Janis Music Studios teaches a well rounded and balanced curriculum stressing the importance of technique, theory, sight reading and performance. Our students range in age from 4 to 40 years old. We truly have something for everyone with the desire to learn to play music. Our wide range of instructors allow us to fit the student with the proper instructor for the style and difficulty of music the student wishes to learn.
    Not all students are willing to perform at first, but, after attending a concert or two,  most become involved.  Our students regularly perform for family and friends as well as public performances at local clubs and city events. In addition to spring, summer, fall and Christmas recitals, our students are encouraged to participate in special events held  throughout the year. All our students who perform  receive a Certificate of Accomplishment and are among the first to sign up for the next performance. We view these performances as a way of building   self-confidence as well as sharing their new found musical skills with others.
    Performing for their parents and friends is a skill  that reinforces other aspects of communication and will benefit them throughout their lives.If your child has not performed in one of our concerts ask your teacher if they are ready. We offer this opportunity to all students and we welcome yours. Don’t miss out on the chance for your child to perform with other students at one of our concerts. Most of all it’s just plain good fun for students and parents alike
   All of our concerts are held locally  and are free of charge to parents and family. Our recitals are not considered a lesson and students receive their normal lesson for that week .

summer concert june 2011

   This summer our students were treated to a free performance clinic hosted by guitarist extrodinaire Mark Banning. Mark has been playing guitar all his life and currently works with a number of bands in the bay area including a Rolling Stones tribute band playing the part of Ron Wood.
    Mark played to a full house of students showing his unique style and techniques and answering questions and sharing a few laughs about life on the stage. Mark performed to his own background tracks in multiple styles including Jazz, Classic Rock, New Age, Metal and Alternative. With each track he showed new and unique ways to use scales and modes to achieve new and interesting  melodies. He also explained  his sparse use of electronic effects, preferring to use manually created changes to his tone via picking technique, pickup switching and the volume and tone controls on the guitar. At times it sounded like two different guitar players trading licks rather than one player. It all ended with a question and answer session covering all aspects of the performance and equipment used. Mark even brought out his Ebow, a electronic string driver that can simulate a violin bow. Very cool stuff.