STORMWORKS

Hampton Academy takes pride in lighting the creative spark in children through fun and meaningful instruction in music, dance, and theater. If you're looking for a wonderful activity for your child, our performing arts programs provide a wealth of educational and entertaining experiences that enhance character, develop interpersonal relationships and promote mental and physical well being. Our staff has an unmatched love for teaching young students and encourages all of them to use their creative spirits to reach new heights and their full potential. The adult student is also welcomed to pursue their lifelong dream of involvement in the performing arts. Our staff is patient and understand the needs of the adult student and allows them to have fun in a relaxing environment. Hampton Academy provides the best foundation for a lifetime of learning in the performing arts.

Lee Harper - owner, teacher, player. 40 + comprehensive years playing experience. 30 + years teaching experience. Industrial Psychologist and corporate trainer who understands the learning process. In the beginning, playing the guitar is hard; however, it is one of those instruments that - once the neural connections are formed and the muscle memory is locked in - become easier over time. Its that over time factor that prevents most from going beyond just strumming a few chords. . . and most dont even want to think about Theory - Boo, Hiss! My goal for each student? To become a musician with the guitar as the primary means of expression. To achieve the ability to totally express yourself, the specific goal is to become a Guitar Player - not a rhythm guitar player or a lead guitar player . . . but a GUITAR PLAYER. No one ever says to a piano player so, you play piano. . . rhythm or lead? - that would be ludicrous; but its a common question to guitarists. OK, there are leads parts and rhythm parts and some bands distinguish those parts with the role lead guitar or rhythm guitar. But thats what it is a role, not a goal. Rhythm guitar might be the limitation of some players because they couldnt, or wouldnt, overcome the learning curve . . . thats why you need a teacher, a coach, a Guitar Mentor. Private and group lessons. One of the great joys of playing a musical instrument is interacting with other musicians. To facilitate this interaction, I encourage all students to attend the various pickin sessions that I hold frequently.