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A Weekend at Shaky Knees: A Lesson in Music
Dear ,
This past weekend, I dove headfirst into the marathon that is the Shaky Knees festival here in Atlanta: three full days of bouncing between four stages, plus two nights of midnight shows at partnering venues. By the end, I saw 26 bands (whew!). My feet are still recovering, but my spirit feels absolutely recharged.
Here are a few things that stood out to me:
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Live music is thriving. Every stage was filled with artists giving their all, and the crowds showed up in force.
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The joy of making music is undeniable. No matter the genre, every band, and especially the lead performers, brought a genuine connection to their songs that was impossible to miss.
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Music brings people together. Even in the heat, dust, and exhaustion, what I saw was kindness, respect, and a shared love of sound. And yes, even the mosh pits were “gentle” compared to the chaos of my youth.
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Music is a safe space. It allowed us (artists and audience members) to express ourselves fully and even wrestle with hard truths in a way that felt unifying rather than dividing.
The future of live music looks bright, and I was especially thrilled to run into three of our former students who were there soaking it all in. What a powerful reminder that the seeds we plant as teachers and therapists grow into a lifelong love and engagement with music. |
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Allison and her son Elliott at Shaky Knees |
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Here’s what this weekend reminds me: recorded music always matters. It’s how we replay songs that mean something to us and how artists share their work with the world. But there is something about being there live that gives us the full scope of an artist’s message: the nuances, the energy in the air, the collective experience of sound that you cannot quite capture any other way.
So if you haven’t been to a live show lately, consider this your nudge. Whether it is a massive festival, a neighborhood concert, or one of our own student showcases, being there in person reminds us why music is so vital. It moves us, it connects us, and it gives us a place to belong.
Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way.
Allison Jarrell 🎶
Founder & CEO |
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Join Us in Welcoming New Music Therapist Macy Ellis
We are excited to welcome a new music therapist to our team! Macy Ellis originally started her career as a vocalist after graduating from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She performed as a mezzo-soprano in a variety of recitals and opera roles, as well as a singer-songwriter with various bands and artist collectives.
Upon returning to school to earn her Bachelor’s Equivalency and Master of Music Therapy from Georgia College and State University, Macy completed her internship at Florida State Hospital. She worked in the Forensic and Civil units with adults with severe and persistent mental health conditions and continued working with that population at Georgia Regional Hospital-Atlanta. Her work included both individual and group therapy in Skilled Nursing Units at both hospitals.
Throughout her time as a student music therapist, Macy worked across all ages and populations, including older adults in assisted living and memory care facilities, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a day program, and children and adolescents in the Baldwin County school systems.
“My favorite part of being a music therapist is getting to facilitate exploration of creativity in a safe space,” Macy shares. “There is magic in creating music that is focused on being present in the process of self-expression.”
She continues, “My personal mission as a music therapist is to meet people where they are and provide a safe environment to explore themselves creatively, while facilitating their healing and growth through the process.”
Click below to read more about Macy's experience, and then email us if you'd like a free consultation for music therapy services at Metro Music Makers! |
| Learn More About Macy |
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| Email Us |
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Make Thanksgiving Break the BEST Break!
Thanksgiving Break can be kind of a mixed bag for kids. If parents still have to work, plus plan for the holiday meal, the break can sometimes feel aimless for elementary-aged students.
Enter Rock Band Camp: Thanksgiving Edition!
Our Thanksgiving camp is the same Rock Band Camp you love in the summer, just condensed into three days. Register soon to guarantee your child a spot in this fun camp and make their Thanksgiving Break the BEST break! |
| Register for RBC: Thanksgiving Edition |
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Metro Music Makers Nominated for Best of Georgia!
We are thrilled to announce we've been nominated for the second year in a row for Best of Georgia in the Music Schools category! We need your votes to win! Please vote and share the link with family and friends to vote as well. |
| Vote here! |
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Come See Us at Alpharetta's Annual Family Day!
Metro Music Makers is excited to be a part of this year's Family Day, hosted by the Alpharetta Arts Center. Come see Allison and Nita at the Metro Music Makers booth at the event!
This free, family-friendly event is packed with hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and grownups, plus face painting, special guests, and creative surprises around every corner!
Saturday, October 4
10 am – 2 pm
Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton St, Alpharetta
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just like to dabble with a paintbrush, there’s something for everyone. Bring the whole crew and come see what makes Alpharetta’s arts scene shine!
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What (Adult) Students Are Saying... |
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"I couldn’t say enough good things about Mark’s teaching. I have very little time at the moment, but I honestly look forward to every lesson—I learn so much. He is so full both of knowledge and genuine love of music. And his online flexibility is perfect for my currently chaotic life. So glad you all suggested Mark!"
-Ms. M |
| Get to know our teachers |
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Are You Following Us on Social? |
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Are you on Instagram or Facebook? If so, be sure you are following Metro Music Makers! Our socials are a combination of announcements, music education (thanks to Dr. E's awesome videos), and performances from our students and teachers. |
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| MMM on Instagram |
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| MMM on Facebook |
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Share the Love of (Metro) Music (Makers) |
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Has your family had a great experience with us? If so, we'd love for you to share that experience with others. Our favorite way to bring new students into the Metro Music Makers family is through your referrals! It shows us we're doing something right, and it means we're getting great new customers since they're your friends and neighbors!
In fact, we're so thankful for your help spreading the word that we'll give you a $50 credit toward your lessons when your friends and family join the MMM family. (Just make sure they use your name when they register.)
Looking for an easy way to share? Post a link to our website along with a testimonial on your social media accounts, your neighborhood Facebook group, and your virtual bulletin board for work. |
| Learn more |
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Important Dates |
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Rock Band Camp: Thanksgiving Edition — November 24-26 Registration is open!
More details and events coming soon! |
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Cancellation Policy: Customers may reschedule a maximum of 3 lessons per year with a limit of 2 reschedules within any one semester.* A 24-hour advance notice to 678-637-7293 or info@metromusicmakers.com is required.
*Exception: Students of senior-level instructors are unable to reschedule canceled lessons. |
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