Have your parents ever told you that you had a gift in music? If so, you may be looking for a place to receive state-of-the-art training for your beginning talents; or perhaps a place to help you progress in your already skilled artistry. If either of these is the case, then you should look into the Music/Arts Institute.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
Thirty-five years ago, a group of music teachers wanted to open a music institute that would provide singers and musicians with extensive training and encourage them to reach their goals. They also wanted this institute to nourish the beginning talents of novice students, helping them take their hobby to the next level. The teachers chose to open their studio at the abandoned McCoy Elementary School, which is located in Independence, Missouri. Although the school was 65 years old, it was the perfect home for this organization.
The music establishment taught voice, percussion, classical guitar, brass, piano, woodwinds, and strings, and offered a chance to be in ensembles such as the Ethnic Drum Ensemble and the Children's Choir.
Young people from various states began to travel weekly to take lessons, and several of these students became established musicians or singers.
Fast-forwarding to 2014, this establishment, the Music/Arts Institute (MAI), still thrives, welcoming more students each year.
STUDENTS
As I mentioned earlier, some people who have studied at MAI have become famous! Read on for some success stories of some of the people who were educated at MAI.
Ryan MacPherson has become a famous, very in-demand singer, starring in countless operas throughout the country and performing in places such as New York, Chicago, and Japan. David Shengold of Opera News raved, "Ryan MacPherson stole the show. MacPherson's keen-timbered tenor negotiated the high tessitura with grace."
Despite her shyness and social unease, Christina enrolled at MAI as a high schooler. It was soon made clear that she had great vocal talent. As Christina began performing in various musical events, her timidity vanished. According to MAI, this confident young lady has starred in operas, won many vocal competitions, and toured internationally with the University Singers.
Joshua was a middle-schooler struggling with learning disabilities when he began taking from MAI. However, as he began to study viola, string ensemble, and voice, he not only found a passion and a talent for music but also earned self-esteem and dignity. After many successes in the arts, Joshua began composing music, was recognized by a top United States viola instructor, and was awarded a scholarship to the Southern Mississippi University.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND DONATIONS
MAI also offers scholarships for those unable to afford lessons. One of MAI's voice coaches, Sariah Pinick, explains, "Scholarship applications are accepted every spring, [are] due on May 15th, and will be available in the office or can be downloaded from our website. As a not-for-profit [institute,] we receive grant and individual contributions towards our scholarship program."
If you would like to donate to MAI, you may either give online or mail your contribution to the administrator office. "Our donors are welcome to designate/restrict the donation to a specific fund or program, such as scholarships, building maintenance, etc," says Pinick. "We do accept in-kind donations. We have a music library available to our teachers to check items out. Our auction items at the gala will be donated goods and services."
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAI is about to celebrate its 35th anniversary as a music institute, along with its building's 100th anniversary. MAI is celebrating these events with two events!
The first festivity takes place Friday, October 10th, 2014, at 6:00 pm. In honor of the institute's 35th anniversary, Ryan MacPherson will be singing at the Rhapsody in Independence, Missouri at 2322 East R.D. Mize Road.
This event also features a dinner and a live and silent auction.
At this celebration, artist Keith Kavanaugh will be auctioning off one of his stunning paintings, which is made entirely out of beeswax. MAI elaborates, "[The beeswax painting] is currently on display at the office at Music/Arts Institute. Per Keith Kavanaugh[,] 'My landscapes are inspired by a longtime interest in our relationship to the natural world. Nearly all of my work deals with places near my home in rural northeast Jackson County.'" If you would like to view some of Kavanaugh's masterpieces, visit his website at http://keithkavanugh.com/.
Ticket prices for the 35th Anniversary Celebration start at $100, and you can buy them from Music/Arts Institute. For more information, call MAI at (816) 836-1998.
A FREE event, the McCoy School Centennial Celebration, is the next day, October 11th, 2014, at MAI (McCoy School). This event is located at 1010 South Pearl Street 64050, in Independence, Missouri.
From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, MAI's open house will spotlight performances; serve refreshments; give tours of the building, and boast a presentation of the Alumni Choir, conducted by Dr. Eph Ehly of the UMKC Conservatory.
For more information about these celebrations, as well as a complete list of all upcoming events, visit http://musicartsinstitute.org/events.html.
CONCLUSION
If you love music, you should definitely consider signing up for MAI. The official enrollment for the upcoming semester started August 1st, but it is possible to enroll at any time. For more information about enrollment, visit http://musicartsinstitute.org/lessons-ensembles/enroll.html.
I take voice lessons from Sariah Pinick at MAI, so I can confidently say that you won't regret signing up!
Anny Hiestand, Guest Teen Blogger