"Over the past year Ethan has matured so much and along with that his confidence has grown. We attribute his positive personal growth to his continued love for music and all that you have done to help him be successful. He actually wrote a song for us last week. He plugged in his amplifier, sat on the couch and played this great new melody for my entire family. We are so proud that our 8 year old son came up with this all by himself and he was clearly so proud too. Thank you for sharing your gifts of teaching and music Shawn. We are so grateful for you and your school."
- Amy Mohr, Blessed Trinity School
"Jamie is very patient and works well with the children. I have recommended him to other families who use him as well. They are just as satistfied as I am with him."
-DM, Holy Family School
"I think Lawrence is a great instructor and my daughter enjoys learning from him very much. I love that she is not only learning to play guitar but that she is learning to read music!"
-SD, Annunciation School
"I'm pleased with the program. It is accessible and convenient to us, being right after school. Dean (Dean Slickis) is an excellent teacher and very encouraging to the children."
-Parent, Cathedral Parish
"Jamie is doing an awesome job. He goes above & beyond with my daughter. He is very flexable with the schedule & he's a great teacher! "
-JU, in-home lessons
"Lawrence is relaxed and easygoing and has a lot of patience. The kids are never intimidated and like him a lot."
-John Canty, Annunciation School
"We love Sean. He is just the right person for our family."
-KD, in-home lesson
Please let us know if there is not a time available that fits your needs. We may be able to offer another solution.
In-Home Lessons, Click Here
Upcoming Events:
November 9th: Pump it Up, Family Fun Jump and Music Extravaganza. Come on out and get to experience numerous Musical Instruments and Music.
November 11th: Pump it Up, Tween Glow Night; FCSOM students will be performing
November 12th: Owner/ Director, Shawn Pfaffman will be performing at the St. John's River Blues Festival at 1:00pm. He will be promoting his New Release entitled, "pFamily". Please visit his website at www.shawnpfaffman.com for music, videos, pics, bio, etc... His new Album is avaiable on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, etc..
December 12th: Cedar Hills Baptist Christian School, Christmas Concert, 9:30am
We Make Learning Music Fun!!!
At the First Coast School of Music, we understand that each student is unique and has specific goals. This is why we customize our teaching to suit each individual's abilities and goals. Through commitment and practice, you can gain a valuable gift and have the pleasure to play for a lifetime.
Private Lessons $25/ week; Group Lessons $15/ week (each lesson is 30 minutes, once per week)
A Portion of the proceeds from After-care Lessons, in the school, are given back to the school. If music lessons are not offered in your school, please contact us.
Private Lessons are a great way for students to learn quickly.. The First Coast School of Music provides the best private music study in the area by selecting only the most highly qualified teachers. Every teacher has undergone rigorous screening and background checks
Our After School and In-Home Programs offer parents a convenient setting for their child's music instruction. We specialize in teaching children music and making it fun. Whether the goals are to perform in a symphony, play with friends or join the local choir, music leads to a more fulfilling life. Additionally, students that are participating in music study generally score higher on math and science tests.
Costs and Locations:
In-School or In-Studio $25/half hour
In-home $35/half hour (additional travel expenses may be added for areas outside of our teaching regions)
Group Lessons offer students an excellent way to learn in a fun environment with children their own age. We offer Group Lessons for Violin, Guitar and Voice. Please check Student Registration for available groups.
In-School or In-Studio $15/half hour
In-home $20/ half hour
Music Discovery is our PreSchool Program. This is a great class to introduce your child to Music.
We teach them about different instruments and the basics of Music.
They get the opportunity to play many different instruments each week.
ROCK BAND CAMP
Write and Record Your Song!!!!
Get Your Very Own CD!!!
Receive a Shirt!!!
Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Students bring lunch with Pizza provided on Friday
Ages 5-11 (all skill levels accepted, beginner to advanced)
Locations and Dates
Coming Soon!!!
Shawn Pfaffman, Owner BA, Auburn University
The most important thing is to Make Learning Music FUN!!!! There were 2 defining moments in my life as a musician and a teacher. When I was 13 years old, I wanted to stop taking piano lessons. My teacher convinced my parents to have me stick with it and to help, she got a Blues book. That made it fun for me again and I ended up studying Jazz Studies at Auburn University.
The 2nd moment for me was as a teacher some 10 years ago. I taught 2 brothers, one 8 and the other 12. The 8 year old was a sponge for music and absorbed everything I gave him. The 12 year old was much less enthusiastic about music lessons. After a couple of weeks with no improvement, I asked him what he liked in music. At the time, it was a "Boys 2 Men" song and I made an Easy Big-Note version of that song for him. Suddenly, he loved piano and practiced every week. The most important thing that I stress with our teachers is to "Make Learning Music Fun!!!!!!!!"
Sergio Valdes, University of North Florida, BA Music
Gary Murch, BA Music Berkelee College of Music; National Board Certified Teacher, Early and Middle Childhood Music
Kristin Kusic, Music Performance, Lee University; BS Music Business, Jacksonville University
Rafael Pinero, BA Music, Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music; MA Voice Performance, University of Illinois
Inna Bell University of North Florida, BA Elementary Education
Tom Bennett University of North Florida, BA Music Performance
Dean Allen Slickis Parson School of Design, NYC Jazz and Contemporary Music; Southwest Missouri State University, Jazz
Shawn Lightfoot, BA Music, East Carolina University
Jamie Hendrickson Jazz Studies, University of North Florida
Sean Etheredge University of North Florida Senior Jazz Performance Student
John Casey BA Elementary Education, Flagler University
Brittany Kaylor, BA Music Education, The University of Mississippi
Kathryn Eaton BA Music and Secondary Education, Freed-Hardeman University
Nico Lembo BA Music, University of North Florida
Lawrence Pfaff
Richard Sherrington, Wichita State University, Jazz Studies
Adam Wacht
“Every student in the nation should have an education in the arts.” This is the opening statement of “The Value and Quality of Arts Education: A Statement of Principles,” a document from the nation’s ten most important educational organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the National School Boards Association.
The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped in four categories:
* Success in society
* Success in school and learning
* Success in developing intelligence
* Success in life
- MENC: The National Association for Music Education
In addition, it plays a part in developing “children’s intellectual development.” The U.S. DOE also suggests one year of Visual and Performing Arts for college-bound high school students. (Source: Getting Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents of Students in the Middle and Junior High School Years, U.S. Department of Education, 1997)
The arts are one of the six subject areas in which the College Board recognizes as essential in order to thrive in college. (Source: Academic Preparation for College: What Students Need to Know and Be Able to Do, 1983 [still in use], The College Board, New York )
Students taking courses in music performance and music appreciation scored higher in the SAT than students with no arts participation. Music performance students scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math. Music appreciation students scored 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math. (Source: 1999 College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers, The College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, New Jersey)
According to the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, music students received more academic honors and awards than non-music students. A higher percentage of music participants received As, As/Bs, and Bs than non-music participants. (Source: NELS:88 First Follow-up, 1990, National Center for Education Statistics, Washington D.C.)
What to Expect from the Lessons
Music Lessons are meant to be fun which is why we call it "Playing Music". However, just like any
sport or activity, excelling at music requires Dedication and Hardwork.
Each child learns differently and improves in different ways.
Children younger than 8 , the physical aspect of playing an instrument is generally slower than older children. However, mentally they are able to learn music theory and notation very well. During this time, have your child show you the music theory and notation that they have learned in addition to their performing. Music is it's own language, and understanding and knowing this language is just as important as performing it. Encourage your child to practice regularly, in small increments each day. This repitition helps to build coordination and muscle memory. By the time your child's physical abilities have caught up, they will skyrocket because of the strong foundation that has been laid.
Children 8-11, Children in this age group tend to learn very quickly. Their motor skills are improving rapidly as is their cognitive development. During this time, children are able to easily apply the music theory that they learn to their playing. Regular practice is important to build muscle memory and to improve coordination.
12- Up With regular practice, this group excels rapidly. Regular practice is important to build muscle memory, dexterity, and a strong comprehension of the relationship between Music Theory and Performance.
Tips: Encourage your child to perform for you and show what they have learned. Observe the lessons so that you may help your child with their practice. Ask your teacher questions when unsure about the lesson. Be patient and supportive. Success in Music takes time, but lasts a lifetime.
Lessons: Instruments will be available at your lessons. However, it is best to learn and practice on your own instrument, so we recommend that your instrument is brought to each lesson. Each lesson will cover Music Theory, Technique and Performance. Our goal is to "Make Music Fun" and the activities and methods used are to fulfill that goal. A successful lesson requires that the student is prepared, attentive and having fun!!!
The First Coast School of Music
904-236-9700
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