4981 Highway 7, Suite 1
Markham ON L3R 1N1
Canada M1K 3K1
Phone: 905.489.4620
Fax: 905.489.4621
www.internationalmusicacademy.ca
[email protected]
iMA Newsletter
Voted top 100 educators in the world by the International Biographical Centre
Winner of the Consumers’ Choice Award for best music school in the GTA.
Winner of the Royal Conservatory of Music Gold Medal for Teaching Excellence.
Winner of the York Region Character Community Award.
Markham Board of Trade Business Excellence Award finalist.
Year XX, No. 3
International
Music
Academy
March 2016
WELCOMING OUR NEW STUDENTS Sharon H. (piano) Jasper S. (guitar) Scarlett C. (guitar) Katherine L. (piano) Joe Y. (piano) private music school, within the past 5 years. In his congratulatory letter to the International Music Academy Faculty and Staff, Mr. Marcl Sbrollini, President of the Consumer Choice Award wrote: “… the consumers and the business in your community have selected you as the top-­‐ranked organization in your industry. You are now part of a very select group of business owners and entrepreneurs recognized for their business excellence in the GTA.” IMA STUDENTS BIRTHDAYS IN MARCH William T., Dustin S., Ridham D., Dilan B., Aileena C., Scarlett C., Anonno A., Ken Y., Aaryan K., Deven C., Patrick H., Niral M., Leya H., Isabelle L., Sharon H., Michelle H. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! IMPORTANT DAYS IN MARCH March 12-­‐20 -­‐ Mid-­‐Winter Break March 13 -­‐ April 3: IMA Spring Contest March 24 -­‐ April 30: Peel Music Festival March 21 -­‐ April 6: Markham Music Festival March 25 (Good Friday): School is open March 25 -­‐ Flato Markham Theatre. Kindred Spirits Orchestra. From Darkness to Light. March 27 (Easter Sunday): School is open March 28 (Easter Monday): School is open NEWS THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY HAS WON THE 2016 CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST PRIVATE MUSIC SCHOOL IN YORK REGION. Consumer Choice Award was established in 1987 and is considered to be the most distinguished award for business excellence in Canada. This is the second time the International Music Academy has won the Consumer Choice Award for best Official Announcement of the Award was made on February 4, 2016 in Le Parc Centre in Richmond Hill. Warmest thanks to our students, their parents and all clients for their confidence in the International Music Academy. Congratulations to all teachers and staff for their dedication and work at the highest international standards. UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STOUFFVILLE BRANCH OF THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY The International Music Academy has recently acquired a new real estate property in Stouffville, Ontario and has started the development of facilities for a new state-­‐of-­‐
the-­‐art music school. Our current location in Markham will continue providing high quality programs and services to Markham’s residents. As of today, the building has been completed and all systems are up and running. All studios have been built and are currently undergoing through a complex acoustical engineering work. Each studio has an area of 76 sq ft (9’ x 8’) and is surrounded with a 12”-­‐thick wall packed with sound-­‐proof material. Double doors for each studio are also used to further increase the insulation of the studios. FOLLOW US ON Stay in touch and follow the IMA latest news on Facebook. Visit https://www.facebook.com/International-­‐Music-­‐Academy-­‐
33444769758/ and become a friend of the International Music Academy. PERSONALIZED IMA GIFT CARD The IMA offers personalized Gift Cards that could be used as thoughtful birthday, holiday, bar/bat Mitzvah, graduation gift or for any other occasions as well as to encourage someone to start learning a musical instrument or singing. The card can be used for any products or services. The gift card is available for any amount. As cards are personalized with the name of the person who will receive it as well as with the name of the person who purchase it, requests have to be made 1 day in advance. Cards can be ordered in person, by phone at 905.489.4620 or by e-­‐mail at [email protected]. At the time the card is ordered, a non-­‐refundable $5 deposit is required. The full value of the card is paid upon pick-­‐up (and the deposit is credited towards the purchase price). Payments can be made by any major credit card, cheque or cash as well as through the accounts of the IMA Clients. GET A $30 CREDIT ON YOUR NEXT MONTH TUITION We have been very pleased with the continuous success of our students. They have improved a great deal and we share their excitement with their families, friends, neighbors, and schoolmates. We appreciate your interest towards our programs and services. We are always very happy to welcome new students of all ages, levels, and instruments to the iMA. Please tell your friends about your experience with the International Music Academy. Do you know someone who is thinking of taking music lessons or who has children who may be interested in getting their hands on a musical instrument or singing? Do you know a teenager who needs a high school OAC credit? Do you know an adult who has wanted for a long time to learn how to play a musical instrument but has never had the time or inclination? Please tell them about the IMA. As an appreciation for your referral, we will give you a $30 credit for each new student who registers at the International Music Academy as a result of your referral. As we value your friends as much as we value you, we will offer to each referred student a $30 credit as well. COMPOSERS’ ANNIVERSARIES IN MARCH 1/03/1810 2/03/1824 4/03/1678 5/03/1953 7/03/1875 8/03/1869 16/03/1736 18/03/1844 21/03/1685 21/03/1839 25/03/1881 25/03/1918 26/03/1827 28/03/1881 28/03/1943 31/03/1732 Chopin was born Smetana was born Vivaldi was born Prokofiev died Ravel was born Berlioz died Pergolesi died Rimsky-­‐Korsakov was born JS Bach was born Mussorgsky was born Bartok was born Debussy died Beethoven died Mussorgsky died Rachmaninoff died Haydn was born Where you born or do you know someone who was born on the same day as these famous composers? Drop us e-­‐mail at [email protected] to let us know. FEATURED TEACHER OF THE MONTH Marina Grigoryan, M.Mus., B.Mus Piano Studies, Vocal Studies, Music Theory Mrs. Marina Grigoryan holds several degrees from the Russian Music Colleges and the Moscow State University. She taught various disciplines such as piano (Royal Conservatory of Music, classical, jazz, Broadway, and pop), voice, harmony, ear-­‐
training, improvising, composing as well as choir conducting and jazz ensembles. She possesses a vast knowledge and is very passionate about teaching music as part of creating well-­‐rounded students with freedom of self-­‐expression through music, strong technical skills and excellent performance habits. In addition to teaching at the International Music Academy, Mrs. Grigoryan is also on the faculty at Milton school of music and maintains a busy private studio. She is also a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Ms. Grigoryan was happy to answer a few questions for our students and parents: 1. What do you like most about teaching? It’s a two-­‐way process (between teacher and student of learning and development; process of achieving spiritual growth and mental growth through music; music at the same time acts as a goal/purpose and means/method... The teaching process should be fun while discovering the musical potential of each student. 2. How do you inspire students to practice more? I think just through love and shared interest towards music is possible to inspire students to practice and therefore to work. My motto/request to my students: today has to be better (both: quality and quantity) than yesterday. 3. What roles does performance play in student’s development? For me student's performance is not just a " litmus test " of their knowledge, practical skills and habits. Its a part of ''giving/ sharing" -­‐ a process of personality growth. 4. Who are your favourite composers? Rachmaninov, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and many others 5. What was the last piece of music (sheet music or a recording) you purchased for yourself? I like shopping (especially music). My last findings are: Claude Debussy -­‐ "Clair de lune", Franz Listz -­‐ ''Liebestraum No.3", George Gershwin -­‐ "Rhapsody in Blue" and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy -­‐ "Piano concerto No.1 in G minor, Op. 25. FEATURED STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Emma Ortiz What instrument do you play? I play the flute. How long have you taken lessons? I've been with the International Music Academy for about 7 months. Who are your favourite musical artists? My favorite musical artists are J.S Bach, Beethoven, Lindsey Sterling and The Chainsmoker. J.S. Bach is the greatest German composer of all time and musician of the Baroque age. While still young he mastered the violin, organ and is an excellent singer. Beethoven is the most classical musical artist and composer. What’s so amazing about Beethoven is he suffered hearing loss, which did not prevent him from composing more music. Lindsey Sterling is an American violinist, dancer, singer and composer. The Chainsmoker is a hip-­‐hop music group. What are your other hobbies, besides music? My other hobbies besides playing the violin are writing, reading books and painting. I also enjoy physical activities such as volleyball and soccer. Favorite food? Lasagna is one of my favourite foods that my mom cooks. I also like pepperoni and cheese pizza and Alfredo pasta topped with crunchy bacon. What is the coolest thing you’ve learnt in your lessons in the past three months? In the past three months I have learned to do vibrato. It is an effect to add expression to music, which is certainly for classical violin. I believe it is an essential technique for me to work on with my violin teacher Ms. Salome. Do you have any performance coming up? I am also a member of my school orchestra. We will be participating in the York Region Music Alive Festival on March 31, 2016. This is the largest music festival in York Region and I think this will be an excellent and educational experience for me. E-­‐mail to [email protected] a photo of yourself (or your child) together with the answers of the questions above. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month. We will feature you in one of the next issues of the newsletter. PET OF THE MONTH Send a photo of your pet together with following information and we will publish it in one of the next issues of the IMA newsletter. What is the name of your pet? How old is he/she? What kind of breed our pet is (if applicable)? How long have you had him/her for? Any special circumstances around getting the pet (i.e. a gift, foster pet, etc.)? The funniest story about you pet? Any special skills or abilities. Star Wars: The Musical Saga There’s a surprise awaiting us at the end of the movie: When Princess Leia, now promoted to leader of the Resistance, first appears, the scene is clearly marked by her theme: Example 5 — Leia by Aleksey Shegolev February 1, 2016 Star Wars, a saga that has gripped fans for almost forty years, is back on the big screen. Last December, the seventh installment, entitled The Force Awakens, was released in theatres across the city. For the first time since the first trilogy, corresponding to episodes IV, V and VI, audiences get to see the original heroes: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and even – in the final minutes of the film – Luke Skywalker. Apart from the lovable Chewy, the furry humanoid whose costume hasn’t aged, the characters show the marks of time. Still, you can’t help but be glad when Harrison Ford (Solo) appears onscreen in a remarkable moment. Towards the end of the first quarter of the film, Solo and his faithful companion enter, for the first time in years, the famous Millennium Falcon, the vessel that served them so well over the series. Their entrance is accompanied by the timeless leitmotif from the film’s main theme: Example 1 — The Main Theme I think that among the new ear-­‐catching themes in the movie, the most important is that of the Resistance: Example 6 — The Resistance It has a strong personality, great energy and an epic style. It appears at least three times: after Rey’s capture, when Finn and Solo try to repulse the attack by the troops of the First Order; in the scene that takes place on the military base of the Resistance; and when the Resistance leads a counter-­‐attack. A second major leitmotif, recurring at least five times, is Rey’s theme: Example 7 — Rey Music certainly plays a major part in the design of a movie, and the Star Wars theme is one of the most famous examples. But how has this music, written by none other than John Williams, become so popular? I will try to answer this by listing the main themes of the soundtrack, and relating them to the story. Having only seen the film once, in the comfort of a movie theatre, I cannot claim to be able to reproduce every detail that a second or third viewing would allow me to notice. However, I think I grasped the key themes in the musical score. This seventh chapter contains at least fifteen themes characteristic enough to stand out on the first viewing, and five of them were part of the preceding movies. First, there’s the main theme (example 1), presented right at the beginning. Next comes the theme of the Millennium Falcon: Example 2 — The Millenium Falcon Aboard the ship that used to belong to Solo we twice hear the Jedi theme: Example 3 — Jedi Later, when Kylo Ren, the new masked villain, speaks to the helmet of Darth Vader, his maternal grandfather, the soundtrack plays the first notes of the Imperial March: Example 4 — Imperial March FEATURED ARTICLE Sweet and tender, this reflects the heroine’s femininity – though she’s also as plucky as anyone. We hear it first on the near-­‐
deserted planet Jakku: Rey has managed to get a small ration of food, and has stopped to eat it. The theme recurs in other scenes: when she is captured, when Finn and Solo find her on board the enemy ship, when she says goodbye to Finn, and when she lands on the planet where Luke Skywalker has taken refuge. As for Kylo Ren, aspiring disciple of the dark side of the Force, he is assigned one or two themes (examples 8 and 9): Example 8 — First Kylo Ren Theme I only caught this theme twice: just after the beginning and at the point where Ren captures Rey, whereas the following (example 9) recurs more often: Example 9 — Second Kylo Ren Theme International Music Academy GIFT CERTIFICATE for new students only ONE FREE LESSON Finally, the theme of the First Order holds prime position in the soundtrack. Its rhythmic pattern recalls the Imperial March. Example 10 — Theme of the First Order The themes of both the Imperial March and the First Order have a military pulse inspired by the first movement of the famous Planets by Holst: “Mars.” Their rhythmic energy evokes the heaviness and rigidity of war. There are five other secondary themes studding the soundtrack, which has acquired an impressive number of admirers. Obviously, it’s the huge success of the movie that makes its music popular, not the other way round. Without the tremendous production work, the special effects, and the talent of the cast, John Williams’ music would not have attained such heights of popularity. But I do think his success is due to the clarity of his musical material, allied with brilliant orchestration. On top of that we have great economy of means so that the viewer’s attention doesn’t waver. The easily recognizable themes act as reference points in a huge sonic universe in which one’s attention would otherwise founder. Williams’s music is simple, clear and effective – much like many classical masterpieces. Call the IMA Office at 905.489.4620 to schedule your first lesson. Once scheduled, the lesson cannot be rescheduled. Cannot be
combined with any other offer. No refunds, no exchanges. Music is sooooooooo beuatiful!
Register for lessons by
March 15, 2016 and receive
$30 off
New students only.
Cannot be combined with any other offer.
REFER A NEW STUDENT and GET ONE FREE LESSON! To comment on this story or anything else you have read in the Newsletter, head over to the IMA Facebook page or message us on Twitter. When you refer a new student to the IMA, who registers for lesson, you will get one free lesson for every new student. So, if you refer the IMA to 2 new students, we will give you 2 free lessons; for 3 new students – 3 free lessons etc. Fill in the coupon below and leave it with the IMA Office administrator. Your name: ______________________________ Name of the new student: __________________ You can print or photocopy this coupon as many times as you need. Cannot be combined with any other offer.