About
Established in 2009, Queens Music Academy was picked as one of the top music schools in NYC by NY1, Timeout Kids NY and Daily News. QMA is a comprehensive music school that offers complete music programs for students age 3 and older, who wish to develop performance skills and an understanding of music theory and literature. We offer a wide variety of programs including: private lessons for all orchestral and band instruments, as well as piano, voice, guitar, and composition; as well as rock bands, string ensembles and group classes. We are open all year except during holidays.
We welcome you to join our musical family and explore the many opportunities available to students enrolled in lessons.
Choi Fairbanks
Director
Why IS QMA is different?
1. We take great joy in watching people play musical instruments with passion. Playing should be a source of fun and enjoyment, becoming a lifelong companion. At my school, we embrace the philosophy of "Character first, ability second," as expressed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.
2. We host live musical performances, as they have a unique way of resonating with people, nurturing both the soul and mind. Facing a mental block? Music can be a powerful remedy. Encouraging individuals to play instruments together can significantly reduce social and mental challenges.
3. We have a deep commitment to nurturing young minds at a critical stage of development. When young children, around 3 to 5 years old, are learning to speak their native language, it's a perfect time to introduce them to the language of music as well. This early start allows them to become musically fluent as they grow. Some children pick up music naturally and progress quickly. The earlier they begin, the more proficient they become. I have a deep passion for teaching this age group.
4. We believe that music is a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers, making it a powerful tool for gaining access to opportunities, including college admissions. Even if someone isn’t fluent in the language of the country they wish to study in, their proficiency in music can bridge the gap. Many universities, especially those with strong music programs, value talent and dedication to the craft as much as, or even more than, language skills. I remember some of my high school friends went to Germany, Italy, the U.S., or France to study music right after graduating, even though their language skills weren't perfect. Their musical abilities were recognized, helping them secure spots in foreign universities right away. Music speaks directly to the heart, allowing students to connect with schools and professors in ways that go beyond words.
WHAT MAKES MUSIC LESSONS at QMA DIFFERENT?
We provide lessons that make learning an instrument enjoyable and accessible, helping students build confidence in their musical abilities.
Music lessons are most enjoyable when your teacher encourages you to be yourself! Our mission is to teach students the language of music and the fundamentals of various instruments in a way that lets them experience the excitement and joy of playing. At the same time, they’ll learn essential theory and techniques. Once students grasp the language of music, their growth and enjoyment expand exponentially.
Every student has their own unique personality and strengths, and our job is to discover what ignites their passion for music. We’ve developed a curriculum library organized by age, level, and instrument, allowing us to personalize lessons for each student. By focusing on their individual potential, we tailor our approach to help them unlock their musical abilities in a way that’s both enjoyable and effective.
We place a strong emphasis on both reading music and improvisation. Our lessons cover playing by ear, understanding chords, improvising, and even composing your own songs. This approach fosters creativity and helps students develop a well-rounded musical skill set.
All QMA students have access to the Practice Space App, where they can monitor their practice time, receive feedback from teachers, and track their progress—all in one platform. This app stores everything in one place, including Zoom links, PDFs, recordings, videos, audio, sheet music, and piano accompaniment YouTube links.
Teaching Methods
Suzuki
Shirley Given
Our schools teaching philosophy is primarily influenced by Dr. Suzuki Shinichi's mother tongue method, Shirley Given's Adventure in Violinland and "Music For Little Mozart" series for young pianists. We engage young children through the usage of visuals such as illustrated characters and stuffed animals to help make stories for each song. This helps to keep make their young minds more imaginative and exciting for each day's lesson. We believe that if we make the size of a violin smaller, they are able to start playing as young as 3 years old.
TEACHING Books
Bastien Piano Basics
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library
Adventures in Violinland
Fundamental Studies For Snare Drum
Stick Control: For the Snare Drummer
Mel Bay’s Modern Guitar Method
Suzuki, A Dozen A Day
Neil A Kjos Piano Library
Music for Little Mozarts
Piano Adventures
And more!