View this email in your web browser

The Pros and Cons of Early Formal Training for Young Singers

Dear ,

Last month, we shared the first post in a new blog series by our vocal coach Canangela Boyd-Robertson, focused on nurturing young singers through encouragement, healthy development, and connection through music. This month, she continues the conversation by taking a closer look at a question many parents naturally ask next: When is the right time to begin formal voice lessons?

In The Pros and Cons of Early Formal Training for Young Singers, Canangela thoughtfully explores both the benefits and the considerations of early voice training. Her perspective aligns closely with our theme this year of connection through music, offering reassurance that growth looks different for every child and that support, patience, and thoughtful instruction matter most.

If you’re navigating questions about voice lessons for your child, I hope this second installment offers clarity and confidence as you consider what feels right for your family.

👉 Read the full article on our website.

Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way.

With gratitude and love,

Allison Jarrell 🎵

Founder & CEO

Welcoming another new teacher to our team!

It's a joy to see our talented team grow, and we're starting off the year with a bang by adding several new teachers to our team! Today, meet Mike.

Mike is a music performer and teacher with decades of experience in both. He teaches guitar and bass, as well as voice and drums for beginners. Mike teaches across all styles of music, from jazz, blues, rock, folk, fingerstyle, country, and bluegrass to alternative, pop, and metal–and even TV, movie, and video game themes.

“I want to get to know my students, so they are comfortable speaking to me about any practice/ performance concerns or weaknesses,” Mike shares. “I want to be very receptive to their style, ability, and musical preferences.”

When starting with a new student, Mike quickly assesses where the student is and determines a proper pathway to improvement, which includes ear training and performance opportunities. He strives to create a fun, positive, and creative teaching environment, where personal creativity is strongly encouraged. He works to make sure his students know their voice is very important, and that what they play or sing is very important to him.

“I want to create an environment so that when I show up to teach, they are excited about what they practiced the previous week and are wholeheartedly looking forward to the present lesson,” he continues.

Mike shares that his favorite styles of music change almost daily. “I’m a Dead Head. The Beatles are the best band to ever exist. I love crooner jazz, like Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra… I love classic funk and R&B (especially for bass!), such as the early Commodores, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, James Brown, The Meters, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield… I could go on and on!”

In addition to teaching and performing music, Mike also enjoys guitar repair. He doesn’t just fix instruments, though, he also “collects” them, “sometimes to the dismay of my wife!” he laughs. He loves to work in his yard, grill out, and spend time hanging out with his wife. He’s also a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd. “I own several figures and vehicle play sets from the original 1977 movie!” he enthuses.

One interesting fact about Mike is that he is left-handed, but he plays guitar right-handed!