"In music, it's not can you play this lick? Or what's your speed like? but more about what you are trying to express... what are you trying to say through your song?"
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-The Edge (U2)
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is different from any other instrumental program for string players. Our core values of innovation, creativity, and self-expression are central to our mission of helping young string players find and nurture their unique inner voice.
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We Deliver Our Program In 3 Formats:
01
Online Curriculum
02
LA Creative String Festival and competition
03
Teacher Training
"So we're at a point now when any students or teacher can purchase and perform some arrangement of a Rock/pop/hip-hop song like "Don't Stop Believing...
At SPLA, we're more interested in empowering students with the skillset to b able to make their version, their solo and eventually WRITE THE NEXT DON'T STOP"
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-Jacob Szekely (Founder)
The 5 Elemtents Of Our Approach
Rhythm And Groove
Rhythm is at the foundation of contemporary music. At SPLA, each class learns the drum patterns of different genres and how to recreate those grooves on their instrument. In addition, our eurythmics (music and movement) based curriculum helps students strengthen their connection to the groove.
Singer Songwriter Skills
At SPLA, we are committed to empowering each student by giving them the tools to write and arrange their own songs. In our program, students learn to read chord and rhythm charts, and Nashville numbers and the musical literacy necessary to sit in with bands and other nonclassical ensembles.
String Yoga
Our programs offer a series of breathing, movement, and meditation-based warmups that students perform at the instrument designed to alleviate the fear-based tension that is endemic in classical training.
Fingerboard Harmony and Ear Training
For over 200 years and up to the present day, the conservatory model has taught musical theory and harmony at the piano and the chalkboard. We believe that young musicians learn music (and their instruments) best by getting "getting their hands dirty" with their own instruments. At SPLA music theory, cords, scales, harmony is all taught at the instrument and in an improvisational setting so that students know why they are learning what they are learning and how to use it as a tool of self expression.
Improvisation
Improvisation and composition is at the heart of what we do.