-Maxton M. Age 5 - Piano Student - Greenwood, Seattle WA

"Piano is very fun and it is good for my brain. I would like to be in a concert and get an award. I like to be the only person in my family who knows piano. I would like to be in piano tournament. And I'm getting good at it and I like that Jason teaches me, he is a good teacher and he's sweet and he is good at piano. I even like piano better than soccer and chess and gymnastics."

-Annelise K. Age 5 - Ballet Student - North Beach, Seattle WA

"...I like Ballard Academy I love it so much and it is wonderful and beautiful there with a stage I get to go on and a room I get to play in and each girl gets to go and its really fun doing ballet because I like and love it so much it is just so Beautiful doing it and I didn't quit it. My teacher is named Veronica, she teaches me wonderful ballet. She is a really great teacher. I like the prizes, some days I get tokens and some days I get stickers and some days my mommy or daddy bring me ballet and waits for me, it's the grownups get to watch me...I like ballet"

-Piper S. Age 9 - Jazz and Hip Hop Dance student - Ballard, Seattle WA

"Taking dance lessons is important to me because it's a skill I've wanted to learn for a long time. The Ballard Academy of Music and Dance is the first place that I have ever taken dance. It's making me feel like dance is great -- which it is :) ... I love the idea of small dances leading up to performances. Most of all, when we do dances I feel confident and free. Also graceful, even if it's hip-hop or jazz. While we are doing them I feel that I can do almost anything, and it energizes me. When I go home, I am glowing as I practice the dance we did that day. I love that feeling."

-Aleksia Age 12 - Jazz and Hip Hop Dance student - Ballard, Seattle WA

"Studying dance at the Ballard Academy is importnat to me becasue dance is my passion. Being able to utilize my passion here means a great deal to me. The instructors are incredible. I have learned so many new moves and terms, I have also improved so much since I have started dancing here...There is always a struggle with fulfilling dreams, you just have to learn to overcome them. Like my teacher always says 'That was good! Now do it again.' After studying dance at the Ballard Academy I can take that positive attitude with me wherever I go."

-Grace J.  Age 7 - Dance and Piano student - Ballard, Seattle WA

 "I ♥ class because...I like to spin across a smooth floor and to learn lots of notes and melodies galore! Twirling, swirling, working all day. Giggling, dancing hip hop hooray! I wish I could go every day! I like to chat and work all day. It is fun to spin around, even better than play! It is fun to dance and spin all day!"

Dave R  - Adult Guitar Student - Magnolia, Seattle WA

-2015 Music Scholarship Essay Winner-

"I put on my headphones, close my eyes and immerse myself in the stream of emotion called music; this is a ritual I have performed many times in my life. When lonely, I might listen to Kevin Cronin’s love song to the weathering in Lightning. When sad, Pat Benatar pours out her pain and regret for a marriage gone bad in Precious Time. I hear it in her voice and the guitar’s first mournful, slowly-descending note. When I seek nurture and validation, Uriah Heep’s Lady In Black reminds me that I am not alone and that when I need comfort, the Mother of all Men is never far away. Music means many things to many people. But to me, it is the language of emotion rendered in sound, and it is very powerful.

I do not remember a time I did not love music. My first recollection of a song I can name is listening to Hey Jude on my uncle’s radio. The Beatles were not yet my musical friends, but they became so later. The radio was my portal for acquiring many new friends. i remember, like so many people, trying to decipher the rich lyrical texture of American Pie, a song Don McLean claims later to have regretted writing. How sad for us had this been true. I was mesmerized by Stairway to Heaven; it was a beautiful integration of acoustic and electric guitars adorned with darkly ambitious lyrics. Twice in my life I was a DJ, spinning discs for myriad youth celebrating joie de vivre.

As Neil Peart notes in Limelight, he is locked in a gilded cage. And I sadly, am locked out. We will never meet, he and I, but we are musical friends. My yearning to be able to participate in music led me to purchase a guitar, and then a second. My singular efforts were feckless and the secrets of the instruments remained hidden from me. After ten years of no success, I finally decided to overcome my inhibitions and reach out for help. I contacted the Ballard Academy of Music and Dance and asked if they though they could teach a blind man to play the guitar. They could, they claimed, and thus began my musical odyssey.

In Prime Mover we are reminded that anything can happen and that the point of a journey is not to arrive. This is important for us beginners to remember. At first it was teaching fingers to land at the right place at the right time. Then meaning was assigned to why the fingers should land just so. There are scales aplenty and chords to match. They don’t all sound beautiful, but each is a tool in the musical toolbox.

After three years I cannot claim to have arrived. In fact, if life has taught me anything at all, it is that education never ends.

To my fellow sojourners I wish you joy. To those who have not yet taken that important first step, I offer you courage, to this writer, who lives a life of dispassionate rationalism, I call blessed the day I placed my first foot on the path to learning the guitar at the Ballard Academy."

Ella, Age 7  - Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop student - Ballard, Seattle WA

"Studying dance at the Ballard Academy is important to me because I love ballet, ballet is a sport. It can help your body when your body is tired or out of shape. It has lots of stretches, and steps. Some are fun, some are slow and some are hard. I like to practice every day after school, and practice makes perfect. I feel happy and excited when I dance. I like all the nice teachers. They are so nice, that’s probably why you have so many kids. I also like the Ballard Dance Academy because there are so many classes that you can do!"

-Sarah H. Age 7 - Piano Student - Crown Hill, Seattle WA

“Studying piano at Ballard Academy of Music and Dance is important to me because it is special to me to make music. My teacher, Rob, is funny. He showed me fast songs that made me happy when I was sad. The Ballard Academy is cool. I like Colt and Lacey and their dogs, Jeff and Bruno. I also like seeing some of the kids I go to school with at the Academy.”

-Kaya W.  Age 14 - Ballet Student - Wallingford, Seattle WA

 “Taking dance at the Ballard Academy is very important to me for many reasons. The first reason is that I know that taking dance at Ballard Academy is helping to open many doors in my future of dance. Another reason is that taking dance helps me express myself in a way that can’t be done by talking. I am fairly shy, and taking dance at Ballard Academy has helped me a lot. My teacher and classmates are very supportive, and I know that they want me to succeed. My class at Ballard Academy is challenging, yet not too hard. My teacher does a great job of explaining everything and giving extra help when I need it. I am thrilled that I am taking classes at Ballard Academy, and hope to take many more.”

-Mia O.  Age 11 - Drum and Piano student - Magnolia, Seattle WA

 “My piano teacher, Rian, and my drum teacher, Karl, taught me everything about the piano and drums and they’re really good teachers. I was taking piano lessons [before] from somebody that didn’t teach me music as much as Rian and Karl did. I was so thrilled to discover this friendly, musical place. And there’s not just music, there’s tap dancing. I watch tap dance while I wait for my lessons to start every week. They’re fun to watch and it looks like they have learned a lot. Everybody at the Ballard Academy is so friendly and nice. The Ballard Academy made learning music fun for me.”

-Josh N. Age 7 - Guitar Student - Ballard, Seattle WA

“I like taking guitar lessons at Ballard Academy of Music and Dance because I get to learn Cars 2 songs and Ballard Academy is in the community I live in, and the staff are really nice and helpful.”

-Ben H. Age 10 - Guitar Student - Loyal Heights, Seattle

“I like going to Ballard Academy because the facility is nice and the teachers are great. The building is clean, the rooms are spacious and soundproof, and everybody is nice to me when I’m there. My teacher is funny and nice. He took time to help me without skipping ahead and shows me tricks to remembering things and makes my lessons fun. He shows me easier ways of playing chords. I like being able to play popular songs that a lot of people know. I also enjoy being in the recitals the Academy puts on because I like sharing what I can play on guitar.”

-Delia W.  Age 7 - Piano Student - Ballard, Seattle WA

“At the Ballard Academy, I like the people who work there. I like the teachers. They are kind and thoughtful. I like the dogs. I love the Ballard Academy because I feel comfortable there. It’s not like any place I’ve been to. The teachers and how they play music and how they teach inspires me. I try to work hard because I love to be there. I’ve learned a lot about music at the academy. I’ve learned how to play well. I’ve been inspired to make my own songs. These things make the Academy great.”

-Josie H. Age 11 - Piano Student - Blue Ridge, Seattle WA

“At Ballard Academy, my teacher gives me the work that’s right for me, and instead of trying to have to keep up with everyone else, I can work at my own pace. Even though I’m just beginning, I already feel confident about playing, because I am totally focused on my own work, and if I mess up, I can’t just hide it, so I can work on the hard parts more. At Ballard Academy I can get the help I need, so I understand the music and can play it well. Ballard Academy is a great place to learn, because it has a great atmosphere, and everyone is really nice, I fell comfortable playing the piano. I am also less embarrassed about messing up.”

-Kaia S. Age 9 - Rock Camp Student - Crown Hill, Seattle WA

"Dear Colt- Thank you so much for being such an awesome teacher! I'm really looking forward to coming back next year!"

-Isabel K. Age 9   - Jazz Dance Student - Greenlake, Seattle WA

 “The reason why dance [at Ballard Academy] is important to me is that I can entertain people by dancing for them. I like to be in recitals. I like the costumes and being on stage. If I am ever nervous, there are other kids there too. Also dancing is good for my body. I am learning at school that exercise is very important for my body, and dancing is a really fun way to get some exercise. “

-Leslee T - Adult Dance student - Phinney Ridge, Seattle WA

Ballard Academy of Music and Dance has been a great place for me to get back into dance.  It was hard to find a studio that offered classes for adults, but was still casual.  It has been fabulous to find a spot in my neighborhood, where I can meet others, and get back into something I love so much.  

The adult classes are perfect for anyone, they are small in class size, and are offered at good times.  I have been taking classes since this summer and take both the Modern and Ballet class, and love that the classes really do target all skill sets. Anyone could feel comfortable here, whether you are like me, and getting back into an old hobby or if you are wanting to try something new, and have no experience.

Just some overall comments:

- The space is great... basic, clean, and a great location!

- Lacey (and Bruno, their dog) are always there to greet you and say goodnight

- The studio cares about all their clients!

Such a great addition to the neighborhood!

-Craig J.  - Guitar students - Blue Ridge, Seattle WA

My 9yo son and I take joint guitar lessons from Clark since maybe 4/10.  Clark is an awesome teacher and we both like him a lot---to the point where my son wants to emulate his playing style.  I have some prior experience with guitar but this is my son's first time playing.  We've both made a lot of progress and love being able to play and practice together.  The Academy is run by professional staff and is a fun, clean, and lively place to learn.

-Henry D - Adult Guitar student - Ballard, Seattle WA

I've been taking guitar lessons at Ballard Academy with Colt Valenti since April 2010. Colt keeps the lessons interesting and quickly zeros in on problems with technique, style and so on. He also does a great job of explaining as much or as little music theory as necessary.
The academy itself is nicely laid out with smaller rooms for private lessons as well as larger ones for groups. The large dance area is also well designed. 
I would recommend anyone interested in music or dance to take lessons here.

-Leslie H - Guitar student - Greenwood, Seattle WA

Our son has been taking guitar lessons from Colt for about 5 years.  Colt does a wonderful job of keeping our son excited about music, and has easily adjusted with him as he's gotten older.  He comes out of his lesson excited, and proud, every week!  Regular recitals, new challenges, continual growth - it's all we could hope for as a first experience with music for our son!

-Hayley P- Group Music and Dance students, Loyal Heights, Seattle WA

My son is taking the intro to music class they offer here. At first he was a little unsure about taking music, but now he is taking a genuine interest in music and gets really excited to go to class. He talks nonstop about the things he learns and I find him browsing through the guitar books in the lobby with high interest when we come on a different day for his sisters dance class! I would highly recommend the intro to music classes to any parent who wants to introduce their child to music. Its a great way to let them learn and explore different instruments and rhythm in a small but fun group setting before putting them into private lessons. 
We love the dance classes too! My Son is even asking if he can maybe try one out now. I never thought he would ask that!

-Kirsten P Guitar Student - Ballard, Seattle WA

My 13 year old son has been taking guitar lessons from Judd since Ballard Academy of Music and Dance opened. He looks forward to his lesson each week and has fun picking some of the songs to work on. Judd is a patient teacher and makes learning guitar fun for kids. I am glad to see my active son showing so much interest in music!

-Erin C- Group Music and Early Music Student - Ballard, Seattle WA

Great place for kids to learn music and dance! Ballard really needed this. My son is 3 and loves his music class so much that he skips to the door every time and talks about what he learns all week. We are looking forward to many years of lessons and classes. I am also looking forward to taking some lessons there in the future.

-Claire Adult Dance Student, Crown Hill, Seattle WA

I'm what you would call a "mature" dancer. Limited flexibility, creaky bones, some muscles not used for many years. What was I thinking signing up for a dance class??  But I'm so glad I signed up for the Adult Modern class at Ballard Academy. The pace of the classes is just right and the instructors understand the strengths and challenges for older dancers. The Academy has provided me with the opportunity to stretch out of my comfort zone (RECITAL), and still have a great time. I feel like I'm doing something good for myself when I come to the Academy. The facility is really great, and Lacey and Colt are always very warm and welcoming. My daughter enjoys the resident Labradoodle, Bruno! Thanks, Lacey and Colt, for opening the Academy -- keep up the good work!

-Jerry Adult - Guitar Student, Loyal Heights, Seattle WA

I'm in my early 60's and have played the guitar for a long time but was stuck playing the same few licks. When Ballard Academy opened in my neighborhood I signed up for a weekly 1/2 hour class. WOW! I couldn't be happier. My instructor was able to quickly grasp what my skill level was and understand what kind of music I wanted to be playing and structure
my class accordingly. 
Taking guitar lessons has improved my quality of life. I would suggest lessons for anyone who plays an instrument and would like to get better quickly. I can't think of a better place than Ballard Academy of Music and Dance to do it.

-Linda and Clara - Dance Student, Loyal Heights, Seattle WA

Thanks for the great class, the smooth communication and payment, and the friendly faces every week.  We really enjoy your studio!

-Tim B. Adult Guitar Student, Ballard, Seattle WA

I have taken guitar lessons from Colt for over two years, first out of his home, and more recently at his new school in Ballard. Colt has the rare gift of being a great performer as well as teacher, and infuses the joy and passion that he feels for music into his teaching of others, and now with the school, he has the ability to spread that joy to even more people. The facility is very well thought out, and is exceptionally welcoming for the students. I recommend it to anyone looking to learn music or dance.

-Charles M  - Guitar Student - Greenlake, Seattle WA

My 9-year-old and I have been taking "joint" guitar lessons - mostly geared toward my son - from Colt Valenti, one of the owners, for nearly two years.  The lessons are always excellent, and my son has fun but learns a great deal, and looks forward to the lesson. He is generally a bit shy but has been well prepared for his recitals, each of which has been a positive experience. The school has a great layout and nice space for lessons, and since the facility is brand new naturally it is clean and welcoming. All around a great place to learn.

-Melissa - Guitar student - Ballard, Seattle WA

Isaac just loves Mondays because of guitar and often reminds me of the time so we won't be late. Thanks again for sharing a bit of your talent and time with him.

-Jay  - Guitar Student- Bellevue WA

Not quite sure how to start or what to say, excepting 'THANK YOU!'. Thank you so much Colt for enabling Keshav to grow with his music. Thank you for helping Keshav come this far. I have only been telling him for ages to sing and I thought he was ingoring me. I am truly impressed with with you Colt, (of course with how far Keshav has come too). Thank you for inspiring him and teaching him to be who he is, especially with his music. Hoping to see you soon again and discuss his Senior recital too. Take care, and thanks  a ton again.