We are pleased to share a few of the things parents and students are saying about Elemental Music.
elemental band
““In person, Elemental Band was a highlight of each week. And now, amidst uncertainty and physical isolation, it has helped keep our 10 year-old daughter connected - to her trumpet, to other young musicians, and, most importantly, to her own capacity to learn and grow. Thanks to Elemental Band and especially brass coach Meghan Turner for keeping us all in tune during a dissonant time!””
elemental choir
“My daughter Mia was part of Elemental Choir for the last two years of elementary school. Elemental Music not only provided her with a great music education but it also allowed her to explore her own potential and grow as a singer. Ms. Spike and Ms. Justin are such knowledgeable and generous vocal instructors and my daughter will miss all her fellow singers very much. If there was an Elemental Music program for middle-schoolers we will sign our daughter up without hesitation because it truly is one of the best after-school music programs around.”
elemental guitar
“I enrolled my daughter in the Elemental Guitar program 2 years ago. The idea of learning classical guitar with kids from other schools and the low cost of the program sounded good to me.
The instruction is in classical guitar and there are 3 concerts a year, where the students dress nicely and perform on stage with their group. In addition to playing their instrument the kids learn poise, stage presence and confidence! It is always an impressive and very fun evening.
My daughter is now quite proficient at guitar and she enjoys playing. Mak Grgic, the Elemental Guitar Director, is great. He is a fantastic teacher and has a great rapport with the students.
Since school was cancelled in March, the teachers and staff at EM have gone above and beyond anything that I expected as far as engaging the students. The EM staff is great at communicating and their efforts to keep the students learning and growing is impressive, putting together virtual ensembles and even offering many summer music related classes at no extra cost.
Elemental Music is one of the best programs that Santa Monica has to offer.
”
elemental strings
“As a family, we’ve decided that music will be an essential part of our daughter’s education. In choosing extra-curriculars, the first step for us is the quality of the instructors: 1) Are they experts in their fields? 2) Are they invested in developing as educators, not just skilled “babysitters”? and 3) Will they give my daughter challenge and fair assessment in her skill development? Encouragement is important, but so is honesty regarding the growth of her abilities.
Up until joining Elemental Strings, our daughter has primarily learned from one teacher. Now, she learns from the conductor, her section teacher and other teachers in the program. At a point in her musical life when she may have started to feel isolated, she’s now part of a vibrant community of music learners.
At any age and any stage, being a part of a team is an invitation to growth. Our daughter is learning to prepare, listen and perform well - not for her own sake but for the betterment of the whole. And on a more practical level, she’s starting to understand that there’s a whole world of musical ensembles out there that can be a part of her future.”
Academy Philharmonic
“We have loved our experiences with Academy Philharmonic. Music is such an important part of our son’s life and is such an integral part of community. Music is also an enjoyable outlet. Kids need this now more than ever. AP has provided top notch instructors and an unsurpassed sense of community. They even had summer sessions through Zoom so the students had extra time to play music with others. Middle school band students get a chance to play with orchestra, a beautiful new experience to many. Peter Senchuk has led a team of talented teachers/musicians in this exceptional program. We have been so fortunate to have been able to partake in Academy Philharmonic. We will really miss all of you, but we are thankful for all the wonderful memories and guidance that Ethan has gained from AP.”
prelude
“Prelude Program has been an incredible experience for Anabella. Without a doubt, it is our favorite after school activity. We have had a lot of fun over the past few years. My daughter continues to progress and her musical abilities have grown tremendously. She has learned how to read music and her passion in playing viola continues to grow.
The teachers are talented and wonderful. They are particular with techniques and they choose the best music pieces to play which challenges the kids to improve. The most rewarding are the concerts which are performed by the kids. The teachers put in a tremendous amount of effort and the results are there for all to enjoy.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience with Elemental Music and the Prelude Program.”
