The Bay Net Photos by Tom Latchaw

The first annual family night at Garrett Music Academy in Owings was held earlier this summer.  Students and their families were invited to enjoy performances by some of the more advanced students and ensembles from the academy while they dined on excellent chicken, salads and fruit provided by the school.

A crowd of about 150 gathered on the academy’s lawn to witness performances on a stage in the school’s side yard. Performances included both group and individual efforts by academy students.  At some points the traffic noise competed with the music, but electric amplification mitigated this issue for most of the performances.  Mr. Garrett explained that he plans to add some landscaping accents that should help abate the road noise for future events.

I took a few minutes to discuss the school with Mr. Bill Goddard, a father of two of the academy’s students.  His daughters have studied piano and voice with Garrett Music Academy for a few years now.

“What you are is where you were when your values were established,” Goddard told The Bay Net.  He expressed that Garrett Music Academy has been helpful in teaching his daughters about such things as the value of hard work, practice, and perseverance.

Additionally these children are learning to deal with the pressures that come with individual and small group performances under intense public scrutiny.  “Where would these kids be tonight if not for Garrett Music Academy?” Mr. Goddard wondered aloud. 

Nick Garrett, the owner and founder of Garrett Music Academy, was busy in all aspects of the event.  He was organizing performers, supervising those waiting to perform, introducing performers, coaching students, and even performing himself along with one student.  He’s a very active teacher who parents feel has demonstrated concern for his students both personally and professionally.

All in all the evening was very enjoyable. The music provided by these young students was charming and evinced a great deal of talent and hard work.  For more information about Garrett Music Academy, check out http://garrettmusicacademy.com/