Every two weeks Thame Hub will be featuring an article on various people in Thame who serve the Thame Community. This is your chance for the people of Thame to find out a little bit more about you or your business.
If you'd like to feature in an article like this then drop us an email at [email protected].
This week we are talking to Simon Markland who runs Thame Music Academy to find out a little bit more about him and what the academy does for the people of Thame.
When did Thame Music Academy form?
The Academy formed in September 2015, although at the time it was a one man band! From there we have recruited a host of tutors who teach a variety of instruments. In May 2016 we moved into our brand new premises on Thame High Street which has given us room to grow from strength to strength.
Tell us a bit about what Thame Music academy do?
Our main objective is to give local people, young and old, the opportunity to learn a new musical skill. The main service we provide is 1:1 lessons in a variety of instruments. We also run a choir, guitar and ukulele groups and holiday music workshops for children. The academy houses a very versatile space which can be used for a whole host of things in the future, there is also the opportunity for people to rehearse in our teaching rooms.
Do you do any gigs?
We run two open mic events a month, the first being 'Friday At The Fish' which takes place every 2nd Friday at The Old Fisherman in Shabbington. The second is 'Sunday Afternoon At The Swan' which takes place at The Swan Hotel in Thame every 3rd Sunday of the month. I personally play at a variety of local events including; Music In The Park and the TAL Festival.
What types of Music tuition do you do?
We tutor in a huge variety of instruments including; Piano, Guitar, Singing, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Violin, Cello, Drums and more!
For any aspiring musicians - why should they come to the Thame Music Academy?
We pride ourselves in being inspirational, creative, fun and professional. Thame Music Academy provides a modern and ideal space for those budding musicians who wish to educate themselves further along with having a great time!
Where are you based?
We are based a 2 minute walk from the centre of Thame: 37 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX92DN - We have a large white door and our sign is on the wall.
Do you do any work with schools?
Yes, we are currently in talks with local primary schools to start collaborating with local musical events along with going in to teach in various instruments.
What’s your favourite thing about Thame?
I have always found Thame to be very much a community based town. This provides us with a whole host of local events, fund raisers and groups to join and a very many friendly faces which really makes it feel like home.
What’s in store for Thame Music Academy in the future?
We are looking to expand our academy by working with local schools and community projects along with planning lots of new and exciting courses and other musical ventures, watch this space!
Anything you’d like to say to the people of Thame
As a relatively new business we have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community which I would like to thank personally. We are really looking forward to growing our business over the coming years and local support really gives us a nudge in the right direction.
Thanks to Simon for letting us interview him, for more information on Thame Music Academy you can visit their website at: www.thamemusicacademy.com.
