Music & Dance Academy Celebrates History

“Music is my passion and creating a learning community in providing an excellent music education is my dream” was what Nina said when she was interviewed in 2005 by the Arizona Daily Star. The story of Music & Dance Academy dates back to 1995, when Nina Tishkevich, followed her dreams of providing excellent music education.

In 1995, Tishkevich founded the Music Academy of Tucson, where she envisioned to create an environment where students can experience camaraderie and develop musicianship by playing together in ensembles as well as individual lessons.

The academy follows the Suzuki method in its approach to music instruction. The Suzuki method, developed by Japanese classical violinist Shinichi Suzuki, follows the philosophy that people can develop any type of talent if put in the right environment. The Suzuki method exposes children to music at an early age where they simply listen during their early years, followed by expert instruction where they replicate the tones they heard when they were younger. The academy also encourages the involvement of parents in their children’s learning process.

After 12 years, Music & Dance Academy opened a new school in Oro Valley. Following in 2010, it has expanded into Catalina Foothills to serve the community better.

Community Events

Over the years, Music & Dance Academy has been participating in many enriching events. One of which is the “Magic Carpet Concert series” which built a way to introduce different cultures, composers, music and dance to the children in an interactive way.

For its 10 th year anniversary, the academy celebrated with a free performance at the University of Arizona’s Crowder Hall with the theme, “Celebrating Music for Life”.

Last 2016, the Music & Dance Academy celebrated its 20 th year anniversary with a no-holds-barred gala event, complete with a red carpet.

Giving back and serving the community is one of the values of the academy, which is why it has held various benefit concerts, recitals and performances. Here are some to name a few:

“Children Helping Children”, a benefit concert aiming to help kids needing financial assistance to attend the Afterschool Inclusion Program, a program for the children with special needs,

In 2004 the academy has held “Performathon” which was musical marathon participated by the students aiming to raise money for the Reaching for Excellence scholarship fund which benefits students who otherwise may not be able to afford musical education.

Today, the academy works with Tucson and Oro Valley arts organizations to bring educational and enrichment opportunities to its students and the community at large.

Other Programs

Aside from the academy’s excellent music and dance programs for students of all ages, the academy had also developed special classes, courses and programs to serve the community better.

 Kindermusik Village is a music appreciation class for infants to toddlers.

 Behind the Music lecture series centered on Tucson Symphony Orchestra (TSO) series of concerts.

 The academy has developed a special program for seniorsincorporating dance and music.

 The STAR Leadership program is a youth leadership training course designed for organizations, schools, clubs or studios passionate about growing young leaders.