Since its inception Joe Ferrante Music Academy has exercised its philosophy of performance-based learning with multiple recital and public performance opportunities for its music and language arts students.  We find that recitals are the best way to learn the important skills of artistic interpretation, musical expression, and building confidence.  Preparing for a set performance date not only encourages students to practice regularly, but also to take responsibility for creating and sharing their personal articulation of a musical or academic piece and truly make it their own.  In addition to the skills gained in preparing for a performance, the recognition and applause from family and friends is a boost to a student’s confidence and sense of self that lasts a lifetime.  Too often in our society we only recognize and honor the accomplishments of winning in a competitive arena, however music and language arts are more artistic and independent disciplines that require many months and years to achieve progress.  These recitals give us a way to celebrate the personal development and achievement of a student on an individual level without the need of a team or winning first place.  All of our performing students are winners and all of their hard work is individually celebrated!  Therefore, Academy performances serve as a key component of a student’s learning, provide an opportunity to hear and appreciate other academy students’ development, and a treat for family, friends, and teachers to share in and celebrate a student’s progress.  Given the value of performances to all involved the academy makes three different kinds of performances available year-round:

Award recitals are held twice a year, generally in November and April.  These recitals invite all academy students from any discipline (from toddlers to adults) to perform works they’ve spent weeks and months preparing for audiences of 600-800 audience members.  Parents have commented that, “the recitals are more concerts than recitals, as each student is so well prepared.”  Academy teachers perform at the end of each recital as a way to demonstrate and model performance techniques and to showcase their recent work, as many of our teachers are also active performers in the Los Angeles area.  Trophies signifying a student’s progression are awarded at the close of each recital during an award ceremony when each student is called back up to the stage by name and new to shake Academy President Joe Ferrante’s hand and be applauded for his or her newly attained level of achievement.  A reception closes each recital with food, drinks, and the opportunity to mingle with teachers and other academy families.  These award ceremonies make great photo opportunities and all cameras and personal video equipment is welcome to capture the memories.
Honors Concerts are held twice a year, generally in August and February, and only a select group of academy students are invited to perform upon recommendation by their teachers.  These concerts are our most formal and are held at the concert hall of a local university campus, and consist of around 15 elite student performances.  Teachers make recommendations to the organizing staff and all performers are given the traditional gift of flowers.  Each concert includes a professional performance as well, honoring the chosen students on the same level as professionals.  These concerts are something each student can aspire to participate in; we aim to give everyone a chance to perform.
Community Concerts are held monthly and invite all academy students to perform.  Previous venues have included the Leven Senior Center and the Methodist Arcadia Hospital.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their performance skills while doing something great for the community at the same time.  Certainly if one is undergoing in-hospital care, being a part of the audience in an academy concert can brighten one’s day!