"Taking guitar classes through the JMU Music Academy was a great experience. I had tried learning guitar on my own, but never quite got off the ground with that; these lessons got me started and gave me solid foundational skills. The difference is astonishing and I'm excited to keep improving!" - Meg. N., Fall 2024 (Guitar)

"I loved the beginning guitar class taught by Ben Scott. We had a lot of fun, and even though I didn't practice enough, I learned a lot. 

Ben kept the class interesting, and we were able to also get to know each other. We shared our weekly ups and downs, and then enjoyed our hour to just concentrate on music. The world seemed to go away. It is a wonderful class. I have grandchildren who play the guitar, and I tell them what a great job Ben does. They think he is awesome from a distance.

The music he used was appropriate for our level of ability, and I liked the songs. He was very helpful as I struggled. He walked around to help us, and he was very encouraging. No matter how bad I did, he always had something good to say. Sometimes I would tell myself I shouldn't go because of my lack of practice, but I knew if I went, I would be so happy. It always made my day.

Thank you so much for providing this class. Ben is a wonderful teacher." - Irana S., Fall 2024 (Guitar)

"Our teacher Ben is an amazing musician and a respectful and kind person. Before signing up for the class, I emailed Ben and asked if this class could accommodate someone like me who cannot read music and someone who has never held a guitar. He assured me that for this beginner class, I will find his style of teaching works for the neophyte and for those who have had some musical training.

Ben was true to his word and I never felt out of place or uncomfortable. Although it is a group class, Ben met people at their individual skill level. It felt like private lessons because of his concerted efforts to reach out to each student and offer specific suggestions and tips. His kind personality and his sense of humor made the class engaging and fun." - Daphyne S., Fall 2024 (Guitar)

"Feeling uneasy about trying to start up piano lessons after 50 years of not having played since grade school lessons, I signed up for the JMU Music Academy Intermediate Piano Class. I didn’t want to start formal piano lessons with a strict regimen of skills and drills. I was drawn by part of the description: 'Get back into the fun of playing the piano in a friendly group setting.' It’s a short course, you can choose either 5 or 10 sessions, and my thinking was if I didn’t like it I would just quit going.

It turned out to be what I really needed to get re-acquainted with the piano. I bought a nice digital piano two years ago and barely played around with it but a few short sessions in that time. Now I look forward to practices in between the weekly group sessions and it’s both a manageable challenge and a joy to learn to play.  

Natalie is not your grade school piano teacher who only makes you do drills. It’s an open-ended group learning environment where she introduces new elements at a very comfortable pace. She elicits feedback and suggestions from the class members and adapts the content and teaching style to the class needs. She is happy to answer any questions and even diverge and go into a little more detail on a topic or aspect of piano or music in general depending on the class interest.  

I highly recommend either beginner or intermediate courses to anyone wanting to rekindle a love of playing piano music or just wanting an introduction to playing piano for the first time. Even if you were planning to take formal piano lessons this course would serve as an excellent primer." - Kevin B.

"Despite my busy professional life, I am grateful to have taken the time to attend the JMU piano class. It provided some self-reflection and reminded me how much I love playing the piano (and singing). My favorite one was playing on the black keys! What a beautiful sound! It made me realize that I need to carve time to play more often. Natalie is an amazingly talented woman, and it was a pleasure being a part of her class! Having been classically trained, she shared many perspectives on her musical expertise. A big 'thank you' to her for sharing her time and talents with us!" - Tracy M., Summer 2024

"I took the Intermediate Vocal Lessons class with Denise. I LOVED the course!! I work as a music director and this class was so helpful to me; and I would say that more classes in more departments need to offer these types of courses—for adults and open to the community. Denise did a great job, and her passion for voice made the class so enjoyable. I really can’t say enough good thing to express how great of a job she did, how personable she is, and how much I really enjoyed the course. I hope she will offer more courses, because I’m ready to sign up." - Amanda M., Spring 2024

"The JMU Music Academy program is amazing, I’d recommend the beginner guitar course to anyone else! Ben did a great job motivating, helping, and teaching others to become better guitarists."  - Beau R., Spring 2024

"I loved coming to the JMU Music Academy piano classes! I took piano lessons as a teenager and didn't play for many years. Natalie and her class were exactly what I needed to find my way back to the piano. Natalie is a fantastic teacher who manages to lead a motivating and entertaining class with lots of passion. I highly recommend the JMU Music Academy to anyone interested in learning to play the piano or needing a little refresher." - Kira H., Spring 2024

"The beginning voice class with Denise was a great experience. It was fun and informative and offered a nice balance of activities. In addition to singing, we did warmup exercises and practiced good breathing techniques. The handouts were extremely helpful. I’m planning to sign up for her intermediate voice class." - Dolores F., Spring 2024

"I'm very satisfied with my experience in the JMU Music Academy beginner guitar program. I think the teaching organization is a good fit for beginner students like me." - Weiming H., Spring 2024

"Taking the beginner piano class through JMU Music Academy has been the highlight of my semester! I love that I got to learn the basics of playing the piano, as well as music theory and how to improve play. This class has piqued my appetite to learn more." - Mackenzie H., Spring 2024

"The beginner voice class was really nice and I felt very welcome. As a new singer and not confident in myself, I gained skills and felt comfortable singing out in the class." - Jefferson U., Spring 2024

"Ben was a wonderful teacher in the guitar class. Not only did I learn a lot, which I'd like to follow up on and incorporate into my playing, but he creative an inclusive and welcoming environment in the classroom." - Frances F., Spring 2024

"My JMU Music Academy was a wonderful and exciting time with Denise, the vocal teacher! I love how engaging and purposeful she was in the classroom. My voice has significantly improved. I am so thankful for her expertise and encouraging environment!" - Lynn T., Spring 2024

"I loved the Beginner voice class with Denise Schulz! I’d love to take more classes in the future." - Vanessa W., Spring 2024

"I really enjoyed the guitar class; the instructor was attentive, understanding, and demonstrated mastery of their instrument and music instruction. The environment was positive, and it felt like hanging out and learning with friends. We covered a broad range of important music concepts and learned a lot of different guitar techniques as well. I would absolutely recommend classes to friends and coworkers!" - Abi M., Fall 2023

"I had a great experience in the voice class. Denise provided valuable tips to improve the quality of my singing voice, for example with songs selected to teach strategies, exercises in breath control, and instruction to how to place our voice within our anatomy. The handouts were excellent resources that I will use in the future." - Rachelle, Fall 2023

"I enjoyed learning the basics I was missing and how to apply them to become a better piano player. Natalie did a very good job introducing the basic fundamentals of piano interestingly and intuitively. She was often looking for feedback to see how the knowledge of the class was progressing. I enjoyed taking her piano introduction class a lot." - Clark, Fall 2023

"I really enjoyed the beginner guitar class! Ben is super friendly and knowledgeable. We started each class with a check-in about our weeks and then dove into a new concept or song. We learned a lot, from chords to fingerstyle to songwriting. It was really cool to be in a music class with both JMU students and other members of the Harrisonburg community. This class was a great way for me to get back into my love of music with a new instrument." - Alaine F., Spring 2023

"The voice classes were amazing and Denise is a fantastic teacher. She covered a broad scope of important dynamics for singing. I learned that proper singing technique really involves the whole body. We learned the anatomy of vocal cords, how they work, and how to keep them healthy, and anatomy and function of proper breath support related to the diaphragm. Denise taught many different exercises to make us physically stronger & better singers, but also how relaxing facial muscles is critical to good singing tone. Overall the course was better than I hoped and I'm very happy I signed up. I learned a lot and feel more confident singing and sound better. I'm motivated to continue practice all the things Denise taught." - Laurie W., Spring 2023

"The instructor encouraged us to sing loudly without judging ourselves or others. So we have fun singing in class. I also learned that even the talented people need to practice singing regularly so I plan to sing 3 days a week." - Leah B., Spring 2023

"I so enjoyed the change to sing regularly in a supportive environment in the JMU Music Academy Intermediate Voice Class. Learning more about the physiological processes of singing also helped me to improve and grow as a singer. The chance to work on my own vocal technique with expert guidance and reminders (about breathing, muscle relaxation, resonance, etc.) was such a pleasure!" - Heidi P., Spring 2023

"The beginner vocal class was an excellent class on the mechanics of using one's sing voice. Denise was very knowledgeable on voice training and also shared many tidbits on vocal use. Money well spent." - Tim W., Spring 2023

"As a freshman at JMU, the Music Academy vocal class was a fun way to try something new and learn how to sing! I took the beginner and intermediate class and enjoyed exploring my own unique voice. Professor Denise is a wonderful teacher who will tap into your hidden potential." - Jason N., Spring 2023

“I’m well into my grad program at JMU and I thought it might be a little silly to learn an instrument at this point in my life, but I walked into my first class nervous and expecting that it was either going to be nursery rhymes on the piano, or really complicated music notation stuff. It was a group class for “all levels,” so part of me thought this was not a good way to learn. To my surprise, Natalie single handedly taught maybe around 10-12 of us all at different levels! Most of us beginner level, but we all had different skills. I thought it would be a while before I could learn a “real song” but we probably learned 7 pop culture songs in total. I learned more than I could by myself and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Natalie has a way of teaching you the basics in the simplest way, and without feeling like practice is a “chore.” I found myself wanting to practice outside of class almost every time I learned something new and I think it’s a real testament to how good of a musician and instructor Natalie is. I am committed to continuing piano thanks to my experience in her class. Piano has become somewhat of a therapy to me too! So, don't hesitate!” - Kiana M., Spring 2023

"I really enjoyed the 'Music of Color' piano class. It's been a long, long time since I played any sort of music. Lessons were approachable for people of any skill. And, more important than what we learned, understanding how each of us learns and listens as an individual was the greatest takeaway of all that will help me continue to practice on my own." - David P., Summer 2022

"I had the opportunity to take two piano classes this summer with the JMU Music Academy, and they were both great! I love the group interaction, and Natalie is an amazing piano teacher and coach. She is an incredible listener, and she has creative and insightful ways to help each participant learn how to learn the piano to reach their goals. She makes it a safe space to grow, learn, and appreciate music together. I highly recommend it." - Emily Y., Summer 2022

"The five-week 'Music of Color' course was the first group music course I had been in since seventh grade. I have had lots of private lessons for guitar and piano over the past fifteen or so years and I didn't know what to expect. I was a little skeptical that much could be achieved with the instructor having to divide her time so much. It was far better than I had expected. Rather than focus on technique, it was more about encouraging us to think about what our goals are in making music, to be more open to experimentation and to see what other musical traditions can bring to our own playing with lots of good suggestions on ways to improvise. It was a great addition to my summer." - Zach P., Summer 2022

"I initially signed up on a whim for the JMU Music Academy after seeing the Film Scores class. I thought it would be fun and worth a try. I hoped that it would help my stale and limited knowledge of piano blossom a bit. Since I work at JMU, the Friday afternoon class time was perfect. As we approached the first class I began to doubt my decision and grew nervous. Not five minutes inot the first class any apprehension and nerves totally faded away. Natalie's kind and patient personality combined with her practical approach to teaching piano made me realize I was going to enjoy the class and get more out of it than I had ever hoped. Not only have I learned the pieces from the class, I have learned simple and basic skills to apply as I move forward after the completion of the class. I hate to see it end, but I know my work on the piano and music understanding is only beginning because of the skills learned here. Thank you!" - Kristen H.

"After I retired, I decided to give piano another try, having a not-very-fulfilling or productive experience in my youth. I signed up for JMU Music Academy. What impressed me was how interested Natalie, our instructor, was in trying to figure out what my special abilities and interests were. I found myself enjoying and looking forward to class every week. Every class consisted of sight reading, playing melody with chords, and improvisation. There was something for everyone! Natalie has the unique gift of being able to inspire and motivate; her feedback always constructive and yet gentle. A whole new world has opened up to me, thanks to her." - Anne H., Retired JMU Professor Emeritus

"I have been having so much fun playing! I am so thankful for the Music Academy virtual lessons. It has been very empowering. It's so nice to feel like I can play again! Thanks for all you've invested in teaching us!" - Cedar J., Virtual Participant, Fall 2020

"As a former piano student during childhood, JMU Music Academy offered a perfect fit to resume playing piano as an adult. After two semesters, including both in-person and virtual instruction, I was able to build immensely on my beginner foundation in sight reading, music theory, and technique. The instructor, Natalie Doughty, provided engaging lessons that were attainable yet challenging enough to keep me motivated to continue learning and playing. The group format also created a fun, welcoming environment to learn with and from peers. I highly recommend Music Academy as a solid foundation to jump right into the rewards of playing piano!" - April T., Virtual Participant, Fall 2020

"I registered for the class really not knowing what to expect and I don’t want it to finish! One of my interests was learning to play using chords and after just 12 weeks, I can play several songs using a guitar chord book at the piano.  In addition to refreshing my sight-reading skills, I learned that improvising is fun and anyone can do it!  It really was a creative, non-pressured environment and I learned more than I ever thought I would." - Janice G.

"I thoroughly enjoyed taking group piano lessons.  My wonderful teacher was very patient and kind!! It was also fun to interact with other people that I had not met before.  We became friends and we had a lot of fun.  I found myself looking forward to classes each week!" - Towana M.

"When I first started to play piano, I couldn't relax because I was so worried that I wasn't playing the music perfectly. I learned that it was okay to make those mistakes and that empowered me to play how I felt. With the warmup improv sessions, I gained the confidence to explore and experiment without worrying if I was playing "right." The greatest lesson that I learned in the JMU Music Academy has been to trust myself; trust that I know where I am on the keys and where I am in the music. I can never thank my instructor Natalie enough, and I cannot wait to play more! - Crystal I., Summer 2022

"My two semester participation in the piano classes of the JMU Music Academy were very rewarding. I rediscovered my long lost love of playing in an atmosphere that is professional and non-threatening.  I was amazed at the amount of information that was covered in a once-a-week class as well as the high quality of instruction." - Cynthia T., Spring 2022

"My experience with the adult piano course has met above and beyond my expectations! Learning the piano has always been on my bucket list and I’m so glad I finally took this step. I’ve learned so much in just a few short weeks. I went from not knowing how to read a single note to being able to actually read sheet music along with learning 3 different hand positions, chords, and musical terminology. I can’t believe I’m playing songs written from Chopin, Bach and Mozart! I enjoy my peaceful time practicing at home. I’ve always admired those musicians that can de-stress and get lost in their music. I can finally have that 'me' time!" - Patti C., Spring 2022

"I found the Music Academy group lessons to be fun, informative, and collaborative—we learn from and support each other!  As a result, I have regained my motivation to learn and play the piano, and I would unhesitatingly recommend the program to anyone, young or old, who aspires to develop their own musical interests!" - Steve P., Spring 2022