Before he played on stage at the Grammys and Madison Square Garden, Ulf Geist was just a 4 year old kid unwrapping his first drum set on a cold Christmas morning. By the age of 5, he formed a family band with his brother on piano, his sister on bass, and his dad on guitar and vocals. Together they would play at festivals in his small German hometown and at his grandfather’s annual birthday parties, boisterous celebrations that took over entire restaurants.
But despite growing up surrounded by music, Ulf still struggled with developing his own passion for the craft. Progress was stubborn and practicing daily became a chore, something to be dreaded and avoided until the last possible minute. By the time he was a teenager, his interest was fading and he nearly left music altogether. But his teacher, seeing him lose his passion, began changing how he ran his lessons to better suit Ulf’s learning style. In the following years he began to see his love for music grow and, by extension, his dedication for studying and practicing it.
When Ulf opened Pasadena Music Academy (formerly Modern Music School) in Pasadena, California, it was this experience that inspired the two driving philosophies of the program:
- When a student enjoys the process of learning, they learn faster and retain information better.
- Every student learns differently.
“I often ask people why they quit music and they claim they’re not musical’, but what does that mean, to not be musical?,” Ulf says. “Often it comes from an experience they had where they were told that or made to feel that way and so they quit. I wanted to quit too when I was a teenager, but I had a teacher that found a way to make music interesting to me and keep me engaged.”
Every instructor at Pasadena Music Academy understands the responsibility that comes with teaching. If a student is struggling, we look at our own methods first. How can we adapt our process? What can we do differently?
It is our goal to make a difference in the lives of all our students and their families. Whether you’re playing in local bands, a five year old taking their first lesson, or returning to playing music after several decades, our instructors will share their passion for the craft and work with you towards your own musical aspirations.
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