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Music School

At BAM, you can be exactly who you are. No matter your race, religion, age, gender, political affiliation, or musical tastes – if you treat others with respect and dignity – our doors are open to you. Music and love are the only truly universal languages, so in that we stand on common ground. To quote the musical Pippin, “We’ve got magic to do…just for you.”

Don’t Miss “Big Shot: A Billy Joel Tribute”!

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music with “Big Shot: A Billy Joel Tribute” featuring Erik Grant Bennett! Join us on October 25th & 26th at 8pm for a concert that will have you singing along to all your favorite Billy Joel hits. Book your tickets now and be part of this incredible experience!

Private Lessons

One-on-one instruction in voice or instrument of choice. Lessons are weekly and can be 30 or 60 minutes in length. A private setting can be appealing to those who want the undivided attention of the teacher, want to go at their own pace, or have aspirations of possibly studying music more seriously.

Group Classes

Learn with other kids who are at a similar age and level of experience. Classes provide social interaction and camaraderie among peers in addition to the musical knowledge gained. Classes range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the class, and meet weekly.

ARE PRIVATE LESSONS OR GROUP CLASSES BETTER FOR MY CHILD? LUCKILY YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE! MANY STUDENTS TAKE A PRIVATE LESSON AND ONE OR MORE GROUP CLASSES. THEY GET A MORE ROUNDED EDUCATION, NOT TO MENTION THE “BUNDLE” DISCOUNTS!

Why BAM??

Here are our Top 11 Reasons Why You Should Choose Us!

Our Facility

Facility is almost 13,000 square feet, located in the heart of the great town of Buford, Georgia. Tons of teaching rooms, large open spaces for group classes, our own performance venue, beautiful reception area and lobby, a student lounge, and amazing music memorabilia everywhere to look at. Close proximity to interstate 985 as well as Buford schools, not to mention Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Publix, Cracker Barrel, and so much more. Seeing is believing.

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Our Classes

Group classes, a big part of BAM’s educational path, are an appealing alternative or supplement to private lessons. Aside from the lower price tag when compared to private lessons, there are other noticeable benefits to group classes, such as healthy competition among peers, students learning from other students rather than only from their teacher, and valuable social interaction with other kids who obviously have the commonality of similar interests. The class model enhances versatility and layered learning.

Our Affiliation

Because Buford Academy of Music is owned by parent company Honey Bee Entertainment, a recording and production label, the students have recording opportunities that cannot be found at any other music school, including being part of the student compilation series of CDs, which are always well-received, as well as student recording rates that are significantly reduced from normal recording costs.  Students can record cover songs in their own way, original songs, Christmas or other holiday songs, songs as gifts for something special – you name it, BAM will hep you create it from start to finish.

Our Team

Directors and faculty who not only have a passion for music, but who also have a love for kids and the motivation to introduce music and its countless rewards to the children they teach.

Our Teaching Technique

The methodology and teaching techniques used at BAM are unique, individualized, and cultivated over decades of teaching children with drastically different interests and learning styles from one another. While course books are certainly a part of the learning process, it is the distinctive strategies for breaking down the information in a way that is accessible to the student that make all the difference.

Our Partnerships

BAM has a partnership with London College of Music for all piano students who wish to participate.  The students work on select pieces, scales, exercises, and technical requirements to prepare for an annual visit from one of the colleges overseas judges, who comes to Georgia and evaluates every student.  When a student passes a certain level, he or she will begin working on the next level.  When all levels of proficiency are met, the student receives a music diploma, which is the equivalent of an associates degree!  The program is not required, but it certainly helps keep students on track, focused, and practicing.

The Music

Music has proven benefits far beyond the learning of the instrument itself.  The life skills acquired through the discipline of learning music are both useful and adaptable, staying with the child into adult years and helping to positively shape his or her future no matter the chosen path.

Our Performances

Concerts and recitals are unlike any other performances at any other performing arts school. They are truly entertaining, featuring incredible talent, a professional live band in addition to fine student musicians, and wonderful fun for the entire family. Forget what you think you know about music recitals and get in on the action that everyone is talking about with the frequent and fabulous shows put on at BAM.

Our Teachers

Teachers at BAM are not only trained musicians, but are experienced ones. Practical familiarity with the industry and what is required to succeed at every level are of vital importance and give the students a useful perspective beyond just learning the notes and rhythms.

Our Priorities

Students are taught to be true musicians. They can speak the language, talking about music with other musicians. We encourage each student to play an instrument, understand basic theory, note reading, chart reading, vocabulary, notation, and history of music. Our graduates are well-rounded, have eclectic taste and appreciation of all genres of music, and are prepared for a lifetime with music as a constant companion.

Our Activities

BAM is becoming a one-stop-shop for all sorts of activities that students can enjoy and which nurture their growth and development. Through our one-of-a-kind “Enrichment” program, we offer a wide variety of opportunities at different times throughout the year, such as self-defense classes, SAT/ACT prep courses, tutoring, pilates & yoga, fitness classes, ballroom for adults, and almost anything else imaginable. Your entire family can benefit from being part of the BAM family!

Lessons & Classes

If you want it, BAM has it. Whether you want to study singing, play the piano or guitar, want to start your own rock band, learn to write songs, or you are learning an instrument for band or orchestra at school, our program can help you reach your full potential.

 

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Voice

Our singing lessons are offered as private lessons as well as a variety of different types of group singing classes. No two singers should sound alike. 

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Just as we all have different speaking voices, singing should be the same. The goal is to make each student the best version of herself or himself. Through specialized vocal exercises, carefully chosen songs, ear training, understanding of the physiology of singing, and good practice habits, students gain more and more control over their voices over time, as well as agility, flexibility across all registers, placement, versatility, range, repertoire, and even stage presence.

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Traditional & Pop Piano

Whether privately or in the group setting, piano is truly the gateway to all things musical. It is the door that, when opened, reveals the entire world of music in the most accessible way.

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Whether the student chooses the traditional piano route (more emphasis on reading) or the more modern path (more emphasis on chords), all students will work on fundamentals, including fingering, hand positions, scales, exercises for dexterity, and recognition of notes, rhythms, and key signatures. By laying a solid foundation, the potential for growth is endless.

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Guitar

Playing songs and jamming out to the music of your favorite band is a blast, and we believe in doing that as much as possible!

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But we also believe in knowing string names and numbers, the notes on the fretboard, and readings sheet music, chord charts, and tablature. We believe in being to play in all styles, understanding chords and how they are built, and having a beautiful tone on the instrument, whether acoustic or electric All of these skills and more are taught at BAM in guitar lessons and classes, plus countless performance opportunities for those with the desire to get on the stage.

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Bass

There are not enough bass players in the music industry, which means bass players will always have work. Besides it’s such a cool instrument to play.

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The coolest cats in the music world, like John Taylor (Duran Duran), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Sting, Paul McCartney, Aimee Mann (’Til Tuesday), Bernard Edwards (Chic), and Mark King (Level 42) are all bassists. Along with the drummer, a bassist sets the foundation and the groove of a song; therefore being able to understand, feel, read, and interpret rhythms is of paramount importance. In addition, bass students at BAM will learn to play in positions (playing in “the box”) that make fingering effortless, resulting in smooth, melodic bass lines. Students will also be introduced to such playing styles as walking, slapping, and picking, to name a few.

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Drums

“Animal,” from the Muppets is one of our favorites drummers here at BAM! The reckless, unbridled passion and energy with which he approaches the instrument is unmatched.

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He sometimes gets so into it that he starts eating pieces of the drum set – you can’t teach that! But in all seriousness, what allows a drummer to feel that kind of freedom and abandon behind the kit is training. If a drummer is not armed with the necessary tools and experience, it becomes a tedious process of thinking his or her way through the music rather than feeling it. After playing for years with a metronome, the different grooves and tempos get inside the player. Often forgotten is the fact that a drummer is a musician – a student has to be able to make intelligent musical choices on the drums, and that is possible only through the discipline of regular lessons and practice.

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Ukulele

The emergence of the ukulele as a mainstream instrument in America over the last decade is exciting! Artists like Grace Vanderwaal, Jake Shimabukuro, and Daniel Ho…

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have sparked a truly viral movement for the ukulele. The portability of the small instrument allows young people (and small people) the luxury of always having their instrument with them and being able to self-accompany while singing. Other perks of the instrument are that the strings are basically pain-free when compared to other string instruments, like the acoustic guitar, and the fact that there are only four strings makes it easier to learn simple chords quickly and start making music right away. However learning the instrument on YouTube or from someone other than an expert is a bad idea. There are subtle nuances and techniques that are crucial to the development of the player. Many focus only on what the left hand is doing, which is essentially fingering the chord shapes. But it is the right hand that really makes the music, so we will focus heavily on rhythms, strumming patterns, and understanding the why, not just the how. The ukulele is a much more versatile instrument than most realize, and it requires practice and patience just like any other musical instrument.

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Strings

Whether learning the violin, viola, cello, or bass, it is the bowing that gives a great player an unmistakable edge.

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Being that these are fretless instruments, training the ear to hear pitches and exact tuning are essential components to success. Along with the obvious techniques like reading notes and rhythms, using both hands together in a complimentary manner, and understanding the importance of sound bowing, there is also a strong emphasis on musicality. Simply put, string instruments require emotion. To make a string instrument really “sing,” the player has to give it a voice and a purpose. That can only occur after years of practice and dedication to the craft. It requires patience and perseverance, but it is important to remember that all the greatest string players in orchestras across the globe were once beginners too.

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Woodwinds

From basics like learning how to clean your instrument regularly to concepts like correct breathing, BAM teachers will walk a student right through the process.
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Starting out with just getting used to the instrument in their hands, feeling the air move through it, and playing long individual notes, the student will learn to relax and play slowly, concentrating on making a pleasant sound first. Posture and embouchure are key. Then over time, focus will expand to include all different types of scales and fingerings, reading music, knowledge of the history of the chosen instrument as well as its most famous players, and so much more. The process of learning flute, clarinet, or saxophone requires patience and practice, but it can be a rewarding one for sure! Woodwinds are beautiful instruments and are used in all kinds of music, like jazz, classical, film scores, and even popular contemporary styles.

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Brass

If you ever wanted to be part of horn section in a rock band (Chicago and Earth, Wind, & Fire come to mind) or you want to play in a concert band or marching band…

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, or you want to be part of a symphony orchestra, be a band teacher, or even a studio session musician, it all begins with private lessons. Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, and Tuba are essential instruments used in countless musical styles and genres, from Classical to Jazz, Dixieland to Rock, R&B to Pop. Through private instruction, students learn the foundational skills to be successful on their instruments, such as breath control, tongue placement, fingering, embouchure, and good practice habits. In addition, teachers will make sure a student is learning how to read music and continually working on tone quality and musicality.

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Advanced Ensemble Singing (by invitation)

By invitation only, this fun, rewarding singing class represents the top singers at BAM, from 6th through 12th grade.

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Not only do these singers learn to harmonize and take on challenging contemporary music, but they also serve as the background vocal group for all concerts put on at the Academy. So instead of just singing their song or two songs and going to sit down, they increase their stage time significantly by participating in the entire show. There is safety in numbers, and singers will try things in a group and take their voices for a test drive more willingly when others are singing with them than they may be willing to alone. We find the singers in Advanced Ensemble will improve more quickly in a variety of areas. Unlike school chorus (don’t get us wrong, we are big chorus supporters at BAM), this class allows the kids to sing much of the music they love, and to do so in “chest” voice rather than just then quiet “head” voice. They learn to belt and blend at the same time, which is great skill to have.

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Let’s Sing (elementary age)

An elementary-aged singing class, Let’s Sing is a name that pretty much says it all – kids get to get together in a positive social environment and sing.

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Not only are there tons of performance opportunities for the group, but they also learn some basic techniques that set them on the correct path as young performers, such as warmups, vocal exercises, breathing, diction, and even movement. These kids always do a great job and steal the show at the BAM concerts. Furthermore, the class prepares its participants for the classes and lessons they will want to take when they get a little older and allows them the feeing of accomplishment that comes with moving up through the ranks at BAM over the years.

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Ear Training

Similarly to Advanced Ensemble, this class is not open to everyone – there is an evaluation that must take place to determine whether a child is ready to take the class.

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Designed mainly for singers (though not exclusively), teachers will help train the musical “ear” to hear intervals and chords, be able to sing melodies on numbers and with Solfeggi syllables, and eventually be able to do melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation just by listening. The results of this type of training are significantly improved sight-reading, ability to learn music “by ear,” making Honor Chorus and All-State annually, and ultimately perceiving music at an entirely heightened level. Even though the term “ear” is used frequently about music, it is really about the training the musical mind, because if we must first master it internally before we can even attempt to do so externally.

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Musicology

One of the more popular classes offered at BAM, think of this as a Music History course on steroids!

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Instead of just learning about Bach or Beethoven (although that is important too), students get to go through all different decades and styles of music, learning how to recognize bands and singers when they hear them, knowing the characteristics of specific genres and sounds, learning important members of legendary bands, and even being tested on facts related to the music, the artists who make the music, and even cultural events that underscore and reflect the music of a certain period. The kids are so proud because they always know music that other kids their ages have never heard. They don’t just feel cool for knowing who Brian May or Neil Peart are…they are cool.

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Arranging

Composition and arranging differ in that the former is creating original music from scratch, while the latter is taking existing music and making it work for a specific purpose.

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Learning to arrange vocals and instruments is a valuable skill for anyone serious about pursuing any kind of path in the field of music. It is somewhat academic in nature, yet still artistic at the same time. It is both an art and a science, and is therefore intellectually challenging, yet deeply rewarding. It is a specific trade that, when truly understood, can have practical benefits such as the ability to earn a good living for starters! For those who don’t achieve or possibly even desire being in the spotlight, yet still want an awesome job in music, arranging is a great option. And no matter what area or level of music one chooses, arranging skills are a huge asset.

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Cajon Rhythms

A Cajon is that box drum that you’ve probably seen someone perched atop, jamming out like a real drummer.

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Cajon is a percussion instrument of South American origin, but it has rapidly gained popularity in the US due to its ability to replace an entire drum set in small band settings or on small stages, whether restaurants, clubs, or churches. In the class, students learn to play specific beats and grooves, read and write rhythms, and gain confidence and independence in their hands. It is not only a tremendously exciting sound and fun atmosphere in which all the kids are playing beats at the same time, but it also an incredible learning opportunity for those who wish to study rhythmic elements, rudimentary techniques and patterns essential to not only percussion players or drummers, but to any musician of any kind. Learning to play this cool box drum translates into a more solid time feel, increased ability to keep a steady beat, play to a metronome or with other musicians, and even more performance opportunities.

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Songwriting

Many do not realize that while writing a song certainly requires a certain amount of artistic inspiration and talent, that is only part of it.

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It is also a learned skill, refined over time. Relying on a song magically popping into your head is like waiting for lightning to strike – it might, but it might not. So it becomes crucial to know how to write a song and then to practice doing so under the guidance and critique of an experienced songwriter. When there is knowledge at the root of one’s efforts, the concept of “writer’s block” ceases to exist, because we are no longer relying on luck, but instead are utilizing our understanding of the craft. John Mayer once said that the secret to writing a great song is to first write a hundred bad ones. BAM instructors will be there through the whole process, from first song all the way to great songs!

Origin Story

Buford Academy of Music exists today because of a Beagle named Elijah. The way BAM founders, Elise and Erik, found each other was straight out of a Hollywood script.

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Despite living just a few miles from one another for years and knowing many of the same people most of their lives, they had never met…that is until one day Erik’s beloved Beagle escaped into a storm and disappeared into the woods. For days Erik searched and waited, wondering if he would ever see Elijah again. He even called the vet to tell them of his missing dog. Finally the phone rang. It was the vet calling to tell him they had Elijah. As it turned out, a nice lady had called them asking if anyone was missing a Beagle. She had informed them that one had shown up at her front door and that she had given him shelter from the relentless rain. She also told them she had not been able to put up any “Found Dog” posters because the rain would never let up long enough. Lastly she told them that her two young daughters had insisted on calling him “Princess” regardless of her insistence that he was a boy dog! They laughed and hung up, and she took him into the vet. So when the phone rang, Erik hurried excitedly to the vet to pick up his little buddy. After Erik had Elijah securely on his leash and was preparing to go home, the office assistant handed him a piece of paper with a name and phone number, stating that she had told the lady that this Beagle was quite loved and that his owner would most assuredly want to thank her. On that piece of paper was the name Elise, written in cursive. Erik reports a feeling wash over him immediately when looking at the name, a fact he would even mention to his mother later that day. That evening, Erik called his soul mate, his future wife, and business partner for the first time. But he received a voice mail. When she returned the call, he was not surprised to hear a kind and vivacious personality on the other line. But in a twist of fate that is almost hard to believe, they discovered during the conversation that they were both musicians and singers, both music teachers, and that there was a single strip of woods separating their neighborhoods. The rest, as they say, is history. Elise and Erik have had a wonderful life and business together ever since, and although Elijah has since passed, his legacy remains eternally intact in their beautiful blended family, their students past and present, and in the story itself, which is further depicted in the song “Bring Her to Me,” from Erik Grant Bennett’s album Fall, released in 2021. The moral of this true story is that there are no coincidences. Love is real. Destiny is real. God is real.

Voice

Percussion

strings, brass

woodwinds

Keyboard

Testimonials

“I became a student here when I was in high school and they gave me the tools and musical foundation to succeed. With a film scoring degree from Berklee College of Music as my goal, I was able to learn a combination of ear training, transcription techniques, proficiency on piano and other instruments, studio technologies, and even the history of film composition. I wasn’t only prepared for Berklee at the end of my time there; I was prepared to enter a professional session with confidence!”

Dan Platzman of Imagine Dragons (Alumnus)

“I visited in 2019 with my mom. I was unsure at first, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. A place that I at first viewed as just a regular music studio soon became like a second home, and the other students became my family. Not only have I formed amazing emotional connections, but also my voice has improved greatly in these past few years, and this school is the reason why. I don’t think I have even once said, “I don’t want to go to lessons this week.” The lessons are fun and educational. My teachers will work on pretty much anything I bring to them, whether it is a song to learn on piano, a song I want to sing for fun or for school, or even sight-reading. Overall BAM is an amazing atmosphere where, while becoming a better performer, musician, and overall better person, you also form friendships that will never go away.”

Bryce Converse (Current Student)

Honey Bee (now operating as Buford Academy of Music) was a second home to me for 11 years, from 2nd grade all the way through my high school graduation. And I will forever be grateful for the skills and lessons I learned there! It was more than just a music school to me – it was a place where I could go to be with friends and do what I love. The knowledge I gained from my classes will follow me for a lifetime and I can’t imagine a life without my music school family.

Toby Wilson (alumnus & recording artist)

My daughter has been a student since 2016. She started with voice, guitar, and the elementary group, Let’s Sing. She has increased her musical breadth by adding both piano and Cajon. She has also improved by adding classes such as Ear Training, Musicology, Songwriting, and others. BAM has become her favorite place and the fellow students have become some of her best friends. All of the instructors that we have experienced have been knowledgeable and really care about the children and their musical growth. We are currently in our sixth year of lessons and my daughter has grown tremendously in that time. We couldn’t be happier with the decision we made to enroll her in this school, and I would highly recommend that you check out their programs!

Susan Huey (current parent)

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YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY STARTS NOW.

Everyone gets nervous before jumping into the pool.  The “what-ifs” play tricks on our brains.  But then we take a deep breath and just do it. And it’s so fun and refreshing that we wonder why we didn’t do it sooner!  So come on in – we never regret the things we do…only the things we don’t.

 

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Event Calendar

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday: CLOSED

*Additional hours available by appointment

Address

4889 Golden Parkway
Suite 200
Buford, GA 30518

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