Holiday concert at Sierra Madre Playhouse 12/17 @ 7pm

NEW BIO

The award-winning ensemble, AlmaNova, is an innovative flute and guitar duo presenting an eclectic program of chamber music. Flutist Jessica Pierce and guitarist Almer Imamovic are both masters of their instruments elevating the flute and guitar ensemble to the highest level of virtuosity and artistry. Their live performances are filled with energy and passion creating a “...graceful, intuitively choreographed display of seamless connection.” (Fresno Beehive). 

AlmaNova met in France while studying at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. They continued their graduate work at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the USC Thornton School of Music. Since then they have had the privilege to perform extensively throughout the world including recitals in Paris, London, Sarajevo, Stockholm, Tijuana, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Kansas City, and San Diego. In 2014, AlmaNova will begin their first tour of Japan. 

AlmaNova’s music has been featured for various film and TV projects including Chuck, Human Target, and From Mexico with Love. Most recently, Almer’s song “Stani Draga” was chosen for the film In the Land of Blood and Honey, written and directed by Angelina Jolie. Most recently, Almer was honored to perform for former Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden and the Bosnia-Hercegovina Advisory Counsel in Washington D.C..

AlmaNova’s recordings have been described as “...pure musical pleasure” (Flute Focus Magazine) and have received much critical acclaim. Their first CD recording 'Debut' features original works by Mr. Imamovic inspired by the sounds and folk melodies of his native Bosnia. It was recently honored by the largest worldwide independent music organization, Just Plain Folks, receiving Best Instrumental Album, as well as Best Instrumental Song, for ‘Sarajevo Nights’. Their second CD, ‘Classic Giuliani’ was awarded Critic's Choice, by American Record Guide calling it “...some of the best [Giuliani] I've heard”. ‘After Hours’, explores the music of Macedonia through thoughtful arrangements and more original compositions by Mr. Imamovic and Ms. Pierce.  In2012, they released their first holiday album “AlmaNova: The Christmas Album” featuring original and inventive arrangements on beloved Christmas classics. 

AlmaNova Duo’s BLOG, “A Musical Journey” was #20 in the “Top 30 Flute Blogs on the Planet” by Feedspot.

Jessica plays Sankyo Flutes and Almer plays Jose Oribe Guitars.

AlmaNova Duo live in Monterey, CA October 27th

AlmaNova in Concert 10/27: Dear Friends, we are so happy to be back in Northern California at the end of the month. The concert will at beautiful Hidden Valley Music Seminars in Carmel Valley, CA. We are looking forward to play and premier few brand new pieces composed this summer :) Carmel Guitar Society is organizing the masterclass  on Saturday morning for the local guitarists and flutists. Hope too see you all very soon! Here are the details: Concert: Friday, October 27th at 7:30pm (doors open 7pm) Where: Hidden Valley Music Seminars 104 W. Carmel Valley Road Carmel Valley, CA 93924 Tickets: $30 ($20 students) To buy tickets please call: (831) 375-2486 Masterclass: Saturday, October 28th at 10am Where: Carmel Guitar Society To perform please call:  (831) 375-2486 With love, Almer and Jessica

AlmaNova Duo BLOG has been rated #20 in the WORLD for the top flute-related blogs and websites!!!

NEWS!!!! Our AlmaNova Duo BLOG has been rated #20 in the WORLD for the top flute-related blogs and websites!!! Check it out if you haven't already! We are honored!
https://blog.feedspot.com/flute_blogs/

La vida breve (Life is Short or The Brief Life) by Manuel de Falla :)

15% Off Back to School Sale

JULY 2017 STUDENT OF THE MONTH: TREVOR!

JULY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

TREVOR

We are extremely proud of our Sierra Madre Music July 2017 Student of the Month, TREVOR!  Trevor is currently a drum student of Danny.  He had his heart set on participating in a Summer Rock Camp session but all the drum slots were taken!  So, instead of giving up, he accepted Almer's challenge of learning the bass guitar!  This musician-extraordinaire learned to play bass in a WEEK!  He rocked the final concert with a flawless performance!  A smile never left his face the entire week and he was up for any challenge. It was truly an amazing feat!  GO TREVOR!!!!  With drums and bass under his belt, he can now officially OWN the rhythm section :)

A little bit about Trevor: His favorite band is Led Zeppelin but also loves Vivaldi :)  He enjoys listening to music because it makes him feel happier!  His favorite part about being a musician is the point where you can really get into the song you are playing.  We also all discovered at Rock Camp that he is also an expert chef.  He and his sister Coco brought in cookies to share that they made from scratch! Delicious!

Trevor's Practice Tip:  Always work on the hardest part first before you get too tried :) And...if you love the song you're playing it won't seem like work!

Great words of advice from this Renaissance Man.

JUNE STUDENT OF THE MONTH: The All Girl Rock Band

We could not be more proud of this group… They started our first ever Sierra Madre Music all girls rock band… And believe me, they ROCK! You can hear them June 25 at our special Concert in the Park performance! They are coached by Dominic our teacher extraordinaire :)

Almer visits great guitar luthier Mr. Jose Oribe

Recently I had the great pleasure to spend a day with Master luthier Mr. Jose Oribe and his wife Juanita playing some of their amazing guitars. I was just blown away by the quality and sounds of their guitars-truly the best instruments I played in my life 😎

It was fun and I really enjoyed visiting Mr Oribe shop. He is one of the world leading guitar makers and wonderful person. 

It's so nice to see husband and wife building guitars together for over 55 years side-by-side and then playing their creation. It's very beautiful and special 😎 their love and care comes trough the guitar the moment you play it ❤️

Thank you for a beautiful day!

New scores available @ www.almanovaduo.com

Kay's Dream and Zapjevala Sojka Ptica, the songs from our "Journey for Flute and Guitar" album are now available for purchase on our site. Please click here to go directly our store page.

SUMMER ROCK CAMP 2017 We are thrilled to announce the dates of Sierra Madre Music Summer Rock Camp!  We are now in our 5TH season!!! Due to its popularity, we have added more sessions.  Please be advised that we may ask some students to audition for a spot.  We are limiting each session to the following instrumentation: 1 drummer 1 bassist 3 guitarists 3 singers 1 keyboardist 1-2 instrumentalist other than guitar All sessions are Monday thru Friday, 9am-12noon.  The final concert and pizza party will be held each Friday at 7pm. Please reserve your spot soon!  Applications are available at the front desk! Pricing: $299.00 for non-SMM students $269.00 for SMM students $249.00 for returning Rock Camp students SESSION DATES SESSION 1 JUNE 19-23 SESSION 2 JUNE 26-30 SESSION 3 JULY 24-28

SESSION 4   JULY 31-AUGUST 4 CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME CLIPS FROM LAST SUMMER REHEARSAL click here CONCERT click here

Abram and Almer in D.C. performing for former VP Joe Biden

Amazing evening in DC. :) Abram and I played for ACBiH and special guests including former Vice President Joe Biden, who gave a truly moving speech. He was honored by ACBH’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his steadfast moral leadership and dedication to ending the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More info click here

Abram and Almer live in D.C. on 2/25/17 for ACBH 10th Anniversary Gala

Student of the Month: Evan!

We are excited to announce our Sierra Madre Music, January 2017 Student of the Month:

EVAN! 

Evan has been a guitar student here for a few years already and has blossomed into an amazing musician! He is a founding member of the rock band "The Golden Aces" where he plays lead guitar alongside his band mate Charlie.  They are an amazing duo within the group....working together like real side-by-side guitarists, trading riffs, having fun and encouraging each other.  Evan studies with our master guitar instructor, Tyler.  Tyler is always impressed with Evan's drive, focus and positive attitude.  He is a Sierra Madre Music SUPERSTAR!!!

We had a chance to speak with Evan and here's a little bit more from our Student of the Month!!!!


Q: WHAY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR INSTRUMENT?
A: When I was 8 yrs.old I chose the guitar because I felt like it was an instrument that really stood out and felt it was important to music.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT?
A: I love th freedom and the diversity to be able to stumble upon something new and create a whole new sound.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STYLE OF MUSIC?
A: Classic rock like Led Zeppelin and older pop/rock like ELO

Q: HOW HAS MUSIC CHANGED YOUR ROUTINE/ DAILY LIFE?
A: It has given me an appreciation for the opportune city I have to play guitar and learn more about music.  I also have met some great friends like my bandmates and teacher at Sierra Madre Music!

Q: PRACTICE TIPS???
A: This can always be something I could do more of!  Make the time to practice...it's the only way you can become better because you can always improve!


AWESOME!  THANKS EVAN!