Top: Kidder Music's new rehearsal space; below: the new drum studio

MAY 17 I KIDDER MUSIC I EXPANSION
Kidder Music Bolsters Education Program

Kidder Music of Peoria, Ill., has finished a three-month project to expand its education facilities and programs.

The full-line dealership leased half of a building that's adjacent to its store and remodeled the space into a 2,700-square-foot educational facility. According to Beth Houlihan, company president, the project cost roughly $60,000, "which was under budget."

"We wanted to expand our lesson facilities but didn't have the space," she said. "When the building next door to us became available, it was the best option for expansion."

The new digs feature seven teaching studios and a large space for rehearsals, clinics and recitals. The building is handicap-accessible and equipped with Wi-Fi access in the waiting area. The extra space gave Kidder Music enough room to nearly double its teaching staff by hiring four additional private instructors. The company now offers lessons for voice, piano, violin, percussion, brass and woodwinds.

Starting in June, the facility will also host Kindermusik by Faulkner Studios, which specializes in classes and camps for children zero to 7 years old.