We couldn't be more excited, and honestly, we’re doing a little happy dance over here. 🕺💃
This achievement is all thanks to our incredible team of music instructors, office staff, and of course, the amazing support from our students and families. You guys rock!
A Little History You Might Not Know
You might not know this, but we didn’t always go by Highlands Music Academy.... 🎶
We actually started out as Notable Beginnings!
In fact, Notable Beginnings was founded in 2001 by Kate O’Brien after she moved here from Appleton, WI. (Fun fact: she had a music school there, too, which she sold when she relocated to KY!)
Then, in 2008, Kate once again had to relocate and move out of state. She sold the school to Kim Fanning, who took over and continued to grow the school—at one point, hitting 100 students!
But as life would have it, after having three kids (two of whom were twins!), Kim decided to pursue a new career in Occupational Therapy. It was a tough decision, but after nearly 10 years of ownership, she decided to pass the torch and sell the business.
And that’s where I come in! 👋 Hi, I’m Alison Suell. In 2018, I had the honor of purchasing the school. It was bittersweet for Kim, as she truly loved the school, but I’m so grateful she trusted me to carry on the legacy and continue growing this amazing community we have today.
The Last 7 Years
Over the past seven years, we’ve grown and evolved in so many ways! Here are just a few highlights:
🎵 Dedicated Office Staff: We now have two incredible office staff members (Jackie and Max pictured above) who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes to make your experience at Highlands Music Academy as smooth and welcoming as possible.
🏡 Expanding Our Space: What used to be the old break room is now a lesson room (known as Room 3!), and we even expanded into the space next door above the salon, increasing our rooms from 6 to 10! More space = more lessons = more fun!
🎧 New & Exciting Programs: We've added two amazing programs that are ONLY available at Highlands Music Academy, which are:
Piano Express—a revolutionary group piano program for kids that uses gamification to make learning piano more exciting than ever. Picture learning to play while earning stars—who knew piano could feel like a game?! 🎹 🎮
Music Fun Time—a class for toddlers and young children (18 months to 5 years old) teaching your child to read music in the same manner they are taught letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. 🎤👶
🎼 More Teachers and Instruments Offered: Our teaching staff has grown to 20 talented instructors, each with unique backgrounds and skills to help students achieve their musical goals. Today, we offer lessons in piano, guitar, electric bass, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, drums, voice, banjo, harmonica, and trumpet! 🎷🥁🎻 Talk about some serious talent here!
🎹 A Baby Grand Addition: Last year, we splurged on a beautiful baby grand piano, perfect for our serious and advanced piano students who take lessons with Chris in Room 2. ✨. 🎹✨
💡 Easier policies & Improved Makeup System: We’re always looking for ways to enhance our student's experience, and over the years we have streamlined our policies and added even more makeup lesson options. Now, with weekly group makeup classes, online option, or pre-recorded lessons, fitting music into your busy schedule has never been easier! 🎶🙌
💻 Online Portal: Parents and Students can now send messages or share files with their teachers directly from their online student account, along with booking a group makeup class directly online, view upcoming lessons, or even cancel a lesson if needed without having to contact the office. Students are also able to update their payment method and receive email/text reminders about lessons! 🎵📲
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate hitting over 300 students, we want to send a massive thank you to each and every one of our students, families, and teachers. You are the heart of Highlands Music Academy, and we couldn’t be prouder of this thriving musical community. 🎶💖
Looking ahead, we’re beyond excited to keep growing, evolving, and finding even more ways to help every student—from budding pianists to future rockstars—unlock their full potential.
We’ll be right by your side through every note, every scale, and every high note you hit. (Literally, we’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines like “You got this!” 🎉)
Here’s to many more musical milestones ahead. Let’s keep making some beautiful music together! 🎼✨🎤
If you're not yet a student at Highlands Music Academy and want to find out more, please just inquire on our website here or give us a call at (502) 519-5109!
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