Following the success of his music school which opened in Kealba last year, music therapist Neil Ta has opened a second school, this time in St Albans.
While his first school focused on music, the Victorian Institute of Performing Arts (VIPA) will look at expanding its programs.
VIPA, which opened on July 12, is a hybrid institute teaching a variety of performing arts, including music, dance, fitness and yoga.
Mr Ta, a music therapist for 30 years, says the keys to success in performing arts are confidence and adaptability.
“I teach my students how to play the guitar and then encourage them to play the piano or sing – all you have to do is apply what you have learnt to a different instrument,” Mr Ta says. “It’s the same for dance; once you’ve learnt hip-hop, you apply your knowledge and adapt it to the steps of acrobatics. And you can use this technique for everything in life.”
He adds: “No one has dared do anything like [VIPA] before. The aim of this institute is to help kids become successful in whatever they choose to do for the rest of their lives.”
The school, at 69 Grantham Parade, St Albans, is open from 9am-noon on Saturdays. For more information call Neil Ta on 0413 644 484.
