DRMA Newsletter

May 2026 Newsletter

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:55:33 GMT

☀️ SUMMER CAMPS – NOW ENROLLING!

Our DRMA Summer Camps are filling quickly, and we’re so excited for what’s ahead this summer!

�� Junior Pop Stars (Ages 6–8) – Starts June 8

�� Pop Star Experience (Ages 9–12) – Starts June 22
Students will sing, move, and perform while exploring music inspired by Taylor Swift, K-Pop, Disney favorites, and The Greatest Showman , all leading to a live showcase for family and friends.

�� Teen Songwriting & Performance (Ages 13–18) – Starts July 6
Teens will write and perform their own original song , developing their sound, creativity, and confidence as artists in a collaborative group setting—perfect for aspiring musicians looking to grow their artistry.

✨ Early Bird Pricing is available for a limited time!

�� Have your child ask their teacher this week for details or stop by the front desk to secure your spot!

�� DRMA MUSIC CARNIVAL & PROGRAM LAUNCH PARTY ��
�� Saturday, May 16th - 5:00 - 7:30 PM

You’re invited to one of our most exciting events yet as we celebrate kicking off our new programs!

Bring your family and friends—everyone is welcome!

�� Please RSVP using the link provided to receive an extra raffle ticket for our exciting giveaways!

�� What to expect:

Live DRMA student performances
�� Karaoke
�� Balloon animals
✨ Face painting & glitter bar
�� Carnival treats (pretzels, cotton candy, popcorn)
�� Instrument demo area
�� Raffles & giveaways

Come celebrate, support our students, and experience everything DRMA has to offer!

SUPPORT YOUR DRMA FAMILY IN NEED

Donate what you can to help Tom Gates

Former DRMA Guitar Instructor Tom Gates has been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer, which has spread to other areas of his body. The course of treatment includes immunotherapy and targeted radiation. DRMA launched a GoFundMe campaign so Tom can focus on healing, because financial stress should never be a part of someone's cancer journey.

This fundraiser is a way for the many people whose lives Tom has touched with his music and teaching, to support him during this difficult time. Any contribution, or simply sharing this page, is deeply appreciated. Funds will be used to help with ongoing medical treatments and living expenses.

Together we can make a difference. Cancer cannot cripple Love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot break the spirit.

�� Showcase Updates

We’re currently making some exciting updates to our showcase system to create an even better performance experience for our students and families.

During this transition, new showcase sign-ups will be temporarily paused while we finalize these improvements.

Thank you for your patience, we can’t wait to share what’s coming next!

Please Email Summer@drma or see our front desk if you have any questions.

�� Thank you for being part of the DRMA family. We can’t wait to see you at the Carnival and all the exciting moments ahead this summer!

�� Summer camps are filling fast—be sure to grab your spot before early bird pricing ends!

Sincerely,

The DRMA Team ��

April 2026 Newsletter

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:02:54 GMT

Hi DRMA Families!

Welcome to the very first Desert Ridge Music Academy newsletter ! Each month, we’ll bring you the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and highlights from our music community. From exciting new programs and renovations to upcoming performances and special events, there’s always something happening at DRMA—and we’re thrilled to share it with you!

As spring unfolds, we’re especially excited to highlight some of the recent developments and opportunities at the academy, giving students even more ways to learn, perform, and grow.

☀️ NEW: Introducing DRMA Summer Camps for 2026

Get ready for an exciting, music-filled summer at DRMA! Each camp gives students the chance to sing, perform, and explore their creativity, finishing the week with a live performance.

Junior Pop Star Music Camp (Ages 6–8)
June 8–12th 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Focus: Vocals, pop styles, rhythm, movement, dynamics, and stage presence.

Students explore different styles each day, including Taylor Swift, Disney favorites, and Musical Theatre hits like The Greatest Showman —learning to bring each song to life with rhythm, movement, and expressive singing, ending the week with a performance of all they’ve learned.

Pop Star Music Camp (Ages 9–12)
June 22–26th | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Focus: Intermediate vocals, pop styles, rhythm, movement, dynamics, and performance.

Students explore different styles each day, including K-Pop KATSEYE, Taylor Swift, Disney favorites, and Musical Theatre hits like The Greatest Showman —learning to bring each song to life with rhythm, movement, and expressive singing, ending the week with a performance of all they’ve learned.

Teen Pop Songwriting & Performance Workshop (Ages 13–18)
July 6–10 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

A high-energy, 5-day workshop where teens collaborate to write and perform an original pop song. Students explore songwriting (lyrics, melody, and structure), build confidence in performance and stage presence, and express their creativity in a supportive group setting, all culminating in a live performance at the end of the week.

�� Spots are limited, sign up today!

Renovations & Upgrades

If you’ve visited DRMA recently, you may have noticed our updated lobby and performance center. We’ve added doors to improve safety and sound quality, and we’ve created additional instructor rooms to better accommodate our growing families. These changes help us provide a more comfortable and functional space for lessons, rehearsals, and performances.

From our newly renovated lobby to the upgraded performance center, every change is designed to enhance your experience at DRMA.

Take a look inside our newly updated space!

Choir Programs

This season, our choir programs continue to grow and give students exciting opportunities to perform and develop their skills on stage. We launched our Teen Pop Choir this past February , and students are currently in session preparing for an upcoming performance this April. Our Teen Pop Choir has focused on vocal dynamics, stage presence, and style development, helping students build confidence as performers. Repertoire includes a mix of pop favorites and musical theatre selections like Defying Gravity from Wicked , along with uplifting performance pieces such as This Is Me from The Greatest Showman .

Our Kids Pop Choir is also in session, where students are learning popular songs and musical favorites while developing confidence through performance and learning vocal techniques and stage presence, including movement and choreography to bring songs to life. The program will conclude with a live performance where students share what they’ve been working on.

Upcoming Choir Performances

Kids Pop Choir – Saturday, April 18th @ 12:00 PM & 12:45 PM
�� DRMA Performance Center
Teen Pop Choir – Saturday, April 18th @ 1:15 PM
�� DRMA Performance Center

Join A Choir!

If your child loves to sing and dance, don’t miss out on joining our next choir! Join our waitlist to stay in the know about upcoming session dates and be the first to hear when enrollment opens.

Please email our Group Director for more information and to be added onto our waitlist.

Summer@drma.com

�� Special Event: Music for Miles Variety Showcase

We are thrilled to announce that DRMA is sponsoring Music for Miles for their April Variety Showcase! This special event will feature an incredible mix of rock, jazz, classical, folk, and more, along with a meal provided by Music for Miles.

�� Location: First Southern Baptist Church of Glendale
(10250 N. 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ)

�� Date: April 25

⏰ Time: 5:00–8:00 PM

Enjoy an evening of live music featuring talented performers of all ages and styles, all while supporting a great cause.

�� Stay Connected

@DesertRidgeMusicAcademy

�� Celebrating 18 Years of Music

This year, DRMA is proud to celebrate 18 years of inspiring musicians! Thank you for being part of our music family and helping us create a space where students of all ages can explore their talents, gain confidence, and share their love of music.

Please remember, if there’s ever anything you need, we are here for you. We can’t wait to see you at one of our performances, showcases, or programs this month. Thank you for being a part of the Desert Ridge Music Academy family!

Sincerely,
The DRMA Staff