Pick-Up Notes
The Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy

Dear SJAA Families,

Summer is moving fast — and what a great one it’s been so far!

We just wrapped up our June 30-Day Practice Challenge, and we couldn’t be prouder of the students who took it on with such focus and determination. Whether they were practicing at home, performing in public, or just picking up their instrument a little more often, we saw real commitment — and it shows.

Speaking of performances, our students have been out sharing their music with the community in wonderful ways this summer. From the AKMA Art Fair and Hawkfest – Coleman Hawkins Blues and Jazz Festival to SJAA Second Saturdays at the Discovery Center’s InspireU series, these young musicians have truly represented the academy with talent, heart, and professionalism. Bravo to all who participated and to the families who helped make it happen!

As we enjoy these summer days, it’s also a great time to begin thinking ahead to fall. Back-to-school is just around the corner, and we’re already working with many families to secure their preferred lesson times for the new academic year. Fall tends to be one of our busiest seasons, and we want to make sure you have the schedule that works best for your student and your family. If you’d like to keep your current time or are thinking about shifting days or adding a second instrument, please let us know soon — we’re here to help.

Thank you for making music a priority this summer. We’re honored to support your students and walk with them on their musical journeys. Your encouragement at home and your dedication to their growth make all the difference.

Let’s keep making the most of this season — and get ready to start the school year strong!

Stay Cool and Thank you!

Jason and SJAA

Jason Riley – Director

jason@jasonriley.com
(816) 294-4856 cell
St. Joseph Arts Academy
www.stjosephartsacademy.com
(816) 974-SOLO (7656)
jason@stjosephartsacademy

Join or Share us on Facebook/Instagram

#MusicAccomplished

Our July “Student of the Month” is…

Owen H.!

We are so lucky to have him and his family with us at the SJAA.
Owen loves hanging out with his family, visiting classic car shows with his grandpa, and playing instruments. He is the best big brother and enjoys sports, watching movies, and swimming with his siblings. He loves God, loves serving others at church, and helping his community.

We’ll celebrate Owen with an Amazon gift card for him!
Thank you, Owen for referring your friends and family to the Academy.

Congratulations!!!
To be considered for Student of the Month, be sure to talk to your teacher about all your musical and extracurricular activities, share pictures and refer your fellow musicians to the academy.

Our July Pet of the Month goes to Nix!

Thank you to the Guardado family for sharing a photo of your sweet fur baby. Each month, SJAA will select a pet to feature and a donation will be made to Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter in honor of all of our local pets in need. Share a favorite pic of your favorite pet and maybe they’ll be named the SJAA “Pet of the Month”! Bring on those adorable snapshots!

Hawkfest

Thank you to everyone who came out and played, or supported our students!

Host Your Next Event in Style!

Looking for the perfect space for your next birthday, graduation or family celebration? Come check out our recital room. With customizable layouts, top-notch amenities, and a dedicated team to support you, your event is in great hands.

✨ Book now — dates are filling fast!

📞 Contact us today to schedule a tour or reserve your date.

SJAA Partners with InspireU for “Second Saturdays” Music Experience!

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between the St. Joseph Arts Academy and InspireU, St. Joseph’s brand-new children’s discovery center! As part of this exciting collaboration, SJAA students and faculty will become MusicMakers during SJAA Second Saturdays from 1:00–4:00 PM at InspireU.

This unique, interactive experience will allow our musicians to rehearse, workshop, and demonstrate the creative process of making music in a fun and informal way. While InspireU patrons (ages infant to 10 years) roam, play, and explore, they’ll have the chance to observe music in action—seeing firsthand how musicians practice, prepare, and bring songs to life.

Research shows that young people who witness art and music being created are more likely to be inspired to try it themselves. Through this partnership, SJAA is furthering its mission to ignite a love for music in the next generation. We believe this is an incredible opportunity for everyone involved, and we can’t wait to share the joy of music with the InspireU community!

Thanks to our SJAA faculty, students and friends at Eagle Radio for helping us put together this great spot about the academy! Keep an eye out for us. Big THANK YOU to all who share the SJAA as valued members, team and with your families and friends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3YfC_M5_Rk

Congrats to Mr. Sam,

Grand Prize Winner in our SJAA July 30 day practice challenge with over 40 hours of practice. he works so hard for us in guitar with Mr. Riley. Way to go, Sam!!

Congrats Molly!!

Your VOTE made all the difference!

A huge congratulations to Molly on WINNING the LIFE 88.5 contest to open for Christian artists Caleb & John & Colton Dixon!!!

We are so proud of your accomplishment, Molly!!

Google Review

Private lessons spots are limited with our amazing coaching faculty at the SJAA but we still have room to grow. Thank you for referring your friends and family to the academy!

We’ve now reached over 50 5-star Google reviews. So, thank you to everybody that put in their reviews. We so much appreciate it, but we want to get to 75 reviews. If you haven’t yet, please consider going to Goggle, giving us a review. We’d love your feedback and thank you so much again for helping us get over 50 5-star Google reviews.

REVIEWS https://g.page/r/CZvsJULwejcCEAg/review

Referral Contest!

Share this referral as a GIFT FROM YOU and they’ll get FREE registration ($35.00) and their Fourth Lesson FREE ($29.00) when they register for lessons. ($64.00 Value!)

AND… you’ll both be registered for the quarterly referral contest for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card or a Private Party for 15 friends!

They WIN, you WIN and the SJAA WINS another great student JUST LIKE YOU!

Thank you for sharing the SJAA with your friends and family!

I genuinely love going to the St. Joseph Arts Academy. The teachers help me cultivate a passion and understanding for music; the lessons are one of the best gifts i’ve ever given myself! – Emma E

Monthly tuition for private lessons (30 minute weekly sessions) is $116.

Review Our Lesson Policy
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/lesson-policy/

OTHER NOTES

Upcoming Events

7/4 – “Happy 4th of July!” SJAA is closed.

7/12 – InspireU – SJAA Second Saturdays Music Makers, 1-4pm

7/27 – Olivia’s Summer Studio Recital, SJAA Recital Room, 3 & 4pm

8/9 – InspireU – SJAA Second Saturdays Music Makers, 1-4pm

9/1 – September “30 Day Practice Challenge” Begins!

9/13 – InspireU – SJAA Second Saturdays Music Makers, 1-4pm

9/21 – SJAMTA Recital 2pm, MWSU

10/11 – InspireU – SJAA Second Saturdays Music Makers, 1-4pm

10/26 – SJAMTA “Mall-o-ween” recitals 2pm or 330, East Hills Mall

11/1 – November “30 Day Practice Challenge” Begins!

11/8 – InspireU – SJAA Second Saturdays Music Makers, 1-4pm

11/16 – SJAMTA “Patriotic” Recital 2pm, MWSU

Is your Teacher Sold Out?

Addy Gabriel – 6 Tuesdays

Alex Rowen – 5 Mondays

Andrew Holmes – 11 Tuesdays

Anthony Glise – 5 Fridays

Brett Wootton – Sold Out

Brent Isom – 5 Wednesdays

Claire Gerhardt – Sold Out

Garrett Branson – 3 Thursdays

Jack Wing – 430 Wednesdays

Jason Riley – Sold Out

Jolie Riley – Sold Out

Darren Verbick – 430 Tuesdays

David Jarman – Sold Out

David Parker – Virtual Only

Marina Gurnovich – 7 Mondays

Olivia Guardado – Sold Out

Terry Brock – Sold Out

SJAA Classes/Courses – Private music lessons in Guitar, Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice and Singing, Ukulele, Drums and Percussion, Steel Pan, Mandolin, Banjo, Acoustic/Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Trumpet, Strings, Early Childhood Classes, Group Guitar, Group Ukulele. Art Classes, Online Music Lessons & Adult Art Classes. All musical styles for all ages.

We also offer…
Discounts on music books & accessories, instrument rentals and rental space for birthday parties and special events.

TeacherZone is our on-line platform for our students and our teachers.
https://app.teacherzone.com

UNITED FIBER has come to the SJAA!
Free Wi-Fi – SJAA password “MusicAccomplished”

Academy Mission

Our mission at the St. Joseph Arts Academy is to provide the highest quality musical instruction and performance opportunities to beginning and advancing students in the Midland empire. We use our patience, enthusiasm and loyalty to encourage, inform and inspire others to happily share their skill and talent in love and gratitude to make the world a better place.

OUR MOTTO… Music Accomplished!

Thank you for reading -“Pick-Up Notes” –
Monthly Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!

It’s always a great month and they go by so fast!

Thank you for encouraging the advancing musicians in your life and in our community.

We are making the world a better place through music.

It’s fun! Thank you for that.

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
Call: 816-974-7656
Text: 816-623-2002
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.

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