The people in Ashtabula County have been more than generous in their support of our new venture. We can't thank them enough. We have had people come to us from Madison, Geneva, Jefferson, Ashtabula, Ashtabula Harbor, Kingsville, North Kingsville, Andover, Conneaut, Pierpont, Dorset and Orwell. They all have the same thing to say. 'You don't know how glad we are to have you here." And we tell them, 'You don't know how good that makes us feel to hear that!"

As you read through this first issue of our newsletter, you will find out what we have been doing, as well as what is in store for the years to come. Our theme is "For The Love Of Music" and we will continue to do everything in our power to make it possible for all ages to develop their skills in Music. Best wishes to you all.

Bill & Joy Lawrence

There was much concern about taking a giant step like this by yours truly and my wife Joy.

We went in faith, believing that good things would happen because of this store. We knew that there was a need for a music store in Ashtabula County, and we knew that we loved music. The other thing that we knew, was that if we treated all people with respect and love, that we could not help but succeed. We have truly been blessed and know that our lives have been transformed into something very special.

Training

When Main Avenue Music opened it's store, they went into it with a purpose. That purpose was to bring the "Love of Music" to all persons, regardless of age. Since the doors were opened February 10, 2007, that purpose has been achieved and indeed surpassed.

We now have over Sixty students, taking lessons on Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Dobro, Cuatro, Drum, Keyboard, Organ, Piano, Harmonica and Recorder.

Our teachers work with all ages from six, to eighty six. Hours of classes are during the week from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am till 6:00pm. Special arrangements can be made for other times if necessary. All classes work out of books that are readily available for all instruments, at all levels of playing ability.

We have six private classrooms. One group classroom, and a waiting room where you can watch your loved one perform with their instructor.

Other Programs

We also have a Wednesday night group session for persons who would like to try out several instruments to see which one they would like to learn.

It is a one and one half hour session for one night. There is no cost for this. Once you decide, then you sign on with a private teacher for the instrument you like best.

Instruments

One of the biggest factors that parents worry about when choosing an instrument for their child, is this. "How do we know that he or she will stick with it?" That is a fair question that should be asked. It deserves a fair and honest answer. The best way to answer that question is this:

You really don't know if they will stick with it! I can't be any more honest than that. However, if they don't try, you will never know!

I know that sounds like a cop-out to you, but it is true. How many times in your life did you think that you might like to try something, only to talk yourself out of it? How often have you looked back and said, if only my parents could have given me lessons, look where I might be today.

All of our teachers started playing when they were young children. Some as young as five years old. They stuck with it, and learned well. Today, they are helping others to do the same.

Learning to play an instrument well is not going to be easy, and we don't want you to think that it will be. But it can be a lot of fun! Just like learning anything, it requires time and discipline. You must set aside time everyday for practice. Without practice, you will just be wasting your time and money.

Come on in and meet with an instructor, and get started on your future of Music Appreciation.

Upcoming Events

April

We are going to have a "Guitar Hero" contest at our store. This event will be for kids up to 12 years old. We want to get kids excited about music. So, the winner of the contest, will receive a real Electric Guitar. If you think your child would be interested in competing, let us know. Come in and register as soon as possible. $5.00 early signup and $8.00 the day of the event.

Update: 02-19-09

Unfortunately, this contest has been cancelled,due to lack of interest.

May

We will be having some entertainment at our store, or in North Park next to our store. It might be a talent show, or some other form of music abilities. We don't know for sure just what it will be, but we will be bringing you something.

Consignments

If you happen to have any used instruments lying around your home, we have a way for you to get rid of them. We have a Consignment Plan, that allows you to place these items in our store for a period of 45 days. If the item sells in that period of time, you will receive 75% of the sale price. If not, you pay us only $10.00 for setting it up. The only thing we ask is that the items look good, are clean, and in good working condition.

The rental program is used mostly for school children, but it can also be used by anyone, any age, to get started with band instruments. This includes, trumpets, flutes, saxophone, trombone, piccolo, clarinet and percussion. The cost is very reasonable, and part of the cost can go towards the purchase of the instrument if you would like to purchase it at a later date.

We Need Some Help

We have been in Downtown Ashtabula for Two years. During that period of time, we have touched the lives of many people. However, we still encounter persons who say: 'We didn't know that were here!" So! We would like some help from all of you who do know about us.

Show this Newsletter to someone you think would be interested in music. Have them bring it to our store, with your signature on it...

Sign here: ________________________

...we will give you both a ten percent discount on anything you and they purchase.

We do advertise on WKKY Radio, and sometimes in the local papers. However, we feel that 'Word of Mouth" advertising is the best. So, if you like Main Avenue Music, please tell a friend about us.

Thank You.

We Apologize

We are sorry our plan for the Guitar Hero contest, did not meet with more interest. However, we are going to do something that we think you might like even better.

Guitar Rental Program

Suddenly, we have been swamped with people wanting to take Guitar lessons, who cannot afford to purchase an instrument at this time. So, we have decided to have an In House Rental Service. This will allow everyone the opportunity to take lessons, and have their own quality instrument for minimal cost per month. We are now working out the details of this plan, and will have it ready by the first of March, 2009. Come on in and check this out!

Wednesday Night
Jam Night

Every Wednesday night, at 7:30 to 9:00 we are having a time for all persons to come and check out our instruments, and meet the instructors. This is a time when you can find out about all the instruments you always wanted to try, but never had the opportunity to do so. Once you have tried it for about a month, you will have the chance to set up lessons with our qualified instructors, or tell us you are not interested. We think this will give everybody the chance to find out why our theme is:

"For The Love of Music."

We look forward to seeing you all here, and invite you to bring a friend.

This concludes our first Newsletter. We look forward to seeing you and your friends in the near future. We will have another letter in March.  Thanks for all of your support.