Guitarist Kevin Richards has been a prominent player in the local music and music education communities for more than three decades. He founded the Fairmount Music School 32 years ago, as well as Roots of American Music (ROAM), a nonprofit which uses music to teach about history, civics and other subjects. He recently stepped down as leader of that group.
But far from going into retirement, he and his wife Pat have rebranded and restructured Fairmount Music School as Musicologie Cleveland, a partnership with Columbus-based Musicologie, and its first location outside Columbus. Its teaching staff and lesson offerings remain the same. The changeover occurred September 1.
Musicologie was founded in Columbus in 2014 by touring musicians/educators Joseph and Kay Barker, specializing in 30-minute private lessons for all ages and abilities. It now has four studios there, each co-owned by a “community manager” — Pat Richards will fill that role in Cleveland.
“We are excited to partner with Musicologie,” says Kevin Richards. “Their systems will not only improve the student experience for our in-studio lessons but will support those studying music at home — digital content, videos, and curriculum development focused on online lessons — it helps to have a larger company behind you to be able to adapt in this environment.
Pat Richards adds, “More than anything, our values are aligned. We feel good about the fact that any change that is implemented will only be what is best for our teachers and students in the long run.”
Go here to learn more. Musicologie Cleveland’s studio is at the same location as the former Fairmount Music School.
3473 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118