DEA Music & Art is focused on the importance of music and its impact on a child’s development, offering individual instruction on piano, guitar, violin and drums, as well as vocal courses, and syllabi for the visual and performing arts. By Jessica Jones
DEA Music & Art is focused on the importance of music and its impact on a child’s development, offering individual instruction on piano, guitar, violin and drums, as well as vocal courses, and syllabi for the visual and performing arts.
“Learning the nuances of a musical instrument, playing it regularly, and seeing the results of your work is life-changing,” said Magi Kapllani, DEA owner and professional pianist. “There’s a discipline involved in music instruction that affects so many other aspects of a child’s development. Yes, our children need math and English classes, which are the foundation of our education, but when you’re creating a melody note by note, building a puzzle so to say, the progress is your prize.”
“Music and the arts provide an outlet for self-expression and a means for building self-confidence,” Kapllani said. “When students learn to play and perform, they gain a sense of accomplishment. You must face your fears and develop confidence to get up in front of an audience. If that ability is taught early in life, there is a tremendous benefit. I see it in my students every day. They are building a foundation and laying the groundwork for their future every single time they improve upon their work.”
DEA Music & Art, launched in 2003 from Kapllani’s living room, now has locations in New York and London, and instructs hundreds of remote learners throughout the world.
The inspiration for DEA came from Dizdari Education Academy, a hub for organized competitions, festivals and seminars, which Kapllani’s parents built from the ground up in their native Albania. Kapllani decided to launch a similar model of musical education in the U.S. after moving here to study music and earning her master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Illinois at the age of 29.
“Each and every student in our care benefits from individualized music and art instruction that meets all their aspirations and helps with that extra ingredient much needed in life: confidence,” Kapllani said. “When you feel the stage lights on your face, regardless of the grade, level of performance or how far you are on your journey, you feel like a star. The audience claps for you and it’s a very supportive and unique moment.”
Among other activities, DEA hosts birthday parties and summer camp programs to reach even more children to further the school’s mission to make a meaningful impact on their lives.
“I want to expand DEA to other communities,” Kapllani said, explaining her motivation for seeking franchisees. “We have something very special here and I want to share it with as many students as possible.”
For more information about franchising opportunities, visit franchise.deamusicandart.com.
– Jessica Jones