Interview with Dan Menchey, owner and general manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I love playing music. I was a Front Range touring musician for 15 years, and I have taught private lessons and performance classes for the past 10 years. My brother Joel is also a musician and the owner of seven music stores that my grandfather started in 1936 on the East Coast. Recently, we decided to team up and try a new business model that emphasizes private lessons, group performance sessions and school instrument rentals.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: In addition to our private lesson rooms, we also have two large rooms equipped with all the instruments, so groups of all ages can easily assemble and play music together. Kids can form bands for summer camps and recurring weekly sessions, and adults use the rooms for rock, blues and jazz bands. We selected a spot in a popular shopping center with plenty of close parking and easy drop-off where parents can go next door and shop at Target or get their nails done while the students are in class.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love teaching kids and adults how to play instruments and showing them how to make and write music as a band. It’s great to see them perform songs that they chose or wrote themselves, as a group. It’s also great to see the reactions of parents when their kids are having so much fun while accomplishing so much.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is getting some of our students to practice on their own. Some kids definitely want to be superstars on stage, but they underestimate how much discipline and patience it takes to develop as musicians. Luckily, we have amazing instructors that constantly inspire our students and use the most up-to-date methods to assist the learning process. We also have free sessions every first Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m-1 p.m., where students can try playing songs with other students as a band. Performing with their peers is such a rewarding motivator.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: In addition to being a music school, we also sell beginner instruments, music books and musical accessories. We also rent band and orchestra instruments, guitars and keyboards. And one more thing folks may not know is that we offer free 30-minute trial lessons and free observation of all classes.
Profile
Business: Performance Play Music School
Address: 7450 S. Gartrell Road, Unit B2
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 2014
Contact: 303-557-3660,
Employees: 10
