LAM COVID Update

June 10th, 2020

Dear LAM Families

Thank you all for the valuable feedback on our reopening- we received nearly 100 responses to our survey! After reviewing your feedback along with evaluating our building, budget, and staff capacity we--the LAM  Covid Committee--have made the difficult decision not to reopen over the summer for normally scheduled lessons and classes. This was a long process of planning and weighing risk versus reward. We want in person lessons and we want to return to normalcy, but at this time the restrictions we would be required to follow would be more difficult and less comfortable than online instruction. The number of students and teachers who expressed interest in wanting to return at this time is not great enough for us to justify a full reopen. 

We hope to know much more about covid and its spread in our area over the next month. We will continue to meet and reevaluate our situation to make the best decisions for our faculty, families, students, and staff moving forward into the start of the school year. In the meantime, we understand that there may be pedagogical reasons for needing an in person lesson and we have given our teachers the ability to make a special request for an in person lesson if necessary and they are comfortable providing in person lessons at this time. All in-person lessons will be conducted after we receive clearance from the state and will continue to be flexible based on recommendations from the city, state, and federal guidelines. All in person lessons (indoor and outdoor) must be approved by the office and take place on LAM premises. 

We are prepared to offer remote lessons until there is a vaccine, treatment, and widespread immunity. We are committed to using our time and resources at LAM to improve the online lesson and if you need any technical support please reach out to us or your teacher.  

We are also hosting the first ever LAM Summer Symposium. We are so excited to welcome a great lineup of local and national educators and musicians to teach workshops on subjects such as mindfulness and music, improvisation, Baroque practice, score study and more! Please don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity. Workshops are all virtual and free to attend for LAM students and faculty. Enrollment in the special seminars are for students looking for an intensive program in composition or chamber music. We are also in the process of planning a final musical showcase that will celebrate our community and our students’ achievement. 

Thank you all for your dedication to music, LAM, and your teacher. This has indeed been a very difficult time, but we keep reminding ourselves how lucky we are to be able to continue learning in a risk free and effective way. Please reach out with any questions or concerns!

Best,

The LAM Covid Committee

Sara Callaway, LAM Executive Director

Erin Palmer, LAM Board Chair and Senior Manager of Programming, Kentucky Performing Arts

Yoko Martin, LAM Board Member, LAM Parent, and Adjunct Lecturer of Japanese at Indiana University Southeast

Welcome Michael Hill to the LAM Faculty!!

Michael Hill teaches all levels of viola and violin students while maintaining an active performance career. He has taught applied and secondary viola lessons, chamber music and viola literature classes at the University of Louisville School of Music in addition to pre-collegiate instruction. He has served as Director of the Suzuki Studies Program, the Louisville Suzuki Summer String Institute, and the Community Music Program.

Upholding Dr. Suzuki's belief that Every Child Can, Mr. Hill seeks to find a way for every student of every age to find joy in making music and in their personal efforts and goals. Lessons and coaching are fun and interactive, challenging students to think critically and apply their knowledge in solving problems and developing new skills. With attention to ear training and technique from the very beginning, Mr. Hill's students hold principal positions in school orchestras, performing arts schools, youth orchestras, and all- county/state orchestras. Several have continued to BM and MM degrees in music, beginning their own music careers.

Mr. Hill holds degrees in Viola Performance (BM, MM) and Viola Pedagogy (MM) from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio and the University of Louisville. He has completed long-term teacher training for Suzuki violin Books 1-10 under Dr. Timothy Durbin and viola (Books 4-7) with William Preucil, Sr. Karen Tuttle’s Coordination and methods for viola performance and teaching have also shaped his education and teaching methods through workshops and masterclasses. He has performed as an orchestral and chamber musician at the Aspen Musical Festival and School and as principal violist with the Opera and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy.  He regularly performs as Baroque violist with Bourbon Baroque and has performed in young artist programs with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and the Berwick Academy at the Oregon Bach Festival. He is currently a member of the viola section of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra and principal violist for the Lexington Chamber Orchestra and has served as principal viola for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, in addition to other regional orchestra and chamber music performances.

In performing and teaching Mr. Hill seeks to share music with others through education and efforts making classical music more accessible to the public. His experience includes work with new beginners through college students and he is eager to contribute to the music community at the Louisville Academy of Music and throughout Louisville.

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LAM Tuition Relief Fund

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COVID RELIEF FUND

We are offering assistance to those who have lost jobs and are struggling to pay for lessons during this crisis. We believe music is now more important than ever and it is our goal to make sure all students have the ability to continue their studies. We have received an anonymous donation of $2,500 to fund these scholarships and we hope to match funds to meet the need that is requested. If you are a LAM student and in need of financial assistance please fill out THIS form. If you are able to donate a lesson to someone in need please GIVE HERE and write in the comments that you would like this to go toward COVID relief scholarships. 100% of the money received will go towards paying for students' lessons who are in need. If any funds remain we will keep these for future scholarships. 

As always thank you for your dedication to music, our teachers, and our school. Wishing you health and happiness from afar.

First Ever Online Student Recital!

Watch HERE!

Louisville Academy of Music Joint Recital

Inaugural Virtual Recital

April 19, 2020 4:00 pm


Sloane Roberts, violin 

May Song, traditional folk song

 

Lily McClain, violin

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Variation by Shinichi Suzuki

Sam Arcilla, violin 

Perpetual Motion (Variation B) by Shinichi Suzuki

Alyssa Tobias, piano 

Sonatina in C Major by Johann André 

Dan Arcilla, violin  

Andantino by Shinichi Suzuki

Danielle Tobias, piano 

Nocturne by Clifford Poole

Tyler Martin, flute   

Nimble Flute, Sad Flute, Dancing Flute by Alan Bullard

Nika Heidinger, piano 

Sonatina in C Major, Op. 168 no. 3: III. Rondo Allegro by Antonio Diabelli

Peter Zhang, piano 

Blue Mood by William Gillok

Noah Weisenberger, piano

Prelude no. 2 by Srul Irving Glick

Connie Zeng, flute 

The Campbells Are Coming, traditional Scottish air

Joy Hampton, voice 

Nothing to Lose, The Clark Sisters 

Meg Martin, violin 

Csárdás by Vittorio Monti

Emily Steinbach, piano  

Winter Wind Etude, Opus 25, No. 11 in A Minor by Frédéric Chopin

Kaylynn Li, violin  

Symphonie espagnole, Op. 21: V. Rondo by Édouard Lalo



Students of Sarah Cole, Colleen Mahoney, Gyuli Kambarova, Margaret Jamner, Gary Pearson, Jacob Gotlib, Jason Steigerwalt, Jeff Jamner, and Sara Callaway.

Bravo to our dedicated students, teachers, and families. We especially appreciate everyone’s support and willingness to help us keep musical performances live during this extraordinary time.  #LAMISLIVE Thank you!


LAM Temporarily Moves Online due to COVID19

After meeting with our Executive Committee concerning COVID-19, The Louisville Academy of Music will  temporarily suspend in-person lessons, classes, and recitals beginning Friday 3/13 at noon. We will be moving to private lessons online through Google Duo. We will email students with setup instructions. Lessons will be held at their regular scheduled times. Group classes will be put on hold and teachers will be in touch about extended dates. We will continue to monitor the situation and will be in touch with any updates or developments. Please reach out to our office if you have any concerns, questions, or issues. 

Thank you for your flexibility during this trying time. We believe in the power of music to anchor, connect, and give us strength. 

Best,

Sara Callaway

Executive Director

LAM students develop outreach program for St. Joe's

Sydney Webb (piano) led students Sara O’Connell (voice), Meg Martin (violin), and Brooks (guitar) in developing an interactive music program for pre-schoolers at St. Joe’s. Along with showcasing each of their solo instruments our students interwove dancing and singing to engage their audience in music making.

We are excited to continue growing support for our student’s outreach efforts at LAM.

Bassoonist Jackie Royce joins our faculty!

Jackie Royce has been teaching private bassoon lessons since 2010. Jackie received her Bachelors of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Louisville where she studied with Matthew Karr and was a Presser Foundation scholar. Before college, she studied with Roger Soren and attended the Youth Performing Arts School. Throughout her studies, she's attended Interlochen Summer Music Institute, the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival at Juilliard, and is an alum of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. She has performed at the Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland as well as venues in Costa Rica and Switzerland. Jackie has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, Owensboro Symphony and Orchestra Enigmatic. Other bassoonists that Jackie has studied with include George Sakakeeny, Jeff Keesecker, Steven Wilson, Sue Heineman, and Monica Ellis.

Jackie is unique in that she not only plays bassoon with classical ensembles, but with rock and roll and experimental groups. She has been a member of art-rock band Ut Gret since 2010. She has also performed/toured/recorded with Cat Casual, The Ford Theatre Reunion, Adjy, Tim Barnes, The Mothership Ensemble, Camera Lucida, il Troubadore, NovemberGroup, Dane Waters, Eugene Chadbourne, and Jecorey "1200" Arthur. Jackie has taught improvisation workshops for Girls Rock Louisville/Ladies Rock, and incorporates music theory and improvisation into her lessons with students.

Jackie is the Production and Management Coordinator for Orchestra Enigmatic. She also sits on their Board of Directors. Recently, she has joined Phoenix Down, a woodwind trio specializing in geek chic and new music. Her passion for creativity and new music drive her involvement within the Louisville music community and beyond.

May 24th: RCM Exam at LAM

Royal Conservatory examinations provide a national standard for students, parents and teachers to track and measure progress and achievements. Preparing for and successfully completing an examination builds self-confidence and helps students develop a sense of pride.

We will be hosting our first exam on May 24th in our Recital Hall. All students in the area are welcome to sign up for this exam conducted by the Royal Conservatory of Music. Learn more HERE.

Classical music for 4 and 5 year olds!

Mini Mozarts with Laura Atkinson

Dates: Feb 7-March 27

Time: Fridays 4:30-5:15 p.m.

Price: $175 per session

Age: 4-5 years old

We recommend Mini Mozarts as an introductory course to private lesson study for young aspiring musicians. In this class students will be introduced to instruments of the orchestra, basic musical terms, and concepts of music theory and literacy which include rhythm, pitch, and notation. The class will also include a weekly listening portion, where students will engage with a wide variety of classical music from different eras. Students will use their imagination, voice, and creativity to discover their Mini Mozart within!

ENROLL HERE

Welcome Colleen to our Violin Faculty!

Colleen started studying Suzuki violin at the age of 5.  She continued her study of music throughout her schooling and completed a Bachelor of Music in violin performance as well as a Bachelor of Arts in physics at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY.  She also received a Performance Diploma from Indiana University South Bend studying with the Euclid Quartet. Colleen has performed at Lincoln Center, and has been a featured performer at Rocky Ridge Music Center, Brevard Music Festival, as well as with the American Modern Ensemble.  She has worked with artists such as Keith Lockhart, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Dave Eggar, and Joann Faletta.  As an orchestral musician, Colleen plays with numerous orchestras including the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Kentucky and the American Modern Orchestra.  She has studied with distinguished teachers such as Almita Vamos, Dr. Benjamin Sung, Susan Waterbury, and Gregory Fulkerson. Colleen is also an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about spreading musical opportunity through inclusive music education.

Copy of Hattie’s Salon: The Louisville Academy of Music Returns to the KYCAD Mansion

Hattie’s Salon: The Louisville Academy of Music Returns to the KYCAD Mansion

Saturday November 23rd

6:30 Doors and light reception

7:00 - 8:00 salon

8:00 - 8:30 mingle

FREE

The Old Louisville Speed Mansion will ring again with music this November. The newly relocated Kentucky College of Art and Design welcomes back previous tenants, The Louisville Academy of Music, to Hattie Speed’s music room to host a winter salon. The program will feature LAM students and faculty plus special guests Ruth French, former Director of LAM,  and Musicologist Douglas Shadle, Professor at Vanderbilt. Learn about the rich history of the mansion and enjoy an evening of chamber music with gingerbread and mulled wine cozy behind the walls of a Louisville treasure.  

Program:

Hattie’s Salon: The Louisville Academy of Music Returns to the KYCAD Mansion

Saturday November 23rd

This Little Light of Mine

Dona Nobis Pacem

Silent Night 

Children’s Choir directed by Laura Atkinson

singers:Jake Bennett-Lauer, Eleanor Faversham, Crawford Mcgraw, Emilia Moss, Charlie Parker, Aria Rich, Nora Steigerwalt, Angely Varona


Schubert Trio No 1 D 471

Jingle Bells Arranged by James Pierpont

Caleb Dries, Sowmyan Viswanathan, Derek Siebert, saxophones


Cantata BWV 82 by Johann Sebastian Bach

Jason Steigerwalt, voice

John Austin Clark, piano


Memories of the Louisville Academy of Music’s years in the Speed Home

Ruth French, former director


Robert French Sonata, II

Sara Callaway, violin

Ruth French, piano


Music In Hattie Speed’s World

Douglas Shadle, guest speaker 


Dvorak Sonatina, I

Meg Martin, violin

Emily Steinbach, piano


Brahms Intermezzo Op. 118

Emily Steinbach, piano