Music Lessons Toddlers

North Iowa Neighbor: Michael Betz, young music man

MASON CITY - Eighteen-year-old Michael Betz of Mason City is hoping for a career in the spotlight.

"When I was a toddler, about 3 years old, I'd take the pots and pans out of the cabinet and whack them with spoons and what not.

"That was the early indication that I would become a percussionist eventually, which I am, in addition to being a piano player, guitarist, violin player and a singer, Betz said.

He had just finished an appearance Friday afternoon at the Mason City Public Library's Live Music on the Patio. Despite his age, he is a popular performer in the Mason City area.

Betz started taking piano lessons at age 5. He enjoys playing a lot of improvisational music including jazz piano.

He also composes his own music.

"I like to create something that brings out an emotion in someone else and it's a really nice way to interact with people," Betz said.

"Everyone loves music."

Mason City High School choral music director Joel Everist called Betz "a Renaissance man."

"He's just the cream of crop. He's the top of the top," Everist said.

While reaching the All-State level as a percussionist, bass vocalist and speech team member, he managed to become Mason City High School's only National Merit Scholarship finalist from the Class of 2011.

He is the son of Theresa and Steve Betz.

Betz was also president of the choir. He sang bass in Concert Choir, Mohawk Chorale, Chamber Choir, and Madrigal Choir. A two-year All-State Chorus member, he was also a Division I soloist vocally, and held three letters.

Everist said Betz was a "once in a lifetime student."

"His work ethic was an example for all of the students," Everist said.

"I can't think of any student in the history of the school that was president of the symphonic band and the concert choir at the same time."

North Iowans have been treated to his musical talents at the library, Prime & Wine and the Main Street Market farmer's market on Saturdays.

He has also been playing piano at area care centers.

"It gives me the opportunity to meet people out in the community that appreciate my music," he said.

Betz plans to major in music composition at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.

And where does he hope to be 10 years from now?

"I hope to be either a published or self-published composer. And I hope to have some level of financial success and recognition which is hard to do because there's a lot of people trying to do that same thing.

Southern Mamas » Blog Archive » Music lessons, toddler/baby ...

A joyful first music experience. Children, siblings, and adults will share in a music making program of rhythms, active movement games and singing. Come for the nurturing environment where an energetic connection is drawn between music and imagination. Meet others and learn some fascinating music activities that can be re-created at home.

10-10:45 AM Saturdays: Toddler classes Enjoy playing simple, physical music games with your baby! Help babies develop musical skills, understand speech patterns, and movement skills. Through musical activities we stimulate baby’s brain development, build coordination, moterskills, enhance language, and problem solving skills. Most importantly, nurture a strong, secure, and loving bond between you and your baby. This is an artistically conceived flow of songs, nursery rhymes, instrumental jam sessions, and movement activities that will keep your little music maker involved. This class is designed to support children’s developing competence in tonality and rhythm and have fun. Starts Sept. 7.

Private lessons for piano, woodwinds, guitar, brass, and voice Such lessons are in high demand and there are only a few times available. Come on in and find out why Ms. Amy has such a great level of success and student retention. Call to set up a free trial lesson to see if the school is the right fit. Hey adults – you have always wanted to learn to play that piano or guitar, so come on in and see how much fun it is to learn!

Private Music Discovery lessons: for preschoolers whose parents want them to learn a musical instrument . Join certified teacher and mom Sara Johnson for a fast-forwarded fusion of the Zumba program’s moves (salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, hip-hop and more) and high-octane workout! Designed to let kids ages 4-12 max out on fun and fitness all at the same time. Safe and effective, kids can’t wait to get into the Zumbatomic groove. Watch their energy and fitness levels soar as they get the groove.

Parents can boost your fitness level in a fun and energetic environment with a fun, involved and infectiously energetic teacher

Email Sara at sarajojo@gmail.com  for more information. Kids classes: 11-11:45 AM Thursdays & 3-3:45 PM Mondays.  Adults classes: 11-11:45 AM Fridays & 3-3:45 PM Sundays.  All classes are held at Ms. Amy’s School of Music, 1 ½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave.

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