Drum Lessons

MUSIC

Drum Lessons

The Academy of Music and Fine Arts invites you to discover and explore the rhythms and traditions of world cultures in a supportive learning environment that engages you in self-discovery and learning through experience. Our drum instructors take care to impart the language, lifestyle, and learning modes associated with their instrument and repertoire. Learn the fundmentals of drumming through:

reading music

Knowing how to read traditional music notation greatly increases your understanding of how rhythm works whether you are reading sheet music or playing by ear.

proper technique

Proper technique is extremely important as it not only enables you to play the music more easily or without struggling, but it also helps prevent repetitive motion injuries such as tendonitis or carpel tunnel syndrome.

hand/foor corrdination

Independence of all 4 limbs is an essential skill for drum set players to be able to play their parts smoothly and effectively, especially if the music has more complex rhythms. You will learn many effective warm up and exercise routines to develop these skills. 

keeping a steady rythm

Mastering the ability to play rhythms and transitions in music without speeding up or slowing down is one of the most important jobs that a drummer has. 

learning to play by ear

Learning a drum part by ear is just as important as reading music notation. By learning all the other drumming fundamentals, you will develop the skills necessary to hear a piece of music, pick out the drum parts and learn them without reading music. This includes creating your own drum parts for original music as well. 

Individual drum Lessons

Weekly 45-minute individual lessons.

Discover and explore rythms from around the world with drum lessons at the AMFA.

My son has been attending the Academy since last April and I have to say the teachers are very knowledgeable and the staff is amazing, always there to help you and explain everything on point. My son loves his drum lessons with Angelo and looks forward to them all week. I would definitely recommend this school, it’s our second family.

—Amanda A. | Glendale, CA

Lian E.

I am so thankful to have found AMFA years ago. It’s an exceptional school that offers variety of classes (i.e. music, art, chess, language…). Music instructors are highly educated, kind and encouraging. My kids LOVE attending the school. I highly recommend AMFA to anyone who is interested. We plan on being part of this great establishment for many years to come. Thank you for creating such a special place for our kids to enjoy.

Drawing Classes for Adults

Drawing Classes for Adults

Drawing classes for adults at the Academy of Music and Fine Arts are comprised of lively discussion sessions and studio time to complete drawing and painting projects. Classes emphasize drawing as a way to learn about composition, color, technique and personal expression.

Saxophone and Recorder Lessons

music

Saxophone & Recorder Lessons

Saxophone

Taking Saxophone Lessons has been scientifically proven to reward the player with stress relief, improved lung function and a sharper mind. Therapists now incorporate music therapy in the treatment of memory loss in older adults, and for mood stabilization with individuals struggling with depression.

While the many keys of a saxophone may intimidate an individual, the instrument is actually designed to allow a player to change notes almost effortlessly compared to other instruments. The construction of a saxophone is made for easy playing, and it is often one of the easier instruments to learn despite its complex design.

Recoder (Shvi)

It’s difficult for a child to pick up an instrument and make music. To produce a basic sound on most wind instruments, for example, children have to learn the correct embouchure (the shape of the mouth’s muscles) and rudimentary technique. But it’s easy to play a recorder because all that’s needed is your own ability to breathe.

Te recorder was the perfect instrument to hand to children, which is somewhat ironic considering the instrument’s history. It was a fundamental to renaissance and baroque ensembles, and eventually became a favorite instrument of the Italian, English and Armenian aristocracy. 

wind instrument lesson topics

  • Techniques: fingering, sound, embouchure, and posture.
  • How to read and write melodies and harmonies
  • Improvise in New Orleans, BeBop, and Modal jazz styles.
  • Develop a strong sense of rhythm
  • Learn songs according to your interest
  • Additional musical styles: classical, pop, and more
Individual Saxophone Lessons

Weekly 45 minute individual lesson

Individual recorder Lessons

Weekly 45 minute individual lesson

Chess tournament: May 5th

Chess tournament: May 5th

join us for the 3rd event of the season.It will be hosted at the Academy and organized by the Angeleno Chess club headed by International Master and Coach Levon Altounian. Players get a chance to practice their favourite openings and compete with players of all ages and levels in a relaxed, fun environment. Each section will have their own prizes and trophies.

Click the link to download the PDF:angeleno unrated tournament_may 5th, 2018

 

 

Angeleno Chess Club Tournaments

Angeleno Chess Club Tournaments

2017 AMFA Chess Season: Angeleno Club Open: January 21 and June 3, 2017.

In 2017 we continued what we started in 2016: On-site chess tournaments that are open to all, full of freebies, prizes, medals and trophies, coupled with a low entry fee system. Chess tournaments are an essential part of any serious chess player’s growth and fun and more relaxed events take the pressure off for students of all ages and levels. AMFA students and Angeleno Chess Club members had special perks available too that could be applied towards their clubs or private lessons. Both tournaments had 3 Main Sections and 3 Subsections based on players ratings and how many participants each Section held. Both events showcased dozen of players of all age groups and rating groups but the youth in the 600-1200 USCF rating group dominated.  Some players even had time for a game review or a bughouse match. Stay tuned for the next event and we welcome everyone who would like to come check out or join our chess classes.Thank you all who participated.

Coach Levon Altounian
International Master / CA State Champion