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The Quarternote (August)

August 8, 2021

Look at these deals!

Music can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort — between demoralization and dignity.
– Barbara Crowe
– A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER –
“Hi, I’m Debi Ruud, founder of Fresno Music Academy & Arts. 
In 1998, when I started teaching, it was out of living room. Two decades have passed and I can say with certainty that our school has been through so much. Since those humble beginnings 23 years ago, Fresno Music Academy & Arts has grown tremendously. Originally with just myself and one other teacher (still with us today, Astrid Plane) we started with teaching voice lessons only, (we were originally called The Voice Shop)…
Today, we are honored and privileged to share in the company and talents of thousands of people who have been through our doors. People who have either been students and studied with FMAA, who have worked within FMAA or with it as a teacher or staff member, and those who have been effected by it; by seeing a show, having sung in the “Hearts On Fire Choir”, or been an appreciative parent, grandparent, family or a friend. This is my passion that I work towards daily. In all the years of bringing music to the lives of so many I’ve only ever been blessed by it all. This has been a terrifically difficult year for all of us. We have all endured. We have all persisted.
Myself, my husband, John, and our staff and instructors have all believed in the mission for FMAA set down in 1998; Educating anyone who yearns to play or sing. During this last year we have worked hard keeping our spirit alive, our faculty focused and our students engaged. We did it folks! For that, all of us here are extremely grateful for all of you.
I say all of this because next month we will be celebrating a very important milestone and Anniversary. Five years ago, In 2016 we changed our brand from “The Voice Shop” to “Fresno Music Academy & Arts.” We busted thru the wall next door, added classrooms & teachers, programs & office staff. We took a leap of faith and believed we were on the right path of wanting to bring music into many many more lives. Now here we are, a “full service” Music Academy! 
On Sunday September 26th, we want to throw a party in combination with our next Student Showcase. We want it to be a BIG DEAL!!! We plan on doing this again outside. We are still working all the details but they are coming VERY soon! You all will be the first to know!!! Again, my gratitude is overflowing. And remember…
Music perseveres. It highlights the good times, emphasizes the hard times and reminds us of all of our humanity. It unites.”
Peace, Debi SAVE THE DATE, Sunday Sept 26th
A LETTER TO YOU…
Lovely Students and Parents,
We wanted to take a minute to say thank you for bringing your talents to Fresno Music Academy & Arts. It’s truly a joy to have our building be full of students creating again after this past year and a half. We value each and every one of you and the unique experience and vitality you bring to our space.
As a gentle reminder, Fresno Music Academy and Arts is an open, inclusive, and welcoming space and we do not discriminate on any basis of sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, ability, appearance, etc.
We are an affirming and pro-LGBTQ+ establishment and we deeply value all of our staff, students, and parents who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome families from all walks of life and we owe it to each and every one of them to ensure that they will be met with respect when they walk through our doors. We make it a point to respect people’s pronouns and gender identities. We want to make sure that we respect our teachers’ uniqueness as well as other students’.
According to our values, we prioritize kindness and understanding. We strive to be a safe place for each student to experience art and music, and we hope to instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
We appreciate each and every one of you and your continued support of our small business, and more importantly of you and of your children as they grow and learn. 
With peace and kindness, FMAA 
2021 MUSIC & ART SUMMER CAMP – FRIENDSHIP
Summer Camp Summary
During July, two fantastic camps took place! Week one (art camp), the kids painted and created an entire set for the following week (music camp) where the kids learned an entirely original friendship medley with choreography! These kids basically put on a whole show under the guidance of our dedicated staff! We had a great time, can’t wait for the next workshop!
UP NEXT…
SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK
That’s right! The Emmy Award-winning 1970’s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math & more through clever and tuneful songs is 
   coming to Fresno Music Academy & Arts!
Stay tuned for dates, they will be announced soon!
MUSIC STAND DRAWING
Here’s Emily drawing the winner for the monthly music stand drawing!
Fresno Music Academy & Arts is giving away one music stand a month!
We know that you have what it takes to get the most of out your practice time! Having the right equipment at home is so important! So, each month we are giving away one music stand valued at $35. 
Each time you show up to your lesson in person, write your name on the slip of paper provided and enter to win! You may enter each week that you come in! The more you show up, the better your chances are of winning! Good luck! 
Music Stand Drawing!
MODELS NEEDED
Attention, students! Fresno Music Academy & Arts is looking for MODELS! Just contact our office to confirm a time slot, and we’ll set up a professional shoot just for you! You’ll also get access to digital copies! You could be included in our promotional materials that we use to showcase our amazing school and students…
*shoots may not occur until late August or early September
UPCOMING EVENTS
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Have you heard about our OPEN MIC NIGHT at FMAA? This event is FREE and open to ANY FMAA student, but space is limited!

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn to power through stage fright before a showcase, or to simply gain experience! We hope to see you there…
SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Start thinking up a melody, because our annual songwriting competition is about to begin! *Open to central valley.
This year’s theme is Friendship, and the deadline is September 25th, so you have all the time you need to get a submission ready!
We encourage current students to participate, especially! This is a wonderful opportunity to make a name for yourself, and show off those talents! You may ask your current teacher for inspiration, if you wish. Here is Craig Daniel (winner of the adult category last year) with a few words of encouragement!
FMAA'S 2021 SONGWRITING COMPETITION
🎊 REFFERAL REWARDS 🎊
We have a new referral offer starting… NOW! People who refer and get someone to sign up will be put into a December drawing! The prize is two tickets to Roger Rocka’s Dinner & Show!
Do you know anyone who would benefit from music lessons? This is the most rewarding way to help Fresno Music Academy & Arts! All you have to do is fill out a short form…
REFER A FRIEND
For the benefit of new and existing students, we’ve created a VIRTUAL TOUR of Fresno Music Academy & Arts.
CLICK HERE
🎶 MUSIC FACT 🎶
Vinyl sales are on the rise!
After largely being replaced by cassettes and CDs in the 1980s and 1990s, vinyl records are now making a comeback. Sales of vinyl climbed to more than $700 million in 2019, from a low of $36 million in 2006, reports the IFPI.
🎸QUICK TIPS 🎸
It’s easy to get down & question your abilities or purpose when you see another artist popping off. Especially if an artists hasn’t been around as long as you. It’s also easy to get discouraged when you see an artist you really love not popping off. It makes you question if you even have a shot. But remember everyones journey/story is different. Instead of letting someones success get you down be happy for them! Support other artists & let it all inspire you to work harder.
We appreciate your commitment to helping Fresno Music Academy & Arts grow! Music should be shared with everyone. Thank you!
🎊 WELCOME, NEW STUDENTS 🎊
We’re so happy to have you!
Evangelyn D.
Rosa L.
Ana A.
Atianna M.
Carolina R.
Lillyana R.
Terilynn E.
Helen H.
Katie G.
Rafael H.
Latasha T.
Sebastian C.
Mauricio G.
Natalie M.
Fidel C.
Gissela S.
Serina G.
Melissa R.
Luke W.
Hailey W.
Andrea W.
Roxy M.
Tyler M.
Christina C.
Sumeir K.
Mauro C.
Ashley G.
Music is the Universal Language. We at Fresno Music Academy & Arts believe deeply that music is a way to spread love and peace into this world. We help do that everyday, by teaching music to children and adults from all backgrounds and walks of life.
559-222-SING (7464)

1298 N. Wishon Ave.
Fresno, CA 93728
info@fresnomusicacademy.com
www.fresnomusicacademy.com
HOURS:
Monday – Friday, 10AM-7PM and Saturday, 9AM-3PM
Opening Sundays SOON!
We offer lessons in: Voice, piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, violin, flute, clarinet, and a recognized early childhood music program MUSIC FUNTIME.

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