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Can You Really Learn an Instrument Without a Teacher? |
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Dear ,
It’s a question many aspiring musicians ask: Can I teach myself an instrument without a teacher? With all the apps and online resources available today, it certainly seems possible. But is something missing?
Last Friday, I was having dinner with friends—a husband and wife who both love music and even work in the industry. The husband is a musician, but the wife never took music lessons growing up. Only recently did she develop a strong desire to learn the piano. Excited to begin, she bought a keyboard a few months ago, eager to play the music she loves.
Instead of seeking out a teacher, she turned to piano apps, thinking they would allow her to move at her own pace rather than commit to scheduled lessons. It seemed like the perfect solution—until I asked how her piano journey was going.
She sighed and admitted she was about ready to give up.
Surprised, I asked why.
Her response caught me off guard: "I'm missing the human connection."
She explained that the apps kept pushing her forward, even when she wanted to slow down to absorb the material, develop her technique, and understand the theory behind what she was playing. She felt frustrated, unsupported, and stuck.
Her experience is something we hear often at Metro Music Makers. While technology can be a great tool, there’s simply no substitute for real, personalized guidance. A teacher provides more than just instruction—they offer encouragement, accountability, and a tailored approach that adapts to a student’s unique learning style and goals.
So, back to that question: Can you really learn an instrument without a teacher? For some, apps and online tools might be helpful, but for many, the missing piece isn’t more practice—it’s connection. Having a teacher by your side makes all the difference, providing the support, motivation, and expertise that no app can replicate.
Ready to find your musical guide? We’re here to help.
Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way,
Allison Jarrell 🎵
Founder and CEO
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Welcoming Stephen King to the Metro Music Makers Team!
We are excited to welcome new teacher Stephen King to the Metro Music Makers team! Stephen teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, piano, voice, recording, and production in a variety of styles. With 30 years of performance experience and 15 years of teaching experience, Stephen 's mission as a teacher is to help his students "accomplish their musical goals in a way that is both fun and productive, challenging and empowering." |
| Read more about Stephen |
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Student Workshops Are a Great Replacement for Missed Lessons |
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We are continuing our exciting new student workshop series, designed to enhance our students' learning experience and boost their musicianship. These engaging masterclasses focus on key areas of music theory, technique, and performance, giving our students the tools and confidence to excel as a musician.
Bonus: We understand the importance of making up missed lessons, and our workshops offer a flexible and beneficial alternative. Each workshop counts as one make-up lesson, regardless of its duration, offering more options for our students to stay on track with their studies. However, due to limited space, sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay in securing a spot.
Sing Strong, Sing Long: A Guide to Vocal Longevity
Dates: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 OR Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 7:15-8:15 PM
Location: Zoom
Instructor: Abigail Sykes, lead vocal instructor as well as piano, ukulele, and guitar
Songwriting Unleashed: A Creative Workshop
Dates: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 7:15-8:15 PM
Location: Zoom (Login info will be sent to participants via email ahead of time.)
Instructor: Victor Ezquerra, lead guitar instructor and rock band camp coach
The Greatest Riff Master: Guitar Shreducation
Dates: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Instructor: Mark Grundhoefer, lead guitar instructor and rock band camp director |
| Learn more and register |
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There's Still Time to Register for Piano Comps and Evaluation |
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At Metro Music Makers, we believe that consistent growth and performance assessment are vital to a student’s musical journey. Our Comps and Evaluation Program for piano provides students with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their skills, receive professional feedback, and gain recognition for their progress and achievements.
Registration for piano comps closes on March 21, so register your student today! |
| Learn more |
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P.S. Videos for the Guitar Comps and Evaluation are due March 7! |
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Discover the Joy of Songwriting! |
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Music is an incredible way to express creativity, and our Songwriting Class is perfect for beginner-level students in upper elementary and middle school who are ready to explore their musical talents and unlock their creative potential.
This class provides step-by-step guidance to help young musicians write and perform their own songs. Through engaging lessons, collaborative activities, and hands-on practice, students will build the confidence and skills needed to bring their musical ideas to life.
The class begins March 27. Register today and let your child embark on a creative journey that inspires and empowers! |
| Learn more and register |
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Celebrating Our Team! |
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Happy Birthday to Mark Grundhoefer (3/7) and Allison Jarrell (3/24)!
Happy Work Anniversary this month to Tony Gibson (5 years)!
We're so glad you're a part of the Metro Music Makers family!
P.S. Happy 18th Birthday to Metro Music Makers on March 16! |
| Their favorite things |
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What Parents Are Saying |
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"It was absolutely wonderful! Krystal is an amazing teacher!"
-Ms. L about her daughter's first voice lesson |
| Get to know our teachers |
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Refer a Friend to Us and Receive a $50 Credit! |
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We love it when you share your experience with Metro Music Makers with neighbors and friends. When your friends and family join the MMM family based on your referral, you receive a $50 credit toward your lessons.
Do you have a neighborhood Facebook group? Share a link to our website and include a testimonial! Just make sure they use your name when they register. Read more about the program below. |
| Learn more |
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Important Dates |
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Guitar Comps and Evaluation videos due - March 7
Songwriting Class starts - March 27
Piano Comps and Evaluation videos due - March 28
Spring Showcase - Sunday, May 11 (Mother's Day!)
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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