Selecting Your First Guitar

Want low budget but decent playability? by Mage, NCTM So many different types of guitars exist that it can be confusing at first to figure out which one to get. Should you go electric or acoustic? What size of guitar would fit best with you? Are you left-handed or right-handed? And what styles of music would you like to play? These and other factors can help to determine which guitar you may wish to consider purchasing. This article will mainly be focused on…

Piano Marvel

This app uses MIDI technology to analyze your piano performances.  It also provides valuable practice strategies.  If you already have an account with Piano Marvel but would like the Mage discount code please USE PROMO CODE MAGE when signed into your account at pianomarvel.com or within the app.  This app is recommended for all piano students and students who wish to learn the piano. Use PROMO CODE MAGE when signing up for the Premium account at Piano Marvel!

Lessons – Frequency & Duration

by Mage, NCTM Last updated April 10, 2022 How often should a student take music lessons? The traditional approach is to schedule weekly recurring lessons. This works well for most students as it allows for regular meetings with the teacher and keeps the formation of good learning and playing habits in place. Students will be able to retain the information and routine from week to week, and teachers will have a good idea of students’ progress. Some students may find that taking lessons…

Zoom Video Conferencing

Zoom video conferencing allows private and group lessons and recitals to be held with excellent audio and video quality. Zoom works on both computers and mobile devices, and you may download the software at https://zoom.us/download (links to Google Play and Apple App Store are available on that page). Each lesson within Google Calendar and Tonara has the Zoom meeting ID and password details. This meeting information will also show up in the original email message from Google Calendar (*please note that you might receive…

Google Calendar

For Lessons, Recitals, & Other Events Mage Music uses Google Calendar to send students and families their lesson confirmations and list available events. If you are a student with a scheduled lesson your event details will show up on your Google Calendar as well as in an email message. *Please note that if you signed up for recurring lessons it’s possible that you might receive only one email message with all recurring events listed. Please note that a Google account is required for…

Schedule Exchange

24 hours notice is required for reschedules including swaps. To request an exchange with another student’s schedule please fill out the form below to join the schedule exchange swap list. You may also sign up by sending a message in Tonara or Google Chat, or by filling the form below. • All swap exchanges are requested through the Tonara or Google Chat apps in the swap group chat which you will join. 24 hours notice required from both parties. • Since a free time slot…

COVID-19 Update

Currently due to the COVID-19 “Safe at Home” order by the County of Los Angeles ALL LESSONS are held ONLINE via Zoom conferencing video software. Mage Music is committed to the safety and health of students and families. A130-minute setup consultation is available for students who need assistance with getting ready for their first Zoom lesson.

A Tea for Singers

(Or Anyone Who Wants Throat Relief) by Mage, Teaching Artist & Musician Note: As per the manufacturer Traditional Medicinals, “*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Some people like using lozenges to relieve their sore throats. But those can take a while to melt—what if you need to reduce the pain while you are singing and are better off taking sips in between songs? That’s where…