Musicologie has won Best in Music Instruction in Columbus Parent Magazine Family Faves reader survey for the fifth year in a row! And that makes me so happy, and a little nostalgic. Well, a lot nostalgic, actually. I remember when my oldest was really little and we were less encumbered by schedules, we ventured out everyday. We were regulars at … Read More
Blog - Musicologie® Lewis Center - Simply Delightful Music Lessons
Articles and blog posts about music education, our curriculum and philosophy, and helpful info so you can get the most out of your music lessons. If you're not a current student and would like to get started with lessons, sign up for an assessment here.
TRY OR TRY NOT. THERE IS NO DO.
Try or Try Not. There Is No Do. Changing your child’s vocabulary towards hard things Yoda said “Do or do not. There is no try.” He was wrong. Sorry, Yoda. There is ONLY try. So so often, the language our little learners use towards the things they are trying to do, gives them the wrong expectations for themselves. If we … Read More
Meet Nia Dewberry M.M.
Several studies conducted over the past decade show a disproportionate rate of BIPOC musicians in orchestras, on the conductors podium, in arts administration, and nearly all other areas of the classical music world. Fresh out of completing a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance at The Ohio State University, I’m excited to introduce you all to Dayton, Ohio native … Read More
Everyone’s Very Own TMBG and Weird Al Yankovic!
It’s probably not actually that hard to believe, but I was an extremely dedicated fan of both They Might Be Giants and Weird Al Yankovic growing up. I memorized every lyric, went to their concerts, bought their discography, and even learned to sing/play “Birdhouse in Your Soul”, “Ana Ng”, “One More Minute”, “The Saga Begins” along with so many other … Read More
Dublin Student Feature: Introducing Everett, Master of the Keys!
This week, we’re featuring one of our youngest students at Musicologie Dublin: the fabulous Everett, who is four years old! Everett started his journey at Musicologie with Miss Kay Barker in our Musicologie Junior class for toddlers and their adults. It was here that he started to develop an interest in the accordion! Now in weekly private lessons, Everett is … Read More
Why I Love Listening to Music
This summer, I’ve been growing a vegetable garden. My students already know this – I can never resist sharing what kind of tomatoes or peppers have been getting ripe, or what kind of critters have been taking bites out of my lettuce plants. Like any proud plant parent, I wonder every day if I’ve given them enough water. And it … Read More
Musicologie Cleveland Heights Opens in Partnership with Longtime Local Studio Owners
CLEVELAND, September 1, 2020 – Musicologie Cleveland Heights opens September 1, 2020 at 3473 Fairmount Boulevard, the latest venture for owners Kevin and Pat Richards who have been leading in the field of music education in the Heights area for over three decades. In partnership with Columbus-based Musicologie, the 32-year old Fairmount Music School will be entirely rebranded and reorganized. … Read More
Sight Reading Isn’t the Enemy!
I have a confession to make: I used to be a terrible sight reader. Reading a new piece of music on the spot, without the aid of my ear, was a special kind of torture for me as a young pianist. My brain would shut down, my hands would freeze, and it felt as though I was trying to read … Read More
A Weekend of Student Concerts at Musicologie Lewis Center
This past weekend we celebrated nearly 40 Musicologie voice and piano students in concerts. Saturday members of my own voice studio presented our Second Annual Summer Musical Theatre Cabaret and Sunday afternoon, voice and piano students of Hannah Bullock came together to present their Summer Recital. Preparing for concerts and recitals under normal circumstances can be challenging, (let alone during … Read More
DIY Dice Game
Developing Musicianship Skills Through Play For years, I struggled with rhythm and basic musicianship skills. As a singer, I heard very early on in college from classmates that “singers are stupid,” because our musicianship skills are typically no where near as developed as our instrumentalist counterparts. Oftentimes, I found that my more successful voice colleagues who were often time whizzes … Read More
“Where is My Mind?” – New video from Musicologie teacher band O.R.B.!
Musicologie Dublin and Grandview teacher Matt Murphy is a musician of many talents; in addition to being an experienced percussion and piano teacher, he also is a prolific composer, arranger, performer, and – most recently – music video creator! Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of O.R.B. (The Obscure Reference Band): a group of music educators who come together … Read More
Rubber Duck Code Debugging Our Music-Making
Drawing Parallels Between Music and Code Debugging This month I’ve had the privilege of completing a Performance Psychology course online with Dr. Noa Kageyama of the Bulletproof Musician. I began the class fully anticipating having heard of or used several tactics for addressing performance anxiety – the main area I was hoping to gain knowledge in – but I’ve learned … Read More
Socially Distant But Emotionally Connected
My voice student Cynthia Vaughn is an absolute treasure and highlight of my Saturday mornings. Cynthia shines with a bright positivity, great ambition, and willingness to explore, as we work through all facets of her voice. Whether it’s bringing in original material or giving us a heartfelt rendition of “Close to You”, she always has a game plan. And I … Read More
At Home Learning: Insight from a Musicologie Instructor
With the school year quickly approaching, many parents and students alike are concerned with the challenges at home learning may pose. Regan, a voice and piano instructor at our Grandview and Westerville locations, gave us a bit of insight into her own experience with homeschooling and how it impacted her journey as an individual, a student, and a musician. What … Read More
What’s In A Space: The Importance of Where We Create
Anyone who has stepped into my room at the Lewis Center studio (or room 4 at the Grandview studio prior to my embarking on co-ownership of a studio) knows instantly the emphasis that I place on having a space that feels like art is meant to be created inside of it. From gifts that students have given me over the … Read More
Thinking Beyond the Score: How to Explore Your Favorite Songs by Ear
Learning to read music is an extremely valuable part of learning to play an instrument. But what about learning to play a song you enjoy listening to on the radio? Sure, there are many resources out there where you can find sheet music arrangements of popular songs by professionals and enthusiasts (Musicnotes.com and Musescore, to name a few). But what … Read More
Conquering Performance Anxiety: a Pianist’s Perspective
Performing is one of the most important components of being a musician. It provides a tangible goal for our practice, and it allows us to share and celebrate our art with our loved ones. Although live music may not be so common during the COVID-19 pandemic, at Musicologie, we frequently host Virtual Student Concerts to help our students continue to … Read More
Six Days of the Week, You’re Your Own Teacher
The Importance of Effective Practice Habits from a Voice Teacher’s Perspective, Part One One of the most common questions I find new students asking is, “What should I practice?” or “How should I practice?” The simplest response is, “The songs we’re working on, of course.” But what of practicing where to breathe, or developing consistency in the performance of the … Read More
Musicologie Nominated for Best Music Instruction in Columbus
For the FIFTH year in a row, Musicologie has been nominated for best music instruction in Columbus by Columbus Parents Magazine! Help us clinch the title by voting here by Aug 5: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8YHYSR8 You don’t have to vote in every category, just go to number 28 and vote for Musicologie! Thanks for your support!
Musicologie Westerville Welcomes Ellen Losey!
Meet Musicologie Westerville’s newest voice and beginning piano instructor, Ellen! With previous experience working with choirs and teaching private lessons, Ellen is a wonderful and exciting addition to our Musicologie team. She received her Bachelor’s of Music from Illinois Wesleyan University and is currently working towards obtaining her Master’s in Voice Pedagogy with a Singing Health Specialization from The Ohio … Read More
Virtual Concert this Friday: Featuring the Musicologie Dublin Rock Band!
Last month, Musicologie Dublin’s Rock Band got the chance to reunite for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a series of socially distanced rehearsals (complete with masks, open doors, and a ton of space between each member – the whole shebang!), the band will be giving their very first performance at this Friday’s Virtual All-Star … Read More
What It’s Like to Be A Black Small Business Owner
What is it like being a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) small business owner? So many things, but to fully understand the magnitude of what it means to me, I want to share with you my story. I grew up on the westside of Columbus (Hilltop), where breaking the cycle of poverty and substance abuse just didn’t seem … Read More
Teacher Feature: Hannah Bullock
This week we’re featuring the multi-talented vocalist, pedagogue, pianist, and voice actress, Hannah Bullock! Hannah completed her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance & Pedagogy at Ohio University in Athens where she served as a graduate teaching associate and accompanist, and she also possesses a Bachelor of Music in Music Technology from Capital University. Most recently, Hannah has been … Read More
Teacher Feature: Matt Patti
Matt Patti is an absolute treasure of our Grandview location. A vocalist and pianist hailing from Dublin, Ohio, Matt holds degrees in both Music and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University. With an extensive background in classical voice, studying under Professor Loretta Robinson, Matt is also our go-to for his breadth of knowledge, passion and experience in musical theatre … Read More
From accordion to marimba – we teach more than piano at Musicologie Dublin!
While we’re still your number one source for awesome piano, voice, guitar and drum lessons in Dublin, we also offer a variety of less common instruments! We have teachers who specialize in woodwinds, brass, marimba/percussion, and even accordion! Pictured above: accordion student Barb works on a new song to play for Columbus’s renowned German singing society, the Columbus Maennerchor. We’d … Read More
Teacher Feature: Erik Meininger
Meet Erik, one of our incredible piano, percussion, and drum set instructors here at Musicologie Westerville! Erik studied music at Ohio Northern University and has been the principal percussionist with the New Albany Symphony Orchestra since 2010 and is also a percussionist with the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra. He is an active performer in Central Ohio and performs with groups such … Read More
Composition and Arrangement Class!
Group Class Time: Wednesday, July 15th, 6:30pm We want to hear your songs! In this class led by Nick Terelle and Matt Murphy, we’ll be listening to your original songs as well as covers or arrangements of tunes you’ve worked on with your teachers. Mr. Nick and Mr. Matt have three collective decades in composition and arranging and specialize in … Read More
Teacher Feature: Renée Holzmeier
Renée is one of our amazing voice and beginning piano instructors here at Musicologie Westerville! She began taking voice and piano lessons at a young age from the Cincinnati Music Academy and later graduated from Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where she received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. While at CCM, Renée was awarded the John Lehman Award for … Read More
So, you want to write a song?
“The whole point is just trying.” Sam Bodary has released two records and toured internationally with Hello Emerson. He’s a gem of the Columbus music world and ready to explore lyric writing and chord progressions with you! This series is open to students of any ability level. Each class is limited to just 5 people, so sign up soon! Register … Read More
Student Feature: Jeffrey Book of First Cognate
Since March of 2019, Jeffrey Book has made continuous progress as a student at Musicologie — first at our Grandview studio, and now at our Lewis Center location studying with Community Manager and Teacher of Voice & Piano, Justin Swain. Earlier this year, Jeffrey released a music video for his single, “One Good Day” and today made his Spotify debut … Read More
Teacher Feature: Regan Tackett
We are so lucky to have voice/piano teacher Regan Tackett with us! In addition to teaching at our Grandview and Westerville locations, Regan performs weekly at Broad Street Presbyterian Church as a Soprano soloist and section leader. Regan got her Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance from Oakland University, and her Masters in Voice Pedagogy from The Ohio State University. Some … Read More
Keeping it safe during in-studio lessons!
Our Musicologie Dublin teachers are hard at work making sure everyone has a great lesson experience – whether in-person or online. For our in-person students, we are sanitizing all instruments and shared surfaces between every lesson, and all instructors are wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance while teaching. Pictured above: Our awesome piano and voice student Noni keeps it … Read More
Teacher Feature: Robert Mason
Our piano teacher Robert Mason, has been with Musicologie since we opened in 2014! Here he is teaching an online lesson with one of his students! ✌️ Robert has a background in jazz piano, graduating from OSU with a BM in Jazz Studies and a minor in Music, Media and Enterprise. Robert has studied privately with legends Mark Flugge, Dave … Read More
Dublin Teacher Feature: Welcome, Doug Neel!
Musicologie Dublin is thrilled to welcome our newest guitar instructor, Doug Neel! He will also be joining the staff at our Westerville sudio. Doug has over 17 years’ experience as a university guitar professor and specializes in both performance and education, for beginners and seasoned professionals alike. He is well-versed in a plethora of styles including jazz, classical, and rock, … Read More
Musicologie Westerville Welcomes Doug Neel!
We are excited to welcome Doug Neel, our newest guitar, bass, and brass teacher, to the Musicologie Westerville team! Doug teaches at our Dublin location and we are thrilled to have him at Westerville as well. With an extensive background in performance and education, Doug is an incredible addition to our team. He attended the Capital University Conservatory of Music … Read More
We’re Back in the Studio!
? And we’re officially back in our spacious studio for both socially distanced in-person lessons as well as remote online lessons! ? Here Voice & Piano Teacher Hannah Bullock is working with one of her students in an online lesson in her room. ? Ready to start lessons or want to learn more? Visit our website at http://www.lewiscenter.musicologielessons.com/get-started/ ??☺️
RE-OPENING: Musicologie’s Guidelines for In-Person Lessons
Below is a letter I wrote to Musicologie students back in May about our re-opening plans and how we’re working to stay safe as we restart some in-person lessons. Currently we are offering a limited schedule of in-person lessons. As time goes on and guidelines change, this post will be updated. Current Guidelines for In-Person Lessons The lobby will be … Read More
One Year of Our Lewis Center Studio
Today marks one year since we received the keys to what would become home to a thriving community of music-explorers in Lewis Center! The past year has been a whirlwind of experiences, full of overcoming challenges through inventive endeavors and having a lot of fun doing so. Over the past year we’ve hosted 20+ free group classes, collectively taught 3,200+ … Read More
What’s In a Mission Statement? Why We Have One and What it Means to Us
Our mission statement has guided us in unexpected ways.
$4381! How Our Student Community Stepped Up to Support Our Teachers
Our student community stepped up to give lessons to students affected by covid-19 and keep teachers working.
Musicologie Junior Goes Virtual
This past week we had our first two virtual Musicologie Junior classes and they were so. much. fun! It’s very similar to our usual classes, with dancing, singing, reading music books and as much interaction as possible! All you have to do is register here (For FREE by the way) and your little one can sign and dance along with … Read More
April Music at Home Calendar
We know you’re stuck at home, so we created the Musicologie Music at Home Calendar so your family can stay engaged and keep making music together. It has links to fun things to do, instruments to make, and more. Download the pdf and complete as much as you can >>
Why Music is Important, Especially During a Crisis
As music teachers, we are all so fortunate that by the very nature of what we do, we have the opportunity everyday to embody what we believe. At the very heart of the philosophy that drives Musicologie forward is the idea that music is a critical part of human experience. And learning to make music can be one of the … Read More
Online Lessons: Tips For Students
We just started online lessons at Musicologie, but we’ve already taught more than 800 since we rolled them out last week! Online lessons can be a great, convenient way to attend a lesson if you’re out of town, a child is sick and you need to stay home, or if you don’t have any quality teachers near you. I’ve collected … Read More
March Music at Home Calendar
We know you’re stuck at home, so we created the Musicologie Music at Home Calendar so your family can stay engaged and keep making music together. It has links to fun things to do, instruments to make, and more. Download the pdf and complete as much as you can >>
Musicologie Switches to Video Lessons
Today we are making the decision to temporarily change how we offer lessons. We think it’s important that we do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, so we are moving exclusively to video lessons. Lessons will no longer be at our studios. Instead, all lessons will be held via Zoom video call. Students should follow these steps to … Read More
UPDATE: Video Lessons + COVID-19
We know there’s a lot of uncertainly around COVID-19 right now, school are closing and activities are being canceled. We want to make sure you stay healthy and can continue your music education without interruption. Our in-studio one-on-one lessons will continue as usual, but we have new option if you prefer not to come to the studio: Video Lessons Video … Read More
We Invented a Holiday: Free Lessons Week
Last fall we had a weekly Musicologie meeting that went something like this: “Hey I have an idea. What if we have a week where we offer free lessons for absolutely everyone?” “That’s crazy” “How much will it cost?” “Will people care?” “Can our scheduling software even do that?” “Why?” Well, it’s happening, and we’re calling it Free Lessons Week. … Read More
2019 Our Year in Review
2019 was a year of testing our ideas. Could we find and hire enough new teachers who shared our ideals? Did our new software provide a better experience for teachers and students? We made big management changes. Did they allow us to serve students more effectively? Could we replicate what we built in Grandview and Westerville again in Dublin and … Read More
Five Years of Musicologie
Musicologie is five years old this month. We began in our humble Grandview space, with no recording studio, no blue doors, no signs, no computer, a worn concrete floor and two teachers: Kay and me. Now, five years later we’re still here and working hard with four locations, three recording studios and fifty teachers. The Why When we moved into … Read More
We’re Doing a Discount!
We rarely do discounts. I could write a whole blog post on why we don’t, but I’ll save that for later. Because right now, this month, we have a discount! We’re hosting three different open houses at Musicologie Dublin, Westerville, and brand new Lewis Center. It’s our first time doing this and to celebrate, lessons are $100/mo for the first … Read More
Why (and How) Musicologie is Building New Teaching Studios
When my wife Kay and I started Musicologie in 2014, there was no career path for private music teachers. Sure, you could teach with a local studio, but pay was low, community and support were non-existent, and there was no upward mobility or security. So what did we do? We opened Musicologie. Musicologie’s Beginning Our goal was to build a … Read More
Why I’m Taking a Break From Academia to Open Musicologie Lewis Center
Graphic by katemangostar After completing a Bachelor’s degree in music and enrolling as a graduate student at Ohio State to pursue a dual-Masters program in vocal performance and pedagogy, I faced a question every college-trained musician faces: What’s going to happen after I finish graduate school? Apply for a doctoral program? Complete an Artist Diploma? Enter the audition circuit for … Read More
How to Make Kids Excited to Play a Song Over and Over with Emotion Cards
Young kids often have trouble playing one piece of music more than a couple times during a lesson or practice session. It gets boring to play a song again and again and they lose interest quickly. But repetition is how we learn! So what do we do? The trick is to figure out how to make playing a song fun … Read More
How to Find the Right Piano For Practice at Home
A piano can be a big investment when you’re just starting lessons. I often have students ask me for advice in choosing the right one. So I’ll take you through all of your options to help you find the right piano/keyboard for your needs and budget. You Don’t Need Full Size Piano What? You don’t need a full size piano? … Read More
2018 Our Year in Review
2018 was a year of huge transitions. We basically spent the whole year reorganizing, spending money on lawyers, and learning how to be a multi-studio company. We opened a new studio, totally revamped our prices and policies, and switched software companies. We learned A LOT. And we stretched ourselves waaaay too thin. Kyle (our business partner) and I were both … Read More
What Age Should My Child Start Music Lessons?
When should you start your child in music lessons? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. In fact, there are many teachers who won’t accept a student who is under the age of 7 – or sometimes even 9. Others begin lessons as early as 3! How can you know what age is right for your child? And which … Read More
The Methods Behind Musicologie Junior
At Musicologie we’ve always focused on developing young beginners’ native musical instincts through consistent, structured exposure and group participation. Learning music is like learning a language. Immersion and experiential learning, especially at a very young age, is key. Musicologie Junior introduces concepts, rhythms, melodies, as well as body movement and motor skills in a way that’s appropriate for a wide … Read More
2017 Year in Review
2017 was an exciting year for us and so we put together some numbers to share with you our first ever year in review. We hired 15 new teachers. We enrolled 393 new students. We taught 9735 lessons. We had 12 student concerts. We bought 6 new pianos. We provided 13 scholarships. We opened one new Musicologie.