Happy Valley Arts Academy

"Arts Academy is a sort of puppy mill for music lessons. The Academy only cares about making money, it’s a “turn and burn” organization. My son took lessons for 9 months and at first I was excited about the results; the teachers were kind, recitals were fun and my kid was happy. I was naive. However, when my family needed to pause the lessons (I just welcomed a new baby and then traveled a bit to see family) the academy offered no compassion. If we didn’t continue to pay my son would not only lose his time-slot but also his achievements: being forced to start over on their measured “leaders” board per se. Basically his recital trophies will start small again. In a community where I thought the goal was to encourage kids in the arts, where we’re supposed to be lifting each other up and supporting bright futures- I quickly realized all they care about is my monthly check. 9 months and my son barely reads music, his technique- fundamentally hasn’t improved and he knows nothing regarding music theory or even pieces by famous composers. So I started looking for another teacher. We found a teacher who is an OMTA (Oregon Music Teachers Association) member and in his first lesson he had to learn how to properly SIT at the piano! He didn’t know how to space his body from the keys, he didn’t know where to sit on the bench or how important flat feet are. He was taught proper hand shape and how to play scales in 3 octaves- in 9 months he only played scales in one octave! He learned so much in that hour. I’m disgusted and disappointed that I’ve paid nearly $1,800.00 and my kid didn’t know how to sit at the piano. I’m disappointed that after $2,000.00 they look at my son as a number. I’m disgusted that they call this an arts academy, it’s a scam, a cold machine. Our kids deserve better. Parents should expect better. If you’re serious about quality education and developing real skills take your kids out of this place immediately. My son has an inherent, beautiful talent and he’s a quick study; his growth should have been astronomical and instead it was smothered. Wasted time and wasted money. Negative stars should be an option. But I’ll give a star to the teachers there who are trying to make a living and that have been kind to my son."

"Curtis Dahl teaches piano here and he is phenomenal teacher. Very well versed in music theory and accomplished musician himself but his real strength is he can see why you are having trouble with something and give you exercises to overcome it. He could literally take anyone at any level of piano and help them improve… because he understands the psychology as well as the physiology of why a student is having trouble. I have three members of my family taking classes from him because he is that outstanding. He is encouraging, understanding, and can teach anyone from young children to over 50+ like myself … he respects everyone wherever they are at on their music journey."

"Happy Valley Arts Academy enrolls folks of all ages who want to learn music - not just kids! My experience with the school has been great so far. The school also offers flexibility to do Zoom or self-paced video lessons when I can’t make it to class in person - it’s been really great to be able to fit lessons around my work travel schedule. But the best part is my instructor, Marcus. I’ve been learning piano with Marcus for the last 5 months. Marcus is incredibly patient, and his methodology works really well for my learning style. Marcus answers all of my questions, is positive and encouraging, and pushes me just enough so I’m always in learning mode and never stagnant. I highly recommend Marcus and this school for any adult interested in learning piano!"

"Teacher Cindy has been such a blessing for our daughter. She is highly encouraging and is very positive. She goes at just the right rate. My child began violin as a freshman which is not typical but Teacher Cindy made her feel right at home."

"Super Friendly staff, clean and welcoming environment, affordable music lesson rates, wide selection of instruments to choose from, great location off Sunnyside Road."