Innovative Offer: Try an Instrument Out for a Month

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Our spotlight today is on George and Lauren Krzyzewski of The Music Cottage.

Business: The Music Cottage
Owners: Lauren and George Krzyzewski
Website: www.musiccottage.com
Address: 177 Main Street Brewster, NY

How did you come up with the name?
We were looking for a location to open a music school in the Brewster area and found a wonderful cottage that was perfect!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
Our location is perfect. We are the only music school in Brewster. Because of our proximity to the Westchester border we also attract students from North Salem, Somers, Goldens Bridge . We also border CT and have students from Danbury, a Ridgefield and New Fairfield!

Briefly, what business are you in?
Music lessons instrument sales and rentals.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
Opening the doors and hoping that people would come!

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
Looking back now this first year was very difficult but the rewards far out weigh the challanges!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Our showcases! This year we had 150 performers. Seeing how much our students have accomplished makes all of the hard work worth while.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Our new student special! New students can come in and try up to four lessons for $99.00. Our instructors
suggested a package that would enable students to try a instrument for a month before signing up for regular weekly lessons. Students can try up to four instruments including vocals.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
We are very lucky ! We have met so many great people since opening our doors. We find that having set policies and explaining them clearly helps a lot!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
We have offered free musical events at the local libraries and are sponsors of various arts events in the community. This year we had two showcases at The Studio Around The Corner and also ran rock camp there. We participate in Founders Day and Putnam Hospital Kids Day.