While many people wait for the Sagebrush Cantina to open its doors, there are many new attractions downtown already drawing a crowd.
One such attraction is the Orion Music Studio, located at 118 N. Broadway, next to Little Caesars.
The studio, owned and operated by Nick Schillace, moved to the new location from their old studio at the corner of M-24 and Greenshield.
Schillace was looking for a larger space for the growing studio, which has over 200 students, eight teachers and operates six days a week.
Three weeks ago, after a couple of months of renovation on the new location, they moved in.
‘When I bought it, it was empty,? Schillace said of the building. ‘Completely gutted.?
Zoned as commercial, Schillace said the building was crying out to be transformed into something like a lesson studio.
‘We’re excited,? he said. ‘It’s really been great.?
The move meant an addition of two lesson studios for Schillace and his staff (from three to five).
‘Now that we have the studio space, there’s a lot more flexibility,? he added.
Schillace, who teaches guitar himself, said the studio is looking to add even more teachers in specialized areas and has received numerous requests for lessons on certain instruments.
‘Depending on the instrument, we start as young as three-years-old,? he said.
Schillace said he has made a point of hiring teachers that are also practicing musicians. He added that the staff has a variety of musical interests.
‘We’re very diverse,? he said. ‘I’m able to place the student with the right teacher.?
Schillace, himself, released his first solo album in the summer of 2005. Information on ‘Box Canyon,? an acoustic instrumental album can be found at www.nickschillace.com.
Schillace also offers his tour schedule and mp3s on the website.
In spite of his success as a performer, Schillace said his heart is very much in teaching.
‘We’re all very dedicated as teachers,? he said of the Orion Music Studio staff.
Schillace said there is no other studio around that offers what his can, and he’s looking forward to its continued growth in Lake Orion.
‘This community has been great,? he added.
For more information about the Orion Music Studio, call (248) 391-4545.