Newly opened downtown music studio

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

A new local business has been making some noise in the downtown core and amidst the community since its opening this fall.

The Wee Ones Music Studio is a new space that launched in September, which offers families and individuals space to learn and be introduced to music, particularly at younger ages.

“Basically, I wanted to offer families an opportunity to have a joyful music calls experience together for kids between the ages of zero to 12,” said Julia Dobbin, owner and operator of the studio. “Sometimes those younger kids, especially (who) I’m catering to, don’t always get the opportunity to take classes until they’re older.”

She explained most kids won’t be introduced to activities such as sports until they are at the age of enrolling in elementary schooling. 

Her classes are geared towards families, in groups or solo sessions and introduce youngsters to music early.

Dobbin has a background as a saxophone player as well as a teacher. She boasts an education degree and has a history in private music education.

“A few years ago I started teaching private lessons and I just felt like there was a piece missing,” she said. “I wanted to be able to offer that experience of learning music, but for younger ages.”

Dobbin said she has had a tricky start to her business, being a first-time business owner, as well as a new mother.

Further, she explained music education is an industry in which word-of-mouth advertising and referrals is crucial to developing a regular client base.

“I’m starting to get more families contacting me saying, ‘hey, my neighbour took the music class with their kids and they loved it and you should go,’ so that’s been great,” said Dobbin.

Though her classes are in person, Dobbin has been keeping class sizes small to maintain proper social distancing between her clients.

She also offers private classes to either family groups or individuals. These include saxophone lessons, beginner piano, or lessons to small family groups. 

“I have definitely found my niche … I’m still a teacher at heart, but I’ve definitely loved having the freedom of designing my own classes and creating different learning opportunities,” said Dobbin. “A highlight for me is just seeing the joy that a parent has with their child when they come into class and find an activity that they both connect with.”

She said her next steps are to encourage more kids between the ages of eight and 12 to begin taking classes.