Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, Inc.

Meet Dr. Ivan Hurd, one of MACSA's piano instructors and Assistant Professor of Piano Pedagogy at UTSA.

Ivan teaches students ages 5 and up, from beginner to advanced levels. His teaching philosophy is simple: develop healthy musicians and instill a lifelong love for music. He creates a lesson environment that is both productive and enjoyable, working with each student's individual goals and potential for growth.

He focuses on developing healthy technique, avoiding injury, and building confidence through recitals and competitions. With attention to pedaling, touch, phrasing, and interpretation, he helps each student add their own personal touch to their performance.

Book a free trial directly from his bio. Start your journey today. – www.macsainc.com

Music lessons offer benefits that extend far beyond the practice room.

Here's what research and experience confirm:

🎵 Improved Academic Performance
Students who study music often perform better in reading, math, and standardized tests. The skills they build—focus, discipline, and pattern recognition—transfer directly to the classroom.

🧠 Enhanced Cognitive Development
Music training strengthens memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It engages both hemispheres of the brain, building neural pathways that support learning in all areas.

❤️ Higher Emotional Intelligence
Music teaches students to recognize and express emotion. It builds empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to connect with others—skills that matter as much as any academic subject.

Music isn't an extra. It's essential.

Start your journey today. – www.macsainc.com

Meet Leslie Vela, one of MACSA's piano instructors.
Leslie teaches students ages 7 and up, including older adults, from beginner to intermediate levels. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a positive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable learning and expressing themselves creatively.

She adapts her approach to fit each student's goals and learning style, focusing on technique, musicality, theory, and healthy practice habits. Whether a student is preparing for performances or simply learning for enjoyment, she helps them build confidence and strong musical foundations.

Book a free trial directly from her bio.
Start your journey today.
https://www.sanantoniomusicschools.com/faculty-and-staff/leslie-vela-piano/

Research shows that students who study music often perform better academically.

Music education supports:
✅ Focus and concentration
✅ Memory and retention
✅ Discipline and time management
✅ Creative problem‑solving

Music isn't an extra. It's part of a well‑rounded education. As you plan for the school year, remember that music lessons build skills that last long after the lesson ends.

Start your journey today. – www.macsainc.com

Meet Kevin López, one of MACSA's piano instructors.
Kevin teaches students of all ages, from beginner to intermediate levels. His teaching philosophy balances fun, creativity, and discipline—helping students develop strong technical skills and musical understanding in a supportive environment.
He believes music is for everyone and that every student can succeed when given encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to learn. His goal is not only to develop capable pianists but also to foster a lifelong appreciation for music.

Book a free trial directly from his bio. Start your journey today.
https://www.sanantoniomusicschools.com/faculty-and-staff/kevin-lopez/

Struggling with a tricky section? Isolate it.
Take just the four measures giving you trouble. Practice them hands separately. Then slowly together. Then gradually add the measures before and after.
Small focus, big progress.

Start your journey today. – www.macsainc.com

You can learn a lot from a screen. Scales, songs, even full concertos are available at the click of a button.

What a video can't do is watch you. It can't notice the tension in your wrist, the shallow breath before a phrase, or the hesitation that means you're not quite sure what comes next.
A teacher does all of that. Not because they know more than the internet—though they do—but because they see you.

Find your teacher. – www.macsainc.com

Supporting your child in their music practice is easier than yout think!

No correcting. No coaching. Just curiosity.

Try asking:
"Can you play me something you learned at your last lesson?"
"What went well today?" or "What was tricky?"

That's it.
It shifts the ownership back to your child. They reflect on their own progress. And they know you care without feeling watched.
Small shift. Big difference.

Start your journey today. – www.macsainc.com