Bonita Valley Arts Academy is a ministry of Bonita Valley Community Church. Our goal is to provide quality arts instruction using Christian instructors to our church family and our community in a safe and Christian environment at an affordable price.

"Sing new songs of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp and sing with joy."
Psalms 33:3

Our Upcoming Semester Runs from
September 22 — December 9, 2008

Class Information Class Catalog Semester Calendar

Registration Materials

Group lessons are offered and are open to anyone who is interested in enrolling. Our qualified instructors are specialists in both performing and teaching. Lessons are available to anyone beginning at the age of 7 years old.

Lessons are offered on a weekly basis in 45-60 minute time slots, according to the class and instructor.

Benefits of musical studies for children:

-Children who receive musical training benefit from enhanced development in their abilities to read, their spatial reasoning, and their creativity. (Dr. N. Weinberger, UC Irvine, 1975-1994)

-Instrumental music students outperformed non-instrumental music students on the California High School Exit Exam by a 22.47 margin.

-Music students scored 59 pointes higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 44 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than non-music students.  (The College Board, 1995)

-Observable influences on children's behavior who study music include: reduced truancy/better attendance, calmer, more self-directed behavior, increased respect for people, increased ability to stick with a task, improved self-esteem, and a decrease in playground problems.  (Calif. Arts Council)

-California State Board of Education: " Arts  education is an essential part of basic education for all students, kindergarten through grade twelve, to provide for balanced learning and to develop the full potential of their minds." (1995 Proclamation)

-Music is recognized as a core, academic subject.  (National Standards for Arts Education, 1996)

Tasha Smith - Harp, Strings, Music Theory & Music Appreciation

Education: B.A. Harp Performance~SDSU; Diplôme Supérieur de Musique from Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris in Paris, France.

Experience: Tasha is an accomplished musician studying music for 20 years, She has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras and chamber groups throughout the US, Mexico and Europe. Ms. Smith has been teaching harp for over 7 years.

Rich M. Kellis - Band, Percussion

Education: B.M. Instrumental & Vocal; CA Single Subject Credential Music

Experience: Rich has over 30 years experience in field and concert instruction. He has taught as a Private Instructor and has taught award winning School bands, He has mentored and trained school teachers and performed in various Symphonies, operas, musicals and other ensembles.