Drew M. Hodis
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Hodis Learning & Music Celebrates 4 Years in Business! Message from the President

4th year Anniversary for Hodis Learning and Music

Last week, Hodis Learning & Music celebrated four years of business! I am so proud of how much our team has accomplished since our third anniversary.

Upholding a Tradition of Excellent Service and Giving Back

Four years ago, my team and I developed Hodis Learning & Music upon a philosophy of kindness and expertise. Every decision that our company has made has stemmed from and further promoted this philosophy. Our tradition of excellent service is strong and spreading throughout the Pasadena area. Check out how far we’ve come since our first business anniversary!

We have continued our philanthropic endeavors. We believe strongly in giving back to the educational systems that our students go through to enrich their education. As such, we have continued to give 20% of our profits to SPEF and PEF.


Our Expert Educators

Our expert tutors, music teachers, and art instructors are the backbone of our company. Our team of exceptional educators have helped give us a reputation of excellence and reliability in the community, and we are indebted to all of their hard work. Further, our team has grown substantially over the past year, helping to expand the number of subjects offered so we can serve more students in their academic, musical, artistic, and homeschool endeavors.


Trusted Collaborators

We are grateful for our trusted collaborators. Namely, we thank Nexusplex Business Production Agency and The South Pasadenan News for their help in building and advertising our company. Additionally, we are grateful for the partnership of SPEF and PEF, who have helped us to make a bigger impact on our community. Finally, we are grateful for the partnership of local school districts and organizations who have given us the opportunity to serve students in need.


Thank YOU!

Hodis Learning & Music would not be where it is today without our loyal clients and dedicated community of supporters. We are grateful for your business throughout the past three years. My staff and I look forward to continuing to serve you and our beautiful community in the coming years.

 

by
Drew M. Hodis
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Finding Your Artistic Style

Finding Your Artistic Style

Art is a powerful form of expression that allows students to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence. However, it can be easy for students to limit themselves to familiar mediums or techniques, which can hinder artistic growth. Below are some key benefits to exploring different artistic mediums and strategies to help students embrace trying something new.

1. Enhancing Creativity and Innovation

Trying new mediums and techniques allows students to discover unique new things. It encourages them to think outside the box and develop original approaches to their artwork. It may even unlock new ways for them to express themselves!

How to Encourage It:

  • Introduce a variety of art supplies, such as watercolor, acrylics, pastels, clay, and digital tools.

  • Organize creative challenges that push students to mix and match different techniques.

2. Developing Technical Skills

Each medium requires different techniques and skill sets. Experimenting with new materials helps students refine their technical abilities and become more versatile artists.

How to Encourage It:

  • Offer step-by-step tutorials on different techniques, like layering, blending, and sculpting.

  • Provide hands-on workshops where students can practice using new materials.

 

3. Building Confidence and Reducing Fear of Mistakes

Many students fear making mistakes, which can make trying new things uncomfortable and intimidating. Exploring different mediums helps them embrace the learning process and understand that mistakes can lead to creative breakthroughs.

How to Encourage It:

  • Reinforce the idea that art is a journey. Every piece, successful or not, contributes to growth.

  • Encourage students to revisit and rework old pieces using new techniques to see how their skills evolve.

 

4. Discovering Personal Artistic Style

By experimenting with multiple techniques, students can identify the mediums that resonate most with them, helping them develop a signature artistic style.

How to Encourage It:

  • Allow students to combine elements from various styles to create something unique.

  • Give students the freedom to explore without rigid guidelines, fostering independent artistic expression.

 

5. Expanding Career Opportunities

A well-rounded understanding of multiple mediums can open doors to various artistic careers, including illustration, graphic design, animation, and fine arts.

How to Encourage It:

  • Explore career paths that involve different artistic techniques.

  • Encourage students to create a portfolio showcasing their experiments and versatility.

 

Conclusion

Exploring different mediums and techniques fosters students’ creativity and confidence in their artistic journey. By providing exposure to various materials and opportunities for experimentation, students can develop their skillsets and their artistic voice. Ready to take the next step in your creative journey? Sign up for art lessons with Hodis Learning & Music and start exploring your artistic potential today! Call or submit a form on our website to get started.

by
Drew M. Hodis

Parent’s Guide to Supporting Young Musicians

Parent's Guide To Supporting Young Musicians

Nurturing a child’s interest in music can be one of the most rewarding experiences for both the child and the parent. Music enriches children’s lives, enhances their academic skills, and boosts their emotional well-being. Parents play a crucial role in supporting young musicians. Here are some practical tips to help you encourage and guide your child’s musical journey.

1. Create a Musical Environment

Surrounding your child with music can inspire their interest and creativity. Play different genres of music at home, attend live performances, and encourage your child to explore various musical styles. Having musical instruments readily available, even simple ones like tambourines or keyboards, can foster a hands-on connection to music.

2. Provide Quality Lessons

Finding a skilled and inspiring music teacher is essential. Look for instructors who have experience teaching children and can adapt their teaching methods to your child’s learning style. Whether through a local music school or online lessons, ensure that the teacher provides a structured yet flexible curriculum that keeps your child engaged and motivated. Hodis Learning & Music’s expert music teachers have years of experience inspiring young musicians.


3. Set a Practice Routine

Regular practice is key to musical progress. Help your child establish a consistent practice schedule that fits into their daily routine. Short, focused practice sessions are often more effective than longer, less frequent ones. Encourage your child to practice regularly but avoid making it a source of stress or pressure (see more tips for motivating your child to practice).


4. Be Involved

Show interest in your child’s musical activities by attending their lessons occasionally, asking about their progress, and listening to them practice. Your involvement demonstrates that you value their efforts and achievements. Celebrate their milestones, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.

5. Encourage Patience and Perseverance

Learning an instrument requires time and effort. Encourage your child to be patient with themselves and to understand that progress comes with practice and persistence. Help them set realistic goals and celebrate their improvements, no matter how gradual. Teaching them to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes will foster resilience.


6. Foster a Love for Music

While technical skills are important, fostering a genuine love for music is equally crucial. Encourage your child to explore music they enjoy, whether it’s classical, jazz, rock, or pop. Allow them to choose pieces they want to learn and create opportunities for them to perform in low-pressure settings, like family gatherings or school events.

7. Provide the Right Tools

Ensure that your child has access to a good quality instrument that is appropriate for their size and skill level. Poor-quality instruments can be discouraging and hinder progress. Additionally, provide any necessary accessories, such as sheet music, metronomes, or music stands, to support their practice and learning. See also: choosing the right instrument.

8. Balance Music with Other Activities

While it’s important to encourage your child’s musical pursuits, it’s also essential to maintain a balance with other activities. Ensure they have time for schoolwork, hobbies, and socializing. A well-rounded routine helps prevent burnout and keeps their interest in music alive.

9. Encourage Peer Interaction

Playing music with others can be a highly motivating and enriching experience. Encourage your child to join a school band, orchestra, or local music group. Participating in ensemble playing helps develop teamwork skills, musicality, and provides a sense of community.

10. Seek Professional Guidance

If your child shows a serious interest in pursuing music, seek guidance from their music teacher or a professional musician about potential pathways and opportunities. They can provide valuable advice on advanced training, auditions, and even career options in music. For those pursuing music college, consider signing up for our Music School Preparation and Audition Training Workshop.

Takeaways

Supporting a young musician is a journey that requires patience, encouragement, and involvement. By creating a nurturing musical environment, providing quality lessons, and fostering a love for music, you can help your child develop their musical talents and enjoy a lifelong appreciation for the art. Remember, your support and enthusiasm play a vital role in their musical growth and overall development.

by
Hodis Learning & Music

The Benefits of Performing Music in a Group

The Benefits Of Performing Music In A Group

Playing music is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with hours spent practicing alone. However, one of the most enriching and joyful experiences a musician can have is playing music in a group. Whether it’s a band, orchestra, choir, or small ensemble, making music with others brings a host of benefits that extend beyond musical growth. Here’s a look at why playing music in a group is a joyful and transformative experience.


Building Stronger Connections

Music is a universal language that fosters deep connections between people. When musicians come together to play, they must communicate and collaborate, often non-verbally, to create a cohesive performance. This collaboration builds camaraderie and trust, forming bonds that can last a lifetime. Playing in a group allows musicians to share their passion and work towards a common goal, creating a sense of belonging and community.


Enhancing Musical Skills

Playing in a group requires listening carefully to others, blending sounds, and maintaining rhythm and tempo. These skills are essential for any musician and are honed through group practice. Musicians learn to adjust their playing to match the group, improving their timing, tuning, and dynamic control. The challenge of synchronizing with others pushes musicians to a higher level of precision and musicality.


Broadening Musical Horizons

Group playing exposes musicians to a wider range of repertoire and styles than they might encounter on their own. In a group setting, musicians often play pieces they wouldn’t choose for solo practice, broadening their musical knowledge and appreciation. This diversity can inspire new ideas and techniques, enriching the individual musician’s skill set and creativity.


Learning Teamwork and Discipline

Playing in a musical group teaches important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. Musicians must be punctual, prepared, and committed to regular rehearsals. They learn to value their contributions and understand how their part fits into the larger whole. These lessons in cooperation and dedication are invaluable and transferable to many areas of life.


Experiencing Emotional Fulfillment

The emotional impact of playing music in a group is profound. Sharing the highs and lows of the musical journey with others creates a powerful emotional connection. Group performances often lead to a deep sense of accomplishment and joy, as musicians witness the culmination of their collective effort. The shared experience of creating something beautiful together can be incredibly fulfilling and uplifting.

Boosting Confidence and Reducing Anxiety

Performing in a group can boost a musician’s confidence. The support and encouragement of fellow musicians can alleviate the anxiety often associated with solo performances. Knowing that others are playing alongside them can make musicians feel more secure and less isolated. This increased confidence can positively influence other areas of their lives, fostering a greater sense of self-assurance.


Enjoying the Unique Sound of Ensemble Music

There is something uniquely satisfying about the sound of a group of musicians playing together. The rich, layered textures of ensemble music create a more complex and engaging auditory experience than solo performances. The harmony and interplay of different instruments and voices produce a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts, providing a powerful and immersive listening experience for both performers and audiences.

Takeaways

Playing music in a group is a multifaceted experience that benefits students beyond simply improving their skills. It fosters connections, enhances skills, broadens horizons, and teaches valuable life lessons. The emotional and social benefits of group music-making create a sense of fulfillment and joy that is hard to replicate in solo practice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, joining a group can transform your musical journey and enrich your life in countless ways. So, pick up your instrument, find a group, and discover the profound joy of making music together.

While group performance is a crucial element of music education, there is still so much more to learn. Start your child’s musical journey today with Hodis Learning & Music! Call or email us today to sign up for lessons.