Mayfair is welcoming the sound of sweet music

There will be a lot of music emanating from the Mayfair Promenade starting next week, because the Miami Conservatory of Music is moving in. They're coming from Oak Avenue, just a block away.

Above from left are Brigitte Kishlar, president and founder; Scott Crumpler, principal, and Ingrid Acosta, faculty member in charge of the high school department. All this week they'll be busy moving in for a Monday opening.

Come Gallery Walk night, they will be an integral part of the festivities. The school is taking over the former spa location next to the fountain and also the former restaurant, across the way, which served as many things from a Burn Notice set to most recently the peacock painting gallery for the fiberglass peacocks.

The school's mission is to provide musical education, also find and develop hidden talents within the community creating venues for musical expression. The after school curriculum is designed to teach all level students from age five through adult piano, voice guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, saxophone, drums and theory.

Master Classes are also offered every year. My sister-in-law performed with the school at a recital last Christmas, she plays the flute. She was excited to come to the Grove to practice.

Along with the Conservatory is the MCA Academy, which provides an individualized academic program from 1st through 12th grade. "The curriculum is virtually homework-free, allowing students to explore and maximize other talents and areas of interests. The student/teacher ratio is very low so each student gets highly personalized attention and guidance. We welcome students all year-round," says Brigitte.

The conservatory and the academy are independent from each other. But conveniently, both are located in the same premises, now in the Mayfair Promenade. The location will allow more impromptu music in the area from organized events to students simply practicing near the fountain. They're move is already getting them noticed and more involved with the community, they are a large part of the children's event at the Great Grove Bed Race this year.

The conservatory and academy are a big part of the transformation of the little Bohemian area of the Grove.