Music school consolidates, adds recording studio in Sarasota

A music school that had one campus in Bradenton and another in Sarasota is consolidating into a new, state-of-the-art campus near Fruitville Road and Interstate 75 in Sarasota County. It is also growing its staff.

Music Compound offers lessons and musical experiences for those of all ages, from babies to adults. Instruction is available for piano, guitar, bass, drums, violin, ukulele, voice and other instruments, according to a statement. 

“Our Cattlemen Road location had been maxed out for several years,” owner Jenny Townsend says in the statement. Now, that building is being sold, according to a statement from Music Compound.

“Our new facility will enable us to grow, strengthen existing program offerings, and try our hand at new ventures," Townsend says.

The new 10,000-square foot-facility will feature private, soundproofed rooms; a recording studio; larger rooms for group lessons and programs; space for musical theater and early childhood programs; a parents’ lounge; a music lounge; an events area with professional-quality stage and lighting; and dedicated space for the New Horizons Concert Band, which is for those ages 50 and up.

Opening Aug. 12, the new Music Compound space will be located at 775 Bell Road. 

As the campus grows, so too will its staff. Four new teachers will be added to the team by the end of August, including vocal coaches and piano instructors. Currently there are 32 instructors, so that number will grow to 36 by Sept. 1. The business will also offer lessons in Spanish, will be expanding its online course offerings and will launch music theory and master classes for advanced students.

Music Compound was named the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year in 2019 and was a finalist for its Woman Owned Business of the Year in 2024.

While the business declines to disclose revenue figures, it reports that it has a track record of growing each year. Profits grew 11.3% from 2022 to 2023; and growth is 10.5% for January through June 2024 compared with the previous year.