Happy Valley Arts Academy

Jennifer Duffin _{on Google}

Feb 16th, 2024

Arts Academy is a sort of puppy mill for music lessons. The Academy only cares about making money, its a turn and burn organization. My son took lessons for 9 months and at first I was excited about the results; the teachers were kind, recitals were fun and my kid was happy. I was naive. However, when my family needed to pause the lessons (I just welcomed a new baby and then traveled a bit to see family) the academy offered no compassion. If we didnt continue to pay my son would not only lose his time-slot but also his achievements: being forced to start over on their measured leaders board per se. Basically his recital trophies will start small again.
In a community where I thought the goal was to encourage kids in the arts, where were supposed to be lifting each other up and supporting bright futures- I quickly realized all they care about is my monthly check. 9 months and my son barely reads music, his technique- fundamentally hasnt improved and he knows nothing regarding music theory or even pieces by famous composers.
So I started looking for another teacher. We found a teacher who is an OMTA (Oregon Music Teachers Association) member and in his first lesson he had to learn how to properly SIT at the piano! He didnt know how to space his body from the keys, he didnt know where to sit on the bench or how important flat feet are. He was taught proper hand shape and how to play scales in 3 octaves- in 9 months he only played scales in one octave! He learned so much in that hour.
Im disgusted and disappointed that Ive paid nearly $1,800.00 and my kid didnt know how to sit at the piano. Im disappointed that after $2,000.00 they look at my son as a number. Im disgusted that they call this an arts academy, its a scam, a cold machine. Our kids deserve better. Parents should expect better. If youre serious about quality education and developing real skills take your kids out of this place immediately. My son has an inherent, beautiful talent and hes a quick study; his growth should have been astronomical and instead it was smothered. Wasted time and wasted money.
Negative stars should be an option. But Ill give a star to the teachers there who are trying to make a living and that have been kind to my son.

Matthew McLuckie _{on Google}

Sep 25th, 2023

Curtis Dahl teaches piano here and he is phenomenal teacher. Very well versed in music theory and accomplished musician himself but his real strength is he can see why you are having trouble with something and give you exercises to overcome it. He could literally take anyone at any level of piano and help them improve because he understands the psychology as well as the physiology of why a student is having trouble. I have three members of my family taking classes from him because he is that outstanding. He is encouraging, understanding, and can teach anyone from young children to over 50+ like myself he respects everyone wherever they are at on their music journey.

Stryadu Ohu _{on Google}

Sep 24th, 2023

I took lessons with Curtis for a long time at Happy Valley Arts Academy, and my experience was wonderful! The people at the front desk were always so cheerful, and I learned so much.

Soho couture Lesh _{on Google}

Jun 6th, 2023

Ms Jeanette is a very nice teacher. She always has a happy disposition and shes really good too. My son enjoys his piano lessons with her.
William (drums) is also a good teacher. Hes really nice and patient in teaching too.

Alexys Figueroa _{on Google}

Jun 5th, 2023

Thanks to teacher Megan my daughter is improving her violin playing . My daughter really appreciate her .