About Us

Bloom School Of Music & Dance

Music and dance just makes life better! And whatever your age and abilities, the best time to start is now. We’ll help you find the perfect class with a teacher that’s fun and inspiring and really gets your child and their journey.There is something for everyone at Bloom. We value the journey! All we need to do is begin. Build confidence and bring the joy! Music and dance for life.

Why Choose

Bloom School Of Music & Dance

The most reviewed and recommended Music and Dance School in northeast Los Angeles.

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Find Your Perfect Class

We know everyone’s schedules and needs are different, so we offer music lessons and dance classes of all kinds 7 days a week. Search below to find your perfect class at the perfect time!

The most reviewed and recommended Music and Dance School in northeast Los Angeles.

Read all our reviews

Our School

Joy.Sing, strum, leap, pirouette. When kids participate in the arts, they open themselves to joy. Joy, confidence, patience, creativity and curiosity - all the good stuff that contributes to a life worth celebrating.Bloom was years in the making. Co-Directors Laura and David taught every child, of all ages in every situation imaginable. Years of connecting, learning, understanding and growing. The thread that unified every experience was the realization that when kids bond with the arts, they find a special piece of themselves.Those years of teaching showed that the goal of every arts educator should be pretty simple - cultivate the amazing connection every child naturally has to music and dance. Feed it and help it grow. Fast, slow, no matter, as long as it thrives.Nourish it till it Blooms.So Bloom was born in the Spring of 2008 in the wonderful LA neighborhood of Eagle Rock, Ca. with the mission to give every child the skills and inspiration to find themselves in music and dance and take that joy and passion into adulthood.What started as a 3 room studio has grown into a bustling school with a vibrant community of students, staff, teachers and families experiencing all the joy and adventure that a positive journey in music and dance offers.We love our school and the community we are so very fortunate to be a part of.Allow us to introduce ourselves

Our Teachers

The teachers here at Bloom come from all over the globe with as varied backgrounds and experiences as you could imagine. What they do have in common is a wealth of knowledge, a deep well of teaching experiences and a passion for sharing their love of the arts with each and every student.Every teacher at Bloom understands the importance of meeting every child exactly where that child is. Inclusive, personalized education that builds confidence and identity and helps kids love who they are - this is the Bloom way.

As we start the new season here at Bloom, we wanted to share with you the guidelines and safety procedures we have set in place for in-person classes. These guidelines include social distancing, limited capacity in classes, increased sanitary and cleaning measures, mask wearing for our staff and students as per government mandate, hospital grade air purification and more.We believe that music lessons and dance classes are a vital part of your child’s growth as a person and artist. We are truly grateful that we still have the opportunity to do that. With your help in following these guidelines, we can make dance and music safe and accessible!The City of Los Angeles requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for students 12 years of age or older in order to participate in in-person indoor instruction. Students 18 years of age or older must also provide identification.

Wellness Checks For Staff

All teachers and staff members will receive regular and continuing safety training as it relates to preventing community spread of COVID-19.All staff members are wellness checked before their shift.

Daily Home Wellness Checks - Parent Responsibility

Parents are required to do a family wellness check before leaving their home to bring their child(ren) to school to ensure that no family members have symptoms related to COVID-19 and do not have a fever.

Student Wellness Check Upon Arrival

Bloom reserves the right to check the temperature of any student that seems to show any symptoms of sickness. For the safety of the entire community, we will go by the results of our thermometer, despite what the child’s temperature may have been before leaving home.Any child with a temperature of 100.4 or over will not be able to join the class. This also applies to any child exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms such as, but not limited to, a runny nose, cough, fever or chills, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, muscle or body aches.If you or your child have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has respiratory illness, your child will need to remain home for 14 days from the day of exposure.Below are the questions everyone must answer no to upon entering our facilities:- Have you had any close contact with a confirmed case of COVID recently?
- Are you experiencing any shortness of breath, coughing, or sore throat?
- Have you had a fever in the past 48 hours?
- Have you experienced any loss of taste or smell within the last 48 hours?
- Have you recently experienced any vomiting or diarrhea?Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they, or a member of their household, have a fever or respiratory symptoms. They may still attend class virtually.Parents are asked not to send their children to class if they, or a member of their household, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days. They may attend class virtually. Same tuition applies.

Hand Hygiene

Employees will wash hands and/or sanitize before and after each lesson and class.Hand sanitizer will be available directly inside all entrances, outside of every classroom, and inside the classrooms. Students will be required to wash hands and/or sanitize before and after classes.Hand washing posters are posted within bathrooms.

Enhanced Cleaning Procedures

We have increased our cleaning frequencies and sanitation procedures in high traffic areas and high touch surfaces of the studio such as doors, barres, floors, counters, stereos, pianos, mallets, shakers, sticks etch and bathrooms.

Enhanced Ventilation And Air Purification Systems

In addition to using fog machines to kill airborne and aerosol virus particles, we have invested extensively in Medical grade air purifiers to increase ventilation and filter out virus particles that may be in the air. “H13 Medical Grade HEPA - Captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns. Commonly referred to as ‘medical grade filtration’ as it relates to the purity of the air filtered.” - MedifyAir

Minimized Mixing And Mingling

We have made facility, scheduling, and curricular changes to reduce mixing and mingling in support of social distancing recommendations. However, we understand that unlike older children and adults, young children cannot be expected to maintain social distancing at all times.

Facility & Curricular Adjustments

Parents and guardians are encouraged to wait outside during their student’s classes. In accordance with the LA City ordinance, all eligible individuals must be fully vaccinated to access indoor lobby waiting areas and hall areas.Please bring clearly labeled water bottles.Dancers will bring all dance bags into the studio for changing shoes. Dancers are asked to only bring necessary items, yoga mat, towel and water bottle with them into the studio.Doors will remain open during lessons.No food will be allowed in the school.Curricular adjustments have been made to reduce prop use (unless one use only), eliminate hand-holding and to reduce mixing and mingling in the classrooms.Class sizes have been modified to reflect current county recommendations, and to allow for social distancing.Students and teachers will refrain from high fives, fist bumps, stickers, and hand stamps.Classrooms and lessons start times have been offset to reduce traffic. Lessons will end 3 minutes early to allow for students to transition safely.

Bathroom Use

We encourage all students to use the restroom at home before coming to class.Bathrooms will be limited for emergencies and will be cleaned frequently.

Masks

Our employees will be wearing masks per government mandate.All parents and students ages 2 and older are required (per government mandates on mask wearing while in public places) to wear masks while attending classes and lessons whether inside or outside.

Arrival & Departure

Private Music Lessons

Private music students will enter and exit using the front entrance of the building. The east side will be for arriving students and the west side will be for students exiting the building.

Dance Classes and Group Music Classes

Dance and group music students will enter and exit from the rear of the building. Staff and students will be the only people allowed in the building. Class times have been offset so dance and group music students don’t arrive or finish at the same time. Families can wait in designated distanced spots behind the building or in their car. There will be no vehicles allowed in the parking lot behind the school.Students will not enter until directed by a staff member. Adults and siblings can wait in their cars or outside during classes to help with social distancing in the building. Parents of little dancers under age 5 are able to escort dancers to their classrooms if necessary for dancers comfort. But then must leave and wait outside or in their vehicles during class time.Please limit caregiver drop off to one person whenever possible. Sibling visitors cannot be accommodated during this term.Parents will be asked to wait outside for students to be released. At the end of class, parents must be by the dropoff door to receive their child. Due to safety reasons, students will need to wait at the door from which they entered for adults that are late picking up. Please don’t be late!

Gradual Re-Opening And Readjusting

We are gradually reopening with small class sizes and proper time for cleaning and sanitation. The last 3-5 minutes of private lessons will now be dedicated to transition time and will be used for packing up, making homework notes, cleaning and sanitizing, or checking in with parents if necessary.We will continue to follow any government mandates and are committed to readjusting to keep our students, staff, and families at home as safe as possible.

Tech-Enabled Facilities

In this ever-changing situation, music and dance classes at Bloom will remain consistent! We're ready to teach in-person, in a hybrid, or through full distance learning.All teaching studios and classes will have Zoom capabilities for those who wish to start or continue online. Group classes whether in-person or live-streamed will have clear video and audio.Outdoor classes will be live only. If canceled for any reason including weather or air quality, class will be online through Zoom at the regularly scheduled time.Dancers or Musicians who need to stay home for any reason can stay involved by logging in to class at home! If students need to miss an outdoor class, a Zoom makeup option will be given.Parents can observe classes from anywhere through Zoom.

Last updated: September 15th 2020

This is a truly wonderful music school found in Eagle Rock! My daughter has been taking a variety of music lessons here ranging ranging from Piano, Guitar, singing, songwriting and drums and she really loves this school and her teachers. - Kathy Z.

Private Music Lessons (6+ yrs)

Private one on one lessons are exciting because each lesson is tailored specifically to your individual needs, interests and skills! It’s all about YOU! Strum at your own pace, march to your own drummer! Bloom offers lesson on just about every instruments, songwriting and voice.All of our private lessons are offered weekly for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. The longer lengths are usually reserved for advanced students or adults. Let us help you schedule the whole family within the same time slot!Private Lessons are offered 7 days a week.Tuition: $52 per lesson ($208/mo for 4 scheduled lessons)Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

This is a great music school. The teachers are top notch. Laura and Dave, the owners are so nice and helpful and are teachers as well. I think their prices are really reasonable. I'm so glad I found this place.. - Jocelyn M.

Early Childhood (0-3 yrs)

Welcome to Bloom School’s Early Childhood Music & Music Movement program! This is such an exciting stage in the musical development of your child. Our instructors have backgrounds and training in Music Ed from:• Orff Schulwerk
• The Gordon Music Learning Theory
• Kindermusik
• MusikgartenThe classes incorporate movement, pretend and play in learning musical concepts and. The activities promote the child to think and hear as musicians but to participate as the children they are.Tuition: varies by class from $116/mo to $144/moCall 323-982-1655 to register today!

This is a great music school. The teachers are top notch. Laura and Dave, the owners are so nice and helpful and are teachers as well. I think their prices are really reasonable. I'm so glad I found this place.. - Jocelyn M.

Fundamentals Classes (3-6 yrs)

Welcome to Bloom’s Music Fundamentals Classes! These classes are designed to prepare your children for an amazing and successful experience with instrument specific classes/lessons.These classes emphasizes movement, pretend and play in learning musical concepts while introducing young musicians to percussion, keyboard, guitar and violin. The activities promote the child to think and hear as musicians but to participate as the children they are.Tuition: varies by class from $116/mo to $144/moCall 323-982-1655 to register today!

This is a great music school. The teachers are top notch. Laura and Dave, the owners are so nice and helpful and are teachers as well. I think their prices are really reasonable. I'm so glad I found this place.. - Jocelyn M.

Intro Group Classes (6-8 yrs)

Bloom’s Intro Music Classes are designed to provide instrument specific instruction in a fun, social and exciting group environment. These classes allow students to learn instrument basics and prepare them for success in the private lessons to follow. They’re a perfect bridge between our Fundamentals classes and Private Music lessons!Tuition: varies by class from $116/mo to $144/moCall 323-982-1655 to register today!

This is a great music school. The teachers are top notch. Laura and Dave, the owners are so nice and helpful and are teachers as well. I think their prices are really reasonable. I'm so glad I found this place.. - Jocelyn M.

Rock Band (8+ yrs)

Unleash your inner rock star with Bloom's rock band classes!Tuition: $144/mo (ONLY $99/mo if you are enrolled in private lessons at Bloom!)Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

Music lives in every one of us. We simply need a space to grow and nurture that rock star, that songwriter, that campfire strummer and living room plunker.Playing an instrument is a pursuit that lasts a lifetime. All you need to do is start.

This is a great music school. The teachers are top notch. Laura and Dave, the owners are so nice and helpful and are teachers as well. I think their prices are really reasonable. I'm so glad I found this place.. - Jocelyn M.

Early Childhood Classes (0-3 yrs)

Welcome to Bloom School’s Early Childhood Music & Music Movement program! This is such an exciting stage in the musical development of your child.Our instructors have backgrounds and training in Music Ed from: Orff Schulwerk, The Gordon Music Learning Theory, Kindermusik, Musikgarten.The classes incorporate movement, pretend and play in learning musical concepts and. The activities promote the child to think and hear as musicians but to participate as the children they are.

Tuition: see individual class description

Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

Fundamentals Classes (3-6 yrs)

Welcome to Bloom’s Music Fundamentals Classes! These classes are designed to prepare your children for an amazing and successful experience with instrument specific classes/lessons.These classes emphasizes movement, pretend and play in learning musical concepts while introducing young musicians to percussion, keyboard, guitar and violin. The activities promote the child to think and hear as musicians but to participate as the children they are.

Tuition: see individual class description

Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

Intro Group Classes (6-8 yrs)

Bloom’s Intro Music Classes are designed to provide instrument specific instruction in a fun, social and exciting group environment. These classes allow students to learn instrument basics and prepare them for success in the private lessons to follow. They’re a perfect bridge between our Fundamentals classes and Private Music lessons!

Tuition: see individual class description

Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

Rock Band (8+ yrs)

Unleash your inner rock star with Bloom's rock band classes!

Tuition: see individual class description

Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

This is a truly wonderful music school found in Eagle Rock! My daughter has been taking a variety of music lessons here ranging ranging from Piano, Guitar, singing, songwriting and drums and she really loves this school and her teachers. - Kathy Z.

Private Music Lessons (6+ yrs)

Private one on one lessons are exciting because each lesson is tailored specifically to your individual needs, interests and skills! It’s all about YOU! Strum at your own pace, march to your own drummer! Bloom offers lesson on just about every instruments, songwriting and voice.All of our private lessons are offered weekly for 30, 45 or 60 minutes. The longer lengths are usually reserved for advanced students or adults. Let us help you schedule the whole family within the same time slot!Private Lessons are offered 7 days a week.

Tuition: $52 per lesson ($208/mo for 4 scheduled lessons)

Call 323-982-1655 to register today!

Ballet at Bloom is where the tradition of ballet and creativity meet and flow together.Our classes follow the structure of traditional ballet classes while utilizing a developmentally sound approach that encourages creativity and exploration.From the imaginative play and their first plié in Ballet Friends to their first pair of pointe shoes and beyond, our ballet educators are excited to guide your dancer on the journey to becoming the ballet dancer they dream of becoming.Tuition: $116.00/month

My youngest has enjoyed dancing it out with Miss Andrea. Miss Andrea is a patient, talented teacher that is really good at highlighting each of the students natural abilities. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a non-competitive environment for dance and/or music! - Aubrey L.

Hip Hop students at Bloom will be able to explore different genres of hip hop music and street dance styles.In our Breaking class, students will be challenged to build their strength and flexibility.All of our hip hop and breaking students are encouraged to bring their personal style and lots of energy to every class.Tuition: $116.00/month

My youngest has enjoyed dancing it out with Miss Andrea. Miss Andrea is a patient, talented teacher that is really good at highlighting each of the students natural abilities. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a non-competitive environment for dance and/or music! - Aubrey L.

Our Broadway and Commercial Dance program is inspired by what inspires our teachers and students!This class uses modern jazz dance technique to explore dance found in our favorite music videos, broadway shows, TV shows, movies, and more.In addition to our Broadway and Commercial Dance classes we also offer Contemporary classes. Contemporary dance uses the movement of humans to explore new forms and dynamics in dance.These dancers will be taught modern and classical dance techniques to support the stories and movements being portrayed.Tuition: $116.00/month

My youngest has enjoyed dancing it out with Miss Andrea. Miss Andrea is a patient, talented teacher that is really good at highlighting each of the students natural abilities. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a non-competitive environment for dance and/or music! - Aubrey L.

At Bloom, our tappers learn to feel the rhythm in their bodies, heart, and soles.In addition to learning a broad tap vocabulary and building a solid technical foundation, your dancer will be encouraged to find their own sound and learn to express themselves through dance and percussive music.Tuition: $116.00/month

My youngest has enjoyed dancing it out with Miss Andrea. Miss Andrea is a patient, talented teacher that is really good at highlighting each of the students natural abilities. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a non-competitive environment for dance and/or music! - Aubrey L.

She spins and twirls. Leaps and tumbles. Complete freedom. No fear, only energy and joy.You already have a dancer. All she needs now is a space to find encouragement and guidance. A space where she’ll feel the thrill of doing what she loves with others who feel the same.Join us at Bloom and you’ll join a community of teachers and dancers who are enthusiastic, supportive and whose one goal is instilling a lifelong partnership with movement and dance!Choose from sequential ballet classes, creative and contemporary dance, hip-hop, tap, musical theatre and more!Tuition: $116.00/monthCall 323-982-1655 to register today!

My youngest has enjoyed dancing it out with Miss Andrea. Miss Andrea is a patient, talented teacher that is really good at highlighting each of the students natural abilities. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a non-competitive environment for dance and/or music! - Aubrey L.

Dance 3-5 yrs

Dance 6-8 yrs

Dance 9-18 yrs

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Why Choose

Bloom School Of Music & Dance

Music Pathways at Bloom

Bloom’s music program is designed to support musicians from the age of 0 to adults.Students may begin their musical journey at any time and are welcome to explore all age appropriate music lessons and classes.

• Download the Music Pathways PDF

Dance Pathways at Bloom

Bloom’s dance program is designed to support dancers from the age of 3 to 18 years old.Students may begin their journey in dance at any time and are welcome to explore all of our dance pathways.All of our classes are taught as mixed level classes to help foster leadership skills and create a more collaborative and inspirational learning environment.

• Download the Dance Pathways PDF

There's a lot going on here at Bloom! If you need more info on our Holiday or Events schedule, just give us a shout and we'll fill you in on all the details.We're located in Eagle Rock, but you'll see folks from Glendale and Pasadena too. We have a lot of Highland Park and Mount Washington families as well as South Pasadena and Glassell Park. Whether you come from La Canada or La Crescenta or from Atwater Village and Silverlake, we want to meet you and your family. There is something for everyone at Bloom. We value the journey! All we need to do is begin.

Bloom School of Music and Dance 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

School Holidays (Closed)

New Semester Starts

Events

We're located in Eagle Rock, but you'll see folks from Glendale and Pasadena too. We have a lot of Highland Park and Mount Washington families as well as South Pasadena and Glassell Park. Whether you come from La Canada or La Crescenta or from Atwater Village and Silverlake, we want to meet you and your family. There is something for everyone at Bloom. We value the journey! All we need to do is begin.

Dance Classes

Dance classes are 45 or 55 minutes and run at the times shown below, subject to availability.

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Group Music Classes

Group classes are 45 minutes and run at the times shown below, subject to availability.

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Private Music Lessons

Private lessons are 30 minutes and run between the times shown below, subject to availability.

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Why Bloom?

We know you are busy and only want the best for your family. At Bloom we care about each and every student. Let us schedule the whole family within the same hour with the finest teachers Los Angeles has to offer!

Got more questions? Check out our FAQ page!

Why Dance at Bloom?

At Bloom School of Music & Dance children jump, leap, wiggle and spin as they use their body to do what kids do best - explore, improvise, create, and play!Dance is both physical and expressive, making it uniquely suited for children. At Bloom, students use their innate energy, and their natural enthusiasm for movement to express themselves in new and exciting ways. We thrive on creating meaningful, enriching experiences for your young artist.Join us in supporting children as they Bloom - physically, expressively, artistically, socially & emotionally.

Got more questions? Check out our FAQ page!

Questions? Give us a call: 323-982-1655

GET STARTED TODAY!

Fill out the form and we’ll contact you to answer any questions and get your kids scheduled in classes they'll love!

Booking a trial allows you to meet the instructor and experience Bloom with no commitment.
If you're not ready to book a trial right now, fill out our contact form or call us on 323.982.1655.

The most reviewed and recommended Music and Dance School in northeast Los Angeles.

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Bloom School Summer Camp 2024

Bloom’s Peace, Love and The Beatles Summer Camp is back!With the addition of our new outdoor and redesigned indoor spaces, Bloom summer camp is ready for some in-person dancing, music making, instrument creating and FUN!

CAMPS: Peace, Love and the Beatles / Rock Band CampDATES: Camp runs June 24-28 and July 1-5TIME: 9:00 am to 3:00pmWeek 1 - Early dismissal on Friday June 28 @ 11:30Week 2 - Early dismissal on Thursday July 4 @ 12:00TUITION: $490 per week

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Peace, Love and the Beatles Summer Camp

Daily Schedule

(Order and content of the day is subject to change depending upon the campers)

Performances

Week 1 - Sharing on June 28th @ 11:30am. Dismissal immediately after performance.
Week 2 - Sharing on July 5th @ 2:30pm. Dismissal immediately after performance.Come see what we’ve been working on!

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Rock Band Summer Camp

Daily Schedule

Performances

Performances will be held at BloomFriday June 28th (end of first week) - 12:30 Performance
Friday July 5th (end of second week) - 3:30 Performance

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Bloom Arts Foundation

The Bloom Arts Foundation, (BAF) is a non-profit organization that grew out of the community relationships formed by the Bloom School of Music and Dance (BSMD) in Eagle Rock. For over a decade, BSMD has brought music and dance to life for 6,000 students and counting. It is the most recommended music and dance school in northeast Los Angeles.The desire to provide the same wonderful music and dance classes taught at BSMD to children across LA who lack access to an arts education led to the creation of BAF. BSMD donated the seed money to create BAF and became its Funding Partner with a generous annual pledge. Learn more about BAF

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5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Lessons

1. HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG - STARTING AT THE RIGHT AGEAdults can start any instrument at any time. We have taught beginners in their 60’s and 70’s.
For children, starting private lessons at the right age is a key element to the success of their lessons. Some people will tell you “the sooner the better” but this attitude can actually backfire and be a negative. Many parents want their children to start private instruction at 5 years of age or even earlier. Depending on the child, this can be very stressful. Kindergarten is already stressful with new rules, new friends, and new teachers. At a time when children are learning through a brain body connection, having them sit still in a lesson for 30 minutes may not be the best path to take. They are still learning through movement.If a child is put into lessons too soon, feelings of frustration may make them want to discontinue. Their first private instruction experience is crucial to their continuation and enjoyment of music making! Just waiting a year to begin lessons will bring quicker progress and a much more fun experience. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age tend to learn complicated concepts more quickly, progress faster and stick with music lessons longer than their younger counterparts.0-3 years Mommy/Daddy & Me and Family Music classes are a wonderful way to start. From the moment we are born, synapsis are formed in the brain, that if stimulated, will increase a child’s aptitude for music. If these are not used, they disappear. Singing to/with your child is as important as talking to/with your child.3 - 4 years Music and Movement. Children love music. This is a wonderful time to start developing the musician before the formal environment of private lessons. Children learn by doing. These group classes teach music fundamentals through the body first. These are essential for a smooth transition into private lessons. Students obtain a true understanding of steady beat, singing on pitch, rhythm and form. At this age, private lessons generally do not work as the child has not yet experienced the formal learning environment of kindergarten or school and learns more effectively through games, play and a movement oriented preschool environment.5-6 years Music Fundamentals “pick an instrument!”. We have music and movement classes for 5-6 year olds that involve intros to piano and violin as well as reading/writing rhythms, getting to know the staff, musical alphabet, improvisation, composition and important music fundamentals. This ensures a strong and positive transition into the private lesson experience.Piano/Keyboard - At Bloom we recommend waiting till the age of 6 or at least spring of Kindergarten year. It's important that children can retain the information and not be learning through rote, but have a true understanding. Without this, children tend to lose interest within a year of starting. Even the most talented and musical kids can benefit staying in the group class until they've reached this age. The musician in them will be stronger for it!Guitar - Acoustic, Electric and Bass - 7 or 8 years old is the earliest we recommend for guitar lessons. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 8 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar students generally are 10 years old and older.Ukulele - The are different ways to approach the ukulele. The soprano ukulele is usually the one everyone wants to play. If you know you have a budding guitarist on your hands and they're only 6 or 7, they could try the baritone ukulele. The baritone ukulele uses the same first 4 strings as the guitar so when they make the switch, they don't have to learn completely new fingerings.Voice Lessons - 10 years old is recommended as the youngest age for private vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung capacity), the younger body is generally not yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. For children younger than 10, we have a chorus that teaches them how to use their voices properly, in a fun, relaxed environment. We also encourage all of our instrumentalists to sing while playing their instrument.Drums - The average age of our youngest drum student is 8. This varies greatly depending on the size of the child. They have to be able to reach both the pedals and the cymbals.Recorder - The recorder can be started in first grade. Again it's best to have had Music Fundamentals or music classes that stress competencies in pulse, rhythm, pitch, reading and writing rhythms, echoes, and expressing beat in a multitude of ways before entering any private lesson.Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone - Due to lung capacity (and in the case of the saxophone the size of the instrument), we recommend that most woodwind beginners are 9 and older.Violin - We accept violin students from the age of 5 (preferably spring of Kinder as the earliest). Some teachers will start children as young as 3, but experience has shown us the most productive learning occurs when the beginner is 5 or older. A 6 year old will learn in a matter of weeks what took the 3-5 year old years to learn. For the 5-6 year old, we recommend considering our group music fundamentals class that involve intros to piano and violin as well as reading/writing rhythms and important music fundamentals. This ensures a strong and positive transition to the private lesson experience. Regardless of the exact age of starting, due to the difficulty of just the physical part of playing violin, it's important the student has a strong sense of pulse in a variety of genres of music, echo rhythms properly, sing on pitch, understand the musical alphabet and be able to move up and down and skip around with ease, be able to hear when notes go up/down, fast/slow, high/low - basically all things they learn in our music fundamentals class.Trumpet/Trombone - Brass instruments require physical exertion and lung power. 9 years and older is a good time to start the trumpet.2. INSIST ON PRIVATE LESSONS WHEN LEARNING A SPECIFIC INSTRUMENTGroup classes or lessons should never take the place of private lessons. Once a session of group classes have finished, private lessons should be insisted upon. When a student chooses their favorite instrument to learn, private lessons are far superior to the group experience. Details are harder to miss in private lessons and each student can learn at their own pace. The teacher has the time and focus to work on the individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary focus of the teacher.3. TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENTLearning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on music education. In a professional school environment a student cannot be distracted by t.v., pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time is learning music. Students in a school environment are also motivated by hearing peers who are at different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility, which is taken very seriously.A professional school environment also ensures playing or performing opportunities and a chance to hear other students as well.4. MAKE PRACTICING EASIERAs with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice every day. Here are some ways to make practicing easier: Here is a short list of ideas. For more see our blog post devoted to practicing!Time-Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the child to practice.Repetition-We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we use repetition. For example, practice this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instrument, but knows if they are on repetition number 3 they are almost finished.Free Time-Always allow for some free warm up time or just time to explore and fool around on their instrument. This is the time they get to play what they want how they want. Many times this "fooling around" time turns into compositions and/or a deeper connection with music and their instrument.Rewards-Some families love this, others don't believe in it. Rewards can work very well for both children and adult students. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing or a great lesson. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. Encouragement tends to be the most coveted award. A parent encouraging their child to stick with it when it gets difficult - there just is no substitute for a pat on the back for good hard work. The reality is we all have a week with little or no practicing. During certain times of the year like holidays and big sports seasons it can be an entire month. This is just part of the hills and valleys of learning this new language called music. Hang in there! It always gets better.5. USE RECOGNIZED TEACHING MATERIALSThere are some excellent materials developed by professional music educators that are made for students in a variety of situations. For example in piano, there are books for very young beginners, and books for adult students that have never played before. There are books that can start you at a level for which you are comfortable. These materials have been researched and are continually upgraded and improved to make learning easier. These materials ensure that no important part of learning the instrument can inadvertently be left out. If you ever have to move to a different part of the country, qualified teachers and institutions will recognize the materials and be able to smoothly continue from where the previous teacher left off.Most Importantly . . .HAVE FUN!! Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.

What Makes Us Different Than Most Music and Dance Schools

1. We offer music lessons and dance classes for ALL AGES. In addition to private lessons on most instruments we also have Early Childhood Music and Movement Classes for 0-7 yrs of age. We also have a comprehensive, developmentally sound dance program for children of all ages!2. All of our instructors are University trained. Many of our teachers have masters and doctorate degrees in their specialty. This includes our early childhood music and movement classes which are taught by Orff Specialists with additional training and influences in Music Together, Kindermusik, Musikgarten and The Gordon Music Learning Theory.3. Choice of more than 1 teacher to fit your child's personality and learning style.4. Ability to schedule multiple family members within same half hour to save on driving and waiting. Your time is valuable.5. We pride ourselves on our student-centered environment. We strive to meet the needs of each individual student instead of forcing a preconceived, rigid curriculum. We value the journey.6. Quadruple floating dance floor. A professional floor is installed in each dance room to reduce chances of injury and fatigue. This is a must for any person, children to adults. Safety first.7. Rock band, ensembles and group workshops provided to give students applied musical experience. Various ensemble groups depending on our current student base such as Chorus, String Ensemble, Musical Theatre, Drama Class, Ukulele Class and Writing/Performing Workshops.8. Help in choosing the right Instrument - For the young beginner, we have a music fundamentals class nicknamed “Pick an Instrument”. This class is ongoing. Students get to experience piano, violin and guitar while learning important music fundamentals. This is to ready the student for a most positive private lesson experience!9. Plenty of Performance Opportunities - In addition to the traditional free recitals, we also offer performance workshops, Composition Recitals, Ensemble performances, Family Music Night, and a Holiday Sing.10. WE TRULY CARE ABOUT MUSIC and DANCE EDUCATION!

4 Things To Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are 4 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 4 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.1. WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “floating floor”. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. A high-density foam base is superior to a “sprung” floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor.The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite “Marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance - The Touring Show, all use Marley floors as their dance surface. A Marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip", but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use professional Marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile for a studio floor. Our studio has a floating floor that has over 700 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a Marley top surface that is imported from England. Our special floor helps reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.2. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?If the dance class has fewer students in it each student will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.Our studio limits all of our classes (ages 7 and up) to a maximum of just 12 students per class. With our pre-dance classes (ages 3 - 6) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 8 students per class.3. WHAT KIND OF QUALIFICATIONS DO THE INSTRUCTORS HAVE?All of our dance instructors are highly qualified and have university training. At a minimum we require our instructors to have acquired a bachelors degree in Dance, while some of our instructors also have graduate level education in addition to professional performance experience. This allows our school to offer a broad range of dance formats for students of all ages and levels while also ensuring our students are learning the correct movements and developing the right habits to reduce the risk of injury.4. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.