Monthly Newsletter
Update From Director John Dewey!
Read the latest update from Director John Dewey:
Dear Okemos Music Academy Students and Families,
As we transition into the beautiful summer months, I want to take a moment to connect with our amazing community, celebrate some wonderful student milestones, and look forward to an exciting season of music-making ahead.
It is incredibly easy for children to fall into the summer device trap, spending hours glued to phones, tablets, or video games. Summer music lessons offer the perfect antidote. They provide an active, screen-free, and creative outlet that keeps young minds sharp and productive during the long vacation weeks!Throughout the summer months, we watched students master challenging new pieces, refine their technique, build rock-solid rhythm, and gain tremendous confidence on their instruments.
Watching students channel their energy into music rather than screen time has been immensely rewarding.
Whether working through new scales, learning favorite songs, or preparing for future performances, our students’ dedication and hard work have paid off in big ways.
We are so proud of the dedication shown by every single student and family who kept music a priority this summer!
As everyone starts gearing up for the new academic year, we are excited to launch our special Back to School promotion to welcome new and returning students into our academy family.
If you have friends, neighbors, or family members looking for an enriching activity as school resumes, be sure to share this offer with them so they can experience why kids excel at Okemos Music Academy!
As back-to-school routines kick into gear, music remains one of the best ways to keep students balanced, focused, and creative amidst busy academic schedules.
Thank you to all of our incredible parents and students for making this summer at Okemos Music Academy so vibrant and successful.
We can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the school year ahead.
Let’s make music!
Sincerely,
John Dewey
Owner, Okemos Music Academy and Berkley Arts Academy
PLEASE LEAVE US A 5-STAR GOOGLE REVIEW!
MUSICAL LADDER SYSTEM®
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
Please welcome our new students!
Shreyas P.
Liv D.
Ashton P.
Scarlett W.
Akio N.
Gwen W.
Noah T.
Aleeyah P.
Kate T.
Charli M.
Akira C.
Reagan M.
Austin B.
Flynn S.
Dominic M.
Austin H.
Zachary S.
Olive G.
Elliana W.
Atticus B.
Lanese F.
Abheesha B.
Ace D.
Malikhi P.
Stephanie R.
Kaylee S.
Norah W.
Ellie W.
Emmett M.
Haozhi D.
Leroi C.
Veda A.
Jonas A.
Elliot W.
Jake V.
Adam R.
Campbell C.
Miles M.
Sophia S.
Victoria O.
Isaiah O.
Semarah L.
Emily H.
Welcome and thank you for being a part of Okemos Music Academy!
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR LESSONS!:
“My son really enjoys the Group Makeup Lessons; he really enjoys being with other students and learning from them!”
-Billie Beckwith-Cohen, Okemos, MI 7/23/2026
“I appreciate the makeup classes that Okemos Music Academy provides; it helps me learn from others!”
-Glenna Jean Amboy, Okemos, MI 7/11/2026
“Both of my boys have attended Okemos Music Academy, and it has been a truly top-tier experience. For my son with autism, discovering music—and especially working with Shelby—has been incredibly meaningful. The Music Ladder System gives students achievable goals to work toward, and earning trophies along the way has been such a confidence builder for him. One of my favorite parts is seeing him perform. Having the opportunity to get on stage, share his music, and be cheered on by such a supportive community has been priceless. As a mom, my heart is so full. The patience, encouragement, and genuine acceptance everyone has shown my son mean more than I can put into words. We are so grateful to be part of the Okemos Music Academy family.”
-Jessica Dietrich – Okemos, MI 6/20/2026
“They both had a great first day experience. Much appreciation to both Geoff and Jeremy!”
-Deb Fennell, Mason, MI 6/17/2026
“My son has been taking lessons here for years and loves it.”
-Mary Chu, Okemos, MI 6/15/2026
Thank you to all who have provided us with feedback about your lessons. We appreciate you being a part of our academy!
Is Your Teacher Sold Out?
Many teachers have sold out. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day, or time, please contact any of our office staff team, and they can add you to the waiting list.
VOICE:
Melissa Carter: Thursday: 1 Spot Left
Shelly Gleason: SOLD OUT
Chauncey Burghart: Saturday: 3 Spots Left
Catharine Harrell: Saturday: 1 Spot Left
Shelby Host: Thursday: 1 Spot Left
Grace Gits: Sunday: 5 Spots Left
GUITAR:
Jeremy Burton: Wednesday: 3 Spots Left
Steve Pinckney: Monday: 2 Spots Left
Jim Pinckney: Thursday: 3 Spots Left
Matt Poirier: Friday: 3 Spots Left
Adam Meinerding: Monday: 1 Spot Left
PIANO:
Chip Hazelwood: Thursday: 3 Spots Left
Ann Bell: Saturday: 1 Spot Left
Kyle Poyma: Tuesday: 1 Spot Left
Susan Froman: Thursday: 1 Spot Left
Christian Clark: Tuesday: 1 Spot Left
Marissa Ernat: Monday: 5 Spots Left
Annie Schaub: Thursday: 4 Spots Left
DRUMS:
Geoff Lewis: Thursday: 1 Spot Left
Kayden Spring: Sunday: 1 Spot Left
Fred Issac: Wednesday: 2 Spots Left
STRINGS (Violin/Viola):
Peter Kent: SOLD OUT
Lyudmila Gofurova: Thursday: 2 Spots Left
WOODWINDS (Saxophone/Clarinet):
Elyor Gofurov: Friday: 2 Spots Left
Joshua Haugen: Saturday: 1 Spot Left
BRASS (Trombone, French Horn, Trumpet):
Joe Schmidt: Wednesday: 1 Spot Left
Upcoming Dates
Labor Day-CLOSED
Monday, September 7th, 2026
Thanksgiving-CLOSED
Thursday, November 26th, 2026
IT'S EASY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
IT’S EASY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
Ready to start? You have nothing to lose.
Sign-up is easy and parent-friendly, with helpful staff at the front desk seven days a week to serve you. Because we only offer lessons on a month-to-month basis, there are no large upfront payments, no complicated contracts, no annual material or performance fees, and no semester minimums.
Lessons are first come, first serve, so visit www.LansingMusicLessons.com and select “Register Now”, or contact us today to arrange your first lesson!
Lessons are available seven days a week and are scheduled once a week.
A one-time registration fee of $30 per student (maximum $60 per family) is due only at the time of registration.
Lesson & Office Hours
Mon-Thurs
1:00pm – 8:30pm
Fridays
12:30pm – 7:00pm
Saturdays
9:00am – 3:00pm
Sundays
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Okemos Music Academy
(517)664-1110
2220 University Park Dr.
Okemos, MI 48864
