SOL-LA is a Santa Monica, California-based music academy whose mission is to provide high quality performing arts education to students from all backgrounds and economic circumstances, in an engaging and encouraging environment fostering achievement and community. Our comprehensive program reflects the belief that vibrant cultural education nurtures all areas of learning, connects diverse societies and enhances enjoyment of life.
THE SOL-LA EXPERIENCE
Music education is essential to students’ development as critical thinkers, creative artists, and compassionate human beings.
—Javier Iglesias-Martín, Artistic Director, SOL-LA Music Academy
SOL-LA Music Academy employs a fully-integrated music learning system that is based on proven classical music teaching methods. These methods balance a strong technical foundation with artistry and creativity. Our well-rounded holistic approach emphasizes the relationship between music and other life experiences. Our goal is to encourage self-discovery, creativity, critical thinking and exploration of other genres and art forms.
Why Are We Focused on Classical Music?
We use classical music as the core of our methodology because the study of classical music provides solid fundamentals that have been honed and perfected over the centuries. Classical music provides the most efficient springboard for giving our students a well-rounded music education, regardless of their musical interests. It is important to note that many forms of music found in the United States are deeply rooted in western classical music. For example, classical music theory is at the heart of mariachi, rock, hiphop, R&B, country music, and jazz.
SOL-LA’s Teachers
SOL-LA prides itself on employing some of Southern California’s top music educators to teach our students. Our teachers are multifaceted professional musicians who are deeply committed to fostering the joy of music in their students. In SOL-LA’s system of music education, our teachers blend a pursuit of excellence with healthy habits, wellness, and mental health awareness in their students.
Performance and Communication
Performance is a key aspect of our approach as it provides clear goals, helps build students’ confidence, and offers the opportunity to share our music with the community. SOL-LA offers students multiple opportunities to present what they have learned through solo performances, chamber music concerts, and through string, wind, and choral ensembles.
Public speaking is an integral part of our performing etiquette. Through our informal Upbeat Musicales performances, we teach students how to present themselves and engage with audiences, developing both their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
SOL-LA is committed to making music education accessible to anyone, regardless of their economic circumstances. As a non-profit music school, we underwrite a significant portion of tuition costs for our participating families. We have recently created a scholarship fund for need-based students and are continuing to offer deals and discounts to ensure that all students can participate.