Performing in recitals....

1. Builds confidence. When a performance is complete, even if mistakes were made, the audience always claps! That sound (accompanied with the knowledge that they did it and the world didn't explode!) can grow your child's confidence by leaps and bounds, 
2. Recognizes hard work and progress. A music recital is a great place to reflect on how far your child has come and to recognize their efforts! After all, that drum practice that rattles the windows needs to be worth it, right?!
3. Allows room for inspiration. There is no better inspiration than watching others perform! It gives your child a chance to see others excel and be motivated to keep going. They may even watch someone who isn't yet on their skill level that reminds them of how far they've come. The inspiration potential is endless!
4. Gives an opportunity to hear live music. Every student is different with different musical tastes and skills. Participating in a recital allows them to hear various types of music and broaden their horizons. They may even head into their next music lesson asking for something new!
5. Makes beloved memories. Think about it, a child will remember things like a piano or guitar recital no matter what. Imagine what a special memory you can create by encouraging them with roaring applause, flowers, or a congratulatory treat following a performance! A music recital can quickly become a child's favorite time of year and one day, one of their favorite memories!

During COVID-19, the world may have turned a little upside down, but childhood is not cancelled! and we are all looking for ways to have things stay as "normal" as possible. Virtual music lessons is definitely one of those ways to keep things moving for students. Let's not just survive 2020 - let's help our children THRIVE! 

Below are a few benefits when it comes to taking Virtual Music Lessons!

1. Reduces Anxiety. Did you know music itself can help reduce anxiety during difficult times? It releases endorphins and relaxes our bodies to a more calm state. Playing the music yourself makes it a more immersive and full experience, making the benefits heightened. Plus, it's fun!
2. Deeper Learning. Taking virtual music lessons, be it guitar lessons, piano lessons, or another instrument, allows the student to learn more deeply by listening better, asking more questions, and sometimes practicing even more! 
3. Convenience. Learning from home not only allows your child the chance to learn in pajamas (score!) but it can also be an option that helps simplify your schedule. Right now, parents are being pulled in a million directions - we understand that. Virtual music lessons will help take some pressure off of your schedule, while also fulfilling your child's need to engage with others and learn their instrument.
4. Character Development. Online music lessons bring about a great sense of responsibility to students. Your child can learn so much more than just a few notes on a page. They become more resilient and responsible by taking learning into their own hands, practicing more, and learning to be confident in the choices they make. 
5. Something To Look Forward To. During times where we may be more isolated out of caution or have unsteady schedules, music lessons are something a child can look forward to and be excited about doing each week! Positive interaction with their music teacher on a weekly basis can bring a sense of stability and control as well as some much needed laughter and joy.!

Music lessons are always important to a child's development, but perhaps even more during these uncertain and ever-changing times. We have amazing technology at our fingertips that will help our children continue to grow - no matter the circumstances. Let's use it and make some music together!

Located just outside of the Charlotte area, our Indian Trail studio is the perfect central location to all your summer fun. You can learn to play piano right after playing soccer at the park or get your drum rocking to the beat after a sunny day at the pool.

Summer at Lanti is a great time for lessons as we offer flexible scheduling with both 5-lesson and 8-lesson options; you learn when you want to and that means you don't have to worry about changing your vacation plans! Our teachers make sure to keep things fun and exciting over the summer so that your violin and guitar lessons always feel as refreshing as a dip in the ocean!
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A bonus: if you're feeling apprehensive about in-person music lessons due to COVID-19 we will still be offering remote learning and virtual music lessons via zoom. All of our music teachers are fully trained to teach your favorite musician online, keeping their skills fresh while having a great time!  

​We'll see you this summer! 

Well everyone, there you have it! Our 5 best tips for your virtual recital. Have a tip you'd like to share? Leave it in the comments! And don't forget to let us know how your virtual recital goes! Plus check out some additional tips here and here. 

Let's talk about PLAY!

There's no doubt that parents have been trying to figure out ways to keep their children busy over the last couple of months during the COVID-19 quarantine. In the midst of tackling "school at home", make sure to add just as much playtime (if not more) into your day!  Check out this article from the Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics about why playtime is so important to the well-being of our kids and youth.

Of course, make sure to practice your instrument and acting skills each day, but if you need some creative inspiration, our friends over at No Time for Flashcards have you covered! They came up with an awesome list of ideas for outdoor play.

​Here's our Top 5 Favorite Picks:

1.   Melt Crayons in the Sun
2.  Paint like Jackson Pollock
3.  Flower Painting
4.  Go on a sound safari
5.  Play Angry Birds with Water Balloons

There you have it - fun for hours! Make sure to send tag us @lantiperformingarts if you try one (or all) of these outdoor play ideas! 

Want more ideas? Take a look at the full list HERE.

Speaking of fun activities - Lanti Performing Arts is home to some of the most creative music and acting camps in Indian Trail, NC (located just outside of Charlotte). We are super hopeful that things will be rocking and rolling in time for summer camps (with precautions, of course).

We have over 25 weekly themed camps so if you have a child 4-18 years old, make sure to check out our line-up HERE!

Day #273849817 of Quarantine
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Hey mamas...can we take a minute and pause from the school work, cooking 5 million meals a week, and the zoom meetings? I know you're juggling a lot right now and with the upcoming Mother's Day weekend - this year tops the charts of "We Are Earning the Mom Title"!

Am I right?!

If you're anything like me, you've had a roller coaster of days while in quarantine...
Great days,
Lazy days,
Play outside days,
Movie days,
Missing friends & family days
Dance party days,
Too much technology days,
Melt-down days,
Smell the flower days,
Messy days,
Messy days,
Messy days (felt I needed to add that 3 times!), 
Winning school days,
Close all the books and cry days.

Friend - you are not alone! These days are totally normal day right now and we're ALL having them! 

I love the fourth agreement, from Don Miguel Ruiz's book, The Four Agreements. (If you haven't read it - grab it on Amazon - it's so insightful!)

His message is simple.

Always do your best.

Ruiz explains, "Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret."

How freeing is this!? Maybe on Monday you were a total Pinterest/Marie Kondo/Super-Mom but today you're just struggling to put on pants and make sure you don't eat the whole bag of Oreos.

No matter what kind of day it is today - give yourself grace, give others grace, and just keep doing your best!​

Take a breath. Each moment is a new moment.

And who knows - tomorrow night you might even cook a 7-course meal in your little black dress (HA! Who am I kidding!?  I don't even know what day it is - we'll be rocking some PB&J again!)

Keep earning your title because you are one incredible quarantine-surviving mama!

P.S. Feel free to save the pic below as your phone screensaver - we can all use the daily reminder!

It's that time! Thanksgiving is just one week away and our local towns and cities are starting look a lot like Christmas. They're starting to sound like it too! If you're looking for a great way to get into the Christmas spirit in the next month, check out this awesome list of 12 music and theatre centric events happening in Union County and the surrounding cities! 

1. Home Alone In Concert at Charlotte Symphony - watch this holiday classic on the big screen while the score is performed live. You'd be amazed at the experience you get from watching the movie and hearing the music played live! 
2. The Polar Express Train Ride Experience - complete with musical numbers, hot chocolate and a Santa experience! The ride uses music from the original soundtrack to delight guests through live performance and is sure to bring smiles to every face. 
3. Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra at Founders Hall - this orchestra is comprised of... wait for it.... animatronic bears. Yes, you read that right! Most days they perform hourly from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. but check the schedule before you head out just in case! This is a one of a kind experience, don't miss it!
4. The Nutcracker Presented By The Union County Youth Ballet - this year the youth ballet performs four shows, accompanied by a live orchestra! The live music will be played by the musicians of the Union Symphony. 
5. Caroling At Billy Graham Library with Lanti Performing Arts - head up to the library with your favorite music and theatre teachers to sing some carols, spread some cheer, and of course drink hot chocolate while we look at lights! This is an annual LPA tradition so don't miss out! 
6. A Christmas Carol at Theatre Charlotte - come watch the annual tradition of Theatre Charlotte! This heartwarming tale is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts and get you in the spirit of Christmas.... get it?! Spirit?! 
7. The Jazz Room: Holiday Edition at Blumenthal - become captivated by the music of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi, best known for the Charlie Brown TV specials. A wonderful and classical experience for the whole family!
8. Christmas is Coming Concert by the Charlotte Chorale - this 90 minute concert is full of the beautiful singing of the Charlotte Chorale, a group focused on making choral music accessible to the community. If you love to sing, this event is for you! 
9. Winter Bash at Lanti Performing Arts - Come join your Lanti music and theatre teachers for an awesome holiday celebration complete with hot chocolate bar, popcorn bar, games, karaoke and more! 
10. The Singing Christmas Tree at Knight Theatre - brought to you again this year by The Charlotte Symphony and Carolina Voices. This spectacular music event will dazzle all ages - and don't forget to sing along! 
11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical - this amazing stage production is just like the beloved movie from so many years ago! Families and audience members of all ages will delight in the musical journey of Rudolph and friends! 
12. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage - The precious Peanuts gang joins together to put on a show and learn the meaning of Christmas. This sweet show will captivate audience members big and small! 

Well, there you have it! Our 12 music and theatre events to get you in the holiday spirit! Try one out? Let us know how it goes! 

We want to send a huge "thank you" to all of our sponsors for this year's theatre program! Because of you, we are able to provide scholarships to children who may not otherwise have access to music classes, theatre classes, and the performing arts! 

If you are looking for local businesses to support, this group is wonderful! Check them out by clicking below!

Earlier this month our Bucket Drum students performed out in the community at a fall festival. It was not only a fantastic time, it was also a great learning opportunity! 

Check out their video here and then read some of the benefits of the performing arts below! 

So whether you are in piano lessons, drum lessons, theatre or acting classes, group music, or any other kind of music or performing arts class, you can get these amazing benefits that are so vital to childhood development. Our students love to experience music and theatre and we love to watch them grow from it!