Do “tee-tee” and “ta-ah” and “great big whole note” ring a bell for you? Can you clap out “Happy Birthday” in quarter and eighth notes? Are you strangely calm when all eyes of a crowd focus on you?
If so, you may be an alumnus of a Capital Region institution: The Music Studio. Founded in 1977, the Central Avenue school has taught thousands of children to read, make, perform, and love music. If you’re one of them, you’re in good company: over 14,000 students have attended the school—and counting.
Many alumni, like Daniel Teitler and Ryan Reilly, have gone on to careers in music. But even those who have not pursued music still credit the school with teaching skills and attitudes they have never forgotten.
Music education promotes academic success; the science is conclusive. But the Music Studio in particular has such a profound effect on its students because of high expectations.
The school was founded by Noel Liberty, a young music teacher who firmly believed that students of all levels could achieve excellence, from a very young age. In return for their focus and commitment, which increase as the children get older, the school gives its students an enduring sense of achievement and pride.
Finally, it gives them music. Liberty says you can’t overestimate the rewards of having music in one’s life. “When you give children the tools to listen to music and understand it and make it themselves, you’ve given them a whole world. A world that belongs to them forever.”
The Music Studio would like to hear from more alumni. Send an email to [email protected] or call 518-459-7799. You can also contact the school through its website: themusicstudio.com.