Blog

The Write Notes – May 2020

Posted on by jason riley
Dear Students and Families,

Another month behind us in these ‘novel’ times.  The school year is all wrapped up.  Folks are starting to cautiously emerge from quarantine and locally businesses are slowly opening back up to customers.

Thankfully to you, our SJAA families and staff, we’ve been able to stay on mission and have weathered this very positively.

It’s had me thinking a little deeper about the word “dedication“.  Of course, as teachers we are supremely dedicated to our students, their musical growth and their development as amazing people.  Our students have remained dedicated to their instrument, their study of music and in participating fully with the opportunities they have here and beyond.  Our SJAA member families have remained dedicated to the purpose of prioritizing music training to their loved ones, to their beloved teachers and to our Academy in a time when it might have been easier to walk away.

That’s a wonderful kind of dedication.

I got to thinking about another kind of dedication.  The type that an author puts in the beginning of their book or the way a musician or composer might dedicate a piece of music to a city, a king or simply “dedicated to the one I love”.

We haven’t really stated it before.  I hope that it goes without saying.

Our academy is a dedication.  Dedicated to the advancing musicians and their families in our community.  But also, dedicated in a tribute to them.

The St. Joseph Arts Academy is dedicated to you.  In every way the word can be used.  It’s strong language that reminds us, pushes and pulls at us to dig a little deeper and to give a little more.

I know I’ll be talking to my own students this week about dedicating their music, their next performance, even their practice time towards something beyond themselves.

There’s important info below about how we are beginning to come back in-person for those who are ready.

And, we’ve had lots to celebrate this month too.

Dedicating the Summer of 2020 to our songwriters, composers and every student committed to growing in their music practice.

Thank you, << Test First Name >>!

jason and SJAA

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to message me directly at…
816 294 4856 (cell)
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
Join or Share us on Facebook/Instagram
Our SJAA Covid-19 Protection Plan

Since mid-March, the SJAA has been open for ONLINE LESSONS only.  Our commercial building has been receiving continued improvements but with little to no public traffic.

Members are invited back for in-person lessons beginning Monday, June 1.  

NOT MANDATORY.  We are expecting a mix of both on-line and in-person lessons for the for-see-able future.  Personal decisions are respected and up to the individual teacher or family. 

We will have both sides of our building open so we have plenty of space now for everyone to spread out.

Our safety plan is based on city and state requirements as well as member feedback from our “Returning from Quarantine” Survey (It’s still available and we want all the feedback we can get.  It only takes a couple of minutes.  https://forms.gle/hWyjwkJRYzGTBo9B7

Safety Plan

a) Families should expect to wait in cars until exact lesson time.  Students ONLY should go directly to their studio.  (ONE) Guardian/parent/chaperone is always welcome to sit in on lessons if requested or required (specifically for our littlest learners).

b) Waiting areas will remain closed until further notice.  We’ll aim to keep our population under 10 at a time.

c) Students and teachers should do their best to stay “socially distant” (6 feet not 100% possible for some instruments 100% of the time).

d) Face masks are optional unless designated by the Teacher or requested from the family.

e) Teachers (and students) use the available hand sanitzer (or bring their own) liberally and between lessons.   We have 3 sinks for hand washing.

f)  Bathrooms, hand washing stations, all entry ways and studio door handles will be disinfected nightly (and periodically throughout the teaching day).

g) Teachers disinfect their own teaching area/surfaces regularly including pencils, music stands, chairs and any touched pianos, etc.

g#) Don’t come to the studio if you are sick.  It’s easy as ever to offer an online lesson or reschedule.

We take your health and safety seriously.

Our policies and processes will evolve with any and all changes in the health and business environments.

Thank you.
St. Joseph Arts Academy
SJAA Updates

Songwriting Festival – June 1 is our “deadline” for songwriting submissions.  There is a little flexibility if composers are having any trouble getting videos made.  Ideally, we’ll get the videos to the judges by June 8 and have feedback to students by June 15.  Besides written comments from our judges about their music, “Grand Prize” writers can win gift certificates and other awards!

Again, they can submit videos themselves or just send them to jason@stjosephartsacademy.com and we’ll happily take care of them.  All the details are here…

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/songwriting-festival/

Thanks in advance to our international panel of songwriting/composition impresarios in Anthony Glise (Sainghin-en-Mélantois, France), Ed Daniels (Las Vegas), Simon Fink (Houston), Lucy Gray Hamilton (Peer Judge, St. Joseph) and our very own Dr. Frank Nawrot (Lansing, KS)!

Summer Practice Challenge! – All of our summer festival/concerts have been rescheduled or cancelled.  This leaves a big hole in our summer activities and performance opportunities.

So… Let’s give some attention to working hard this summer, practicing extra and earning some recognition and prizes.  June/July practice totals can be logged by paper (we have practice logs available or create your own) or in TZ’s practice timer feature.

Students and their teachers will set some goals based on their age/level.  Simply practice TONS,  complete and return logs by Aug 1 to compete (TZ is auto-reporting).  Grand prizes will go to those with best times, improvements over the summer for early and later elementary, middle school, high school and adult.  Considerations by each studio and/or instrument.

Let’s focus on effective PRACTICE routines this summer, set some playing goals and have lots of fun.

SJAA Early Childhood – Our new Early Childhood program went on immediate restriction with the Covid-19 Quarantine but that did not stop our amazing program leaders (Miss Sarah and Mrs. Emily) from providing tons of extra content and love from a distance.

We are meeting soon to discuss options for moving forward.  Early Childhood Music is simply the best possible gift/experience and most important window of opportunity to positively affect the human brain for a lifetime.  The SJAA team remains deeply committed to early childhood music experiences for our whole community.

New classes/clinics – Online and hopefully, on-location courses are coming soon for summer including our annual July “Maestro Series”, TBA.

Previously scheduled Maestro, Anthony Glise is sequestered in France the rest of the year, maybe.

Taking suggestions for the classes you’d like offered by the SJAA.  Registrations and info TBA.

AND… We’ll have (another) annual summer coloring contest in July!
Celebrations!

Spring Music Contests – Our first online evaluative adjudication was May 1st.  We had a full 30 students in guitar, piano and violin who submitted videos of their recital pieces and level-appropriate scales/chords.  They received some extremely positive feedback and constructive critique from an impartial judge on their instrument along with a Certificate of Completion.  Wish we could have sent them on to “State”.  Instead, adjudicator selections were presented at…

“Music Moves Us Together” Online Recital – This was an incredible success.  It took a lot of work on our end and we know how the students (and videographers) worked very hard to participate.  Thanks to all who encouraged their students in it, to our judges for amazing feedback for them and to all who watched the recital to give some shout-outs in real time.
Check it out here if you missed it!
https://www.facebook.com/stjosephartsacademy/videos/580972879209529/
We’ll do something similar in the fall!

Did you see us in the News? – The SJAA was featured in a recent Sunday edition of the St. Joseph News Press for our transition to online music learning.  And Sydney got the photo opp!
https://www.newspressnow.com/life/st_joe_live/st-joseph-musicians-goes-online-to-teach-music/article_3ce303a2-8faa-11ea-b264-e71312c72014.html

We held our first ever SJAA “State of the Academy” & Teacher Continuing Ed.  Zoom meeting edition this month.  We set a record for getting almost everyone together.   Looked like “Hollywood Squares” but with a focus our amazing team.  But mostly, we talked about your amazing students.

Got something to celebrate?  Please keep us up-to-date on the accomplishments, special events and activities in our students lives so we can celebrate them!
#MusicAccomplished

Student of the Month

Our May “Student of the Month” is…

Hadley C.!!!

We are so lucky to have Hadley and her family with us at the SJAA.

Besides traveling from Maryville for a weekly, 1-hour violin session with Mr. Brock, Hadley is also involved in cheerleading.

She enjoys crocheting, baking, reading, spending time with her siblings, and taking care of her goats and chickens.  Also a young entrepreneur, she sells fresh eggs and participated in a children’s business fair selling bath bombs made with goats milk.

Hadley recently participated in our “Spring Music Contests” and was a selected performer for the “Music Moves Us Together” online recital.

We’ll celebrate Hadley with an Amazon gift card for her!

Thank you, Hadley 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.
Repurpose that Piano?

While we insist that you play them, if they can’t be repaired, why not turn it into a cool computer desk.  Check out what Cash and his Dad made!  Turns all the colors and we presume a very fun place to work on your stuff.

Looking for an investment?

The most expensive instrument in the world is the “Lady Blunt” Stradivarius violin, which sold in 2011 for US$15.9 million.

Usual Suspects

Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?!
SJAAUpcoming Events

5/16 – SJAA “Music Moves US Together” Online Recital, 7pm

5/21 – Recital at Living Community, 7pm (Rescheduled, TBA)

6/1 – SJAA Songwriting Competition deadline

June/July –  SJAA “Practice Challenge” deadline Aug 1.

7/15 – Silver and Gold Banquet, Word of Life Church, 1245pm (Rescheduled, TBA)

9/19 – Hawkfest, 130pm

10/11 – Photo Day @ SJAA, times/venue TBA

10/23-25 – Robidoux Resident Theater presents “School of Rock”

12-19 – Beethoven’s 250 Birthday

 
Books!FREE shipping on in-stock books to SJAA students who need to “Level Up” in their reading materials during quarantine.
Auto-Payments

Thanks to all for registering for convenient auto-drafting from credit cards or your bank account.  So glad to be able to offer this for our families.

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/auto-payment-authorization/

Lesson Policy
– Is here and copies are at the studio…
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SJAA-Lesson-Policy-19.pdf
Thank you for reading -“The Write Notes” –  
Monthly Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!
We made some memories this month, didn’t we?

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

We are making the world a better place through music.

Here’s to YOUR music success!

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
8162944856 (personal cell)
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.

{| o }===:::
Facebook
Website
Instagram
Referral Program – We have a great family of students and teachers at the SJAA.  We are extremely discerning in selecting the very best coaches and students when growing our family.  We want great students just like you.  The SJAA is now able to offer a FREE lesson for referring new students who register for lessons.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to be a part of our SJAA family.

Does Your Teacher Have Openings?

Jolie – Full
Terry – Full
Frank – Mondays, 330 & 5
JC – Mondays 630
Andrew – Tuesdays 2:45 & 4
Emily – Mondays 430,  Saturday 1030
Monica – Mondays 430, Wednesday 6
Brent – Tuesday 530, 6, Thursday 3, 5 
Jason – Monday 4pm
Mary Jo – Wednesday 430 & 530
Will –  mondays 4 & 430
Sarah – Saturdays

 SJAA Classes/Courses – Guitar, Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice, Uke, Drums, Early Childhood, Group Guitar

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

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!
Copyright © 2020 St. Joseph Arts Academy, All rights reserved.
You are a preferred member of the SJAA!

Our mailing address is:

St. Joseph Arts Academy

2509 Ashland Ave

Saint Joseph, MO 64506-1938

SJAA Covid-19 Protection Plan

Posted on by jason riley

Our SJAA Covid-19 Protection Plan

 

Since mid-March, the SJAA has been open for ONLINE LESSONS only.  Our commercial building has been receiving continued improvements but with little to no public traffic.

In-Person Lessons resumed slowly and selectively for some students and teachers on June 1.

Lessons – We have begun to slowly re-open for 1-on-1 lessons by appointment only.  We anticipate that we’ll move forward with a mix of online and in-person private lessons per the wishes of the individual instructors and individual families.  We are asking that all limit their attendance to just the student and one parent/guardian if needed.  No large family or friend groups at this time.

Social-Distancing – In most cases, our spacious studios make it possible for students and teachers to easily remain 6 feet apart.  We will have clearly marked Covid-19 Safety Plans in place outlining any restrictions, protocols or best safety/health practices (ex. limited to student and 1 parent).

The SJAA expanded throughout our entire building giving us over 2000 square feet to spread out in, a total of 8 studios, a large classroom, 2 new waiting areas and  2 new sinks for hand washing.

Cleaning Schedule – So proud of the way our staff and members always keep our spaces clean and tidy.  Our families should notice, more than ever, that our academy is always clean.  Our cleaning schedule has been adjusted to each lesson (cleaning teaching surfaces and pianos), hourly activities (inspections, door handle cleaning and bathrooms), daily/nightly cleaning activities with checklists for quality control.

Students and teachers would be expected to wash hands well or use hand-sanitizer before and after lessons.  All are welcome to continue use face-masks for as long as they feel necessary.  And, if you are sick… Stay Home.  We will continue to monitor the health of our faculty and students regularly.

We take your health and safety seriously.

Our policies and processes will evolve with any and all changes in the health and business environments.

Thank you.
St. Joseph Arts Academy

 

 

Sanitation Plan:

Cleaning Schedule – So proud of the way our staff and members always keep our spaces clean and tidy.  Our families should notice, more than ever, that our academy is always clean.  Our cleaning schedule has been adjusted to each lesson (cleaning teaching surfaces and pianos), hourly activities (inspections, door handle cleaning and bathrooms), daily/nightly cleaning activities with checklists for quality control.

Students and teachers would be expected to wash hands well or use hand-sanitizer before and after lessons.  All are welcome to continue use face-masks for as long as they feel necessary.  And, if you are sick… Stay Home.  We will continue to monitor the health of our faculty and students regularly.

Hand sanitizer, Disposable Masks, Door Wraps, Gloves, Wipes, 6 ft., contactless registrations, letters, phone messaging for teachers, checklist in each studio and in front window.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to show you all we are doing for the health and safety of our students, teachers, families and SJAA members.

⋅ Constant contact with City of St. Joseph and State of Missouri about limitations, relief and best practices.
⋅ Quickly moving all classes and lessons to an online format.
⋅ Watch for videos about how we are complying with state and local recommendations.
⋅ “Return from Quarantine” Survey
⋅ Resurgence and Contingency plans in place for vigilance in reducing exposure and quick communication.
⋅ Walking the line between clients wanting to get out versus what it takes to be safe when we are out together.

 

 

The Write Notes – April 2020

Posted on by jason riley
Dear Students and Families,

With several more weeks of quarantine behind us (and potentially still ahead of us), we remain grateful to everyone doing their part to knock this thing down.  From everyone on the front lines to all of our friends and families who are choosing to “stay home” for the benefit of all.

Our SJAA studios have been very quiet but I know our houses have not.  The music has given us all, teachers and students, an opportunity to share, to keep growing and some needed emotional and spiritual comfort.  It’s wonderful to have something positive to focus on.

In many cases, it’s been necessary for others to follow the “downward spiral” to cancelling everything, to wait and see or just put things on hold.  Together with your family, we’ve all chosen to realize an attitude of possibility.  The demands of our students’ radiant potential are simply so strong they can’t be overlooked or set aside.

Thank you for your commitment to the advancing musicians in your family and to all in our academy family.  It’s been amazing to see everyone stepping up and working even harder towards our opportunities to show their work and share their music.

We are strengthening our bonds through music, even at a distance.

Thank you for your continuing support of the arts in our community and of our entire SJAA family.

Looking forward to the days when we’ll all be back together under one roof.  We’ll play some music, TOGETHER.

Thank you!

jason and SJAA

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to message me directly at…
816 294 4856 (cell)
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
Join or Share us on Facebook/Instagram
Our SJAA Covid-19 Protection Plan

Since mid-March, the SJAA has been open for ONLINE LESSONS only.  Our commercial building has been receiving continued improvements but with little to no public traffic.

Preparations are underway for when we do re-open our spaces.

Social-Distancing – In most cases, our spacious studios make it possible for students and teachers to easily remain 6 feet apart.  We will have clearly marked Covid-19 Safety Plans in place outlining any restrictions, protocols or best safety/health practices (ex. limited to student and 1 parent).

The SJAA expanded throughout our entire building giving us over 2000 square feet to spread out in, a total of 8 studios, a large classroom, 2 new waiting areas and  2 new sinks for hand washing.

Cleaning Schedule – So proud of the way our staff and members always keep our spaces clean and tidy.  Our families should notice, more than ever, that our academy is always clean.  Our cleaning schedule has been adjusted to each lesson (cleaning teaching surfaces and pianos), hourly activities (inspections, door handle cleaning and bathrooms), daily/nightly cleaning activities with checklists for quality control.

Students and teachers would be expected to wash hands well or use hand-sanitizer before and after lessons.  All are welcome to continue use face-masks for as long as they feel necessary.  And, if you are sick… Stay Home.

We take your health and safety seriously.

Our policies and processes will evolve with any and all changes in the health and business environments.

Thank you.
St. Joseph Arts Academy
SJAA Updates –
Shelter in Place – While we are all eager to get back to our routines, “out of the house” and see each other in person again, the SJAA will remain ONLINE only through the month of May.  If it works out that we can safely open doors and return earlier we will for all who are comfortable doing so.  The safety of our students and teachers is our first priority.

Spring Music Contests –  It’s not to late to jump in!  This weekend is the deadline for video submissions.  Like a college jury, students would submit 2 videos of 2 pieces in differing styles and 1 video of the scales (maybe chords cadences too) required by the key of the pieces.  No sight-reading or paper test. Participating students will receive an evaluative critique of their performance, certificate of completion and judges will select a best performance from each for an online broadcast of an online recital.  May 16 recital “Music Moves Us” broadcast date.

SJAA Songwriting Festival– Calling all composers and songwriters!  Submit your original music (vocal and/or instrumental pieces) for feedback from an international cast of judges and you could win fabulous cash and prizes.  Get creative, hone your craft and let’s celebrate YOUR music!  Video submission are due by June 1.  (Music can be sung or performed by the composer or by another player if necessary.)  More details TBA.

Free “Intro to Ukulele” Lesson – Want to try the Uke or get great “quick start” or review?  We sent out lots of these 1 hour video lesson/materials links last week.  If you are interested just drop Jason an email and we’ll share it with you for FREE!
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com

New classes/clinics – Online and hopefully, on-location courses are coming soon for summer.  Taking suggestions for the classes you’d like offered by the SJAA.  Registrations and info TBA.

“Hawkfest” – The June Jazz and Blues festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, Sept. 19.  SJAA students will open the day.

Online Resources – Big Thanks to TeacherZone, Zoom, FaceTime and google duo for the possibility to do our lessons online with relative ease.  We are also recommending the FREE trial at Sightreadingfactory.com (for sight-reading on any instrument!) and Musictheory.net (you guessed it!)
Celebrations!

Coloring Contest!

We moved our 2nd annual Coloring Contest from Summer to Spring
(Hey, why not?)
We loved seeing all the original, careful and fun versions of this years page.  Selected artists received gift cards and a little recognition for their work.
Congratulations to Sydney L. for her work in being selected
for the $25 Visa Gift Card!


Free Face-Masks

Thanks to the generosity, care, time and talents of Sharon Barlow (Academy Mom!), we were able to donate dozens of Face Masks to our fashion-forward SJAA community.  Certainly, some of the coolest you’ll see and music themes.  Thanks Mom!

Got something to celebrate?  Please keep us up-to-date on the accomplishments, special events and activities in our students lives so we can celebrate them!
#MusicAccomplished

Student of the Month

Our April “Student of the Month” is…

Basil Riches!!!


We are so lucky to have Basil and his family with us at the SJAA.

Music Honors! – Guitarist, Basil Riches of Atchison, KS received a “1” rating for his rendition of “O Son De Ar” at the 4-H Atchison County, KS Club Day contest.  Way to go, Basil!
We’ll celebrate Basil with an iTunes gift card for him!

Thank you, Basil 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.
Best Quarantine Home Schooling Solutions

Outsource the teaching

Working from home?

A fun game for all!  Empty those sock drawers.
SJAA’s Upcoming Recitals

2020

4/25 – SJAMTA Evaluatives (CANCELLED)
4/26 –  2pm SJAMTA student recital (CANCELLED)
3:30 SJAMTA Honors Recital at First Presbyterian (CANCELLED)
5/1 – SJAA Evaluative Audition Submission Deadline
5/16 – SJAA “Music Moves Us” Online Recital, TBA
5/XX – SJAA Ribbon Cutting, Open House (TBD)
5/21 – Recital at Living Community, 7pm (TBD) (Rescheduling)
7/15 – Silver and Gold Banquet, Word of Life Church, 1245pm
9/19 – Hawkfest, 130pm
10/11 – Photo Day @ SJAA, times/venue TBA

SJAA Specific Events in BOLD
Books!FREE shipping on in-stock books to SJAA students who need to “Level Up” in their reading materials during quarantine.
Auto-Payments

Thanks to all for registering for convenient auto-drafting from credit cards or your bank account.  So glad to be able to offer this for our families.

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/auto-payment-authorization/

Lesson Policy
– Is here and copies are at the studio…
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SJAA-Lesson-Policy-19.pdf
Thank you for reading -“The Write Notes” –  
Monthly Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!
We made some memories this month, didn’t we?

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

We are making the world a better place through music.

Here’s to YOUR music success!

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
8162944856 (personal cell)
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.

{| o }===:::
Facebook
Website
Instagram
Referral Program – We have a great family of students and teachers at the SJAA.  We are extremely discerning in selecting the very best coaches and students when growing our family.  We want great students just like you.  The SJAA is now able to offer a FREE lesson for referring new students who register for lessons.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to be a part of our SJAA family.

Does Your Teacher Have Openings?

Jolie – Full
Terry – Full
Frank – Mondays, 330 & 5
JC – Mondays 630
Andrew – Tuesdays 2:45 & 4
Emily – Mondays 430,  Saturday 1030
Monica – Mondays 430, Wednesday 6
Brent – Tuesday 530, 6, Thursday 3, 5 
Jason – Monday 4pm
Mary Jo – Tuesday, 430 & 530
Will –  mondays 4 & 430
Sarah – Saturdays

 SJAA Classes/Courses – Guitar, Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice, Uke, Drums, Early Childhood, Group Guitar

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

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!
Copyright © 2020 St. Joseph Arts Academy, All rights reserved.

The Write Notes – March 2020

Posted on by jason riley
Dear &lt;&lt;First Name>>,

Let me start with a lot of gratitude.  We are having some seriously challenging times at home and globally.  There is just a ton of concern and unanswered questions about how and how long it will take to get back to our routines.  I’m grateful to our city leaders and to our friends and neighbors for taking the unsettling but necessary precautions to make this better for everyone.

In less than a week, educational institutions made a huge shift to online learning.  I am truly amazed that these massive changes happened so quickly and with such low friction.  Is it perfect?  No.  But it’s a great example of our ability to pull together and simply get things done when the time is NOW.

SJAA students, teachers and families are no exception.  Over 98% of our students made the switch immediately and adapted very quickly to a new way of lesson delivery.  Change is never easy and we still have some challenges to face.  That’s how we learn and grow.

Extremely proud of the way everyone is stepping up to demonstrate that willingness, that commitment to continued learning and growth.

Practicing, learning and playing music are more essential now than ever.

Grateful we have each other and can share this journey together.  It will be transformative, a reminder of what’s most important and an opportunity to demonstrate the best in ourselves.

Stay happy and healthy.  We’ll see you (virtually) in the weeks ahead and looking forward to having everyone together back at the Academy soonest.

Thank you, &lt;&lt;First Name>>!

jason and SJAA

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to message me directly at…
816 294 4856 (cell)
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
Join or Share us on Facebook/Instagram
SJAA Updates –
Shelter in Place – Remains in effect for our city through this week.  All lessons and classes will be online only for at least a few more weeks.  St Joseph Public Schools are out until April 24 so it may be that the SJAA will follow suit.  No official decision but maybe presume that will be the case though April and we’ll roll with the punches and changes as they come in.

Evaluative Adjudication – Sadly, our students have lost every opportunity to demonstrate their best work.  Local and state music contests, recitals, spring concerts and most recently the SJAMTA evaluative audition, ALL CANCELLED.
The SJAA can fill this gap with an SJAA evaluative audition online.  Like a college jury, students would submit 2 videos of 2 pieces in differing styles and 1 video of the scales (maybe chords cadences too) required by the key of the pieces.  No sight-reading or paper test.

Participating students will receive an evaluative critique of their performance, certificate of completion and judges will select a best performance from each for an online broadcast of an online recital.  May 1 deadline for submissions and a May 16 recital “Music Moves Us” broadcast date.

SJAMTA evaluative usually costs $15 to members.  SJAA evaluative will be FREE to members.  Not Mandatory but maybe the only opportunity students will have to demonstrate their continued hard work this spring.

Application Form or send a note to jason@stjosephartsacademy.com to sign up.

Songwriting Contest – Working on this with more details to come.  Similar to above but original songs or instrumental compositions submitted by video.  TBA

New classes/clinics – Coming soon for summer.  Registrations and info TBA.
Welcome to our Newest Students!

Braeden, Mary, Jackson, Larkin, Maeby, Brooke, Taylor, Cory, Myles, Sabre, Charlie, Elizabeth and Coen!
Celebrations!

Music Honors! – Guitarist, Basil Riches of Atchison, KS received a “1” rating for his rendition of “O Son De Ar” at the 4-H Atchison County, KS Club Day contest.  Way to go, Basil!

Drums! – Our new Drum studio opened this month with Will Doyle (master percussion/recording).  Limited spaces available for drum lessons.

New Teachers– Welcome to our newest team member, Mary Jo Lewis (master piano)!

40th Anniversary Monster Concert – The SJAA piano and guitar students joined SJAMTA for the 40th Annual Monster concert last month.  The sold-out show provides money for scholarships to middle, high school and college students for summer music camps, festivals and continuing course work.

Group Classes – With the expansion in our building we got some great new classroom spaces.  We started with some beginner’s guitar classes (child or adult) and early childhood (age appropriate classes from 8ms to 5 yrs) this month.  If you have friends or family that might be looking for musical experienceslike this, we greatly appreciate you sharing us with them.  Many more fun classes in the works!  Let us know if there is a class you’d like to see offered here.

info@stjosephartsacademy.com for more information.

Limited spaces available.

More to come!

SJAA Expansion Finally Complete! – We’ll look forward to having you here soon!!  Total of 5 new studios, additional pianos, 1 Large classrooms space, 2 waiting areas, reception area and kitchenette, bathroom, fresh paint, new flooring, LED lighting and additional hallways (AND we hung a piano on the wall!).

First Recital in our New Space – So honored to have Mr. Brock’s violin studio present our first ever student recital IN OUR VERY OWN BUILDING!  It has been a major work in progress to get our doors open and just really fun to have everyone there.  Thanks to Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Riley and Isaac Johnson for accompanying and congratulations to the performers and to Mr. Brock on their dedicated work.
#MusicAccomplished

Student of the Month

Our March “Student of the Month” is…

Myles Grimsinger!!!

We are so lucky to have Myles and his family with us at the SJAA.

Besides being SJAA’s premier drum student with Will, Myles is part of his middle school band as a percussionist.  The guy loves baseball and we are all hoping the season with his team “Smash” can hit the field together soon.    Myles is also part of a Dungeons and Dragon club with friends after school.

He just recently upgraded to a new drum kit and is excelling with it.

We’ll celebrate Myles with an iTunes gift card for him!

Thank you, Myles 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.
The New “Social Distancing Elbow Bump” Emoji!!
SJAA’s Upcoming Recitals 

2020

2/8 –  Monster Concert  (piano rehearsals Jan 31, Feb 7)
2/29 – Teacher Appreciation Day
3/8 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital (CANCELLED)
4/18 – Academy @ the Mansion, 2020.  (TBD)
4/25 – SJAMTA Evaluatives (CANCELLED)
4/26 –  2pm SJAMTA student recital (CANCELLED)
3:30 SJAMTA Honors Recital at First Presbyterian (CANCELLED)
5/1 – SJAA Evaluative Audition Submission Deadline
5/16 – SJAA “Music Moves Us” Online Recital, TBA
5/XX – SJAA Ribbon Cutting, Open House (TBD)
5/21 – Recital at Living Community, 7pm (TBD)
6/13 – Hawkfest, 130pm
7/15 – Silver and Gold Banquet, Word of Life Church, 1245pm
10/11 – Photo Day @ SJAA, times/venue TBA

SJAA Specific Events in BOLD
Books!Is your student ready for new books? We carry a very limited supply of instructor approved titles. Talk with your teacher about your next books and we’ll get them ordered.
Auto-Payments

Thanks to all for registering for convenient auto-drafting from credit cards or your bank account.  So glad to be able to offer this for our families.

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/auto-payment-authorization/

Lesson Policy
– Is here and copies are at the studio…
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SJAA-Lesson-Policy-19.pdf
Thank you for reading -“The Write Notes” –  
Monthly Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!
We made some memories this month, didn’t we?

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

We are making the world a better place through music.

Here’s to YOUR music success!

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
8162944856 (personal cell)
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.

{| o }===:::
Facebook
Website
Instagram
Referral Program – We have a great family of students and teachers at the SJAA.  We are extremely discerning in selecting the very best coaches and students when growing our family.  We want great students just like you.  The SJAA is now able to offer a FREE lesson for referring new students who register for lessons.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to be a part of our SJAA family.

Does Your Teacher Have Openings?

Jolie – Full
Terry – Full
Frank – Mondays, 330 & 5
JC – Mondays 630
Andrew – Tuesdays 2:45 & 4
Emily – Mondays 430,  Saturday 1030
Monica – Mondays 430, Wednesday 6
Brent – Tuesday 530, 6, Thursday 3, 5 
Jason – Monday 4pm
Mary Jo – Tuesday, 430 & 530
Will –  mondays 4 & 430
Sarah – Saturdays

 SJAA Classes/Courses – Guitar, Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice, Uke, Drums, Early Childhood, Group Guitar

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

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!
Copyright © 2020 St. Joseph Arts Academy, All rights reserved.

30 Day Guitar Challenge

Posted on by jason riley

ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE?

Get ready for Maximum Musical Growth in improving your guitar skills through this 30 Day, intensive and motivational challenge from the St. Joseph Arts Academy and Director/Guitarist, Jason Riley.

The Challenge begins on January 2, 2020.

 

“Buy Now” to complete registration.

 




http://www.jasonriley.com
https://stjosephartsacademy.com
http://www.socajukebox.com

30 Day Guitar Challenge

Great Gift Ideas for Music Students

Posted on by jason riley

Holiday Gifts for the Musician in your life.

Thank you for sharing the gift of music and for shopping “LOCAL” this holiday season.  We’ll include some other links at the bottom of this page to our preferred local music retailers if you are looking for something more specifically.

Email jason@stjosephartsacademy.com for more information, orders, purchases and registrations.

SJAA is participating in the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce “Shop St. Joe” program.   Grand prize drawing is for $10,000 in mid-December.  1 ticket for every $10 spent.

 

At the SJAA, our focus is on growing advancing musicians.

We specialize in private music lessons in Guitar, Piano/Keyboarding, Voice & Singing, Violin, Cello, Ukulele and now, Drums and percussion!  (Just $94 per Month for weekly 30 minute sessions with our expert instructors.)

We are also excited to offer Group Guitar and Early Childhood Classes in 2020.  (pricing below)

While we are not a retail music store, we are fortunate to provide the accessories and books our students need at a discount.  Members Only!

 

Holiday Gifts for the Musician in your life.

Gift Certificates
We offer them for private lessons ($94 per month) and for books and accessories ($25)

Diamond Head Concert Ukulele w/carrying bag
Just $69 (You Save 10.95)

Music Method & Repertoire Books
(10% off In-stock or special orders in time for Christmas)

 

Hamilton “Fold-Up” Music Stand
Just $16 (You Save 8.99)
Only 8 left.

 

Guitarist Footstool
Just $10 (You Save 4.99)
Only 4 left.

Snark Clip-On Tuners
Just $10 (29.99 on Amazon!!!)
Only 6 left.

D’Addario 20′ Instrument Cable
Just $16 (You Save 4.68)
Only 2 left

Premium “Guitar”Care System
Just $20 (You Save 9.99)
Only 1 left

Pack of Guitar Picks
Just $3 (You Save 1)
Only 1 left

Mini Hohner Harmonica
Just $3 (You Save 1)
Only 3 left

Alvarez Access Pack (Guitar Tuner, Capo, Cloth)
Just $15 (List Price $40!!)
Only 2 left

Guitar Strings (acoustic or electric)
Just $10 ($20 installed)

Hohner “Chicago Blues”Harmonicas
Just $10 (45.04 at Kohl’s!!!)
Only 2 left

Yamaha Recorders
Just $6 (You Save 3.99)
Only 2 left

One-of-a-Kind Musical Tote Bags
Just $22
Only 6 left

“Music Accomplished” T-shirts
Just $20 adult & $15 children’s
In-stock or special order for size in time for Christmas
Black or Texas Orange

“Music Accomplished” Baseball Cap
Just $15
One size fits all in Black

“pBuzz” Kid’s Musical Instrument
Just $19 (You Save 10.99!)
Only 2 left

 

Group Guitar Class (beginners only, child or adult classes)

6 – 1 hour weekly “Intro to Guitar” group classes.  Includes FREE materials (guitar not included).
Beginning Mid-January, 2020.  Days and Times TBA.
Just $99!
Limited space available.Early Childhood Music Classes
The very best gift we can give our little ones in their most important, formative years!

Sing, Dance, Explore Instruments, Have Fun and Make Friends in these Weekly 50 minute sessions for “mini-mozart’s” and parents, grandparents or caregivers.
Age specific classes for 8 months-5 years.
Beginning Mid-January, 2020.  Days and Times TBA.
Just $195 per Quarter! (Sessions begin every 3 months)
Limited space available.

Group Guitar Class & Guitar Package (beginner’s only, child or adult classes)
6 – 1 hour weekly “Intro to Guitar” group classes.  GUITAR INCLUDED!  (choose acoustic or electric package)  Includes FREE materials.
Limited class spaces available.
Beginning Mid-January, 2020.  Days and Times TBA.
Just $247 (student acoustic guitar package) or $297 (student electric guitar package)!

Acoustic Guitar Package (Concert Acoustic guitar w/carrying bag, picks and tuner)
Just $297!

Electric Guitar Package (Concert Electric guitar w/carrying bag, amplifier, cable, picks and tuner)
Just $397!

30 Day Guitar Challenge
The SJAA “30 Day Guitar Challenge” is a great way to kick of the new year with daily, positive and motivational messaging, instructions and short video lessons delivered to your inbox.
For players of all levels ready to make a commitment to up their guitar game.  This inspirational 30 day “Bootcamp” will cover topics from tricks, tools and techniques for playing and practicing to musical interpretation, history and mindsets for musical success.  A fantastic and fun supplement for any guitarist already taking lessons.  Start off on the right track in 2020.  Join us for the 30 Day Guitar Challenge beginning in January.

Just $30

To Register:
www.StJosephArtsAcademy.Com/30DayGuitarChallenge
Challenge is limited to 40 guitarist.Registration ends December 24, 2020.

Heirloom Photos from Tyler Osborn Studios

Gifts for YOUR Family!

TYLER OSBORN Studios
e: tylerosbornstudios@gmail.com
a: 9700 Walnut St., Kansas City MO 64114
c: (913) 226-6529
ig/fb: @tylerosbornstudios
w: tylerosborn.myportfolio.com

CD Packages – Soca Jukebox, Under the Big Oak Tree, Jason Riley & Maria the Mexican
Mix and Match 3 CD’s for just $20!

Check out our past blog post for more info on great gift ideas for your guitarist.

Gifts for your Guitarist

Email jason@stjosephartsacademy.com for more information, orders, purchases and registrations.

We have some great recommendations if you are looking for keyboards, high-end instruments or other instrumental accessories.  Just ask.

 

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!
St. Joseph Arts Academy

 

Preferred Local Music Retailers…

St. Joseph, MO
https://www.lanhammusic.com (See our friend, Aaron)

Parkville, MO
https://www.bentleyguitars.com (See our friend, Mark)

Atchison, KS
https://muddyriverguitars.com (See our friend, Scott)

http://www.jasonriley.com
https://stjosephartsacademy.com
http://www.socajukebox.com

 

 

Music Students

The Write Notes – November 2019

Posted on by jason riley
Dear Students and families,We are heading for the holidays!

As we are looking back on 2019, we have had so much to be thankful for.

There has been quite a lot of action around the academy this year just in trying to get our spaces in top form.  We’ve added great new instructors to our team, lots or memorable performances and special events.

Very grateful for the support of our family, my fellow teachers, our community at large and for each of our dedicated, hard-working and loyal advancing musicians at the SJAA.

Thank you for growing and working with us in making the St. Joseph Arts Academy the best we can be.  We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your musical family.

Wishing each of yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Let me know if you need anything at all, anytime.

Thank you, << Test First Name >>!

jason and SJAA
816 294 4856 (personal cell for call or text)

jason@stjosephartsacademy.com

Join or Share us on Facebook/Instagram
Big, Big News-

Thanksgiving Day – Wishing your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day are official holidays here (Nov. 28, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, SJAA is closed).  Some teachers may be able to reschedule your lessons for another time if you’d like.  Just talk to your teacher about your holiday schedules.

Price Increase 2020 – Lesson fees for 30 minute, weekly private lessons will bump up a bit in 2020 from $92 to $94 per month.  Adjustment begins in January.  Please contact Jason or Emily if you have any questions.

Mall-a-thon – The annual SJAMTA “Mall-a-thon” is Saturday Dec. 7 at East Hills Mall.  Students will perform seasonal music from about 10am-3pm near the carousel.  Our Academy set is at 1030am-1130am.  This is one of our more popular events for the kids and who doesn’t love going to the mall?  Bring the whole family!

“Shop St. Joe” – As a member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, the SJAA participates in the “Shop St. Joe” holiday giveaway program.  Local retailers giveaway tickets for a drawing in mid-December for a grand prize of $10,000!  1 ticket per every $10 spent.  Please ask your teacher for them if we forget.  Everyone should get a batch for November and some more in December.  We hope one of ours can claim that prize.

Christmas Packages/Gift Ideas – Looking for some gift ideas for the musicians in your life (or maybe some suggestions for extended family or friends)?  Look for the next email with some ideas based on your instrument’s needs, drop us a note or talk (maybe privately) with your teacher.  We’ll be offering some nice stocking stuffers and larger packages at a discount to our members.

Group Classes – With our expansion in our building we are going to get some great classroom spaces.  We are excited to be able to offer group classes in the new year.  We’ll be starting with some beginner’s guitar class and early childhood offerings.  If you have friends or family that might be looking for musical experiences like this, we greatly appreciate you sharing us with them.  Many more fun classes in the works!  Let us know if there is a class you’d liketo see offered here.

Chapeau Shop – We got our first shipment of “Music Accomplished” baseball caps!  They sure say something positive about the head that wears them.

Just $12.

Instagram – By request, you can now find the SJAA on Instagram!  Follow us @StJosephArtsAcademy.  If you are Facebook user it’s https://www.facebook.com/stjosephartsacademy/.

Thanks for joining us and for sharing the SJAA with your friends too.

Magazine Giveaway – The SJAA held a drawing for 2 lucky guitar students to receive popular magazine subscriptions for a year.  Congratulations to Colin R. (Guitar World) and Reaganne K. (Guitar Player).  Hope you’ll enjoy some extra guitar fun in your mailbox each month.

Monster Concert – SJAMTA is looking for volunteers who can help with box office, ushers and reception table.  Drop us a note if you or your family would like to help.  The Concert, held at the Potter Theater, MWSU is a BIG event, tons of fun for our students and raises money for student scholarships. Saturday, February, 8, 2020 at 3pm.  (Volunteers maybe 2-530ish)
Auto-Payments

The SJAA is closing in on convenient auto-drafting from credit cards or your bank account.  All Students will be asked to set-up for Auto-Pay by DECEMBER 1.  Ask your teacher for a form or feel free to follow the link to fill out the authorization, bring it to your lesson and we’ll get you set up.

This should be a convenience win/win for all concerned.  Let us know if you have any questions.

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/auto-payment-authorization/

Lesson Policy
– Is here and copies are at the studio…
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SJAA-Lesson-Policy-19.pdf
Construction/Carpet 

Noticing any changes in your studio spaces and lobby recently?

We moved every piano, painted every wall, got new carpeting and added some furniture.  Whew.

We will be working hard on the construction on the other side during these last weeks of the year in an effort to have our new spaces open in 2020!

Thanks for all of your patience with our improvements.
Photo Day at the SJAA! –
We are about to get some amazing photos of our students.
Info should go out to families very soon.
We can’t wait to the photos of our SJAA stars.
“Music Accomplished” T-Shirts

Our special orders should arrive this week and we’ll get them in your hands soon.

We’d love for everyone to have one (or more) too.  If you’d like a special size, it’s easy to get them (just takes a little time).

($20 for adult and $15 for kids sizes).
Celebrations!
It’s a Boy! – Welcome the newest member of our SJAA family, Mr. Andrew’s adorable little boy, Ezekiel Wayne Holmes. Born on Nov. 8th, 2019… 8lbs 4oz. Congratulations Holmes family!
Welcome to our NEW Students and families!!

Braeden, Allison, Alex, Whitney, Sydney, Taylor & Ellie
.
#MusicAccomplished

Student of the Month

Our November “Student of the Month” is…

Jack W!!!

We are so lucky to have Jack and his family with us at the SJAA.

Jack received a 1 rating in Violin this month at the MMTA all-state auditions in Springfield on November 9.  Way to go, Jack!

We’ll celebrate Jack with an iTunes gift card for him!

Thank you, Jack 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.
Books!Is your student ready for new books? We carry a very limited supply of instructor approved titles. Talk with your teacher about your next books and we’ll get them ordered.
Who are these masked demolition artists?  Few things make us happier that to see a kid working hard (except maybe 2 kids working hard).  Big thanks to Ben and Coop for stepping up to tear stuff down.
SJAA’s Upcoming Recitals2019

11/17 –  2pm SJAMTA student recital (patriotic/Thanksgiving themed)
11/28 – Happy Thanksgiving (SJAA closed)
12/7 – Mall-a-thon, East Hills Mall – Time 1030am
12/25 – Merry Christas! (SJAA closed)
2020
1/1 – Happy New Year!  (SJAA closed)
2/8 –  SJAMTA Monster Concert, 3pm
3/8 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital followed by vocal masterclass/piano clinic and a short meeting
4/18 – “Academy @ the Mansion” II.  Times TBA.
4/25 – SJAMTA Evaluatives
4/26 –  2pm SJAMTA student recital/3:30 SJAMTA Honors Recital at First Presbyterian
6/13 – 230pm HawkFest

Thanks for adding these things to your calendars.

SJAA Specific Recitals in BOLD
Thank you for reading “The Write Notes” – Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!

It’s going to be a great month.

Thank you for encouraging the advancing musicians in your life and in our community.  We are making the world a better place through music.

Here’s to YOUR music success!

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
8162944856 (personal cell)
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.
Facebook
Website
Instagram
Referral Program – We have a great family of students and teachers at the SJAA.  We are extremely discerning in selecting the very best coaches and students when growing our family.  We want great students just like you.  The SJAA is now able to offer a FREE lesson for referring new students who register for lessons.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to be a part of our SJAA family.

Does Your Teacher Have Openings?

Jason – Full
Jolie – Full
Terry – Full
Frank – Full
JC – Mondays, 4pm
Andrew – Tuesdays, 4, 530
Emily – Tuesday, 730, Friday 530, Saturday morning.
Monica – Wednesday, 530
Brent – Tuesday 7, Thursday 3

 SJAA Classes/Courses – Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, Uke, Early Childhood, Group Guitar

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

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 entertain others to happily share their skill and talent in love and gratitude to make the world a better place.

OUR MOTTO…

Music Accomplished!
Copyright © 2019 St. Joseph Arts Academy, All rights reserved.
Thank you for opting in online at our website, youtube or Facebook!

Our mailing address is:

St. Joseph Arts Academy

2027 N. 36th Street

St Joseph, MO 64506

The Write Notes – October 2019

Posted on by jason riley
Hard to believe October is nearly at an end.

Halloween is a big day at our house simply based on our location.  The kids have had some great costumes over the years and really enjoyed being a part of the mob that is Halloween on Ashland avenue.

On a typical year, we see over 500 trick-or-treaters!  All treats.  Never any tricks.

October was a very busy month at the SJAA.   There are a few highlights with some important information below.

Wishing you, your goblins and princesses a very safe and fun Halloween.

Thanks for being a part our “monster” musician family here.

Let me know if you need anything at all, anytime.

Thank you!

jason and SJAA
816 294 4856 (personal cell for call or text)

jason@stjosephartsacademy.com

Join or Share us on Facebook!
Construction/Carpet 
We are getting our new carpet installed and will be working throughout the building this week to get ready.  Some lessons may be cancelled or rescheduled for Oct. 30, 31 for construction and carpeting.  Teachers will be able to let their students know if they are affected.We will be working hard on the construction on the other side during these last weeks of the year in an effort to have our new spaces open in 2020!

All of your studios are going to much sweeter soon.  Thanks for all of your patience with this stuff.
Auto-Payments

While we are still accepting VENMO, cash and checks, the SJAA is moving closer to convenient auto-drafting from credit cards or your bank account.  All Students will be asked to set-up for Auto-Pay by DECEMBER 1.  Ask your teacher for a form or feel free to follow the link to fill out the authorization, bring it to your lesson and we’ll get you set up.

This should be a convenience win/win for all concerned.  Let us know if you have any questions.

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/auto-payment-authorization/

Lesson Policy
– Is here and copies are at the studio…
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SJAA-Lesson-Policy-19.pdf
Josephine Expo –

The Academy had our very first booth for the 15th annual Josephine Expo for Women at the Civic Arena.  Lots of friendly folks came to say “Hi” and find out what the SJAA is all about.  Jalea, Molly and Ashlyn brought their Moms and did a little jamming in the booth!
Photo Day at the SJAA! –
Thank you to everyone who made it out for this.  A really fun and special event for our students.  Jason sat for nearly the entire 3 hours just playing music with the kids, many doing most of their repertoire as solos, duos or jamming as a group.  There was bingo with prizes and fall crafts besides the photo shoot.  Miss Sharon made rice krispie treats (and she puts chocolate on ’em) so if you missed it, you missed a life changing rice krispie treat.Starting to get sneak peeks of some over-the-top, amazing photos.  The editing process is very time consuming but more info as things come together.

Thanks to photographer, Tyler Osborn for treating and capturing our students as the STARS they are.
“Music Accomplished” T-Shirts

We’ve got a few but are a little limited on sizes (medium, large, XL) in Texas orange or black.  Some have put in child size orders already.

We’d love for you to have one (or more) too.  If you’d like a special size, we are ordering more early next week with some orders from students.
($20 for adult and $15 for kids sizes).

Maybe reply with your size, we’ll bring them down or get one ordered for you.  
MORE News…

Broke a leg! – “Sister Act” was last weekend with RRT at the Missouri Theater. Lori and Brent played in the pit with an amazing crew and cast on and off stage.  Really wonderful talent here in St. Joseph!

Break a leg! – Many of our students will be performing on stage and in the pit in the Central HS production of “Bye, Bye Birdie” (Nov. 1,2,8 & 9).  They’ve been working hard and putting in tons or rehearsal hours.  It’s sure to be a great show so thanks for showing your support.

Mall-A-Thon – Plan ahead to join us for our East Hills performance on Sat. Dec. 7, Time TBA.   It’s one of our bigger events each year and the kids really love playing this one.

Congratulations!! – Jack Wing received a 1 rating in Violin last month at the MMTA district auditions.  He will go to state in Springfield on November 9.  Way to go, Jack!

Holiday Gift Ideas – The SJAA will have a few special gift ideas, holiday instrument packages and gift certificates available closer to holiday time.  We know that music is a real gift and that sometimes extended family is looking for great ideas for the musicians, friends or families in your life,

Let’s take a trip! – Welcoming our new neighbor, Wendy Eidman and Round Tuit Travel to the Beck Road Center.

Home Improvement – We recently got a fresh paint job on the building, a concrete improvement and replaced the rusty, wobbly gutter grates.  One steady step at a time on these much needed fix-ups.

Welcome to our NEW Students and families!!

Cash, Allison, Breanna, Aidyn, Maria, Alex, & Mike.
.
#MusicAccomplished

Student of the Month

Our October “Student of the Month” is…

Lily C.!!!

We are so lucky to have Lily and her family with us at the SJAA.

She is bright, enjoys art, and works hard to improve her violin skills. She’s now a fearless performer playing for the first time in public at our JoeStock set.

We’ll celebrate Lily with an 5 Below gift card for her!

Thank you, Lily 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.
Books!Is your student ready for new books? We carry a very limited supply of instructor approved titles. Talk with your teacher about your next books and we’ll get them ordered.
Early childhood music classes!
(Coming Soon)9 months and up – mommy and me class – infants to 5 year olds – large class setting.

Musical, vocal and dance playtime and games.

The benefits are developing musical abilities on an appropriate age level, developing creativity and imagination, all motor development, and music have been proven to help improve language, literacy, and social/emotional development.

Email jason at jason@stjosephartsacademy.com for more information.
The Maestro!  This amazing painting of classical guitar maestro, Andres Segovia (done by our friend, Chris Fleck) was recently on display in the Mosaic Gallery.  Maybe, we could get it for our own “gallery” for a while?
SJAA’s Upcoming Recitals2019

11/17 –  2pm SJAMTA student recital (patriotic/Thanksgiving themed)
11/28 – Happy Thanksgiving (SJAA closed)
12/7 – Mall-a-thon, East Hills Mall – Time TBA
12/25 – Merry Christas! (SJAA closed)
2020
1/1 – Happy New Year!  (SJAA closed)
2/8 –  SJAMTA Monster Concert
3/8 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital followed by vocal masterclass/piano clinic and a short meeting
4/25 – SJAMTA Evaluatives
4/26 –  2pm SJAMTA student recital/3:30 SJAMTA Honors Recital at First Presbyterian
6/13 – 230pm HawkFest

Thanks for adding these things to your calendars.

SJAA Specific Recitals in BOLD

Thank you for reading “The Write Notes” – Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!

It’s going to be a great month.

Thank you for encouraging the advancing musicians in your life and in our community.  We are making the world a better place through music.

Here’s to YOUR music success!

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
8162944856 (personal cell)
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.
Facebook
Website
Referral Program – We have a great family of students and teachers at the SJAA.  We are extremely discerning in selecting the very best coaches and students when growing our family.  We want great students just like you.  The SJAA is now able to offer a FREE lesson for referring new students who register for lessons.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to be a part of our SJAA family.

Does Your Teacher Have Openings?

JC – Mondays, 330 & 630
Andrew – Tuesdays, 4pm
Emily – Friday 530, Saturday morning.
Monica – Monday, 6pm
Brent – Tuesday 3 & 630, Thursday 730
Jason – Full
Jolie – Full
Lori – Full
Terry – Full
Frank – Monday 330 or 4

 SJAA Classes/Courses – Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, Uke, Early Childhood

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

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 entertain others to happily share their skill and talent in love and gratitude to make the world a better place.

OUR MOTTO…

Music Accomplished!
Copyright © 2019 St. Joseph Arts Academy, All rights reserved.

Music Lessons – St. Joseph Arts Academy

Posted on by jason riley

Music Lessons

School of Music and Fine Arts #1-2

Performance Opportunities

Showcase Your Progress

Join the FASTEST GROWING Music School in Northwest Missouri the #1 Choice for MUSIC LESSONS!

StJosephArtsAcademy.Com/\nRequestInfo\

info@stjosephartsacademy.com

www.stjosephartsacademy.com

(816) 974-SOLO (7656)

2027 N. 36th Street St. Joseph MO 64506

Ask an Associate how to reserve your spot today!

BETTER MUSIC TEACHING – BETTER MUSIC PRACTICE

School of Music

Register Today!

Personalized programs for all Levels

Guitar Violin Piano \nVoice Ukulele Cello \nEarly Childhood & MORE!

Take Your Music On-Stage!

Instructors at the SJAA work with students to help prepare them for all kinds of performances – open mic nights, formal recitals, summer music festivals & all-state competitions

OUR LESSON PLANS ARE NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

Beginner to Advanced

Flexible Lesson Times

All Styles & Genres

 

“Music can change the world. ~ Beethoven ~

 

Private or Group Lessons

 

“The top-notch team of coaches & convenient location are the reasons we are a family that has weekly music lessons.” – B. Williams, lesson customer

 

World Class Instructors

Our StudiosIt all begins with a great instructor!

Each instuctor is highly qualified & hand-selected based on reputations in our community. Instructors at the SJAA are all required to have:

A degree in music or significant teaching and/or performance experience.

A background check

Friendly, fun & compassionate personality with strong work ethic.

Opportunities for student performances.

Consistent feedback & goal setting for progress.

StJosephArtsAcademy.Com/\nRequestInfo

Family Friendly Environment

LEARN year-round with classes, clinics & performances.

SAFE learning environment, open windows on studios allow view of each lesson & parents are welcome to sit in on lessons.

All lessons in CLEAN studios equipped for effective learning.

Access to MUSIC SUPPLIES.

Have More Questions About the SJAA?

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST LESSON?

For beginners: Your instructor will begin with the basics

How to hold & play your instrument\nBasic care and maintenance

Establish lesson goals

For Intermediate & Advanced Students:

Your instructor will work with you to determine the curriculum.

Establish lesson goals & preference for genre

Develop technique & expand repertoire

HOW DO I PAY?

All of our accounts are set up on AUTO-PAY

WHAT DO THE LESSONS COST?

Rates vary according to group but most private lessons are $94 per month.

WHAT IS THE SIGN-UP FEE?

Our sign-up fee is a one-time fee that goes towards setting up your account, maintaining our studios & equipment & to help pay for our many performance opportunities.

Music Accomplished!

The Write Notes – September 2019

Posted on by jason riley
Dear Students and Families,

We know music nourishes the soul.  It’s a true honor for SJAA to be able to join the amazing cast of nationally-recognized talent for the annual “Bluegrass Battles Hunger” this weekend.

The event raises money to support the Second Harvest Food Bank that provides food to those in need in our entire region.  It’s important and compassionate work that serves many thousands of families.

Lots of other exciting things and important info in this month’s newsletter.

Thanks in advance for the time to read through and another big THANK YOU for being a big part of the SJAA family.

Let me know if you need anything, anytime.
jason and SJAA

816 294 4856 (personal cell for call or text)
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com

Join or Share us on Facebook!
BlueGrass Battles Hunger – Bluegrass Battles Hunger – The St. Joseph “Bluegrass” Academy will be forming alongside some great national acoustic, bluegrass, folk and old-time acts in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank.  We’ll have all the fiddlers and guitarists out with featured vocalists and instrumentalists.  Not to be missed!!!  FREE will donations and open to the public.

Time:  2pm sound check, 230 – ish,  Set 45 min.
Coleman Hawkins Park
Downtown Gazebo

Also….
“Spencer and Raines Workshop and Jam”

We would love to see some of those fiddlers and guitars at the workshop. Triscia and Howard are some truly heavy hitters in the old time music world and are sought after for their workshops on fiddling and old time music history all over the world so it would be a very good workshop to attend.

12 pm – Fiddle workshop at Christ Episcopal and also a Community Jam at 130 ahead of the SJAA set at 230.

http://bluegrassbattleshunger.com/about/
It’s A Girl!! –
Welcoming Eden Faith Dirks who arrived on Sept. 10 at 7 lbs and 7 oz.  Mom and baby are doing well (hope Dad and Brother can say the same!)  Congratulations to our very own JC Dirks and the whole family on your beautiful new addition.
Josephine Expo –

The Academy will have a booth for the 15th annual Josephine Expo for Women at the Civic Arena.  10am to 4pm.  Come say “Hi” and be sure to tell your friends about the SJAA.  Over 100 vendors, Live music and much more.  Director, Jason Riley performs at 1130 am.
Photo Day at the SJAA! –
We are having our very first photo “shoot-e-nanny” on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2-5pm at the historic and photogenic Wyeth-Tootle Masion (1100 Charles St, St. Joseph MO).

Photographer, Tyler Osborn will spend the day with us to create his amazing heirloom photographs for us.  

Students will pose for individual and group shots with their instruments.

We’ll have some other fun activities, crafts, refreshments, open mic and jam sessions along with your photo sitting.  Sitting is FREE and open to all.  Single Photos or special packages will be available for purchase through Tyler Osborn Studios.

Event is from 2-5pm so sitting times are limited.  

Reserve your sitting time and RSVP by contacting… info@stjosephartsacademy.com.
MORE News…
We’re Still expecting… – We’ve got a growing family here at the SJAA with 1 more new baby on the way.  Andrew’s wife is expecting a new addition to their family soon.  Wishing them the very best with all.

Under Construction – “Bless this Mess”.  We recently completed a major waterproofing solution which included work inside and outside the SJAA.  Our concrete in the front sidewalk should be repaired TODAY along with some electrical improvements and maybe even a freshly painted exterior (weather permitting).  New carpet coming in October!  Please just watch your steps inside and out of the SJAA with all the construction going on.

We are EXPANDING! – The SJAA will be expanding into the space next door to us (the former CML ceramics) in the coming months.  We’ll be adding some studios, a few great teachers and classroom and performances spaces that will allow us to offer so much more to our members and the community.

Auto-Payments – We are moving all payments to Auto-Pay by December 1st. There are forms by the front door or ask you teacher and return completed forms to them.
Congratulations!! – Jack Wing received a 1 rating in Violin last Saturday at the MMTA district auditions.  He will go to state in Springfield in November.  Way to go, Jack!
Welcome to our NEW Students and families!!

Cynthia, Christian, Isaac, Alyana, Breanna, Whitney Ellie, Chad, Tristan & Cash.
#MusicAccomplished

Student of the Month

Our September “Student of the Month” is…

Molly R.!!!


We are so lucky to have Molly and her family with us at the SJAA.  Molly sings and plays guitar, ukulele and performs non-stop with us (catch her at BBH this weekend!).

Sweet, fun and serious about her friendships, her athletics AND her music.

We’ll celebrate Molly with an iTunes gift card for her!

Thank you, Molly 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.
Books!Is your student ready for new books? We carry a very limited supply of instructor approved titles. Talk with your teacher about your next books and we’ll get them ordered.
Early childhood music classes!
(Coming Soon)

2 and up – mommy and me class – infant to one year olds – large class setting.

Musical, vocal and dance playtime and games.

The benefits are developing musical abilities on an appropriate age level, developing creativity and imagination, all motor development, and music have been proven to help improve language, literacy, and social/emotional development.

Email jason at jason@stjosephartsacademy.com for more information.
We love this photo.  Too bad these ladies are no fun.
10th Annual JoeStock Music Festival with Sydney, Molly, Ashyn and Reaganne.
SJAA’s Summer FestivalsUpcoming Recitals

2019

Sept. 15 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital

Sept. 28 –  Bluegrass Battles Hunger, 230pm 

Oct. 5 – Josephine Expo

Oct. 20 – Photo Day with the SJAA wth Tyler Osborn Studios

Oct. 23 – names due for Monster Concert

Oct. 27 – 2pm Halloween-themed SJAMTA student recital

Nov. 17 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital (patriotic/Thanksgiving themed)z

Dec. 7 – Mall-a-thon 10am-4pm at East Hills Mall (SJAA time slot MORNING TBA)

2020

Feb. 8 – SJAMTA Monster Concert (rehearsals Jan 31, Feb 7)

March 8 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital

April 25 – SJAMTA Evaluatives

April 26 – 2pm SJAMTA student recital, 3:30 SJAMTA Honors Recital at First Presbyterian

June 13 – 230pm HawkFest
SJAA Specific Recitals in BOLD
Auto-Payments

While we are still accepting VENMO, cash and checks, the SJAA is moving closer to convenient auto-drafting from credit cards or your bank account.  All Students will be asked to set-up for Auto-Pay by DECEMBER 1. Ask you teacher for a form or feel free to follow the link to fill the authorization, bring it to your lesson and we’ll get you set up.

https://stjosephartsacademy.com/auto-payment-authorization/

Lesson Policy
– Is here and copies are at the studio…
https://stjosephartsacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SJAA-Lesson-Policy-19.pdf
Thank you for reading “The Write Notes” – Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!

It’s going to be a great month.

Thank you for encouraging the advancing musicians in your life and in our community.  We are making the world a better place through music.

Here’s to YOUR music success!

Jason Riley
Director
jason@stjosephartsacademy.com
8162944856 (personal cell)
Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all.
Facebook
Website
Referral Program – We have a great family of students and teachers at the SJAA.  We are extremely discerning in selecting the very best coaches and students when growing our family.  We want great students just like you.  The SJAA is now able to offer a FREE lesson for referring new students who register for lessons.  Thank you for referring your friends and family to be a part of our SJAA family.

Does Your Teacher Have Openings?

JC – Mondays, 330 & 630
Andrew – Tuesdays, 4pm
Emily – Friday 530, Saturday morning.
Monica – Monday, 6pm
Brent – Tuesday 3 & 630, Thursday 730
Jason – Full
Jolie – Full
Lori – Full
Terry – Full
Frank – Monday 330 or 4

 SJAA Classes/Courses – Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, Uke, Early Childhood

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

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 entertain others to happily share their skill and talent in love and gratitude to make the world a better place.

OUR MOTTO…

Music Accomplished!
Copyright © 2019 St. Joseph Arts Academy, All rights reserved.