We welcome you to experience the Academy of Music difference!
Our mission is to inspire confidence and nurture creativity in students of all ages through music lessons, dance, acting, and musical theatre classes!
The Academy of Music has invested heavily in our state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional faculty to create an inspiring and supportive environment where students can explore, grow, and develop their talents—no matter where their passion for music, dance, or theatre takes them.
With easily accessible locations in Grand Rapids and Jenison, a streamlined online lesson management system, and flexible scheduling options, we make it simple for busy families to fit music lessons into their routine. Explore all the benefits we offer and discover why we’re West Michigan’s top choice for music education!
Nationally recognized for Music Academy Success and Voted #1 Grand Rapids Music Studio by Grand Rapids Kids (grkids.com)
The Academy of Music in Jenison stands as the largest music school in West Michigan, serving nearly 1,000 students ranging from young children to adults. Whether you or your child are eager to learn an instrument, chances are we teach it—piano, acoustic and electric guitar, drums, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, violin, viola, cello, voice, and singing—all in one convenient location. Additionally, we provide musical theatre classes, acting/improv classes, and pre-ballet programs for children ages 3-6.
MUSIC – Piano, Guitar, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, Drums, Violin, Viola, Cello, Voice & Singing Lessons
DANCE – Around the World Fairytale Princess® Ballet ages 3-6
MUSICAL THEATRE – Singing, Acting, Stage Choreography, all in one location
Our students enjoy both time and cost savings, as families can schedule multiple lessons and classes on the same day. While other studios may offer a variety of instruments, we are the only one that provides instruction in all of the most popular choices—Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, and Violin—alongside Pre-Ballet Dance and Musical Theatre classes, all within a high-quality, convenient, and professional setting. We also offer lessons in Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, and Cello. Students of all ages and skill levels are welcome, including adults who are either new to music and the arts or returning to their studies!
With a team of over 45 instructors, each with college training or professional performance experience, we are confident we have the perfect teacher to match your needs.
Our instructors are passionate educators who take the time to understand your personal goals and guide you toward achieving them. Every class and lesson goes beyond the basics, incorporating essential elements such as music theory and sight reading in music lessons, stage terminology and choreography in Musical Theatre, and more than just fundamental steps in Pre-Ballet. All of this is designed to help you fully engage with the aspects of music, dance, or theatre that excite you most.
Beyond their impressive credentials, our Academy of Music teachers are warm, approachable, and committed to teaching in a way that aligns with your musical interests and aspirations.
Whether your child is exploring music for the first time, a middle school student is preparing for an audition, a high schooler is getting ready for college, or a seasoned performer is looking for specialized coaching, our personalized lessons will support your journey.
Your goals are our priority, and we’re here to help you achieve them in the way that works best for you!
Private and group lessons are scheduled by appointment and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us today to set up your first session—homeschool families especially appreciate our early afternoon availability!
At the Academy of Music in Jenison, MI, we offer music lessons, dance, and musical theatre classes seven days a week, from morning until late evening, to fit your schedule. In addition to after-school lesson times, we provide flexible options for homeschool students and retirees. Business professionals can take advantage of lunch-hour music lessons, while college students and other adults may prefer our late-evening sessions.
With a variety of options to match your child’s interests, our summer camps are designed to inspire young performers while building confidence and skills in a welcoming and supportive environment!
For over 20 years, the Jenison Academy of Music has been a trusted choice for families across the Grand Rapids area. See what our students have to say by visiting our Testimonials page!
Many music studios come and go, but our academy has a proven history of providing high-quality music education in piano, guitar, voice, drums, and string instruments year-round. Located in Jenison, Michigan, we go beyond music lessons by also offering pre-ballet dance and musical theatre classes. Our commitment is to delivering professional, top-tier instruction in a welcoming, year-round learning environment.
We teach an extensive range of styles, from classical piano to rock and metal, sacred music to pop and jazz, as well as voice training and musical theatre performance. Whether you’re interested in staging, choreography, Broadway routines, or modern vocal techniques, we help you learn the music and performance skills you love!
With 4,200 square feet of space, the Academy of Music offers the largest and most family-friendly waiting area in Jenison, Michigan.
Unlike cramped retail showrooms or home-based studios, our waiting areas provide a spacious, professional, and comfortable environment for families. Enjoy cozy seating, Wi-Fi, reading materials, a filtered water cooler, free tea, and engaging activities for children. Each lesson room features observation windows so you can check in on your child’s progress, or if you prefer, you’re welcome to sit in during their lesson.
For Musical Theatre and Dance families, a large screen in the waiting area allows parents to watch class activities in real time, ensuring you’re always connected to your child’s learning experience!
Our music rooms are fully equipped with everything needed for a seamless and engaging lesson experience. From amps, stereos, full electric and acoustic drum kits, keyboards, pianos, and microphones to staging, mirrors, and dance instruction tools, we have it all! Students only need to bring their own guitar, drumsticks, ukulele, or string instrument.
Each Jenison music room is designed with professional soundproofing to ensure the best learning environment. Large observation windows allow parents to check in at any time, while Musical Theatre and Dance classes can be viewed on a large screen in the waiting area for added convenience.
At the Jenison Academy of Music, we embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance learning. Every music room is equipped with an iPad, giving students access to interactive music apps, software, and digital tools for a modern and engaging lesson. Students are also encouraged to bring their own devices for a more personalized experience.
Additionally, our instructors have access to advanced tools that allow for seamless online learning. When an in-person lesson isn’t possible, we can easily transition to a Live Video Lesson with high-quality audio using Rock Out Loud software. For extra flexibility, instructors can also record and share personalized lesson videos, so students can review their material anytime during the week.
Academy of Music students have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a variety of annual events for music, dance, and musical theatre!
We are one of the only music schools in Jenison that provides free recitals featuring a Steinway grand piano in a first-class, professional recital hall twice a year.
Our 12-week musical theatre semesters each conclude with an exciting final stage performance, complete with choreography, professional lighting, and high-quality acoustics to create a truly immersive experience.
Our 10-month ballet program introduces young dancers to multicultural music, activities, and foundational ballet techniques. The year concludes with a Royal Ball, where students perform in an enchanting display of princess costumes from around the world alongside traditional pre-ballet selections.
Parents naturally want to see their child’s progress, and the best way to measure success in music, dance, or musical theatre is through live performances.
Many students find that preparing for a recital inspires dedication and perseverance as they work toward a clear goal. Over time, we see students develop greater confidence as they learn to manage stage presence and perform in front of an audience.
For students enrolled in private music lessons, recital participation is completely free—we do not charge recital fees or require admission tickets. Musical Theatre and Dance families also receive two complimentary tickets to each performance, ensuring that loved ones can be part of the experience!
We are the only music school in Jenison that has provided students with exclusive performance opportunities at some of the most famous music venues in the United States.
Academy of Music students have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in NYC, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH, and the Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, TN.
These destination recitals offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, fostering both personal and musical growth in an unforgettable way.
The Jenison Academy of Music is the only music school in the Grand Rapids area that provides full-time professional customer service for our music, dance, and musical theatre students seven days a week. Unlike many studios where the front desk is managed by the teacher-owner or, more often, an answering machine, we have a dedicated team of friendly, full-time staff members available at the Academy of Music front desk to assist our clients promptly and professionally.
We are the only music school in the Jenison area that offers students the chance to earn colorful wristband bracelets, trophies, and certificates as they reach new milestones in their musical journey. While some schools may hand out trophies or certificates, none create the same excitement and motivation as our Musical Ladder® program. These exclusive wristbands, designed in vibrant colors, give students a fun way to celebrate their achievements and proudly share their progress with friends. This unique system is only available at our academy.
Beyond just the rewards, the Musical Ladder® encourages students to stay dedicated to their practice. When a test is approaching, they put in extra effort, parents beam with pride, and teachers see tremendous growth—creating a win for everyone. Even our adult students appreciate the recognition and encouragement as they reach their personal musical goals.
Families at the Academy of Music appreciate the ease of our fully automated lesson management system. With hassle-free online registration, a secure messaging platform for direct teacher-student communication, and simple account management tools, staying on top of lessons is effortless.
For ultimate flexibility, students can opt for live video lessons with high-quality audio using Rock Out Loud software or access recorded sessions through LessonMate, making it easy to review lessons at any time. Our system is designed to provide a smooth, convenient, and personalized learning experience for every student.
At the Jenison Academy of Music, we make it easy to fit music lessons into your routine by offering flexible scheduling seven days a week. Whether you need after-school sessions, mid-morning availability for homeschoolers and retirees, or convenient lunch-hour lessons for working professionals, we have options to suit your lifestyle. Evening lessons are also available for college students and adults who prefer later times, making it simple to learn on a schedule that works for you.
Our location on Riverview Dr near the corner of Baldwin and Cottonwood makes our school convenient to all areas of the greater Jenison community. In addition, there’s plenty of parking on even the busiest lesson days when more than 80 students come and go. Next to our studio, you will find the famous Ida’s Pastry, with other convenient shopping and dining nearby – Starbucks, Meijer, Walgreens, Culvers and more.
At the Academy of Music, student safety is a top priority, which is why we’ve implemented a comprehensive Family Safety Plan. Our commitment includes five thorough background checks for all staff members, large observation windows in every lesson room, and video monitoring in both studios and lobby areas. Additionally, our administrative team is always on-site during lessons to provide extra security and support. Learn more at FamilySafetyPlan.org.
No need to worry if you miss a lesson—we offer four flexible options to help you stay on track:
Our group make-up classes provide a casual, small-group setting, making them a great way to connect with other students, practice performance skills, meet additional Academy instructors, and refresh your current skills or explore something new.
We are the only music school in the Jenison area that provides free professional photos for our students—a special perk that families truly appreciate!
Parents love having high-quality portraits of their children, and adult students are welcome to join in as well. Whether posing with their instrument or choosing a favorite outfit, students can express their personality in a way that makes their photos uniquely theirs.
Want your child to be part of our Face of the Academy Photos? Simply let our front desk team know, and we’ll make sure to reserve a spot for the next session!
While many of our students stay with us for four to five years or longer, the Academy of Music in Jenison keeps things flexible—no semester minimums or long-term contracts required. Although students see the greatest progress when they commit to lessons for at least a year, we understand that schedules change. If you need to take a break, simply notify our office by the 15th of your last month, and you can wrap up your lessons on a positive note with your teacher.
If you’re ready to begin, there’s zero risk—we welcome students who are excited to learn and grow!
Our Jenison students learn in 5,600 square feet of state-of-the-art music studios, making it one of the most advanced lesson spaces in Grand Rapids.
Each room is fully soundproofed and equipped with everything needed for a great lesson, including pianos, keyboards, full drum kits with pads, amps, and stereos.
Parents have the flexibility to sit in on lessons, observe through large viewing windows, or unwind in our comfortable parent lounge, which features WiFi, book, and fun activities for kids—creating a welcoming space for the whole family.
As a mother of five and a music educator with a master’s degree and over 30 years of teaching experience, I truly understand what parents need to help their children achieve real success in music.
Since 2003, my passion has been providing exceptional music education for students in the Grand Rapids and Jenison communities. What started as a small early childhood music and piano studio has grown into the largest professional music school in the area, now offering lessons in piano, guitar, drums, voice, and strings, musical theatre, and dance.
I am incredibly grateful for our talented team of teachers, the hundreds of students we teach each week, and the amazing families in our community who trust us with their children’s musical journey.
Barbara Hendricks
Founder and Executive Director
Academy of Music Grand Rapids / Jenison Music Academy
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Enrollment is quick and stress-free, whether you choose our easy online registration or prefer assistance from our friendly front desk staff, available seven days a week to help with any questions.
$35 / 30 minutes
Lessons are available seven days a week and are scheduled once a week.
An annual studio fee of $40/student or $50/family applies (due at the time of registration).
