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.

Are Music Lessons Worth the Cost?

By Michael Hemsworth • September 9, 2025
Parents ask this question all the time: Are music lessons really worth the money? It’s a fair question. With so many activities competing for your (and your child’s) time - and your family’s budget - you want to make sure the investment pays off. At NewSongs Music, we believe the answer is a big yes . Music lessons aren’t just about learning notes; they’re about building skills, confidence, and joy that last a lifetime. Let’s break it down in plain language, so you can decide what’s right for your family. The Real Benefits of Music Lessons Music shapes kids in ways that go far beyond playing an instrument. Sharper thinking: Music uses every part of the brain. Kids who take lessons often build stronger memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Better in school: The same skills used to keep a steady beat or recognize patterns help with math, reading, and language. Confidence that sticks: Whether it’s playing a song for grandma or performing at a recital, kids learn how to push through nerves and feel proud of what they’ve accomplished. Life lessons disguised as music: Patience, perseverance, discipline—music teaches them all. Emotional outlet: Music helps kids express themselves, manage stress, and discover a healthy way to process feelings. Social skills: In group lessons or ensembles, children learn to listen, collaborate, and create something bigger than themselves. And here’s something many parents don’t realize: even the physical side of music matters. Playing piano, violin, or guitar builds fine motor skills, coordination, and mind-body connection. What About the Cost? This is usually the toughest part. Music lessons are an investment—both financially and in time. Prices vary depending on the instrument, whether lessons are private or group, and how long each session lasts. Private lessons (one-on-one) typically cost more, but they move at your child’s pace. Group lessons are usually more affordable and give kids a fun, social learning experience. Instrument costs can add up, but many families start with rentals until they know their child is committed. At NewSongs, most families spend somewhere between $140–$200 per month for weekly lessons. That’s often less than the cost of sports leagues or gymnastics—and the benefits last just as long, if not longer. Is It Really Worth It? Think of it this way: you’re not just paying for lessons. You’re giving your child a foundation of creativity, confidence, and resilience. Music is something they can carry into every part of life—school, friendships, and even future careers. And then there’s the joy factor. The look on your child’s face when they master their first song? Priceless. The sound of them filling your home with music? Worth every penny. Common Questions Parents Ask: What age should my child start? Some programs begin as early as preschool, but ages 5–7 are great for starting piano or violin. Older kids can jump in anytime—it’s never too late. How much should my child practice? For young beginners, 10–15 minutes a day is plenty. The key is consistency, not marathon sessions. What if they lose interest? It happens! Sometimes it’s the instrument, sometimes it’s the routine. Talk with the teacher, try a new instrument, or explore group lessons to keep the spark alive. Are group lessons as good as private? They’re different. Private lessons give individualized attention. Group lessons build teamwork and motivation. Many families choose both at different times. Final Note: An Investment in Harmony Music lessons are more than a line in your budget - they’re a gift your child will carry for a lifetime. At NewSongs Music, our C.A.R.E. values ( Curiosity, Acceptance, Respect, Expression ) guide everything we do. We want your child not only to learn music, but to grow and discover who they are through it. So, are music lessons worth it? Absolutely. Because when your child learns music, they’re not just making notes on a page—they’re making themselves.

Can You Measure Music Aptitude? Yes—And Here’s Why You Should

By Michael Hemsworth • August 26, 2025
Wouldn’t it be amazing to know whether your child has hidden musical potential—before they even pick up an instrument? That’s exactly what music aptitude tests can reveal. Music aptitude tests are designed to measure your child’s potential to learn music—not what they’ve already learned. They assess how well a child can mentally organize sounds, tones, and rhythms, even without formal training. For children ages 3 to 8, two widely used assessments are: Audie (for ages 3–4): Uses simple songs and a character to engage very young children in recognizing musical patterns. Primary Measures of Music Audiation (PMMA) (for kindergarten–3rd grade): Measures how well a child can hear and make sense of tonal and rhythm patterns. These tests aren’t about performance—they’re about listening. Your child doesn’t need to read music or sing on pitch. Instead, the tests quietly assess how their brain responds to musical structure. Why test at all? 🎶 Discover untapped musical potential. 🎶 Track your child’s growth year after year. 🎶 Make better decisions about music classes or instruments. 🎶 Catch musical frustration early (just like reading struggles). 🎶 Tailor instruction to meet your child where they are. What if scores go up or down? An increase in aptitude scores over time means your child is growing in their musical understanding. A decrease may suggest their environment isn’t giving them the stimulation they need—and that’s something you can change. Even average scores can blossom with consistent exposure and the right support. Every child deserves a chance to explore their musical self. Music aptitude testing, especially when paired with a rich, musical home life, helps parents make wise, informed decisions about nurturing their child’s creativity. Because music isn’t just for the talented—it’s for the growing.

How to Grow Your Child’s Musical Brain at Home

By Michael Hemsworth • August 4, 2025
You don’t need to be a musician to raise one. In fact, the most powerful musical moments at home often happen when no one is trying too hard—when a song is playing, someone is humming, or a child is dancing freely to music they don’t fully “understand.” Here’s how to build your child’s musical brain between ages 3 and 8: Play High-Quality Music Often Children unconsciously absorb the music they hear—just like language. Classical, jazz, folk, world music, and instrumental tracks with changing tone and rhythm help build musical understanding. Avoid only using music made “for kids.” Rich adult music works just as well (sometimes better!). Sing and Move Together Encourage singing—even silly sounds or nonsense syllables. The voice is a child’s first instrument. Combine singing with movement like clapping, swaying, or jumping to the beat. This helps them “speak music,” not just listen to it. Let Music Be a Routine, not a Lesson Music doesn’t need to be taught like math. It should be part of everyday life: during car rides, bath time, or while getting ready for bed. The more music is woven into your child’s daily world, the more they’ll develop the mental framework to understand it later. The way your child listens, sings, and moves with music today lays the foundation for everything they’ll be able to do with music tomorrow. In our final post, we’ll look at how to measure that foundation—and why it matters.