Suffolk Music Center Reopens After Renovations

Newly renovated, the Suffolk Music Center on Route 112 has reopened for business.

Frank Mediate has taught drums and percussion at the Music Center for more than 10 years and is co-owner of the establishment with Jerry Rothaus.

"We re-did the whole place with new carpeting and new paint," Mediate said. "We also built a new rehearsal studio and a rock school. We have new band instruments in and upgraded our retail line."

"We are 'student-centric,'" Rothaus added. "We don't have Les Pauls' [guitars] and that type of thing. The kids don't need that but we do have better options for the students than the average music store."

Keeping the students in mind, the Music Center also offers its instruments as a "rent-to-own" payment plan.

"After a certain amount of time of renting your instrument, it becomes yours," Mediate said. "We also offer upgrades and trade-ins. We want the students to feel comfortable with their instrument."

The center also offers space for band rehearsals as well as lessons. It currently has 11 teachers and averages 250 students per week in lessons as well as at the rock school.

"We offer different classes, one of which is a rock school, which we get kids together who have similar interests and skill levels and form a band," Mediate said. "The school is a one-week course consisting of a total of 10 hours; two hours per day for five days. 

"We teach them a variety of songs and we have recitals a few times a year. The students perform live at the [Brewery].