Category: News

General News

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A few upcoming concerts and art events for Spring 2024

Hi all,

I just wanted to give a quick update for some concerts I recommend MAP students to attend.

Upcoming concerts

Attending music concerts is a critical part of education. Just as we learn language by listening to those around us speaking the language, we learn music by listening to it, and a concert is a presentation of music by people speaking their musical language. Plus, one of these concerts features a MAP music instructor as performer, and one features MAP students.

So, here’s some upcoming concerts:

For the paid events, MAP instructor Devin Ulibarri may be able to get students in for a discount. If you are currently taking lessons and interested in attending, please ask.

Upcoming art event

MAP art instructor Chie Yasuda will be showcasing her work as part of Somerville Open Studios on the weekend of May 4-5. If you are able, we encourage you to check out her work. Her art will be showcased at the Armory in Somerville, MA. More information is available at https://www.somervilleopenstudios.org/web/artists/artist_profile/1406

Keep the learning going!

We hope that families can take advantage of this list of events, which we expect to be entertaining, educational, and inspiring. We’ll also do our best to keep you in the loop of other events.

Cheers!

Devin Ulibarri, MAP Teaching Artist

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Congrats to two of our students for winning the Altamira special prize

Harshini and Ananya, smiling at the camera

Two students of MAP Family Learning Center recently won the Altamira special prize at this year’s University of Rhode Island (URI) Guitar Festival Rising Stars Virtual Competition. Harshini and Ananya, siblings who have been studying guitar with Devin Ulibarri since 2016, received the news in mid-November that they were chosen for the special prize. As winners, they will receive a new N600 Classical Guitar, valued at $1800. We are very proud and happy for them both.

The criteria for winning the Altamira special prize is based on a mix of need and merit. According to the URI Guitar Festival website, the jury was asked to choose a “High School Division guitarist in greatest need of a new instrument.” Harshini and Ananya have worked very hard over the years and made steady progress. In fact, in 2020 circumstances required that they move out of Malden, MA, but they have persisted in their study of music by continuing their lessons with Mr. Devin online. We are very proud to have them as students at MAP!

Of hearing about their being awarded the prize, Mr. Devin said, “I’m so very proud of both of them. Their hard work and dedication over the years has really paid off. I’m excited that they were able to participate in this competition and receive this encouraging award for their effort.” He added, “I’m also very thankful to the leadership of URI Guitar Festival for their thoughtful approach to competitions, finding ways to award students for their hard work while also helping those in need of better instruments to help them achieve their maximum potential. We need more competition prizes like the Altamira special prize that Harshini and Ananya received.”

We plan to publish some more recent recordings of these two students in the near future, but in the meantime, you may hear a previous recording of her work on our blog at https://malden.mapflc.com/2020/12/20/student-performance-of-snowflight/

Please join us in congratulating Harshini and Ananya by dropping some kind words into the comments below!

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Save Time and Money with These Limited Offers (Black Friday 2023)

We are excited to announce a limited-time offer to help families save time and money for their year-end** and 2024 classes!

Booking credits: Back by popular request

This is the forth year that we are making this special offer for students to purchase lessons in bulk to save time and money. All participating students have reported their satisfaction, and we received many requests to offer them again this year!

How does this offer save us money?

We have three tiers of pricing, which can save you between 20% and 30% on the standard half-hour private lesson and hour group class rate.

Special OfferTotal Value of Private Lessons or Group LessonsBlack Friday Pricing (until Nov. 30th)Total Dollar SavingsPercentage Savings
1000 Booking Credits Option$5500$3850$165030%
800 Booking Credits Option$4400$3300$110025%
600 Booking Credits Option$3300$2640$66020%
Comparison of this year’s Black Friday special offerings

How does this offer save us time?

Most families are making class payments once every two months. These packages offer approximately a year (depending on how often you take classes) of classes. Pay once, and enjoy classes for the long-term.

Is there a Sibling Discount?

No. However, all of the offerings this year are better than any year-round sibling discounts we provide.

When does this Deal End?

This offer ends November 30, 2023. Also, please note that we are only offering a limited stock of these items at their sale price (details below).

**When can I start using my credits?

You can start using your credits anytime. You may not, however, use credits to pay for classes in which you are already enrolled.

Can I use this with all classes?

You may use your credits for all classes with Ms. Chie, Mr. Devin, Ms. Anabel, and Music+Code classes — both private and group classes. All sharing sessions for the duration of enrollment are included.

As we did in years’ past, private lessons cost 10 credits, and group classes cost 6.

The discount and pricing is the same as last year

As promised, we have stuck to the same pricing as last year (as detailed in Pricing and Policy Updates). Plus, we are able to offer the same discounts as last year.

Where are the Class Offerings Published?

Group classes and lessons are published at https://mapflc.com/map-class-and-lesson-offerings/ If you would like a different time or would like to request a specific class, please email us at info@mapflc.com

Thank you!

That’s it. We hope that this helps. Cheers!

600 Credits
Save 20%
60 Private Lessons, 100 Group Classes
Commit now for a Big Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase
Purchase Now
800 Credits
Save 25%
80 Private Lessons, 133 Group Classes
Commit now for a Bigger Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase
Purchase Now
1000 Credits
Save 30%
100 Private Lessons, 166 Group Classes
Commit now for The Best Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase!
Purchase Now
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Save Time and Money with These Limited Offers (Black Friday 2022)

Save 20-30%

We are excited to announce a limited-time offer to help families save time and money for their year-end** and 2023 classes!

Booking credits: Back by popular request

This is the third year that we are making this special offer for students to purchase lessons in bulk to save time and money. All participating students have reported their satisfaction, and we received many requests to offer them again this year!

How does this offer save us money?

We have three tiers of pricing, which can save you between 20% and 30% on the standard half-hour private lesson and hour group class rate.

Special OfferTotal Value of Private Lessons or Group LessonsBlack Friday Pricing (until Nov. 30th)Total Dollar SavingsPercentage Savings
1000 Booking Credits Option$5500$3850$165030%
800 Booking Credits Option$4400$3300$110025%
600 Booking Credits Option$3300$2640$66020%
Comparison of This Year’s Black Friday Special Offerings

How does this offer save us time?

Most families are making class payments once every two months. These packages offer approximately a year (depending on how often you take classes) of classes. Pay once, and enjoy classes for the long-term.

Is there a Sibling Discount?

No. However, all of the offerings this year are better than any year-round sibling discounts we provide.

When does this Deal End?

This offer ends November 30th. Also, please note that we are only offering a limited stock of these items at their sale price (details below).

**When can I start using my credits?

You can start using your credits anytime. You may not, however, use credits to pay for classes in which you are already enrolled.

Can I use this with all classes?

You may use your credits for all classes with Ms. Chie, Mr. Devin, Ms. Carrie, and Music+Code classes — both private and group classes. All sharing sessions for the duration of enrollment are included. Classes with 3rd party instructors (e.g. not mentioned above) may be priced differently. For those instructors, participation in this offer is on a case-by-case basis because those instructors set their own prices.

As we did last year, private lessons cost 10 credits, and group classes cost 6.

The discount is different from last year

We recently published new Pricing and Policy Updates. In short, we did not increase any of our base prices, nor do we plan to for 2023. However, the sibling discount for group classes has decreased slightly, and there are differences between last year’s Special Offers and this year’s.

Where are the 2023 Group Class Offerings Published?

Group classes for 2023 are published at https://mapflc.com/map-class-and-lesson-offerings/ If you would like a different time, or would like to request a specific class please email us at info@mapflc.com

Thank you!

That’s it. We hope that this helps. Cheers!

600 Credits
Save 20%
60 Private Lessons, 100 Group Classes
Commit now for a Big Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase
Purchase Now
800 Credits
Save 25%
80 Private Lessons, 133 Group Classes
Commit now for a Bigger Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase
Purchase Now
1000 Credits
Save 30%
100 Private Lessons, 166 Group Classes
Commit now for The Best Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase!
Purchase Now
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Gift Ideas That Last a Lifetime

Happy Holidays with Music Blocks

Looking for gift ideas that last a lifetime? MAP Guitar and Music+Code instructor reflects upon how sustained music lessons has improved his own life, as well as the lives of his students. The conclusion to a study referenced by the National Association of Music Merchants is included, which suggests music class/lesson participation contributes to a healthier lifestyle in youth.

A Great Education Lasts a Lifetime

When I look at what some of my students have done, I can really see that “a great education lasts a lifetime”. Some of my (older) students have been admitted to top schools for music, such as San Francisco Conservatory, and other (younger) students have been admitted into top, exclusive high schools of their choice.

When I look at my own life, the same is true. The private lessons I took as a youth gave me so much. I was able to attend the colleges of my choice as well, as a direct result of the lessons I consistently took with Jeremy Mayne. I have been able to perform in the world’s best concert halls, and together with the world’s best musicians.

And for those who may be skeptical because you do not expect your son or daughter to concentrate in music in college, I want to share a little bit more about what music has given me.

One thing that music gave me during my formative years is a healthy way to express myself. During high school, I practiced the guitar very intensely. When my friends got together for a social gathering, I would join them, of course, but I would always bring my guitar. This gave me a healthy way to have fun, as well as entertain others, at the social event. There has been research to show that students who participate in (continuous) music study live healthier, happier drug-free lives.

In the past, secondary students who participated in a music group at school reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs).

5 VH1: Save the Music. “The Benefits of Music Education.” VH1: Save the Music. Accessed February 24, 2015. (Referenced in this NAMM Facts and Quotes Article Published in 2018.)

This makes a lot of sense as music is social, entertaining, mentally stimulating, and more–all at the same time! Playing and making music is a great way to be social, and a very healthy, smart way to express one’s self!

Gift Ideas in Music, Art, and Programming

I know you have a lot of choices for what to get your loved ones for the Holidays this year. Toys and games and movie passes are all great fun, and I agree kids should have those things! However, I want you to consider also including the gift of music, art, and programming.

At MAP, you have a few options this giving season. Please read on for some gift ideas from us to you.

Larger Limited-Offer Gift Passes

These limited offers (announced here) give the gift of months worth of lessons and classes in music, art, and programming at MAP Family Learning Center–both online and in-person.

These offers are at our absolute best prices, and the deals end November 30th.

600 Credits
Save 20%
60 Private Lessons, 100 Group Classes
Commit now for a Big Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase
Purchase Now
800 Credits
Save 25%
80 Private Lessons, 133 Group Classes
Commit now for a Bigger Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase
Purchase Now
1000 Credits
Save 30%
100 Private Lessons, 166 Group Classes
Commit now for The Best Discount
Book via Self-Serve
All Private Lessons Included
All Group Classes Included
Does not expire until 700 days after purchase!
Purchase Now

Ongoing Private Lesson Gift Passes

These year-long offers give the gift of months worth of private lessons (both online and in-person) at a discounted rate.

12 Lessons or More
Save 5%
~3 months of lessons
Great Gift Item!
For use on any private lessons from any MAP instructor
Book Lessons via Self-Serve
Purchase Now
24 Lessons or More
Save 10%
~6 months of lessons
Great Gift Item!
For use on any private lessons from any MAP instructor
Book Lessons via Self-Serve
Purchase Now
48 Lessons or More
Save 15%
~12 months of lessons
Great Gift Item!
For use on any private lessons from any MAP instructor
Book Lessons via Self-Serve
Sibling Discount Available to Extend to 20% Savings (Inquire to info@mapflc.com for coupon)
Purchase Now

Give the Gift that Lasts a Lifetime!

Thank you for reading how music helps youth during their formative years, including a little bit about how it has helped me and my own students. I hope to share more about the efficacy of a quality education in the months to come. Happy Holidays!

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Save Time and Money with These Limited Offers (Black Friday 2021)

Offer has ended

Editorial note: This offer has ended. Please see this year’s offer. Also, please consider signing up to our newsletter to receive updates on special offers such as these.

We are excited to announce a limited-time offer to help families save time and money for their year-end** and 2022 classes!

Important Note: In accordance with this year’s important Pricing and Policy Updates, there are differences between last year’s Special Offers and this year’s. Please read carefully.

What Parents Are Saying about Booking Credits

This is the second year that we are making this special offer for students to purchase lessons in bulk to save time and money. All participating students have reported their satisfaction.

And thanks for the heads up about the credits!  […] I think it’s good then as I can see both Heather and Nathan have been learning a lot of guitar skills.  The credits worked pretty well.  Would you continue to offer the same credits for us?  This way will save me time to track their lessons as the way to keep them continuously learning.

Betty, Parent of Two Sibling Students of MAP
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MAP Students Showcase at Open House

MAP student showcases his work

Last Sunday, we had an open house event, which was open to the public. MAP students showcased what they have learned at MAP over the past few months.

MAP students performed music and showcased for each other, as well as visitors from the general public. Each student contributed to the activity in some way. When we were finished, I compiled a video of their showcased work. Please check out the following video to see what the kids are doing.

MAP Student Showcase Video

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Student Showcase from Jan. Open House

What are the Kids Learning?

MAP students are learning so much in their classes. Of course, they are learning music, art, and computer programming, and they are studying with some of the most knowledgeable instructors in their respective fields. However, here at MAP we understand that students need a holistic education. That is why, included with lesson packages, students are invited to perform weekly in sharing sessions.

Weekly Sharing Sessions

How many times have you learned something only to find out that you were not able to use what you learning? Performance, showcasing, and portfolios should be a central part of everyone’s education. We do not understand something until we try to show what we learned to others. This is one of the many reasons that we offer weekly sharing sessions.

2nd Graders are the “Makers” of their own Games

Near the end of the video, one of the students says of his game, “I am the maker”. It is amazing to hear this 2nd grader describing himself this way. Imagine a world where kids envision themselves as the creators and the makers of their technology. This is categorically different than kids passively playing video games. Our Music+Code classes empower kids to participate in the creation their technology. Led by the legendary instructor Walter Bender, who co-founded One Laptop Per Child and Sugar Labs, these students really learn how to dominate their computers, while having fun in the process.

Check out our Music+Code Lesson Plans

Interested in Learning More?

You can always feel free to contact us from this site, by phone, or email.

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Art Student Showcase

We have posted a lot of student performances over the past few months, but would like to take a moment to acknowledge our students’ art. Amelia is doing great work!

Amelia is taking both Art and Music and MAP Family Learning Center, and she is doing amazing work. Check out her latest work in the gallery below.

  • Art by Amelia | Flowers
    Art by Amelia | Flowers
  • Art by Amelia | Trees
    Art by Amelia | Trees
  • Art by Amelia | Landscape
    Art by Amelia | Landscape
Three paintings by Chie’s student, Amelia.

Amelia has been taking art classes at MAP since we opened in 2019. When the pandemic started, the group classes turned into private lessons. She continued with these online private lessons and has made remarkable progress.

The painting featured at the very top of this post was made over the summer, and the three paintings above were sent early December. You can see quite the progress Amelia has made.

Amelia studies art with MAP instructor, Chie Yasuda. You can see Chie’s art on her website at www.chieyasuda.com

Please follow us to continue to receive updates on MAP student art.

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Steel String and Nylon String Performances by Cameron

MAP guitar student Cameron sent in these wonderful videos to share with everyone. Please enjoy!

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MAP Student Cameron Performs Secret Place

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Some Background: Cameron started studying in 2015 with MAP Instructor, Devin Ulibarri. At that time, Cameron had studied guitar for a few months with another instructor but had not yet learned to read music. Mr. Devin taught Cameron how to read music on guitar, finger-style technique, and even worked together with Cameron to create some arrangements of video game music. It is amazing to thing that in 5 years time, he has made this much progress. Way to go, Cameron!

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Two New Student Videos (Younger Sibling)

Student plays guitar for an online lesson

The previous post featured the older sibling in this family who has been joining lessons from India over the past few months. She plays “Andantino” and “Country Dance” (from Royal Conservatory Books) for us here. She is really playing quite well!

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Student Performance of Andantino

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