option of extending their lesson time. Lessons typically start at 30 minutes each, but students can meet with teachers for up to 45 minutes or an hour each week.

Yang recommends that new students try out the 30-minute lessons over the summer before choosing to commit for the school year. “Kids will know what it's like to have private lessons, what it'll take for them to practice [and] to prepare for the next lesson. Learning music takes time. It's like a language; you need to put time and practice in to [learn it],” she said. 

But students shouldn’t be intimidated. To Yang, music can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience as long as students are patient and make sure to connect with teachers. For any students or parents who are still on the fence about starting at the academy, Yang offered a few reasons why they might choose to go with the program. 

“When we schedule your lesson, we schedule [it] either close to your own elementary school or one of the district buildings that are near your house. Our prices are substantially lower [than other private music lessons], but the [teachers] that we hire are at the same standard…as other music teachers. A lot of [them] are also community members so they…already have the love for the community before they come and teach their lessons,” said Yang. “I think we have a strong relationship between teachers, the program office, and students and parents.”

Mimi Gassert and Becky Olsen, parents of MMA students, chimed in with some of their own opinions about the program. 

“With having four kids close in age who all play sports and do other activities, convenience has been one of the most important things for us as a family,” said Gassert. “I love that the elementary schools are close and MMA offers options to make it work. We always did back-to-back lessons, and the larger block of time allowed some flexibility to make sure each of my kids attended their lesson. We've had a few different teachers over the years, and they have all been great!”

Olsen, whose daughter Brooke takes guitar lessons at the academy, was similarly impressed with the quality of MMA’s teaching staff. She said, “Brooke’s guitar teacher is really talented. Michael Betz not only taught [her] how to play guitar but also taught her how to read music. I think there is a connection there and that really matters.”

Lastly, both parents praised the environment and resources at MMA that have helped their children develop valuable skills. Olsen said, “I would definitely recommend MMA to others. MMA is a wonderful program with structure that provides opportunities to learn and grow. Music is something that will stay with you throughout your lifetime.”

Registration for the school year opens on Wednesday, August 10 at 8am. Learn more and register: https://minnetonka.ce.eleyo.com/