Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Dzengelewski.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Previous to owning/operating CAA, I was a student at the Berklee College of Music and a member of the United States Army Band. I was also a drum instructor at the School of Groove which was formerly owned by Christopher Vuk (owner of Rock & Roll Daycare). I bought the School of Groove from him and moved the business to 111 South Street (about .5 mile from our original location.) We re-opened the business on February 1st, 2015. We are now hosted by Jamspot (we operate in the same facility) John Mazzone (owner of JamSpot) and I met a few years before I approached him about moving the school into his facility. I was an off and on JamSpot customer. We now have about 120 students and 11 teachers including myself. We offer high level music instruction for all ages and skill levels.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When we initially opened there was a snow closing every Monday that month so, we lost a good bit of revenue. We have had trouble figuring out the greater Boston market. It is odd considering there is a large population and good median income we still have trouble getting enough students to enroll. I wonder if it is an over saturation of talented musicians teaching from home or door to door.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cambridge Arts Academy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Cambridge Arts Academy offers premium private music lessons. We specialize in contemporary music though many instructors have strong classical backgrounds. We are known for our quarterly recitals, extremely qualified teachers (we have our instructors audition outside of CV and interview, they have to be able to teach and play)!
We also offer the Musical Ladder System which is a reward system for students. They receive wrist bands every quarter for their achievements. I am most proud of our staff. They are truly talented and dedicated teachers. The aforementioned MLS system and recitals are what make us special, we also offer free clinics from top musicians.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are looking to grow enough, where we can offer more rewards for students. I would love to bring a student group to Carnegie Hall!
Pricing:
- initial trial is 50% off normal price
- 30 Minute Lessons: $40.00 each
- 45 Minute Lessons $50.00 each
- 60 Minute Lessons $67.50 each
Contact Info:
- Address: 111 South Street, Somerville, MA 02143
- Website: www.cambridgeartsacademy.com
- Phone: 617 319 5113
- Email: admin@cambridgeartsacademy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cambridgeartsacademy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cambridge-arts-academy-somerville?osq=cambridge+arts+academy
Image Credit:
Nikhil Hogan
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
