Our Mission:
To provide quality music instruction to students of all ages, giving them the opportunity to learn and enjoy music for a lifetime.

About the School:
Keynote School of Music was founded in 2005 by Gloria & Ed Grys of Shawano.  We purchased a small office building across from the Shawano County Courthouse on 4th Street and renovated it, creating an attractive, safe and professional school with five teaching studios.  By contracting with a number of qualified teachers, Keynote is able to offer private lessons in piano, organ, voice, guitar, violin, viola, cello, flute, bassoon, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, harmonica, bagpipes and drums.  Our school also offers a children’s choir (age 7-12) and in the Fall of 2009, will begin a bilingual Spanish/English singing class for children aged 3-5. 

The Value of Music: 
Many studies have now documented the benefits of music study.  Research has shown that music study helps develop critical thinking and self-discipline.  It improves cognitive development, math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance.  Music students are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.  (VH1 Save the Music Foundation)

Adult music students also benefit.  Dr. Barry Bittman, author of Maze of Life, states:  “I’m convinced that creative expression is one of the principal elements for staying young and healthy.  As a physician dedicated to whole person care, I’ve enjoyed the unique opportunity to observe the fascinating spark that magically returns to our patients who are engaged in the process of making music.”   Some studies also link playing an instrument’s possible benefit to delaying or preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

In summary, music makes an important impact on how we think, how we feel, and how we believe.  From children to senior citizens, there is joy in making music.  In the words of many researchers:  “Making music makes you smarter!”

A Message From the Director, Gloria Grys:
"The creation of Keynote School of Music has been a dream of mine for many years.  I’ve taught private and group piano for over 35 years to hundreds of students, yet I wanted to provide a way for more students to experience the joy of making music.  I was able to invite a number of highly qualified, excellent music teachers in the Shawano area to teach at Keynote.  Each of them has teaching experience and training, and they are comfortable teaching beginning or advanced levels.  Whether students are preparing to be college music majors or just interested in playing an instrument for their own enjoyment, we welcome “all ages and stages.”   I’m thrilled that our school has grown each year, and the benefits of music are now reaching students in Shawano, Black Creek, Bonduel, Bowler, Cecil, Clintonville, Gillett, Gresham, Keshena, Marion, Oconto Falls, Pulaski, and Suring. Welcome to Keynote!"