Business Details
7 Years
experience
Expert Music Lessons for All Ages in Cleveland
Westlake Music Academy was founded in 2019 with a clear mission: to provide exceptional music education through a faculty of degreed, specialized instructors. Our team of 40 teachers serves over 650 students annually, offering instruction in 12 instruments while maintaining rigorous teaching standards through bi-monthly professional development sessions. We distinguish ourselves by rejecting crossover teaching, ensuring every instructor possesses deep expertise in their specific instrument. Our student-centered approach welcomes learners of all ages - from children as young as 4 to adults in their 80s - with 25% of our student body comprising adult learners.The academy's structured curriculum combines technical mastery with musical appreciation, evidenced by our students' achievements in international competitions and prestigious music programs. We maintain transparency through observation windows in all lesson rooms and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Our flexible scheduling accommodates modern lifestyles with month-to-month commitments and makeup classes, while our proven teaching methodology has produced measurable results: students demonstrate significant improvements in musical proficiency, academic performance, and personal development within months of enrollment.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Voice Training
Violin Instruction
Drum Classes
Viola Lessons
Cello Instruction
Flute Training
Ukulele Lessons
Bass Guitar
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- Our faculty requires minimum bachelor's degrees in their instrument specialty
- Bi-monthly teacher training sessions ensure pedagogical excellence
- 25% of students are adult learners with tailored instruction programs
- Zero crossover teaching policy maintains instrumental specialization
- Documented student success in international competitions and university placements
What people say
Knowledgeable instructors
Excellent teaching methods
Measurable student progress
Welcoming environment
Flexible scheduling
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano program develops technical mastery and musical expression through classical and contemporary approaches. Students learn proper hand positioning, sight-reading, and performance techniques while exploring diverse genres. With 220+ enrolled students, our curriculum accommodates beginners through advanced players, emphasizing foundational skills that transfer across musical disciplines. The program's success is evidenced by student placements in prestigious music programs and competition victories.
Guitar Lessons
Offering acoustic, electric, and classical guitar instruction for ages 6+, our program covers rock, blues, jazz, and classical styles. Students develop fingerboard knowledge, rhythmic precision, and improvisational skills through personalized lesson plans. The curriculum integrates music theory with practical application, preparing students for solo performances and ensemble playing. Our 150+ guitar students benefit from instructors with advanced degrees and professional performance experience.
Voice Training
This comprehensive vocal program teaches classical, musical theater, and contemporary styles to students aged 6+. Focus areas include breath control, vocal range expansion, and proper technique to prevent strain. With 100+ participants, the program has produced award-winning performers and prepared students for collegiate music programs. Instructors employ vocal science principles to safely develop each student's unique voice.
Violin Instruction
Our violin program combines Suzuki and traditional methods for ages 4+. Students develop proper bowing technique, intonation, and music reading skills while exploring classical repertoire. The curriculum emphasizes posture and injury prevention, with progression tracking through regular performance evaluations. Many graduates have joined youth orchestras and advanced to university music programs, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in nurturing technical proficiency.
Drum Classes
This percussion program teaches drum set, marching, and concert percussion techniques to ages 5+. Students master fundamental rudiments, hand-foot coordination, and reading drum notation while exploring various musical styles. The curriculum prepares students for both solo performances and ensemble playing, with advanced students focusing on improvisation and stylistic versatility. Our 650+ student body includes participants in school bands and youth orchestras.
People
James Flood
Founder & Director
Classical guitarist with 30+ years teaching experience, holding advanced degrees from Peabody Institute. Former instructor at Morgan State University and Gettysburg College, specializing in guitar pedagogy and performance.
Roma Bandza
Piano Faculty
Lithuanian-trained pianist with master's degree from State Conservatory Lithuania. Specializes in Russian piano tradition, teaching students from Children's Music School through university levels.
Joe Bonsignore
Guitar Faculty
Professional guitarist with multiple record deals, holding performance degrees. Specializes in rock, blues, and jazz styles while maintaining active performance career in Cleveland music scene.
Dr. Gary Graning
Piano Faculty
Piano pedagogy expert with 50+ years teaching experience, holding doctorate from Columbia University. Specializes in early childhood piano education and adult instruction techniques.
Mary Krason Wiker
Voice Faculty
Voice specialist with holistic teaching approach, holding performance degrees. Focuses on healthy vocal technique development for musical theater and classical repertoire.
Questions
What age can students begin music lessons?
Piano and violin students start as young as 4, guitar at 6, voice at 6, and drums at 5. We also offer adult instruction for all instruments.
Are parent observations allowed during lessons?
We encourage parental participation. All lesson rooms have observation windows and security cameras for transparency and safety.
What teaching methods do you use?
We combine Suzuki method for young children with traditional instruction for older students, emphasizing technical mastery and musical expression.
What lesson scheduling options are available?
Lessons are weekly with flexible times Monday-Friday 10-9 and Saturdays 10-4. Makeup classes available Fridays and Saturdays.
How are instructors qualified?
All teachers hold minimum bachelor's degrees in their instrument specialty with many possessing advanced degrees and professional performance experience.
What payment options do you offer?
Monthly payments at $36/half-hour lesson with $25 one-time registration fee. No long-term commitments required.
