In October, longtime Sedona resident and music teacher Deanna Branaman opened the doors to Red Mountain Music Academy at the former Big Park School in the Village of Oak Creek. Deanna and her husband, Jeff, were looking for a bigger space for their church, The House Church, when they toured the former elementary school. Deanna had taught music at Big Park. When she saw the music room again, it gave her an idea. Deanna approached The House’s 47-member congregation about starting a music school, and the church members quickly raised the necessary funds. Red Mountain Music Academy offers classes and private lessons for toddlers all the way up to adults. Beginners typically start out in a group class – offered as a 10-week semester – before transitioning to private lessons. There are currently four teachers offering lessons in voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, steel drums, percussion and wood winds (brass and strings will be added in the spring).
Classes start at $50 for kids and $110 for adults for 10-week sessions. Private lessons are $108 per month for four 30-minute lessons. Deanna and The House Church have visions for turning the facility into a hub for the VOC. Cooking classes began last month and an art academy and an infant-care room are all in the works. For more information, call 928-821-8861 or visit redmountainmusicacademy.com.
