Nicky Currie • August 22, 2024

Founder - Michael Hemsworth

Husband, Father and Music Lover

I'd like to share a brief history of our music school. My name is Michael, and I began teaching piano at the age of 16 at the small music school where I spent my formative years.


I began playing the piano as a late elementary student and have cherished it ever since. Concurrently, I enrolled as a local college student at Cosumnes River College when I was just 16. Just before turning 19, I was still teaching piano, and I successfully earned my bachelor's degree in music from UC Davis, all while getting engaged to my wife, Cealey.


After a series of events, the moment arrived for me to embark on my own journey. Thus, in the summer of 2003, I began teaching from my home under the name New Songs, just shortly before welcoming our first daughter. As a long-time resident of Elk Grove, I have cherished using piano as a way to connect with children and families throughout my history, including staying in touch with my very first students from the 2000s—three of whom are now adults with kids of their own.


At that time, I was dedicated to establishing a school that embodied my vision for music education, benefiting both students and teachers. For students, I aimed to create an inclusive environment where they felt secure to express themselves, embrace creativity, explore new ideas, and strive to reach their fullest potential. For teachers, I envisioned a supportive teaching environment that would enable them to cultivate a long-lasting career in education.


For four years, I taught from home, starting in my small duplex in 2007 with around 20 students. We then transitioned into our first commercial space, and by 2008, we had hired our first guitar teacher, evolving into a multi-teacher school. Over the years, we steadily expanded, moving from one classroom to two, then from two to three, and eventually from three to six and beyond.


We have proudly occupied our current facility for a decade and, in 2023, expanded to encompass more than 6,000 square feet, featuring 16 teaching spaces and a performance hall. Over the years, in addition to offering lessons, we have cultivated strong ties with our community, organizing music story times at local libraries and participating in school and after-school programs for the Elk Grove Unified School District. Additionally, in 2019, we acquired a mobile unit known as the Musi-music bus to enhance our ability to serve the entire community effectively.y.


In 2020, like many in our community, we faced a pandemic, but we promptly adapted by shifting to online classes, outdoor activities, and various alternatives, all while maintaining employment for our entire teaching staff. This adaptability allowed us to sustain our community through our student base. As we expanded, we launched an additional location in Laguna in the spring of 2022, followed by the acquisition of music schools in the Sacramento area in 2023 and 2024 from owners seeking retirement or significant life changes.


We’re delighted to expand our family of music schools through this initiative, as it allows us to cultivate a larger team of committed music educators. These teachers can unleash their creativity while engaging with a diverse array of students. This expansion also empowers us to reach more students within our community, driven by our core belief that making music fosters growth in numerous social, emotional, and academic dimensions for both children and adults.


Our fundamental values remain rooted in curiosity, acceptance, respect, and the freedom of expression, fostering a rich diversity within our school. We offer various programs tailored for both recreational and dedicated music students, ensuring that we cater to a wide range of populations, including adults and children with special needs. Our offerings encompass all ages and instruments. We take great pride in the vibrant community we have cultivated with our teachers, students, and families.


And we welcome you. To this family of over 1000. Students who are always growing and becoming more creative and confident music makers. years.

What If My Child Loses Interest in Music Lessons After a Few Weeks?

By Michael Hemsworth • November 20, 2025
You’ve signed your child up for music lessons, they’re excited for the first few weeks, and then suddenly… practicing becomes a struggle, enthusiasm fades, and you start to wonder if this was the right choice. Let me reassure you: this is completely normal . Every young musician goes through ups and downs in their musical journey — and with the right support, they can rediscover their joy and confidence . 🎵 1. It’s Not About Losing Interest — It’s About Hitting a Plateau Children often start with high excitement because everything feels new. But once the basics become routine, motivation can dip. This doesn’t mean they’re no longer interested — it means they’ve hit a learning plateau. W e see this as a natural part of the process. The key is to help students push through that plateau with encouragement, variety, and achievable goals. 🎯 2. Short-Term Motivation, Long-Term Growth Kids are motivated by progress they can see and hear. That’s why we focus on helping each student master songs they actually enjoy. If your child loves pop, film music, or worship songs — we’ll find age-appropriate versions to keep lessons relevant. When learning feels personal, motivation naturally follows. 👨‍👩‍👧 3. How Parents Can Help at Home Your involvement makes a huge difference. Here are a few tips: Create a routine: Even 10–15 minutes of consistent practice beats long, infrequent sessions. Celebrate effort, not perfection: “I love how you stuck with that tricky part!” goes further than pointing out mistakes. Be curious together: Ask them to show you what they’ve learned, or play a short duet! Keep it positive: Avoid using practice as a chore or punishment. 🎹 4. When to Reassess (and When Not To) If your child has truly lost interest for an extended period (more than a few months), it’s okay to have an open conversation. Sometimes it’s not the music — it’s the instrument, the song choices, or the format. We encourage families to try switching instruments or teachers before giving up altogether. Often, that small change reignites excitement. ❤️ 5. The Bigger Picture Music isn’t just about scales and songs — it teaches patience, creativity, discipline, and confidence. Even if your child takes breaks or switches focus, those lessons stay with them for life. So if your child’s motivation dips after a few weeks, don’t worry. With patience, partnership, and the right guidance, they’ll rediscover why they loved music in the first place. And we’ll be right here to help them find their rhythm again. 🎶

How to Create a “Music Corner” That Inspires Kids to Play

By Michael Hemsworth • October 27, 2025
If you’ve ever wished your child would sit down to play piano without being reminded, here’s a secret: it’s not always about motivation - sometimes it’s about environment. A child’s surroundings can completely change how they feel about practicing. Just like reading under a favorite blanket feels better than reading under a flickering light, the right space can turn piano time from a chore into a joy. Here are five simple ways to create a music corner that makes practice time feel natural, peaceful, and fun. 1. Put the Piano Where Life Happens If your child’s piano or keyboard is tucked away in a spare room, they might feel like practice means “disappearing.” Instead, place it somewhere visible — in the family room, near a window, or anywhere your household gathers. When music feels like part of everyday life, kids are more likely to explore it naturally — without you needing to ask. 2. Make It Bright, Comfortable, and Welcoming Kids are drawn to spaces that feel good to be in. Add warm light, a comfy bench, and maybe a splash of their personality — artwork, a plant, or a favorite stuffed animal sitting nearby. When their space feels inviting, they’re more likely to sit down, relax, and focus on the joy of making sound. 3. Keep Essentials Within Reach Missing pencils or music books can break the rhythm fast. Keep everything your child needs in a small basket near the piano — books, pencils, stickers, metronome, maybe even a notebook for song ideas. Having the tools ready turns practice into a flow, not a scramble. 4. Invite the Family to Listen A child’s confidence grows when music becomes something shared. Even five minutes of attention can make a big difference. Sit nearby with your coffee, ask them to teach you a few notes, or cheer when they finish a piece. When kids know you’re listening, they play with more pride and purpose. 5. Clear Out the Clutter A calm space makes for calmer practice. Keep the top of the piano clear of papers, toys, or distractions. Add something small that says, “This matters” - a plant, a candle, or a handwritten note that says, “I love hearing you play.” Small visual cues remind your child that music is a valued part of home life, not an afterthought. 💛 A Note for Parents A “music corner” isn’t about making a perfect space — it’s about making a welcoming one. When kids associate piano with warmth, belonging, and encouragement, practice stops feeling like a task and starts feeling like a gift.

Why Recitals Matter (and Why We’d Love to See Your Child on Stage)

By Michael Hemsworth • October 10, 2025
At NewSongs Music School, recital season is one of our favorite times of year. Our students get the chance to take what they’ve learned in lessons and share it with family, friends, and the community. For many children, standing on stage is more than just performing a song — it’s a chance to grow in confidence, celebrate progress, and feel the joy of music in a whole new way. Our upcoming Winter Recitals are right around the corner: Sat, Dec 13 — Madison Ave Campus Sat & Sun, Dec 13–14 — Grant Line Campus Some time slots are already full, but we want every student to have their chance to shine. Whether it’s their very first time performing or one more step in their musical journey, recitals help children set meaningful goals, stay motivated in lessons, and experience the excitement of applause. If your child hasn’t signed up yet, now is the time! Connect with your teacher or the front desk to reserve a spot. We can’t wait to cheer for them.