Antioch Music Academy offers classes in piano, guitar and more

Name of Business: Antioch Music Academy

Type of business: Music school/instruction

Owner: Justin Garns

Founded: January 2005

Address: 416 W. Second St., Antioch

Phone number: 925-757 0121

Hours: Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; by appointment

Number of Instructors: five

Products and services: Antioch Music Academy offers private music instruction and theory lessons for all ages. They also provide music clinics, Jam Nights, showcase concerts, recording sessions and special events. They have lessons in guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano and vocals. First lessons are free. Gift certificates are available.

How did you get into the business: "I picked up my first guitar when I was 9 years old and since then I have always had a love for music," Garns said. After studying at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, he came back to the Bay Area and began teaching.

After many years of teaching and performing he decided to open his own music school in Antioch.

Best part about the business: "To be able to inspire the students and pass on the gift of music," he said.

Worst part about the business: "To be honest there is no negative aspects to this business. It is a blessing to be able to do what you love for a living," Garns said.

Key to success: "At my school the students are the most important thing to me and it is their success that continues to inspire me to keep my school going," he said.

Garns said he promotes quarterly showcase concerts in which the students participate to show off their hard work and determination.

"This allows their peers, parents, families and friends to see them in concert," he said. "Our last showcase concert event in April was at the El Campanil Theatre in downtown Antioch with Frankie G as our emcee."

Biggest misperception about the business: Many people think that they can take up a musical instrument and start playing and performing immediately, and in some cases that is true; however, it takes a lot of hard work and studying music and theory to advance to the level of performing," he said.

Future plans: Garns said he is hoping to expand its recording studio, offer more music clinics and increase teaching staff. His hope is to also offer music production classes, internships and continue student showcase concerts.