Troy Music Academy
Super 400's Lori Friday built a new dream -- The Troy Music Academy
Even rock stars have dreams.
I guess that makes sense, considering any musician who makes it big must have the drive and determination to follow their passion. But when Super 400 bassist Lori Friday suffered a disastrous car accident this past spring, and the band had to stop touring -- they went the lemons-to-lemonade route and focused their sites on another dream.
Friday, along with fellow band mate Kenny Hohman, and long-time local music scene acquaintance Graham Tichy, got to work on something they'd been talking about for years. In July, they opened the doors to the Troy Music Academy--a music school where everyone from age 5 on up can work on their dream of being in a band -- or just learning a new instrument.
Step one foot inside the Troy Music Academy, and you'll feel the celebrity studio vibe that resonates throughout the space at 9 Third Street in Downtown Troy. White leather couches face a drum set that's ready to rock your world. Lori Friday's original artwork, depicting famous musicians from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame line the walls, and multi-colored shag carpets match each instructor's personal teaching space. Friday takes great pride in the fact that she and her business partners designed the space from the ground up. "This building once housed the first Troy Music Academy back in the '70s. Could it be any more perfect?"
With 150 students currently enrolled in their classes in guitar, bass, drums, piano and voice--it's safe to say they're on to something. Friday described the community's response as the best thing to come out of their effort. "People walk in off the street and tell us how thankful they are to have us in Troy, to have the opportunity to take music lessons in the town they grew up in," Friday said. "My band is a Troy band through and through, it gives us a special sense of pride to help build our arts community."
Students of all ages and skill level are encouraged to practice their instrument with highly-trained musicians in 30 minute and hour-long sessions at the Troy Music Academy. Both individual lessons and group workshops are offered on a weekly basis.
Lessons are $25 per half hour and $50 per hour. Students can showcase their talents to a public audience every last Friday of the month during Troy Night Out.
Find It
Troy Music Academy
9 3rd Street
Troy, NY 12180
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Comments
What a great idea! I'm sure Troy can only benefit from this!
... said Rachel on Aug 31, 2011 at 7:11 PM | link
I've always wanted to play the drums but never really knew how I would go about doing it. This is my answer!
... said KatherineSass on Aug 31, 2011 at 11:31 PM | link
Good stuff. Ms. Cohen captures it. Wish I were close enough to be schooled in rock.
... said Alfie O'Donnell on Sep 1, 2011 at 12:35 PM | link
Amazing! What a great environment to learn to enjoy music. Congrats to all involved! I wish I would have had something like this growing up in the Capital Region.
... said Justin Oscar Cary on Sep 1, 2011 at 3:15 PM | link
I've had some great music teachers in my day but the space was almost always some closet with a cheap amp in the back of a music store basement. This looks like a fantastic environment to learn in and the teaching talent is just top notch. Congrats guys!!!
... said charmboy on Sep 1, 2011 at 5:23 PM | link
As Jimi Hendrix once said, "Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music." Bravo to the great spirits, these extraordinary local musicians, behind this visionary project.
... said Fred on Sep 6, 2011 at 9:00 PM | link
I have been taking lessons at TMS for a few weeks now and I am really enjoying myself. After nearly 40 years of playing drums I decided I wanted to learn music theory and piano, so TMS seemed like an excellent choice. Based on my experience with them I would be comfortable recommending them to anyone who wants to kick their game up a notch. As a side note, I am really impressed with the whole market block location...very nice setup indeed.
... said MJD on Sep 17, 2011 at 8:12 PM | link