Since opening in 2016, music school Music Compound has grown steadily, building new studios at its Cattlemen headquarters and adding new programs and instructors as demand and its member base has increased. Recently, the company’s “slow and steady wins the race” philosophy has turned into a race to meet surging demand. Its revenues for January-June 2022 have increased 27% over the same time period in 2021. Additionally, having surpassed the 500-member mark and with its Sarasota programs at capacity, the school – which serves members in Sarasota and Manatee counties – has recently opened a new location, “Music Compound MAN,” in Manatee County.
In just the past two months, Music Compound owner Jenny Townsend has hired five new instructors and three interns as well as retained an apprentice, a college student who will be mentored by a Music Compound instructor and then transition into becoming an instructor herself. The interns are all college students who are considering careers in music, so their work with Music Compound isn’t just any job – it’s providing crucial experience that will likely impact their future professional course.
The instructors have benefited from the community Townsend has always strived to create at Music Compound as well. Many of them are able to arrange work schedules that allow for gigs throughout the community. Others have found creative partners on staff, with collaborations resulting in the writing and production of original music.
“I love that Music Compound strives to bring people of all ages together through a variety of performance opportunities, and that there’s such strong encouragement throughout the programs to express individuality in music,” said Music Compound instructor Sophia Derias. “The program has instilled in me a hope for younger generations to grow and thrive in the arts, and provided me with a loving, supportive community.”
The opening of Music Compound MAN will provide a more convenient option for members who have been commuting from Parrish, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch for years. The 4,500-square-foot space features 13 spacious studios and a music lounge, where young students can socialize, decompress and make the transition from time in school to the music enrichment programming. Starting next week, Townsend will offer a two-week Introduction to Music Summer Camp for elementary-school-age students. When the 2022-2023 school year begins, Music Compound MAN (which is located at 4740 SR64, just west of I-75 in the Braden River Business Park) will feature lessons for kids, including Kidz Rock and Modern Band programs for area youth wanting to grow musically and socially. These programs encourage team building, boost confidence, and build performance skills. Available adult programs will include private and group lessons as well as jam sessions for those wanting to play music while meeting new people.
As members who live in Bradenton begin to fill programs at Music Compound MAN, Townsend doesn’t expect it to take long for the resulting spaces in Music Compound SRQ (1751 Cattlemen Rd.) to fill, as those programs have been at capacity for some time.
“We’re so pleased with and proud of the growth and evolution of the business, from our beginnings in 2016 through today. I feel that we’ve really built a brand that encompasses a true feeling of community and educational excellence as well as a workplace where team members are happy to come to work each and every day,” Townsend says. “As Music Compound MAN grows, I look forward to adding new staff positions, to ensure our members continue to enjoy the individualized, enthusiastic, top-notch instruction they always have.”
To learn more about available programs at Music Compound, visit musiccompound.com or call 941-379-9100.
About Music Compound
Music Compound, which has locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music. The goal is to transform dreams into reality by providing a contemporary and influential environment for musicians of all ages. For more information, visit musiccompound.com.
