By: Shane Nicholas
Owner, StickandStrum Academy

A call to all of those weird, quirky, introverted, awkward, awesome kids out there..

You know the kids I’m talking about. The ones that seem like a round peg in a square hole. They see things through a unique filter and interact with people a little differently. Though they may not always fit in, we know the truth: These are the awesome kids. The ones that will make a difference once they find their place to shine. Maybe you have one in your family. Maybe you were one.

My story isn’t an uncommon one. I came from a broken home and struggled to find my way during my pre-teen and teenage years. I wasn’t really into sports. I didn’t join all of the clubs at school. I was introverted and awkward. I was just kinda…there. Though I played sax in the band I wouldn’t consider myself musical. I picked up a guitar at age 14 and everything changed.

There was just something magical about it. It was something that I could work on and see growth and improvements, which really clicked for my task-oriented personality. Guitar was unabashedly cool and I could still work on it in my own bubble without people judging me.

Sports and clubs were hard because to improve and grow I had to do it in front of other people. For an awkward kid like me that was rough. Music became an outlet for all of my awkward teen feelings and struggles. I could just lock myself in my room and play for hours and I loved it. It became an escape. But then something cool happened.

I joined a band. You won’t see us on the Grammys anytime soon but it was life changing. Suddenly I had an outlet for everything that I had been working on in isolation. We wrote songs and I was able to express some of the things I had been feeling. We played gigs and I found myself becoming more confident and conquering my fears. Playing with some friends became something that really clicked and led all of us onto a lifelong love of music. Three of us actually pursued careers in music.

What I love about music lessons is that it gives an outlet and validity to some of those emotions and feelings that can otherwise go unchecked.

I realized that music lessons are so much more than teaching people about music.

It’s about building confidence.
It’s about providing an outlet.
It improves test scores, increases IQ, and benefits language development.
It’s about helping kids to feel accepted and valued.
It’s about kids realizing that they are heard and understood.
It’s about creating something that can be used their entire life.

At Stickandstrum Academy we work hard to get instruments into kid’s hands as soon as possible and offer classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers all the way through elementary school, teens, and adults. I wonder what would have happened if I had first picked up a guitar when I was 10 or 7 or 4 instead of 14. My son is 3 and I am already loving the results of having him in our group classes and even private piano lessons.

He’s a happy, inquisitive, outgoing, and kind kid and I can’t help to think that part of that has been due to his exposure to music at a young age.

Not only do we offer lessons but we really focus on groups and community with lots of options for students to get started. We are a no pressure, no judgment kind of place and families really seem to enjoy that. Stickandstrum has group options for kids who are still figuring out what instrument they want to play, including our popular Intro to Instruments class and our Jam class where complete beginners get to play in a band together. We include all instruments and supplies for these classes so parents don’t have to buy or worry about anything.

Our amazing teachers can also meet you where you are if you are more advanced or are just ready to take it up a notch. More than 10% of our studio is made up of adult beginner students so it’s never too late.

I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was 14 and I normally hear one of these two statements from parents when their kids begin taking music lessons with us:

“I used to play piano as a kid. I wish I hadn’t given it up.”
“I always wanted to play an instrument but just never got around to it.”

So…what are you waiting for? Let’s rock!

Our Sponsor:

Shane Nicholas is the owner of Stickandstrum Academy in Riverchase. Stickandstrum offers group and private lessons in guitar, piano, voice, drums, ukulele, electronic music, banjo, sax and clarinet, and more. For more information check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or their website.

Gift Certificates are available for the holiday season and make great stocking stuffers. Stickandstrum has options for group classes for as low as $100.

Check out their Holiday Ukulele Class for Families. For $100 each, you and a child get to learn Christmas songs on ukulele for four weeks and the class includes a ukulele that you get to keep!

This class for absolute beginners starts on November 7th and you can sign up or get more info here

205-690-1521
info@stickandstrum.com
Stickandstrum.com
facebook.com/stickandstrum

Twas the Week before Halloween and all through the house…

Day 1: Think, “Halloween is a whole week away – plenty of time to get ready!”

Day 2: Realize you don’t have any Halloween decorations when the kids asked to put some out. Make a quick  Michael’s run for orange and black twinkle lights and fake cob webs. (Everything is 50% off, Score!)

Day 3: Buy three times more candy than you need. Happen to buy all of your favorite kinds. Open bag on the way home from the store. What? You have plenty.

Day 4: Promise your kids they can watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” Find out that it was on TV a week ago and isn’t being shown again. Get called a “liar.”

Day 5: Realize that Halloween is 2 days away and you haven’t bought costumes. Ask everyone what they want to be and search the attic and dress up clothes frantically for something that will work. End up going to Party City and spending your entire paycheck.

Day 6: Go back to the store for more candy because… oops.

Day 7: Return all costumes because kids changed their minds. Drive to three different stores to find  everything for an “Over the top scary robot-killer clown-alien” costume. Pick up more candy while you’re out. Finally get everyone dressed and out the door. Trick-or-Treat for 10 minutes before the kids start yelling that their costume is “too hot/cold/itchy/fill in the blank.” Swear off Halloween forever.

If your household is anything like mine trick or treating has been a hot topic lately. In years past my kids have been small enough to push in a stroller. They are usually scared of other costumes and want to stay close to me. This year they have been requesting more freedom and longer trick or treating hours. Keeping that in mind I have been trying to find a way to let them loose a little bit while also keeping my sanity about their safety. Here is a list of some safety tips to keep your kid’s safe this holiday while also allowing them to have a great night.

–  Plan out a route in advance. Drive through your route during the day and check for anything that could ruin trick or treating such as construction or other obstacles.

–  Set rules and discuss them completely with your kids before the big night. Waiting until 5 minutes before you head out will likely result in your words getting lost in the excitement.

– Carry or wear something lit, like a flashlight or glow sticks to keep them visible to you or others on the road.

–  Make sure your child’s costume is comfortable and safe. Costumes that drag the ground or make bathroom breaks misery could make for a bad night. Also, mask that don’t allow good visibility or breathing can cause discomfort and lack of enjoyment for the kids.

– Only trick or treat at houses that are well lit.

– Use crosswalks and traffic signals. Be aware of traffic and if possible, stay off electronic devices.

– If possible trick or treat with your children. Even older kids still need some supervision and while you don’t have to stay at their side, being on the same street with them can provide them with security and allow you to watch for any potential dangers.

– Inspect candy before allowing your kids to indulge. It is a sad world we live in when this has to be done but it really does. You do not want your kid to be the unfortunate one to fall victim to people’s cruelty. Check all the candy before eating it!!

– Feed kids a healthy, filling meal before heading out and make sure they stay hydrated.

– Make sure your yard is free of any objects that could cause safety issues for trick or treaters. Put away hoses, tools, cords, etc. that can be hard to see in the dark

– If you are driving always drive slow and alert. Kids are unpredictable and can dash out in the street with zero warning. Take your time and be careful.

– Don’t trick or treat after 9 p.m. this is a general rule for most places in the U.S. and practical for little ones who will be tired anyway.

Have fun, stay safe, and Happy Halloween!!

About Grace:

Grace was born and brought up in Bessemer, Alabama but has a great love for exploring new places. She has been married for 8 years and has 3 kids, expecting number 4 in December. Having been  a student off and on for the last 10 years she is excited to say that she is finally graduating from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling this year. She loves to learn and share what she learns with as many people as possible. Strengthening and encouraging positive relationships with couples and families is a life goal and passion. Her biggest hobby is her family and finding new and fun ways to accomplish the above life goal in her home.