Overview: Founded in 1996, the prestigious LA Music Academy provides an intense, demanding, contemporary music education program dedicated to providing highly concentrated instruction for international and domestic students. Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and geared to preparing each student for a career in the music industry, the LA Music Academy offers two one-year courses at the school's welcoming Pasadena campus. Approximately 35 teachers instruct an average of 150 students per year. Drum, bass, vocal and guitar students enjoy a personal, supportive, casual yet serious learning environment. Daily ensemble performances, in which professional musicians hired from the L.A. scene accompany the students, span a variety of genres such as jazz, funk, big band and rock.

Mission: The accredited LA Music Academy is committed to providing students with: a high level of effective music education in an intimate atmosphere; efficient education in contemporary music that maximizes their potential in a relatively short time period; "real world" education and ensemble performances with professional musicians.

Two Certificate Programs: Core (Year One) program courses provide the foundation necessary for great musicianship. In addition to Department curriculum, these topics include Harmony and Theory, Ear Training/Dictation, Basic Piano, Notation, Rhythm Section Basics and Repertoire/Ensemble Style Workshops. Core program students are also eligible to take a limited number of electives in the latter part of the year.

Pro (Year Two) program courses build upon knowledge gained over the previous year, offering more in-depth study and performance of musical styles. Pro program students also benefit from additional time in Ensemble Workshops and are able to explore a greater variety of electives. Pro program students are also eligible to add a Minor Emphasis, a specially designed, four part elective track that allows students to expand their skill sets in either Arranging and Orchestration or Producing and Recording.

Fast Facts:

• Campus Location: Pasadena, California, a suburb of Los Angeles
• LA Music Academy President: Tom Aylesbury
• School founded: 1996
• To date, has hosted more than 80 clinics by world class musicians
• Facilities include: fully equipped practice labs and stations for drummers, guitarists, bass players and vocalists; a performance hall with stage, sound system as well as capacity for 160; large modern classrooms equipped with excellent sound systems, drum sets and cymbals and guitar and bass amps
• 24 hour access (excluding breaks and holidays)
• School Sponsors: Tech 21 NYC, Yamaha, Remo, Zildjian and Gallien-Kruger
• School Partnerships: Asia, Europe, South America, Central America
• Internship Programs: paid internships for qualifying students and grads at M-Audio's Irwindale, CA facility
• Financial aid, scholarships, housing assistance available