La Music Academy Instructors Headed to 54th Annual Grammy Awards

The Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music (www.lamusicacademy.edu) campus is buzzing about the upcoming GRAMMY Awards ceremony taking place just minutes away at nearby Staples Center February 12th. Vocal Department Chair Tierney Sutton and her band received a fourth consecutive nomination for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” and another for “Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).” Guitar Instructor Andy Abad performed on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, which was nominated for “Album of the Year” and “Best Pop Vocal Performance.”

“Whether it’s award wins, nominations or performing live at the actual awards show, many of the LA Music Academy teachers have a rich history with the GRAMMYs. Everyday, the real-life experiences of its teaching staff carry over into the classroom.

This is an incredible benefit for its students who are preparing for careers in the music industry,” says Tom Aylesbury, president of LA Music Academy.

The rich history Aylesbury refers to includes Philip Bynoe, bass instructor, who played on three of Steve Vai’s GRAMMY nominated albums. Vocalist John Avila co-produced and performed on Oingo Boingo’s nominated Farewell- Live from The Universal Amphitheatre. Drums and percussion instructor Richie Gajete Garcia performed on Luis Miguel’s GRAMMY winning CD “Romances,” Joan Sebastian’s nominated song, “Secreto de Amor” and all songs on Hiroshima’s 2011 nominated album. Vocal instructor David Joyce won a GRAMMY as “Best Jazz Vocal Group” on Clare Fisher’s album, Freefall. Vocal Department Co-Chair Kathleen Grace is a vocal producer on one of the tracks for Tierney’s current nomination.

A number of teachers perform regularly with GRAMMY winning artists, including Roberto Montero (guitars, vocals) – with Sergio Mendes and Baby Consuelo. Andre Berry (bass) has played with Dave Koz (a nine-time nominee) and Norman Brown. He is currently rehearsing to play with GRAMMY winners David Sanborn, Marcus Miller and Boney James.

LA Music Academy (www.lamusicacademy.edu) is located at 370 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Facebook: www.facebook.com/LAmusicacademy. Follow the school on Twitter: @LAmusicacademy. LA Music Academy is on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/LAmusicacademy.