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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.