John Henny Music Academy

This is an initial review. I will update later. But so far, I am giving Henny Music Academy five stars.
I took violin very very briefly as a young girl, gave it up as I had so much trouble learning to read music but when my son asked to take violin this year, I decided to learn with him. His instrument is only ½ size so I got my own (cheap) one and have been trying to learn along with my son’s book. I was beginning to experience arm pain and knew I needed a person to actually look at me and tell me what was wrong, so I signed up for a free music lesson at Henny.
The place is located conveniently in town. It is a small academy but appears to have everything one would need for musical instrument or voice coaching. There are several small practicing rooms, a sound/​recording room, a mini-​stage on which to practice in front of an imaginary audience, and a small waiting room in the back for kids (in addition to the chairs up front) where they can draw, color or play quietly. That was great as my assigned coach only had afternoons available so I had my two children with me.
The building is clean, nothing looks shabby, it all seems up-​to-​date and welcoming. The front desk person, Monica, greeted me and gave me a little tour. I thought that was really nice. She was very kind and was open to any and all questions, and she gave a nice explanation of the academy, the coaches and so on.
My coach was Lilly. She spent WAY more than the «free» 10 – 15 minutes on me. I think I was there for more than half an hour. The focus was obviously on helping the client. I also think I was her last client of the day or she may have been watching the clock a bit more strictly (as she did finish up with her client before me in good time). But she had the extra time apparently and she spent it on helping me, that was pretty awesome, in my opinion.
Right away Lilly was able to identify my grip on the violin’s neck as the problem and showed me how to straighten the wrist area, not fold it either in or out. She also lent me a shoulder rest and showed me some simple exercises against the wall to stretch the arm back out during and after practicing. During the lesson she had me play what I knew so far (self-​taught) in the form of a song and a simple scale. Then she had me do some scale modifications using a Suzuki book. In addition, she went over meter (within the measures) with me as I was having trouble with that.
I will be signing up for ongoing lessons. Prices are amazingly reasonable — $ 167 for a full month lessons (one lesson/​week). Individual (not monthly) costs a bit more; I believe $ 50 for a 30-​minute lesson. But that’s still really not much. I had priced individual lessons before calling Henny and these are not rock-​bottom «we’re desperate» prices but they are also far from over-​the-​top expensive.
* Bring your own book if you have one. They have books there but you’ll need to practice at home anyway, so you’ll need a book. My coach was flexible on which book. I have been using two, and will be bringing Essential Elements 2000. I already had the book, I just didn’t realize I would need to bring it so I’m giving a heads-​up to future clients who want to have lessons based on the book of their choice.
* The rooms seemed very «soundproofed» to me so, few distractions.
* I don’t know whether the single free lesson is an ongoing offer or not, but ask. My coach took longer with me but the free lesson is only supposed to be 10 – 15 minutes, so schedule based on that. The free lesson is more so you can get some initial pointers and so that you can decide whether the «feel» of the place and your coach are right and you want to continue by signing up for paid lessons. I thought this was an amazing offer, frankly.
* They are obviously fine with adults taking lessons. This is an all-​ages, all-​inclusive academy from what I can tell.
I’m excited to start «real» lessons and will update after I’ve had a few.

It is has been a our pleasure as Coast2Coast Productions to have John Henny providing his expertise in coaching our vocalist, in preparation for a CD. John has been spot on with his critique and guidance. John, the final cut would have not been the same without you. Our deepest appreciation and thanks!
Coast2Coast Productions
John J. Spath
President /​CEO

I am a student with John Henny and I have never been more happy with a vocal coach in my entire career. He is one of a kind and he has changed my technique for life. I love this studio. It’s welcoming, professional and every experience is a perfect one. I highly recommend John to any vocalist who needs to get to the next level of their skills.

I’ve taken voice lessons with John, co-​owner of this business, since 1998. John’s knowledge base, his humor, supportive approach and generous personality make it a wonderful, safe experience to learn as much as you possibly can. He has an extensive history in live performance and the recording industry, and he is well-​grounded in the science of vocal health and maintenance. He truly knows and understands what it takes to start wherever you are and get better. If you want a safe place to take risks and push yourself, this is the place to do it.

What a fantastic place to finally have in Glendora. I have seen other places around town, and seen some live performances that were good. However, this place is a cut above. If you or someone you know is SERIOUS about being professionally vocally trained or playing instruments, look no further. It’s the real deal. John Henny has taught not only famous singers, but also flown around the world sharing his musical knowledge. I’m impressed.