Arts Academy provides a musical experience for all ages

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The love of music transcends skill levels and age levels, and a local music academy provides a musical experience for all ages.

The St. Joseph Arts Academy, located at 2027 N. 36th St., just off the Belt Highway, has been providing private lessons and music classes for all ages for eight years.

Academy Founder, Jason Riley, a longtime professional musician and guitar teacher in the St. Joseph area, said his hope has always been to help people engage with music at their level and to grow in the knowledge and appreciation of music.

“Music has meant so much to me in my own life,” Riley said. “I met my wife through music, music allowed me to become a teacher and it has allowed me to connect with so many people. So, I wanted to help create a community that fostered that kind of environment.”

Riley added that he has seen this kind of community among the growing number of teachers, students, parents and community members over the last eight years.

“Our students often get asked to participate in events like Bluegrass Battles Hunger and Hawkfest at Coleman Hawkins Park,” Riley said. “We really want to encourage the next generation of musicians who can make music fresh and in person and live. Music is for everyone.”

The Academy takes the idea of “everyone” seriously, now offering infant and toddler music classes that can begin as early as age one.

“It’s one of the most important things we do,” Riley said. “We do early childhood classes from age one to about five or six, and by five or six, they’re probably getting interested in piano, violin, or guitar. We have qualified teachers for all of those instruments.”

Classes are open for skilled musicians who want to gain proficiency on their instrument, as well as those of all ages who want to take up a musical hobby or to reacquaint themselves with music.

Those interested should begin by checking out the website at stjosephartsacademy.com or by calling 816-974-7656.