What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 9pm Tuesday 10am - 9pm Wednesday 10am - 9pm Thursday 10am - 9pm Friday 10am - 9pm Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

Fortepiano Music Studio

Home
Canada
Cambridge, ON
Fortepiano Music Studio

Fortepiano Music Studio is a music school and composition studio operating in the GTA and KW regions.
(2)

FMS’s mandate is to ensure every student receives a well-rounded music education, with emphasis on theory, performance, musicianship, and discipline.

08/18/2023

As musicians, we often find inspiration in our solitary moments of practice and composition. However, it's important to recognize the immense value of collaborating with other musicians to enhance our musical journey.

Collaborations offer a unique opportunity for growth, pushing us to new heights and expanding our musical horizons. This challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, encouraging us to explore new genres, techniques, and musical approaches. We learn from one another, exchanging knowledge and experiences that make us stronger musicians.

That's why at Fortepiano Music Studio, we are passionate about having our students work together!

Interested in seeing what that looks like? Check out our YouTube channel or our “Studio Collaborations” Reels to observe the hard work of our students working together!

📸:

06/22/2023

At Fortepiano Music Studio, we believe that music should be a personal journey of self-expression and joy. That's why we love giving our students the freedom to choose the music they play and sing. It's a powerful way to foster confidence and nurture their unique musical voice!

We understand that every student has their own tastes, interests, and aspirations. By allowing them to select the music that resonates with them, we empower them to connect with their passion on a deeper level.

By blending their chosen music with our curriculum, we create a well-rounded learning experience that respects their preferences while ensuring they progress and grow as musicians.

06/21/2023

Have you reserved your spot for the summer yet? ☀️

We are now accepting new students for a variety of instruments, including piano, voice, guitar, ukulele (new!), trumpet (new!) songwriting AND MORE! ✨

With our new expansion, we are excited to service even more locations including:
📍 Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph
📍 London, St.Thomas, Woodstock
📍 Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington
📍 Toronto, Etobicoke

With options for both in-home and online lessons, we're making it easier than ever to pursue your musical dreams. Whether you're a beginner looking to pick up a new instrument or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, we have a teacher that can help you reach your goals. ☺️

So don't wait, sign up today! ✨ [email protected] 💙

06/14/2023

💡 Did you know that studying music can work wonders for a child's brain development?

Scientific research reveals that playing an instrument enhances memory, problem-solving, and attention span. 🎯 And that's not all! Music also sparks creativity and imagination, while nurturing emotions and fostering important skills like teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. 🌈💪

Let's encourage our young ones to explore the magical realm of music! Whether it's tinkling the ivories, strumming a guitar, or embracing the rhythmic beats of percussion, let them discover the transformative power of music.

Ready to embark on this musical journey? Send us an email to book your lessons with us today! Summer registration is now open! ☀️

06/01/2023

June 1st marks the beginning of a new month, signaling fresh opportunities and growth. 🎵

As we embrace the start of June, let's also remember that we're nearing the end of our lesson year. It's a time to reflect on the progress made, celebrate achievements, and make the most of the remaining lessons. 🎹🎸🎤🎺

Let's finish this year of music education on a high note! 🎶✨

P.S. Stay tuned for summer registration 🥰

05/19/2023

Sending a big congratulations to our student, Kristina, on an amazing performance in her school’s adaptation of Frozen Jr! ❄️⛄️ Here is Kristina performing a snippet of the song, Hygge!

GREAT WORK KRISTINA ✨🎶

05/17/2023

Did you know these fun facts about the piano? 💡🎹

🎶 The piano is one of the most versatile instruments, capable of playing melodies, harmonies, and bass lines simultaneously.

🎶 It is the only instrument that allows the performer to play both super soft (pianissimo) and super loud (fortissimo) notes effortlessly.

🎶 The modern piano has around 12,000 parts, including strings, hammers, and keys.

🎶 The longest piano ever made was over 38 feet in length, known as the "Concert Grand."

03/23/2023

Meet Bill, the newest music teacher to join our team! ⬇️

Pianist Bill Vu started learning the piano after being discovered by world-renowned pianist Dang Thai Son at the age of 5.

Bill has won music festivals and competitions, from regional to provincial to national, as well as international. Some of them include First at Canadian Music Competition National Finals; Prize winner of the Canadian Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra Young Artist Competition and KW’s 2023 Chamber Orchestra Concerto Competition Prize winner.

Bill made his orchestral debut at the age of 10 with the Canadian Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in 2018. In that same month, he also performed with the CAST Youth Orchestra and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Orchestra. In Sept 2019, Bill was featured as a guest (and the youngest) performer at the Canadian edition of the George Enescu Festival.

We’re so lucky to have Bill join our team! We are currently accepting new piano students in the KW region. For more info and registration, email us at [email protected] ☺️

03/17/2023

Hope everyone is enjoying their March break✨
Now is the time for students to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved time off. Remember, it's okay to take a break when you need one to come back stronger than ever. 🎶

02/22/2023

Why YOU should be implementing slow practice into your routine! ⬇️

Slow practice is a technique that involves playing music at a slower tempo than the intended performance speed. It is a commonly used technique for musicians of all levels and can have numerous benefits for their overall development. 🧠

Here are some benefits of slow practice for musicians:

1. Enhances muscle memory: Slow practice helps musicians develop muscle memory by allowing them to focus on the physical movements required to play each note, enabling them to play with greater ease and efficiency.

2. Improves accuracy: Playing music slowly allows musicians to focus on playing each note correctly, improving accuracy and reducing mistakes.

3. Helps with memorization: Playing slowly can help musicians memorize a piece more easily, as it allows them to focus on the details of the music and develop a deeper understanding of the piece.

4. Improves tone and expression: Playing slowly can help musicians focus on the nuances of their playing, including tone and expression, enabling them to create a more nuanced and expressive performance.

5. Helps with difficult passages: Slow practice can help musicians work through difficult passages by allowing them to break down complex sections into smaller, more manageable parts.

6. Builds confidence: Slow practice allows musicians to develop a greater sense of control over their playing, building confidence and reducing performance anxiety.

Overall, slow practice is a powerful tool for musicians of all levels and can help them develop their skills, improve their playing, and achieve their musical goals. 🎶

02/16/2023

A little motivation for your Thursday! ✨💙

Are you an adult who has always wanted to learn how to play an instrument or perhaps pick up an old hobby that you have left behind? Fortepiano Music Studio also offers lessons for adults who are looking for a new creative outlet or wish to rediscover their love for music. 🎶

Learning an instrument as an adult can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. We provide a welcoming and supportive environment that allows you to learn at your own pace with a skilled and experienced instructor.

Whether you want to learn classical piano, strum chords on a guitar, or explore the world of jazz on trumpet, our music lessons cater to all skill levels and interests.

Our experienced instructors are passionate about music and teaching, and they are committed to helping you achieve your goals. We offer personalized lesson plans that are tailored to your needs and interests, allowing you to learn and progress at a comfortable pace. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some previous experience, we can help you advance your skills and unlock your musical potential. 🎧

Learning an instrument not only provides an enjoyable hobby, but it also offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can help reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve hand-eye coordination. ☺️

So, if you're ready to explore the world of music or revive an old passion, our music school is here to help. Join us today and rediscover the joy of making music! 💙[email protected] ✨

02/09/2023

Interested in voice lessons? Here are a couple things you might need! 🎤⬇️

1. A comfortable, quiet place to practice: This could be a dedicated practice space or a quiet corner of a room.
2. A mirror: This can help your child see their posture and facial expressions while singing, which can be helpful for developing technique and performance skills.
3. Water: It's important to stay hydrated while singing, so make sure your child has access to water while practicing.
4. A microphone: This can be helpful for your child to hear their own voice more clearly and to get a sense of how they sound to an audience.
5. Online or in-person singing lessons: These can help your child learn proper technique and theory, and give them the support and guidance they need to progress as a singer.
6. Sheet music or song lyrics: Having access to the music or lyrics of songs can be helpful for your child to practice and learn new material.

We are currently accepting new students! For more info and registration, email us at [email protected] ☺️

02/06/2023

Meet Jazzmine, the newest music teacher to join our team! ⬇️

Jazzmine is a trumpet player with a wide array of interests in the music performance, brass pedagogy, and musician wellness worlds. With experiences ranging from orchestra, opera, and chamber music to big band, musical theatre, and funk bands, she is happy in any musical environment she’s been a part of.

Her favourite experiences so far include playing on stage at the Stratford festival, Aeolian Hall, the Grand Theatre in London, ON, and being a part of Orchestra North’s brass academy with “Brassthetics” brass quintet. Jazzmine hopes to continue her musical education and eventually earn her DMA in Trumpet Performance.

As a brass instructor, her teaching style is inclusive and adaptive to each student's needs. She sees importance in keeping her students' interests peaked by incorporating music they enjoy, while also building solid fundamentals and a good understanding of the standard repertoire.

We’re so lucky to have Jazzmine join our team! We are currently accepting new trumpet (and other brass!) students in the London, ON region. For more info and registration, email us at [email protected] ☺️

02/02/2023

New year, new month, new opportunities to make beautiful music! 🎶

We are now accepting new students for a variety of instruments, including piano, voice, guitar, ukulele (new!), trumpet (new!) songwriting AND MORE! ✨

With our new expansion, we are excited to service even more locations including:
📍 Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph
📍 London, St.Thomas, Woodstock
📍 Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington
📍 Toronto, Etobicoke

With options for both in-home and online lessons, we're making it easier than ever to pursue your musical dreams. Whether you're a beginner looking to pick up a new instrument or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, we have a teacher that can help you reach your goals. ☺️

So don't wait, sign up today! ✨ [email protected] 💙

01/31/2023

Musician burnout is a common problem among musicians big and small, and can negatively impact their lives as well as continuation in their musical education. 🥵

Here are some tips to help avoid burnout:
1. Set realistic goals: Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and set achievable goals that allow for a healthy work-life balance.

2. Take breaks: It's important to take time off to recharge and engage in activities outside of music.

3. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise.

4. Find a support system: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

5. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments and projects that are not aligned with your goals and priorities.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship with music. 🎶

01/28/2023

Brass up your music skills with our new trumpet lessons! ⬇️

Fortepiano Music Studio is now offering trumpet lessons for all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to pick up a new instrument or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, we have a teacher that can help you reach your goals. 🎺

Join us and let's make some beautiful music together. For more info and registration, e-mail us at [email protected] ✨

01/23/2023

Meet Vishnu, the newest music teacher to join our team! ⬇️

He started playing the guitar at a very young age and has completed his grades under the Associated Board Of The Royal Schools Of Music. 🎶

He has a band in India and has been working with them for the past 5 years on releasing his album. He has released songs that are available on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music under the band name Benhurmusic.

We’re so lucky to have Vishnu join our team! We are currently accepting new guitar and ukulele students in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph regions. For more info and registration, email us at [email protected] ☺️

01/14/2023

Another release by our instructor Dani ✨ Her vocals were recorded in our studio! Check it out ☺️

01/12/2023

Two years of hard work and dedication have paid off! Congratulations to our talented student, Andreo, on completing two years of music lessons. 🎵

He is studying both piano and guitar with Fortepiano Music Studio, and has learned a variety of repertoire from rock, pop and classical! 🎹🎸

Here's to many more years of musical growth and accomplishments! Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your musical journey. Keep up the great work, Andreo! ☺️

01/08/2023

Struggling to get back into a practice routine after the holidays! We got you! ⬇️

1. Start with small goals: Don't try to jump back into your previous practice schedule all at once. Begin with shorter practice sessions, and gradually increase the length of your sessions as you get back into the swing of things.

2. Don't skip your warm-ups: It's important to take the time to warm up your muscles and prepare your body for practice. This can help prevent injuries and improve your overall playing, as well as get your technique back into shape.

3. Mix up your practice routine: Try to vary your practice routine to keep things interesting. This could include working on different pieces, trying new exercises or drills, or focusing on different aspects of your playing.

4. Don't be too hard on yourself: It's okay if you're not playing as well as you were before the holidays. It will take time to get back to your previous level of proficiency, so be patient with yourself and focus on making progress.

What are some ways you get back into a practice routine after the holidays? ✨

01/03/2023

Interested in guitar lessons? Here are a couple things you might need! 🎸⇩

1. A guitar: Your child can start with an acoustic guitar, which is a good all-around instrument for beginners. If your child is interested in electric guitar, they may want to start with an electric-acoustic guitar, which can be played through an amplifier or unplugged.

2. A guitar case: This will protect the guitar when it's not in use and make it easier to transport.

3. A guitar stand: This will keep the guitar safe and accessible when it's not being played.

4. A guitar strap: This will help your child hold the guitar in a comfortable position while playing.

5. Guitar picks: These are used to strum the strings and give a different sound than using just fingers.

6. A guitar tuner: This is a device that helps your child tune their guitar to the correct pitches.

7. A guitar method book: This is a book that teaches the basics of guitar playing, including chords, scales, and strumming patterns.

8. Online or in-person guitar lessons: These can help your child learn proper technique and theory, and give them the support and guidance they need to progress as a musician.

We are currently accepting new students! For more info and registration, email us at [email protected] ☺️

01/02/2023

The New Year is here and so are new opportunities to learn and grow! Fortepiano Music Studio is now accepting new students. Come join us and discover your musical talents in 2023! 🎵

We are currently accepting new piano, voice, guitar and tambura students in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph regions! Fortepiano Music Studio focusses on providing quality musical education in a fun, and comfortable environment offering both in-home, in-studio and online lessons. We ensure that our lessons provide students with a solid musical foundation and confidence to truly appreciate the joy of playing an instrument and performing. 🎼

We also offer lessons for Music Theory, Songwriting, Composition and more! Check out our lesson services on our website! 🎤🎧🎸🥁🎹 bit.ly/Fortepiano_Music_Studio

For more info and registration, email us at [email protected] ☺️

•
•
•

01/01/2023

Happy New Year from Fortepiano Music Studio! We are excited for this coming year and seeing everything 2023 has to offer! ✨

Now is the perfect time to set some goals! Here are some to get you started:

1. Expand repertoire: Playing music in different styles and genres can help you broaden your musical horizons and find new sources of inspiration.
2. Practice consistently: Developing a daily practice routine can help make steady progress in your music studies.
3. Improve sight-reading skills: Being able to read music quickly and accurately can greatly improve a musician's performance abilities.
4. Work on technique: Focusing on specific technical skills, such as tone production or phrasing, can help take your playing to the next level.
5. Perform in front of an audience: Performing in front of an audience, whether it's a recital or a school concert, can be a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience!
6. Collaborate with other musicians: Working with other musicians, whether in a small ensemble or a larger group, can help you develop your skills and learn from others.
7. Learn a new piece: Whether it's a classical sonata or a pop song, learning a new piece of music can be a rewarding challenge!

Address

Cambridge, ON

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 9pm
Tuesday	10am - 9pm
Wednesday	10am - 9pm
Thursday	10am - 9pm
Friday	10am - 9pm
Saturday	10am - 6pm
Sunday	10am - 6pm

Website

http://bit.ly/Fortepiano_Music_Studio

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fortepiano Music Studio posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Fortepiano Music Studio:

Videos

Cloudy Day | Fortepiano Music Studio (at home!)

We're back with our 2022 studio collaboration! Here is our version of Tones and I’s “Cloudy Day” featuring our instructors and some of our students! There are definitely some familiar faces in this one, as well as some students making their first collaboration debut! Along with our instructors Julijana, Andrew and Dani, students had the opportunity to sing backup vocals, accompany using chord patterns and sing/perform lead melodies of this fun, upbeat tune! If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE, and SHARE it with your friends & family. 💕 “Cloudy Day” performed by Tones And I Written by Toni Watson © 2021 - Bad Batch Records, Sony Music, Elektra Records

Together | Fortepiano Music Studio (at home!)

We're back with our first studio collaboration of 2021! Here is our version of Sia’s “Together” featuring our instructors and some of our students! There are definitely some familiar faces in this one, as well as some students making their first collaboration debut! For this collaboration, we received over 60 video submissions, and the final audio had 130 tracks! Along with our instructors Julijana Hajdinjak, Dani Kristina and Andrew Sporcic, students had the opportunity to sing backup vocals, accompany using chord patterns and sing/perform lead melodies of this fun, upbeat tune! If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE, and SHARE it with your friends & family. 💕 #StayHome “Together” performed by Sia Written by Sia Furler & Jack Antonoff © 2020 - Monkey Puzzle, Atlantic Records

We love a supportive parent during lessons! ⇩

Playing piano duets is so much fun! ⇩

It’s exciting to put two different parts of music together to make one cohesive piece. Duets create a rich and fulfilling sound on the piano because you can maximize the full range of the piano. 🎹 Plus, it’s a wonderful experience to collaborate with another musician, learn from them, and work together for a common goal or for younger students to play with their instructor! 🎶 There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to playing piano duets. It can be frustrating to keep both parts together. Sharing the bench with another person and hearing a completely different part of music can be really disorienting! But, just like with your solo practice, playing duets will become easier and easier if you consistently put in the time and practice! ☺️ Here is Fortepiano Music Studio student Kristina playing a folk song medley with her instructor Julijana at the Steinway & Sons Piano Gallery in Mississauga! ✨

SINGER SPOTLIGHT! Ariana performs at Celebration Square ⇩

Performing in front of an audience is a very important aspect of the learning process! All students are invited to perform at concerts/recitals and encouraged to perform in their local community. Many of our students have performed at nursing homes, community centres, retirement homes, festivals, hospitals, open mics and competitions around the GTA! 🎶 Here is Ariana performing at Mississauga Arts Council Amphitheatre Unplugged at Mississauga Celebration Square! These open mic’s are just one of the great ways the Mississauga Arts Council supports their artists! Things are a little out of the ordinary now, but you can still practice your performance skills. Try having an online recital! Perform in front of your pets! Sing on your front lawn! There are many ways to make your very own concert nowadays! BE CREATIVE and share your performances with us! We’d love to see! ✨

Here Comes The Sun | Fortepiano Music Studio (at home!)

Due to the ongoing situation, we unfortunately had to cancel our upcoming collaborative summer concert — an opportunity for Fortepiano Music Studio students to perform solo works they’ve been practicing, to learn how to provide accompaniment for a performer and gain experience singing as a backup vocalist for others. 🎤🎧🎹🎶 As many of us found that we had some extra time on our hands and stuck in our houses, we decided to put together a collaborative video with our students. What you hear and see was recorded on students’ & instructors’ cell phones, and brought together. A big thank you to all of our students who were a part of this collaboration, as this isn’t just our video; it’s theirs to be proud of, and now yours to enjoy! :) If you enjoyed this video, please give it a LIKE and SHARE it with your friends & family. 💕 #StayHome NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON: bit.ly/FortepianoMusicStudio — “Here Comes The Sun” originally performed by The Beatles Written by George Harrison © 1969 - Abbey Road

What makes Fortepiano Music Studio different from other schools! ⇩ Have you been struggling with advancing in your music education? Having trouble staying motivated to practice every day? Have you gone through multiple music teachers and still seen no progress? At Fortepiano Music Studio, we pride ourselves on quality musical education in a fun, and comfortable environment with an emphasis on all aspects of music training, including classical, pop and jazz. Our music lessons focus not only on playing a musical instrument and reading music, but on arm and hand technique, ear-training, sight-reading, stage presence, and musicality. These techniques give students the solid foundation and confidence to truly appreciate the joy of playing an instrument and performing Our students learn their first song by the end of their FIRST lesson and progress quickly through their music curriculum with a carefully crafted lesson plan, adapted to each individual students learning style. We encourage all students to perform at our concerts as well, whether you’ve been taking lessons for 2 years or 2 months, all are invited! Here is Katarina performing a piano cover of Katy Perry’s Firework at our 2018 summer concert after only A FEW months of learning pop chords and patterns.

What to expect when taking voice lessons? ⇩

Vocal Lessons are great way to build confidence. At Fortepiano Music Studio, students enrolled in vocal lessons will work on breathing techniques, warm-up exercises, vocal registers, and tone. 🎶 Students will also work on posture, microphone technique, stage presence and showmanship. Students will be trained classically, but will have the opportunity to explore multiple vocal genres, such as jazz, musical theatre and pop. For our collaborative concerts, advanced vocal students will be asked and encouraged to perform as “back-up” vocalists for other performers to further develop their vocal control, balance and technique. 🎤 In this clip, student vocalist Ariana is singing “Your Type” by Carly Rae Jepsen, with students Kristina and Katarina singing backup vocals, along with Fortepiano Music Studio Instructors Julijana, Dani & Andrew on shaker, guitar, backup vocals and piano. JOIN TODAY! Upon joining, students gain access to an exclusive students-only Google Classroom with FREE music resources, exercises, tips and more for all stages of music learning! ✨

Shortcuts

Fortepiano Music Studio

Fortepiano Music Studio began as a small and humble teaching business for the local community. In 2008, Julijana Hajdinjak began instructing private lessons to children in her neighbourhood to pass on her own skills and share her passion for music with her community. Upon graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music: Composition with distinction, Julijana decided to officially open up her business with the province of Ontario to reach more students and hire more instructors.

Fortepiano Music Studio focusses on providing quality musical education in a fun, and comfortable environment offering both in-home and in-studio lessons across the GTA. With well-rounded instructors who are musicians in their own right, lessons place an emphasis on all aspects of music training, including classical, pop and jazz. Our music lessons focus not only on playing a musical instrument and reading music, but on arm and hand technique, ear-training, sight-reading, stage presence, and musicality. These techniques give students the solid foundation and confidence to truly appreciate the joy of playing an instrument and performing.

Fortepiano Music Studio offers music lessons for children from 5 years of age and up, and we offer a separate curriculum catered especially for adult learners.

We also offer audio recording and video services for those interested in professionally recording a cover or their own original song in our studio.

Fortepiano Music Studio’s students regularly perform at recitals, competitions, festivals and nursing homes around the community, as our mandate is to ensure every student receives a well-rounded music education, with emphasis on theory, performance, musicianship, and discipline.

At Fortepiano Music Studio, students enrolled in piano lessons in-studio are taught directly on two grand pianos, so they become accustomed to the touch and tone. Our piano teachers teach a variety of styles from classical to popular music. Whether you want to learn Beethoven or Taylor Swift, our teachers are happy to help you become the pianist you want to be. Our piano faculty will show you the fundamentals of sight reading, technique and theory, but will also incorporate your favourite songs into your lessons. We place emphasis on proper arm and hand positioning and fi*****ng as well as note recognition, counting/rhythmic notation, and sight-reading to build up musicality. As students progress, they will fine-tune these skills, in addition to practising ear-training, theory and composition/improvisation.

Our guitar instructors teach rock, blues, metal, country and classical guitar lessons on electric and acoustic guitars. Beginner students can expect to work on chords, simple songs and melodies, sight reading and theory. We balance musicianship and fun by making sure that each lesson you are challenged with a new technical or theory concept, but always end with something fun such as your favourite riff or song.

At Fortepiano Music Studio, we also offer a comprehensive list of theory lessons to complement studies of any musical instruments and high school accreditation in accordance with the Royal Conservatory of Music Examination syllabus. Students will be required to learn basic theory along with their instrument of choice, and will have access to our exclusive online Google Classroom with extra exercises in note naming, ear-training, intervals and more to further progress their skills.