How many have passed the building, not knowing it is there? Even GPS lets you know “you have arrived” but, you seem to be in the middle of Route 44. However, look for the Portage Music sign, on the east side of Route 44, just north of the Route 303 junction, and turn in-you’ll be glad you did. The drive way winds through a small wooded area, and opens to a beautiful brick building with neatly landscaped greenery. This office rental building is the headquarters for Portage Music Lessons, LLC.
Portage Music Lessons, LLC, (aka PML) is located at 9222 State Route 44 in Mantua. James McGurer started the business in 2016. James is a young man in the music business, but he brings energy, determination and technical knowledge to his business. While in public school, he took guitar lessons privately with Bob Staneck. Graduating from James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville, he obtained his degree from Atlanta Institute of Music. Returning to Portage County, he began working at area music stores. That was when he decided to work for himself. There is a saying in the music business “don’t quit your day job.” Well, wanting to support himself doing what he loves, he did just that! He started small, a one-person operation, renting one office in the building. Advertising mostly on Facebook, he was able to start a following of guitar, bass and ukulele students. One of those students was area fiddler Holly B, looking to extend her skills. Soon, she became the violin and bowed-string teacher. From there, woodwinds were added when Maia came on board, teaching flute, clarinet and saxophone. Then, more teachers were added, and more offices opened! Currently, he has 3 offices in the Mantua building, as well as satellite locations in Streetsboro and Bainbridge, and 12 teachers bringing their own expertise to the business. Being an ambitious businessman and wanting to extend the ability to support oneself with music, he is always looking for new markets, new teachers, new locations and of course-new students.
James teaches guitar, bass, ukulele and mountain dulcimer. His favorite genres include country, rock, metal and folk. Holly teaches violin, viola, beginning cello and ukulele. Julia M came on board, she teaches voice and piano. Bryan R teaches just about everything! Bryan and Julia, along with James have the bulk of the students, and also help to manage the growing business. Although James doesn’t perform much anymore, many of the teachers there do. Holly performs with Celtic Rush, a local trad band. Julia maintains a solo career, pre-covid she was performing opera. Guitar teacher Brian Poston is the lead guitar with The Shootouts. Yet another guitar teacher, Jim Marzullo, is active both in theater and as part or the Wise Guys. PML currently offers the following lessons; guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, drums, voice, piano, woodwinds, brass, percussion and recording. Truly, something for everyone.
Not only has James brought determination and energy to the business, he also brings the ability to find the good in any situation. From individual lessons to recitals to dealing with running a business in a pandemic, he has found the good in all. PML had its first recital at the Ravenna Church of the Nazarene in the fall of 2019. Families had the chance to see their loved one perform and witness their pride and their progress. A spring recital was scheduled for May of 2020, but 2020 had different plans! Due to the pandemic, the recital was done digitally. As a matter of fact, 2020 forced a new era in PML, as the lesson format went entirely digital during the quarantine. Now, PML offers a hybrid of in-person lessons conducted with COVID precautions, and digital lessons. Even the less computer savvy teachers have become proficient in Skype, Zoom and Google Meet, often with pointers from James. Despite the quarantine causing initial loss in students, PML has bounced back within three months.
James has grown his business well in the past few years; he has also grown his family. He married his college sweetheart in 2018, just a year into being his own boss. Just this past November, they welcomed Baby McGurer! Both mother and child are recuperating and doing well.
As a musician, James has some great advice! Practice. Practice, and meet as many musicians as possible. Practice with them, observe them, learn from them. The more musicians you meet, the more diverse you become. He hopes to open the world of music to as many as possible, letting people see the various avenues a life of music offers. Performing, teaching, repairs, recording, retail… there are many ways to lead a musical life.
If you are interested in lessons, or giving the gift of music this Christmas, be sure to check out Portage Music Lessons, LLC on the web at www.portagemusiclessons.com. You will find a brief description of many of the teachers, and contact and scheduling information. They offer one free introductory lesson just to make sure that the teacher is a good fit to the student. As a matter of fact, that is the guiding principle. They tailor the lessons to the musical needs of the student, offering a variety of teaching styles and genres. You can also reach PML by phone 440-669-2696, email portagemusiclessons@gmail.com or on Facebook at Portage Music Lessons LLC. The locations are 9222 State Route 44, Mantua OH, 11013 Aurora Hudson Road, Streetsboro, OH and 9824 E. Washington Street, Bainbridge, OH.
Perhaps you are a musician, and would like to teach there. James is always looking to recruit talented, fun and self-motivated musicians. He offers flexible hours, clean and comfortable offices, and strong leadership. The teachers are treated to annual company picnics and the help needed to gain a student following. One long-term teacher shares that ‘James is her grandson’s age, but runs the business in such a way the age difference is a strength.’ She adds, “This gig can fit your goals whether it is part-time fun money, or you are looking to support yourself through teaching. He will work with you to meet them.” Interested? Apply online at www.portagemusiclessons.com/apply.
Schedules vary by teacher and location, so be sure to call before you pull in! Be sure to call soon, because PML is offering a holiday special for new students. Make arrangements before Christmas, and receive 5 (½-hour) lessons for $70.00. If you are an existing student, and want to try a different instrument, you can get the same special for your new instrument. Music lessons for Christmas? Music lessons for yourself? Truly, it is the gift of a lifetime of possibilities.
