Nora Martin Studios, LLC Dba Grace Music Academy
About
We are committed to working with every student to not only learn piano or guitar, but to learn and apply the principles of learning an instrument to other areas of life. We believe the skills of commitment, time management, focused practice time, dedication and long term planning spill over to other areas of education and eventually into work life.
We enjoy students and students of all ages! Each student is an individual with different likes and needs. Each student presents a little challenge to fire them up about music and we like challenges. Finally seeing a student master their music or a performance is immensely satisfying.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New students begin either in a private class or all together in a small group setting. We try not to add students to group classes after the class has met four times. We typically form new classes in August and January. A great place to find out about the teachers is in one of our fun summer camps!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education and training varies with the teacher but we are all members of the local Music Teachers Association so continuing education and new ideas are part of our philosophy. All of our teachers have more than 10 years teaching experience and we range from 20 years of private instruction to having a doctorate in music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Because the experience and education of our teachers vary, so do our prices. This allows families to "shop" for a teacher in one place - a real convenience. Our base rate is $90/month for a 30-minute private lesson or 45-minute group lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I, personally, started teaching missionary children, then joined the local MTA and paid for additional lessons in performance and pedagogy. After ten years, I have a thriving home studio business and own this music school in south Lawrenceville.
What types of students have you worked with?
We have worked with students very focused on performance as well as those with special needs such as autism or ADHD. As long as we have a clear understanding of a child's abilities and desires, and the desire of the parent, we are willing to work with that child. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to excel to their ability in music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We really like to see children (and adults) succeed at their instrument! We recently had a guitar student win a small cash award at a local MTA festival; but this is equal to a student writing and performing their first piece of music or even to a student mastering a skill or favorite song. Every "Oh! I get it now..." moment is a fond event.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't look just at price. There are talented teachers who charge too little, others too much. Be sure to look at education and experience but also at how much they enjoy children and how much they are loved and enjoyed by their students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Young students have a harder time defining and expressing their needs, so parental help is a must. Our teachers spend time with each new student to find out what they really want from music lessons - concert musician, composer, solo performer, collaborative performer, etc? Students should explore not just their goals, but their committment, available practice time, time management, and the reality that learning to play an instrument requires time and dedication.