STUDENT OF THE MONTH

1) Tell us about yourself! Ian is a music-loving person, who loves the arts. In addition to playing piano, he also dances and sings. He is in the magnet program at J. Wallace James Elementary School. He just danced in the Nutcracker for their winter 5th grade play. He also takes classes at Christian Youth Theater do voice. He truly loves any opportunity he gets to work in the arts.

2) What is your favorite hobby? He loves to read, dance, and record videos of himself performing.

3) What got you interested in music? We, his parents, noticed how he loved music when he would take his toy pianos and play theme songs he heard from his favorite cartoons. Then, we noticed his other music abilities, such as singing and dancing. We began by applying to the arts magnet school in Lafayette parish and then enrolling him in classes at Music Academy of Acadiana.

4) What has been the biggest thing you've discovered since starting music lessons with us? Ian has perfect pitch. Ms. Maria noticed he can name any note she plays on the piano without looking at the keys.

5) What is one of your life goals? To continue to work in the performing arts and maybe take his performing to another level. Who knows what could be in store for him.

6) Anything else you would like to mention?

Ian is a star not just because of his arts ability, but because of his sweet personality and how far he’s come in his music ability. Being a child with Autism brings some challenges. However, Ian continues to make progress and grow in his music and arts ability everyday.

7) What would you tell a friend about the Music Academy of Acadiana? I would say the Music Academy of Acadiana has been a safe space for Ian to grow his musical ability and I would recommend every parent consider having their child take lessons here. They will see their musical ability grow no matter what instrument or talent they pursue.

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