The Impact of Donor Contributions: Empowering the Arts at MVAA

At Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA), the generosity of our donors fuels our mission to provide accessible, high-quality arts education and vibrant community programming. Every contribution, big or small, directly impacts lives and fosters a thriving arts culture in our region. Celebrating Our Community’s Support Thanks to the incredible support of our community,

Student of the Month: Samuel Vollstedt

Sam is a 10th grader at Brownsville High School and has been playing trumpet for over six years, beginning in 4th grade at Brownsville Elementary School. He chose trumpet because he liked the army tunes and wanted to play Reveille. He joined the Brownsville Marching Band in 8th grade and is now in his 3rd

Finding Your Voice: Techniques for Singing with Confidence and Clarity

Singing is a deeply personal and expressive form of artistic communication. Whether you’re a beginner or aspiring to improve your vocal abilities, finding your voice is an empowering journey that involves confidence, technique, and self-discovery. Here are some methods to help you sing with confidence and clarity: Breath Control: Mastering breath control is fundamental to

Music and Math: The Fascinating Connection between Music and Numbers

The intriguing relationship between music and math has been recognized for centuries, revealing a profound connection between these seemingly disparate disciplines. Rhythm and Fractions: The rhythmic patterns in music often mirror fractions. A quarter note divides into two eighth notes, much like 1/4 divides into 1/8. Pitch and Frequencies: The pitch of a note corresponds

Music Theory Demystified: Understanding Scales, Chords, and Progressions

Music theory forms the backbone of every musical composition, providing a roadmap for musicians to create harmonious and meaningful pieces. Let’s demystify some fundamental concepts of music theory: scales, chords, and progressions. Scales: Scales are notes arranged in ascending or descending order. They form the basis of melodies and harmonies. Major and minor scales are

From Practice Room to Performance: Overcoming Stage Fright

The thrill of stepping onto a stage, sharing your musical talents with an eager audience, and feeling the rhythm of the crowd’s applause is a dream many musicians aspire to. However, for many, the reality of stage fright can turn this dream into a daunting nightmare. The butterflies in your stomach, shaky hands, and racing

Mastering the Basics: A Guide to Proper Music Posture and Technique

Aspiring musicians often dive headfirst into the world of melodies and harmonies, eagerly focusing on mastering intricate pieces and challenging techniques. However, the importance of proper music posture and technique can sometimes be overlooked amidst the excitement of learning complex compositions. Yet, these fundamentals are the cornerstone of musical excellence, forming the foundation upon which