Olive Tree Music Academy Grand Rapids

Mary has been an exceptional piano teacher for our daughter. Within just a few weeks of her beginning lessons, Mary had our daughter ready for her first recital! Everyone at Olive Branch has been friendly. They’re very accommodating to schedule changes and communicate well on their end when they need to reschedule. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, especially for my daughter as she begins her musical endeavors.

"My daughter Olivia begun taking lessons at Olive Tree Music Academy in Andover 3 years ago she had shown an interest and my husband and I gave her lessons for her 6th birthday. All I can say is it has been the best gift she has ever received and we couldn't of picked a better music academy for her to grow her love of music and instrument. Olivia has had Mrs. Sarah from day one of her violin journey and we have fell in love with her since lesson #1. She is one of the kindest most encouraging instructors out there. She guides her students to their full potential steadily and always encouragingly and Olivia always looks forward to her lessons. We look forward to continuing Olivia's love of violin with Olive Tree Music Academy and Mrs. Sarah as her instructor. We Love Mrs. Sarah! Her sister Isobel has been taking piano lessons for almost 3 years now as well, and she has grown so much under Sarah's guidance and encouragement. Isobel is growing more and more confident in her abilities and a great deal of that has to do with the firm and always positive way Sarah instructs her students. She has built a wonderful bond with my daughters and has encouraged them to go beyond where they think their abilities are and I am grateful to her and to Olive Tree for employing such a wonderful person."

The Olive Tree gave our son the opportunity to go from never having played an instrument (at age 5) to playing songs of his choice on the violin in a recital before a full audience--which he did twice a year for the past four years. His instructor Mrs. Sarah was personal and friendly, molding her approach to fit his personality, while holding true to the rigors of learning and mastering an instrument. I would recommend Olive Tree in general and Mrs. Sarah in particular. My son's practices at Olive Tree allowed him to confidently take up another instrument this fall, as he looks forward to playing in his school's band. Thank you, Sarah and Trish!

I have 3 children and they all take lessons at Olive Tree. My children are 6,8, and 10 y/o. My oldest has had lessons with 2 previous teachers and my middle child with 1 previous teacher. I cannot rave enough about Olive Tree and their teacher Trish. We started in June with my oldest 2 and January with my youngest. Neither my husband or I play an instrument so it took us a minute to find the proper lessons. I now know that I needed an instructor that plays the instrument we want lessons in and has a degree in music. I'm not stating that no one else can teach, but as a parent, you need this if you do not play an instrument. My children have learned so much in these past months. I can't even imagine where they would be if we started with Trish. My children have varying interests in music but we as a family expect everyone to practice. Trish had my youngest child ready for the recital in February. I was also so impressed with the recital. Lessons and music chosen are specific to the music a child enjoys. This has helped our family because no 2 children are playing the same music. Music lessons are an investment and we are paying for three children so it was necessary to find the best place we could find. We are happy to call Olive Tree our home and are looking forward to working with them for years to come.

My daughter has been a student here for 3 years. She loves going to her lessons! Her instructors, Sarah D. and Trish G., are not only excellent musicians themselves, but excellent teachers. They always give great feedback, are positive and realistic. If you need to practice more, they let you know! They actually helped me find a (FREE) piano for my daughter, taking out time from their busy schedules to help her, suggesting brands, types, and even a moving company. Everyone I have met there shows a warmth and integrity you may not find every day. At the end of the season (usually twice per year), the students have a recital at the Madison Hotel, showcasing all of their hard work in a fancy (but low-key) way. It gives them an opportunity to experience being in front of an audience of friends and family, in a 'big' place, but the comfort of knowing that it's fine if they aren't 'perfect.' Truly the best and ONLY place I recommend for my friends who are interested in learning an instrument. Don't waste your time anywhere else.