Cheryl - Director Ballard Street Kids & Cherish Music Together

Two years ago we saw the need of a program for children with musical aptitude that would groom them to learn to play musical instruments.  We understood that there were already existing programs designed to create and interest in music, and that these programs have done a great service to create an interest in music for our little ones; but just creating an interest did not go far enough for me.

You see, there is a difference between creating interest and nourishing an already existing desire. It has been my experience that there are musicians and dancers that are created and those that are born; both can become valid artists, so we need to continue to create interests in those that have an aptitude for music and we must also seek to nourish those that have both the natural ability and the aptitude.

Introducing Cheryl Mabry!
Cheryl is the director of the Cherish Music Together program and Ballard Street Kids program. Both programs work together to develop musical talent in our young ones by creating interest and nourishing the natural ability.

Cherish Music Together in an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and the parents who love them. Music Together is an early childhood developmental curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitate adult involvement.
Cherish Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat and participate with confidence in music.

Ballard Street Kids program is developmental curriculum designed as a pre-requisite to playing a musical instrument. Children learn, music notation, study beat, identification of musical pieces and the composer. Children also experience live entertainment by having musicians come in to play for them during classes. Lastly children in the program have the hands on experience of trying out instruments that they make themselves.
The target ages are three months to 6 years old, please call to find out more information!

Catch the vision...Imagine your student as they reach band age; can't you just see the face of the band director when they show up already reading and playing music...That is my vision!

Life begins with music, grows with art and is celebrated with dance....Learn it, love it & live it!

Contact Cheryl  call/text: 972-922-8425

www.musictogether.com/ 

Jacob Thomas - Ballard School Guitar Student
Photo by R. Hunter

Last January the Thomas' brought their son in for guitar lessons. He seemed an average kid when I met him, and I didn't have any higher expectations of him than any of my other students.

Now not to burst any parents bubbles about their future guitarist, I need to let you know that there is nothing special or exceptional about Jacob's physical abilities that makes me marvel. He does not have special powers that makes his fingers move more swftly than other students; but what he does have is great drive to play the guitar. He listens to everything that I tell him about what practicing will do for him, and he simply does it!  That is all, he practices and experiences that results!

Most students on the first recital will play standard songs that we have all heard before such as, twinkle little star or this old man...On Jacobs's first recital after being in class less than 6 months he played the eigth note studies; a five line study of variations on how to use the 1/8th note, and topped it off with a rendetion of Amazing Grace!  This was his very first recitar! 

Since last May Jacob is still making the grade, and I have placed him in a new ensemble group of my top 6 students. What I see in Jacob, I have seen in my top players....THEY PRACTICE and therby experience results. 

Rob Hunter

Whether you or your child wants guitar, piano or any other course offered conatct us as soon as you can! We have a team of 18 instructors ready to help you begin your musical journey.  Don't hesitate, call today!

972-429-0047

ATTENTION HOME SCHOOL AND PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS: Contact us for private and group lessons. Ask about our special rates for home school students!

guitar, piano, suzuki violin, banjo, percussion (drum) and voice classes available in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Dance lessons for all ages! Lessons begin at 10 AM Monday through Saturday!
www.ballarddance.com

972-429-0047

For some time now I have been toying with the idea of putting together a series of bands here at Ballard street. I began researching on how to do this about a year ago and finally the time has arrived!

Imagine duets, trios and quartets all on guitars!

Introducing Guitar Ensemble 101.  This is a class that puts together some of our brightest guitarists with piano, bass and drums! Imagine 3 guitarists, lead, melody/harmony and chords, performing pieces with other musicians! We have had a few test runs, and it is awesome!

If you are a guitarist that can read up to the level of 1/8th notes you qualify for this class!  Let me tell you , the students that are in this class are having a ball!  If you are a beginner and want to work towards a class like this, then Ballard Street is the place that you want to be! Students taking this course will perform ensemble recitals in the fall and spring!

Acoustic and electric guitarists welcome!

Class Schedules:  Monday and Tuesday 6:00PM -7:00 PM 
                        Thursday 1:00PM -2:00PM 

Instructor: Rob Hunter

For more information call: 972-429-0047

The Guitar - A brief history

An ancient instrument, the guitar has roots and is used in a wide variety of musical styles. Guitars are used as one of the main instruments in Jazz, classical, country, rock and rythm and blues music; the list of styles goes on and on. Generally, guitars are either acoustic or electric, and the accomplished guitarist usually plays both equally well. There are composers that write music solely by use of the guitar. The Ballard School of Performing Arts is pleased to have several guitarists/composers who are dedicated and excited about sharing their gift of playing the guitar. I had the pleasure of overhearing one of our instructors telling his student; "I don't want you to be as good as me, I want you to be better"! That say's a lot about the purpose of that instructor.

Classical Guitar - Jimmy Wilder    
 

• Jimmy Wilder (Classical/rock-nylon/electric)
•    Instructs all ages, abilities, and music genres
•    BA from UTD in arts and performance
•    Performs around the world in various ensembles in   
•    Europe, Latin America and USA
•    Pursuing MA (and PhD) from UTD
•    Recently performed: a concert series in Madrid        Summer 2008 a performance for guitar festival in    Morelia, Mexico
  
  

Finger Style/ Jazz -  Franklin Dillow

• Finger Style/Jazz

Contact Ballard Street Music Company for Guitar Lesson schedules and prices