In addition to private lessons, St. Cloud Music Academy offers an ensemble program, in which students are placed into performing bands. For more serious students aspiring to become performers, the Ensemble program is perfect. Students are placed into groups based on age, ability, style of music and availability. Joining the Ensemble is a great, fun way to provide an incentive for the student to practice. Students have an exciting goal to be ready for the live show date! Band members collectively agree on the songs they want to play.
Through the practices, students learn how to cooperate with other members of the ensemble in a constructive, yet very positive, fun approach. The live shows allow these students to show off their talent and what they are good at! St. Cloud Music Academy has performed at many local venues including: The Pioneer Place Theater, Paramount Theater, Benton County Fair, Calvary Event Center, and Hams Music Shows. Fall/Winter ensemble runs September through April. Summer ensemble runs May through August. The Ensemble program is an additional $120 per month for 1 hour sessions once per week. Ensemble classes are available Monday through Saturday. Students wishing to join Ensemble must be currently enrolled in private lessons. Please note, due to growing popularity, Ensemble is limited enrollment based on the students interest and commitment along with the teacher's recommendation. Six months of private lessons is generally recommended before joining Ensemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN ENSEMBLE/BAND LESSONS?
Our teachers understand that every student is an individual, with personal musical needs and goals. We make it a priority to tailor how we teach and what we teach to your individual needs.
If you enroll here for Ensemble/Band lessons, your teacher will ask you about your favorite type of music, and set goals to help accomplish whatever musical aspirations you have for yourself or your child. Together, you will develop a plan to achieve your goals! We love beginners, so even if you don't know where to begin, we can help!
WHAT STYLES OF MUSIC CAN I LEARN?
We teach all styles from rock, pop, jazz, country, worship, blues and classical. We combine the important fundamentals with the music YOU want to play. With experienced teachers at St. Cloud Music Academy, you are sure to find we are the best match for YOU.
ARE YOUR INSTRUCTORS QUALIFIED?
Our instructors are highly qualified, all have teaching experience, and most importantly, they have a passion for teaching. Being a musician doesn't automatically make you a teacher--that's why we search for those who are best qualified for mentoring our music students!
We search the entire area for the top teachers, who embody the high values at St. Cloud Music Academy. Most importantly, our instructors strive to relate their teaching to each individual student's learning style. Many of our instructors have years of professional performance and teaching experience. In addition to their teaching abilities, our teachers have warm personalities, are extremely friendly, and strive to get to know each student and their parent or caregiver on a personal level. We search high and low for the BEST teachers, so you don't have to!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN TO PLAY IN A BAND/ENSEMBLE?
There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn to play. With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished in a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.
I DON’T HAVE ANY MUSICAL BACKGROUND OR ABILITY. CAN I STILL HELP MY CHILD PRACTICE?
Yes. Even if you don't have a musical background you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day the student will progress. Parents will occasionally sit in on their child's music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a song should sound or how the student should be positioning their hands. We also send lesson notes weekly and sometimes create videos to help in the most effective way possible.
