Many of us have heard research stating that listening to music s therapeutic, but what about learning a musical instrument? Can reading music, developing rhythm, or identifying chord progression boost confidence, improve listening skills, or increase blood circulation to the brain? Can spending 30 minutes playing the piano or guitar combat mental fatigue or improve memory? Over the past decade, scientific research on the brain has revealed the remarkable advantages of learning music at any age.1

“The impact of music lessons is well documented,” said Cheryl Bauer, Director of First Academy of Music (FAM) at First Church. “Increased self-esteem, improved language, math and listening skills, better motor skills, and even higher test scores are among them. We provide quality instruction for all ages in a safe, Christian environment for those who want to make music.”

Cheryl’s association with the music school began with its founding in 1998. “Countless children and adults have participated in music programs and lessons through the academy,” she said. “We believe God’s gift of music should be available to all people. I think one of our biggest impacts to be the financial aid we offer to young students with demonstrable need; otherwise, their families might not be able to afford it.” Adult students are also a critical component of the FAM mission. “Many are looking to polish long-neglected skills while others are seeking a brain-boosting outlet for their creativity,” she added. So how valuable does this make a musician trained to teach music to others? “Invaluable,” Cheryl said, “and our instructors are among the finest. The staff includes professional educators, church musicians, symphony players, and performers with degrees and substantial experience in their area of expertise. They each nurture their students’ musical abilities so they can enjoy the many rewards of having music in their lives.”

by RJ Flower-Opdycke

1 Christopher Sutton, “9 Ways Learning an Instrument Strengthens Your Brain,” at
musical-U.com, https://www.musical-u.com/learn/9-ways-learning-an-instrumentstrengthens-
your-brain/

Testimonial: How FAM Positively Impacts Our Lives

Music, music, music for our home; it is music times three as our three daughters are blessed to be a part of the First Academy of Music. Ms. Sheila Phillips began teaching piano to our oldest daughter, Sarah, three years ago. Sarah has blossomed in piano and is playing challenging pieces by Beethoven, Debussy, and many others. She also had the opportunity to study the violin under Ms. Renata Rozmus, which helped perfect her skills. The girls always look forward to their piano lessons. Ms. Sheila encourages and teaches each child according to her individual needs. She encourages them not only in their studies but also in life. The days of the spring and winter recitals are special in our lives as the girls prepare and look forward to presenting the selections they worked so hard to master. They also look forward to the fellowship and dessert! We are so thankful for Ms. Cheryl, Ms. Sheila, Ms. Renata, and all of God’s people at FAM who make their music lessons possible. If you were to ask Sarah what she thinks about the school, she would tell you, “Because of FAM [she has] grown as a musician and looks to [her] teachers as role models in both life and  music.”

Our sincere thanks,
Shari Conley