Interviewed and written by Elizabeth Chan
05/20/21

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When I asked my fellow teacher, Maribel, if she had an outstanding student to feature, she wasted no time telling me about Lucia Gideon. Lucia is a Sophomore at Linden High School, and a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for musical theatre. Lucia’s passion and clear splendor in music is what makes Sayla’s efforts worthwhile. Please take a listen to her recorded performance above and read her interview below!

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1. How old are you?
   I am 16 years old.

2. What instruments do you play?
   I play the trombone, flute, and sing.

3. How long have you been playing your instruments?
   I have been playing the flute for six years, the trombone for four years, and I have been singing for two years.

4. When did you decide to start taking lessons?
   I started taking singing lessons in January of this year. 

5. What is your favorite part about learning music?
   My favorite part of learning music is getting to see the joy it brings to people.

6. Who are some of your favorite recording artists or bands?
   Some of my favorite artists and bands include Marina Lambrini, Fall Out Boy, Brendon Urie, and Bebe Neuwirth.

7. How much do you practice each week?
   I practice for 4-5 hours each week.

8. Do you have any advice on effective ways to practice? If so, what is it?
   My advice to practice effectively would be to be unafraid to put your entire soul into it so you get a powerful sound, and to mark and review your music constantly.

9. Do you like performing in front of others?
   I really enjoy performing in front of others, of course, there are bound to be some nerves, but the feeling I get afterwards makes up for it. I enjoy seeing people's reactions.

10. What are some of your musical goals this year?
    A goal for this year is to successfully perform in the musical Chicago at the end of June. I have been preparing for it for the past year and a half, due to it being delayed from Covid, and I cannot wait to get up on that stage and give my heart to the performance.

11. What do you like to do when you're not playing music?
    When I am not playing music, I like to play volleyball, run track, and spend time with my family and cats.

Interviewed and written by Elizabeth Chan
03/15/21

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The Lodi community is filled with hard-working talent— from musicians, to artists, and scholars. Sayla is lucky to have found such talents, especially within one person. Meet Omid, a 14-year-old musician, painter, and programmer! He is currently studying piano at Sayla and has previously performed with Sayla’s youth orchestra. His passion is made evident by his avid posts on his Instagram account, with videos and photos relating to painting, art, and music. It is clear that Omid makes an impact in the Sayla community— and the person who can vouch for that statement the most is his teacher, Chase Loeb. Chase had this to say about Omid:

“Omid has been studying with me for almost a year, completely online. It has been so amazing to witness the growth, musicality, and sensitivity this student displays while learning about music. He has attempted and passed both level 4 and level 5 of the Royal Conservatory of Music program during this year and I couldn't be prouder as a teacher! Hats off to a talented student! “

Read and watch the interview below to find out what makes Omid stand out!

How old are you?

I am 14 years old.

How long have you been playing piano?

Since November 2018.

Why did you choose to play piano?

I started to play violin a few years ago, but really liked the piano and the way it sounded. My mom also liked the piano and encouraged me to take lessons.

What made you initially choose to play violin?

I liked that it was portable and I could play for my family. I also wanted to play in an orchestra, and violins are a necessary part of orchestras.

How many orchestras have you played in?

I played in the Sayla Youth Orchestra and Millswood Middle School Orchestra. I played with the Sayla youth for the Stockton Symphony event, as well!

When did you decide to start taking one on one lessons?

In 2018, I started out taking one on one lessons when I first started, but also played in ensembles shortly after that.

What is your favorite part about learning music?

It's enjoyable to play and listen to. It’s also like learning another language.

Besides music, do you speak any other languages?

I speak two languages, Persian and English.

Who are some of your favorite recording artists or bands?

I like to listen to Beethoven, Chopin, Bach, and also many movie scores.

How much do you practice each week?

On a regular day, I practice one hour for a new song and 30 minutes for a song I have already learned.

What is some practice advice that you can give to other students?

Listen to the song and play slowly with a metronome.

Do you like performing music?

Yes, because I like to show my talents to others.

What is one of your musical goals for this year?

My goal is to pass the level 7 Royal Conservatory of Music test. I want to pass level 10 in the next four years.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing music?

I love to paint, read books, play outside, 3D print, learn about programming and coding.

How long have you been painting?

Since I can remember. I have always loved art.

Are there similarities between painting and music?

I am able to express my feelings through both of them. It makes me feel calm.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in learning music?

Practice every day and enjoy the music. Use it to focus, be calm and patient.

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Want to be featured? Send your video highlight to info@saylamusicacademy.com!

Interviewed by Carol Ann Loeb
Written by Elizabeth Chan
02/18/21

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As a group of music teachers, we have a very special and unique opportunity to work closely with creative, young minds. Furthermore, we get to dive in— explore the “hows” and “whys” of their inner mechanism. It is a true privilege to see art and technique blossom and grow.

As one of Charlotte’s teachers, I have the distinct honor of teaching, not only a growing young musician, but a wonderfully smart, multi-talented, impeccably well-mannered young lady. While that description may seem over-the-top, I believe that students like Charlotte are the best that Sayla has to offer.

How old are you?

11

How long have you been playing piano and violin?

I have been playing piano for 5 years and violin for about 4 years.

Why did you choose to play piano?

It seemed like an interesting instrument and my mom used to play.

Why did you choose to play violin?

My grandma bought me a violin for Christmas and I really liked playing it.

When did you decide to start taking one on one lessons?

I started lessons right around when I first started playing piano.

What is your favorite part about learning music?

I like being able to play the songs I have learned for my friends and family.

Have you ever played with a group ensemble or band before?

I played the violin during Fine Arts Night at school with my class.

Who are some of your favorite recording artists or bands?

I like Panic at the Disco, Billie Eilish, and Halsey

How much do you practice each week?

I practice 5 days a week, for 30 minutes, for both piano and violin.

Do you like performing music?

Yes, I like sharing songs I have learned.

What is one of your musical goals for this year?

I really want to learn songs from current artists. I practice them in my free time.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing music?

I like to draw and play games with my friends.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in learning music?

Don’t rush to get it done, take as long as you need to learn the music.

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Want to be featured? Send your video highlight to info@saylamusicacademy.com!

Interviewed by: Carol Ann Loeb

I am continuously amazed at the talented and dedicated students that thrive at Sayla Music Academy! We are all part of a vibrant assortment of unique individuals that offer their own talent and personality. Each person is like a thread that is woven together and makes the colorful fabric of our unique community. 

As soon as you enter the front door at Sayla, you are greeted with the buzzing sound of music making. As you make your way to your teacher’s studio, you may hear piano scales on the right and then follow the sound of a tuning violin and a strumming guitar as you walk up the stairs. Do you ever wonder who is playing the music behind the closed classroom doors when you come to your lessons each week?

Sayla would like to take the opportunity to highlight students and their musical journeys. This amazing and dedicated student is in Jim Miksche’s guitar studio. Maybe you will recognize his playing and get to know one more person who is behind the classroom door.

Student Spotlight : Zander Graddy

How old are you? 

16

Why did you choose to play guitar?

I played flute and saxophone before but wanted to try a stringed instrument, and my dad used to play guitar as a kid, too.

How long have you played guitar?

6 years

Why did you decide to start taking one-on-one lessons?

October of 2017 when I noticed self-teaching was becoming repetitive and boring.

What is your favorite part about learning music?

My favorite part about learning music is that I can approach things the way that I want and I can really express myself in music. I feel that tone is all in the fingers and soul of how you play.

What is your favorite genre of music?

Jazz and Heavy Metal

If you could play guitar with any musician/band, what would it be?

If I could play with any band it would be Ozzy Osbourne when he had Randy Rhoads [as guitarist.]

On average, how much do you practice each week?

Around an hour a day, so 7 hours a week. Sometimes this can really rise or lower because of school and other factors. Sometimes I play 10 hours a day, sometimes not at all.

Do you like performing music?

I love performing music! I wish I could do it more often. Playing is so much fun because I can really stress test my skills. There is no bedroom or do overs.

What is one of your musical goals for this year?

One of my musical goals is to nail the two Mr. Crowley guitar solos from Randy Rhoads who played for Ozzy. Also, [I’d like] to dive much deeper into learning Jazz music. I find it more challenging and a nice break from metal or rock and roll shredding.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in learning guitar?

One piece of advice is that you should slow down what you play and master it, otherwise you can build bad habits. Another is you should build a relationship with the things that you learn and not think of it as useless information. Once things start piecing together you really open up your skill set.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing music?

When I'm not playing music, I usually love listening to music and finding songs, riffs, techniques or styles that I can learn next time I play.

Want to be featured? Send us a video of you playing your instrument for a chance to be interviewed and given the Sayla Spotlight