St. Joseph Arts Academy teaches music is for all

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Arts Academy hosted an open house Sunday afternoon in honor of St. Joseph Kids Make Music Day.

From adults to teenagers to young children, everyone can pick up an instrument and make beautiful music, which is what the St. Joseph Arts Academy teaches its students in every lesson.

"We are celebrating all of our advancing musicians in our community," St. Joseph Arts Academy Director Jason Riley said. "We have so many wonderful families here and an amazing faculty, and we're just trying to introduce everybody to the instruments, to the team here. And, you know, think about things maybe for summer."

Students at the Academy have many opportunities to show off their skills at local performances like the Blues and Jazz Festival and Blue Grass Battles Hunger.

Breanna Zhao, a violin student at the Academy, had practiced her instrument daily for over a year, and as anyone who has heard her perform will express, it's paying off.

"My sister started playing the piano," she said. "I didn't really want to play the piano just to be like her. So I tried violin ... It creates really nice sounds and a good mindset."

Whether looking to learn how to play the piano, guitar, drums, or violin, students can get their hands on several musical instruments at the Academy.

Riley encourages children, especially younger youth, to try learning a musical instrument because it is a building block for all other skills.

"It's fully the most important thing that you can really do as a young person," he said. "The little ones that are here today, their brains are developing so fast...Music is the greatest thing that you can give them. While we love sports and we love reading and singing and speaking and all the hugging, all the things that you would do for your little ones, music is the greatest whole-brain activity for a little one."

The St. Joseph Arts Academy teaches all age groups, from young children to older adults.

"Maybe it was a bucket list thing or they wish they hadn't given up piano as a kid," Riley said. "They come back. They always had a dream to play guitar or violin. And, we love our adult learners here."

To learn about the St. Joseph Arts Academy, their lessons and upcoming performances, visit the organization's website at stjosephartsacademy.com.