Gwinnett Academy of Music Aims to Rock

When Nydia Kelly, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, examined the music education programs available to students she saw a void, “I got to the point where I just wanted more and I wanted to offer more." Determined to create her own vision, Kelly left her job at the New School of Music in Lilburn and began working to open a music studio. In January 2010 the Gwinnett Academy of Music opened its doors.

The academy provides instruction to 30 students at all ages and skill level. One-on-one lessons are provided in piano, vocal and guitar.  In addition to lessons, students and their parents are encouraged to participate in music workshops, where musicians from around the state provide instruction on a range of instruments. Kelly is also hoping to implement a summer music camp and to publish a book on musical math, a music and logic technique that teaches students musical notes through addition and subtraction.

Kelly’s ability to combine her musical training with creative initiatives has allowed her students to receive a music education that goes beyond simply learning the keys of the piano.

“I really like Nydia’s approach of not just learning an instrument but also learning how to present a song and how to perform,” said Phillip Miller, whose daughter Madeline is a student of Kelly’s. “Last year she encouraged my daughter to put on a concert, which she did and she performed about 11 songs.”

Now at 2150 Fountain Square, the academy was previously located in an office retail space next to the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. This April, Kelly decided to strike out on her own and has moved into a studio space across the parking lot from her previous location. Along with the new space has come new instruction, such as guitar lessons taught by Vanessa Gallagher, a former finalist for Beyonce's all-girl band.

Both Gallagher and Kelly attended the Berklee College of Music but did not meet until a year ago through mutual friends in Atlanta. After sharing her ideas for a music academy with Gallagher, Kelly soon found herself with a new instructor to join her music school.

“When Nydia told me her ideas I thought it was really awesome,” said Gallagher.  “ I told her that I really wanted to be involved and since then I have been teaching guitar lessons to the students.”

While the Gwinnett Academy of Music is still in its startup phase, Kelly has big plans for it’s future.

“My ultimate goal is to have the academy accredited and offer the same track programs that a school like Berkley does but it’s not at a college level; that way students can try out different fields and receive a strong source of preliminary training. I want the academy to be more that just a place to take lessons,” said Kelly.

In addition to aspirations for an accredited academy Kelly hopes to provide a scholarship program for those students who are talented but financially unable to receive formal music education.

Currently the academy is preparing for its holiday concert. Held in December, the concert is an opportunity for students to showcase their talents to family, friends as well as play with local area bands and musicians.

There is no formal audition process to join the academy and sessions are $25 per half-hour. For more information contact Nydia Kelly at: gwinnettacademyofmusic@gmail.com.