Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com
For Meg Bohls, teaching music is about more than just notes and chords.
When students come to her Eclectic Etude Music Studio in Artesia for piano and voice lessons, Bohls says, they’re also signing up for lessons about life.
All three courses of study will be on display Saturday, May 10, when Bohls stages a “mock Grammy Awards” at the Estelle Yates Auditorium, 301 Bulldog Blvd.
Officially titled “Ecletic Etude: Where Music Meets Magic,” the program will feature piano and voice students, all pupils in area elementary schools, performing a variety of musical selections and also being evaluated by a panel of judges. Trophies will be presented to first, second and third-place winners along with medals for honorable mention.
“I really just wanted to create a theme or a vibe that allowed the performers a chance to go all out, in their attire, music selection and pre-show activities,” Bohls said. “I really love the idea of doing a “mock Grammy Awards” night because it will prepare them for future performances that create a positive pressure on the artist to help them grow and master their techniques. I try to make every event magical, but this one will take the cake. I hope it’s a momentous and unforgettable moment for everyone.”
An afternoon program for beginning students is not open to the public but advanced students will perform for the public starting at 6:45 p.m. Tickets to the show are $5 each and will be available at the door.
Bohls said Artesia residents might view the recital as a night-on-the-town event.
“We have food at intermission. I’ll have judges come out and write a feedback form. We have trophies,” she said.
Bohls said her overall goal is for students to learn life skills while learning performance songs and sight reading, and also to have fun during practice sessions.
Bohls didn’t tell her students too much about the program in advance, preferring for them be surprised on performance night.
“Except that it’s a Grammy’s theme and show up in your fancy attire,” she said. “I call it a black-tie event so wear the most elegant, fancy thing you have.”
One of Bohls’ students, Zia Intermediate School sixth grader Evelyn Drake, said she began learning her performance song in March. Evelyn will be singing Strong, a song made popular by contemporary Christian and country singer/songwriter Anne Wilson.
“I’m trying to focus on it a lot and we’re also learning how to read notes from the piano,” Drake said.
Yucca Elementary School third grader Katie Marquez said reading music during practice was one of her learning goals before the performance.
“I’m hoping I can do good. It’s all about having fun,” she said.
Bohls emphasizes the importance of work in the studio for the students. She said homework is vital for performances.
“I try to implement different types of homework and they move quickly through it,” she said. “It’s like five minutes on books, five minutes on strengthening their fingers, five minutes on performance songs so they change it up a lot.”
Bohls likes for her students to earn points, which leads to prizes.
“They can spin a prize wheel once in a while,” she said. “They can win ‘get out of jail free’ cards if they miss practice. They can trade that in. Mainly our focus is the enjoyment of music. I think their talent and efforts naturally grow.
“At the end of the day, these students have poured their hearts and souls into learning their instrument. I make sure they know and understand pre-show that they are valued, worthy and loved whether or not they take home an award … the goal is to increase the student’s enjoyment in life and give them a healthy outlet that will pay it forward like an endless ripple that continues to impact life around them.”
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or follow on X @mikesmithartesianm.
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