Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Seefeldt.
Hi Carol, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We are Chris and Carol from San Diego Music Academy. We first met in 2010 at Indiana University while perusing our Masters Degree in piano performance. The two of us quickly became close friends, united by a shared goal: to become pianists and music educators, preserving the joy and knowledge of music for future generations. After graduation, we moved to San Diego to open a music studio, which they named San Diego Music Academy (SDMA). Our mission was clear:
“We believe in providing quality music education to everyone who wishes to learn the language of music. We are committed to offering educators who specialize in the instruments they teach and who share a passion for music education. We believe that continuing the tradition of live music performance across all instruments and genres is essential to both personal growth and the betterment of society.”
Since its founding in 2017, SDMA has recruited many high-quality local instructors specializing in a wide range of instruments, including Violin/Viola, Flute, Cello, Guitar/Ukulele, Trumpet, Voice, and Piano. While making music lessons fun and engaging, we have also prepared students to win numerous local and national awards, as well as gain acceptance into prestigious institutions such as UCLA, UCSD, and NYU. Many SDMA students have had the opportunity to perform publicly at non-profit organizations, Petco Park, and with local orchestras.
In addition to private lessons, SDMA has expanded into group education, offering programs like Kindermusik (ages 0-5), Piano Adventures (ages 6 and up), Children’s Choir, and more.
Our vision for SDMA has always been rooted in a deep commitment to excellence and community. Through our passion for music and education, we have created a nurturing environment where students not only learn to play instruments but also develop a lifelong appreciation for music. We hope that SDMA continues to thrive as a place where talent is fostered, creativity is encouraged, and the joy of music is shared with others. With a strong foundation built on education, performance, and community engagement, we look forward to inspiring future generations of musicians and educators for many years to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While the journey of building San Diego Music Academy hasn’t been entirely smooth, every challenge has been a valuable learning experience.
One of the most significant challenges came during the pandemic. In just one night, we had to pivot our entire model, shifting all in-person lessons to online formats. It was a major adjustment. We quickly tested out different platforms to find the best one for our students and made quick decisions on how to adapt our teaching methods for the virtual world. It was tough, but it allowed us to grow and improve our flexibility as educators.
In addition to adjusting our lessons, we also looked for creative ways to stay connected with our students. We started recording videos of our own performances, offering a sense of normalcy and inspiration during an uncertain time. We also embarked on a fun project of collecting children’s books about music-making, transforming them into stories paired with music for kids to enjoy online. It was a way to combine creativity and education while keeping the magic of music alive in our community.
Another challenge was finding educators who not only had the technical expertise but also shared our passion for music education and our commitment to creating a positive and inspiring learning environment. We quickly realized that building a team of like-minded, high-quality instructors was crucial, but it took time and patience.
Despite these challenges, we’ve always been driven by our mission and vision, and that has kept us and our team closer together. After all, it’s all about the strong community we are building with our teachers, students, and parents. The struggles have shaped us into the studio we are today, and we’re grateful for the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At San Diego Music Academy, we specialize in delivering top-tier music education that prioritizes proper technique from the very beginning, ensuring students avoid habits that could hinder their future growth. This foundational approach is one reason our students consistently win awards both locally and nationally, excelling in competitions across the county and even nationwide. Our commitment to high-quality, personalized training helps students not only achieve success but also cultivate a lifelong passion for music.
We’re also deeply committed to our community. Our instructors and students perform regularly at events like the Holiday events our local parks, Music Times and concerts at libraries, and for the Ronald McDonald House. Many of our advanced high school students organize charity recitals, raising funds for causes like St. Jude, Tucklets, and local churches. We believe in using our talents to give back and foster a sense of service, and our students embrace that spirit through outreach and volunteerism.
What sets us apart is our blend of high-level training, community involvement, and a focus on creating well-rounded musicians who are not only technically skilled but also passionate about sharing their music with the world.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can get involved with San Diego Music Academy. First and foremost, we’re always looking to connect with individuals who share our passion for music education—whether through joining our talented team of instructors, or partnering with us to create new programs and performance opportunities. We welcome collaborations with local schools, senior living communities, churches, and other music groups to help bring music into more people’s lives.
For those interested in supporting us, donations or sponsorships to fund our outreach programs are always appreciated. Many of our advanced students participate in charity recitals, so supporting those events or offering financial contributions helps us continue our work with organizations like St. Jude and the Ronald McDonald House.
Lastly, we encourage people to come out and attend our performances! Whether it’s a student recital, a charity event, or a community concert, your attendance and support help fuel our mission to share music and give back to the community.
Pricing:
- Kindermusik: weekly 45 min class, $75/month
- Chamber groups: bi-weekly 30 min coaching, $60/month
- 30/45/60 min private lesson: $44, $66, $88
- 30/45/60 min in-home-lesson: $50, $75, $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sdmusicacademy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandiegomusicacademy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandiegomusicacademy285
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-diego-music-academy-poway-2?osq=san+Diego+music+academy
