Helping Kids Stay a Beat Ahead with Inspiring Music Programs
Ask around Grand Rapids for a great place to take music lessons and you’ll likely hear the same name over and over: Academy of Music.
They’ve been a Grand Rapids staple for over 20 years – and for good reason. The Academy of Music is always expanding, both in physical space and in class offerings.
Where else can you go to one music school and learn to play an instrument, dance, sing or perform musical theater?
Read on to find out why parents are consistently voting Academy of Music as Grand Rapids’ best music lessons for kids and all the exciting new expansions they have planned.
It’s Not Just Instruments and Singing at the Academy of Music
Sure, you can learn an instrument like guitar, drums, strings and piano or fine-tune your singing voice at the Academy of Music. But you can also learn so much more than that.
This year, owner Barbara Hendricks added musical theater and dance classes to their Grand Rapids location (6159 28th St SE #24, Grand Rapids, MI 49546).
Step into the Spotlight With Musical Theatre
Designed for those age seven and up, kids in the new Musical Theatre classes bring characters to life while learning popular musical theater pieces and gaining confidence through creative activities and teamwork.
During the 75 minute classes, students will develop a love for the stage through singing, acting and dancing. There’s also three opportunities for performances throughout the year.
Get ready to let their stage presence shine!
Don the Tutus for Fairytale Princess Ballet
Got a little ballerina at home? You’ll definitely want to check out Fairytale Princess Ballet.
This NEW class for 3 – 6 years olds is a huge hit.
In these beginning ballet classes, kids learn foundational steps and coordination while exploring princesses around the world. In addition to basic dance skills, dancers will also learn words, traditions and music from countries like Germany, Japan and Africa.
It all culminates with the Royal Ball Performance.
Academy of Music Has Gotten Better – and Now They’re Getting Bigger
“Our musical theater and dance classes have been a big success,” exclaims Hendricks.
These classes are currently only available at the Grand Rapids location, but that won’t be the case much longer.
You’ll soon be able to take these classes at the Jenison location (7647 Riverview Dr, Jenison, MI 49428).
The Academy of Music will be adding two additional suites, increasing their space from 2,000 sq ft to 5,600 sq ft. With all this extra room, the Jenison location will be able to offer the same amazing class options as Grand Rapids – including these brand new classes along with summer camp.
“This expansion will give us much more space for these classes and allow us to reach more students,” Hendricks explains.
This exciting expansion is set to be done in early 2026.
Play an Instrument or Improve Your Singing Voice
Of course, the roots of the Academy of Music lie with instruments and voice.
Kids (and adults!) can learn to play a plethora of instruments from piano and strings to guitar, drums and ukelele.
Stay Motivated With Piano Express
Hendricks didn’t forget about instruments when she created new classes for the Academy of Music.
Early piano students can now take Piano Labs – accelerated, app-based classes for beginner and early-intermediate players just starting out with a method book.
In these 1-hour weekly sessions, students move through their books 20–50% faster by turning learning into a game.
“Kids have to have fun,” acknowledges Hendricks, “but they also have to make progress.”
A Closer Look at Piano Lab Classes
Using the trusted Faber and Faber method with a state-of-the-art app, students get instant feedback, online videos for every piece, and the freedom to work ahead. Some Piano Express campers even finished Book 1 in a single week—proof that piano can be fast, fun, and rewarding.
In each 60-minute class, the first half is spent at full-size digital keyboards with headphones and one-on-one teacher guidance.
The second half is a Discovery session that builds creativity, technique, and musicianship—leading to faster progress, deeper understanding, and a bigger love for piano.
“We’re thrilled to bring this cutting-edge technology to our piano students,” says Hendricks. “After 50 years of studying piano repertoire, I can confidently say this is the only group lesson approach that combines true individual growth with the benefits of learning together—and makes home practice a lot more fun.”
Piano Labs are 16 weeks long and follow the regular school year schedule. At the end of the semester, students perform in a recital.
There’s no additional cost to take Piano Lab classes. You’ll get a 60-minute class for the price of a 30-minute private lesson.
What it Looks Like to be Part of the Academy of Music Community
- Choose an instrument, musical theatre or dance class.
- Get matched to the right teacher. The Academy of Music works hard to match kids to the best teacher for them, which increases their confidence and desire to learn.
- Choose a lesson time: Monday – Sunday. That’s right – you can even take lessons on weekends! Jenison is open Monday – Saturday, and Grand Rapids is open every day.
- Celebrate accomplishments and earn rewards for your hard work in instrumental or vocal lessons through the Musical Ladder System©. This system really motivates kids to practice and reach for the next level.
- Perform at two free optional recitals, on stage for a musical theatre show, or at the annual Around the World Royal Ball for dance students.
- Experience the joy of music and the performing arts and get ready to return year after year!
Kids can even look forward to special destination recitals, like playing at Graceland Auditorium in Memphis over Spring Break. How crazy is that – to play at Graceland?
Quick Look at Academy of Music
| Grand Rapids Location | Jenison Location |
| GR’s largest music school celebrating 20 year of excellence | Celebrating 5 years of excellence |
| Over 500 students | Over 300 students |
| 4,200 sq ft | Soon to have 5,600 sq ft |
| 16 classrooms | Soon to have 15 classrooms including one large dance/musical theatre classroom |
| Contact: 6159 28th St SE #24 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-965-1655 info@academyofmusicGR.com | Contact: 7647 Riverview Dr Jenison, MI 49428 616-265-5887 info@jenisonacademyofmusic.com |
The Final Measure
Learning the cello, performing in a mini swan lake or a production of Stuart Little will bring smiles to all – students, parents and teachers.
Whether in private or group settings, music and performing arts has limitless potential to grow your kids’ imagination and creativity.
Find out why parents love the Academy of Music and enroll your child today.
