Magic in the Music: New Studio Opens During Pandemic
July 31, 2020 - San Antonio
The Magic Continues. Wizard Music Academy seeks to provide services at reasonable rates and help the music industry survive in San Antonio.. Photo: Joey Devine.
By Brigid Cooley - Staff Intern, San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Joey Devine, guitar player for bitforce, is opening Wizard Music Academy this weekend
- The studio, located in Rolling Oaks Mall, offers virtual lessons and studio spaces to customers
Before the start of the pandemic, Joey Devine and his band bitforce made their money performing video game music at comic conventions and other live events. Like many in the music industry, Devine suddenly found himself out of work when the coronavirus pandemic reached San Antonio and the city began shutting down in March.
“Once the pandemic hit, it all went away: no more playing live music, no more doing audio/video contracts, the music industry just kind of disappeared.”
Realizing there was no known timeline regarding when live music events would start up again, Devine was inspired to create new opportunities for himself and other musicians. Taking a leap of faith, he decided to open Wizard Music Academy.
The academy, located in Rolling Oaks Mall, provides music lessons to children and adults interested in playing musical instruments or pursuing a career in the music industry. Opening this weekend, the school is equipped to teach guitar, ukulele, piano, drum and voice, tailoring lessons to each individual student.
“The curriculum is really really cool because we’ll work around you,” Devine said. “We’ll teach you the ground fundamentals like how to read music and the classical stuff, but one of the things we do different than a lot of schools is, we’ll catch and see if whoever we’re teaching gets bored and automatically change gears.”
Because his band plays video game music, Devine will also implement it into lesson plans for those interested.
To provide a safe environment for students and instructors, the studio is set up for digital lessons. By setting up multiple cameras for streamed lessons, Devine said students will have an immersive experience while distance learning.
“I’m able to share sheet music through Zoom,” Devine said. “We also do Skype as well and FaceTime; whatever people feel comfortable with.”
Hybrid music school and studio space, the Wizard Music Academy rent out their “jam space” to musicians and groups interested in live streaming or recording new work. They will limit the number of people allowed inside at one time, implementing social distancing and other safety measures.
Devine said the amount of help he received from the community was humbling. He is grateful for the support of his friends and family.
Recognizing the financial hardships the pandemic has brought for some, Devine aims to keep lessons and rent fees affordable.
“We’re not in it for the money; we’re really just trying to help out our fellow artists and keep music alive right now,” Devine said. “Right now, it seems like most government officials really haven’t done anything for this industry and we’re hurting so bad.”
Those interested in enrolling at the Wizard Music Academy can visit https://www.wizardmusicacademy.com for more information.
Brigid Cooley is the editor-in-chief of The Mesquite, a student publication of Texas A&M - San Antonio. E-mail her at reporter@sasentinel.com.