After selling Chordz music school during the pandemic, Red House coffee-and-pizza shop owner Charlie Northedge said he regretted his decision.
Since then, he has built a successful hospitality business.
“I’m very passionate about my coffee shop, I love being in here,” said Charlie.
“But the one thing I really miss is seeing musicians, students, families and teachers all hanging out and having a good time.”
So when he was contacted with the possibility of opening a music school, the timing was perfect.
Charlie is now set to open the first official Yamaha Music School in the Channel Islands.
This global network of music education centres are operated or licensed by musical instrument manufacturer Yamaha.
The schools follow a standardised curriculum developed by Yamaha in Japan and used internationally.
“We’re trying to push the boundaries this time,” said Charlie.
“We want to set ourselves apart from any other school in the island.”
The school uses the Yamaha teaching method, which focuses on playing by ear, improvisation, and musical expression – rather than just reading sheet music
“They’ve very secretive about it, but having been on the teacher training, it’s brilliant,” said Charlie.
Charlie and his business partner Emily Hare – also known as Emily Faye – are preparing to take over the four-floor building at MyPad, next door to Red House. MyPad will downsize to one unit on West Centre.
Charlie and Emily are visibly excited at the prospect of moving in and decorating the space – which will echo the rustic style used at Red House.
Drawing from Charlie’s previous experiences with Chordz, the site will include an accessible ground floor to cater for wheelchair users and young families with prams.
The duo stressed the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for staff and students.
Island Music owner Paul Sharkey will take care of the Yamaha showroom on the third floor.
A partnership with Island Music should help with affordability – allowing the school to offer leases, payment plans and discounts.
Jersey’s music venues have suffered during the covid-19 pandemic, and “more and more” places have closed, Charlie said.
“A lot of the time, the cost is an issue,” he explained.
“Our students from Yamaha will be entitled to a discount on anything Yamaha in Island Music.
“And if someone buys a Yamaha guitar, for example, they will be entitled to a lesson with one of the Yamaha teachers.”
Music can be “the first thing that is gone” in tough economic times, Emily added.
“I think you need places like this to help nurture and improve the importance of music and the importance of learning an instrument,” she said.
“Scientifically, it is good for the brain.”
The school is due to open in August and 100 students have signed up already – but there is plenty more space, with the ability to accommodate between 700 and 1,000 students per week.
The pair are also on the lookout for schools that might partner with their Yamaha-accredited teachers.
Emily has designed a ‘Move and Sing’ course to introduce two-to-four-year-olds to rhythm, movement and singing “and hopefully making some sweet sounds”.
Charlie said: “Hopefully these toddlers turn into kids, turn into teenagers, turn into adults, and music is something that will stick with some of them their whole lives.
“So they may end up being old fogies like me and still playing music and really enjoying it.”