The LA Music Academy Launches ‘Ritmos Auténticos’.

The LA Music Academy announces the launch of Ritmos Auténticos-a one-year scholarship program created to support talented Hispanic adult students aspiring to further their musical interests and careers at The Academy. The program was created in partnership with Tecate.

One full year scholarship for $13,000 will be awarded to a talented artist. The winner will be selected based on musical talent, a desire to pursue a professional music career at The LA Music Academy, and the ability to pass the entrance requirements for The Academy.

“We are very excited to announce this new scholarship program. The number of Hispanic graduate students interested in pursuing a professional musical career continues to grow, and through Tecate’s sponsorship, we are able to assist talented students that do not have financial means to pay for tuition. Tecate’s sponsorship is great for aspiring artists in need,” said C. Thomas Aylesbury, executive director of The LA Music Academy.

The LA Music Academy was founded in 1996 by a number of prominent LA-based musicians whose idea was to create a different kind of school that truly maximizes the improvement and learning received in the shortest possible time. The Academy offers intense musical training in drums, bass, guitar, and vocals in small group settings. This intense and focused approach improves playing skills rapidly in the most practical and important elements of musicianship. Some of the Academy’s recent graduates include Lifehouse’s Sean & Rick Woolstenhulme; Nate Wood, formerly of The Calling; Warner bros. Artist Debbie Nova; and Florian Reinert of paloalto.

“Ritmos Auténticos was created to help our core consumers with musical talent fulfill their dreams,” said Andres Siefken, Senior Brand Manager – Tecate, Labatt USA “We researched a number of music schools around Los Angeles and believe The LA Music Academy provides an inspiring environment for music education. They have a dynamic faculty and student body composed of bilingual and bicultural musicians that understand what it is to be Latino and are proud to keep their cultural influences alive through music.”

Ritmos Auténticos is open to Hispanic adult students age 21 and over with musical talent and a desire to pursue a professional music career at the LA Music Academy. To apply, students must complete an official scholarship application and submit a videotape, CD, or cassette containing an original song (with or without lyrics) or performance that embodies the Tecate brand dimensions (hard working, audacious, and brave). The piece could be developed utilizing any music genre reflecting Mexican influence such as Rock en Español, Cumbia, Ranchera, Quebradita, Nor-Tec, etc. Applications must be postmarked no later than January 1, 2004.

For more information at http://www.lamusicacademy.com/ritmo