Today we’d like to introduce you to Tembi Gray.
Hi Tembi, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband and I have a passion for music. We met at Claflin University during our first year. We both played in the jazz band and were gospel choir members. My husband accompanied Alice Tisdale, the wife of then President of Claflin University, Henry Tisdale, on piano at her speaking engagements. Upon graduation from college, I went into youth development while my husband began his career as a professional musician. After a couple of years, he had a divine encounter with God, where he had a dream about teaching music. In 2003, we combined our passion for music education and youth development and established a music school catering to youth ages 4-18. We have been in business for over 20 years and continue to touch thousands of lives through the powerful gift of music. After owning a brick-and-mortar music school for several years, in 2017, we began to position our music school to begin reaching students nationwide through online music education. What started as a dream from God has transformed into The Young Musician’s University, an online music school for students ages 4-18.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As business owners, we have had our share of challenges. Still, I’ve learned early on that those are learning opportunities where we experienced some of our most valuable growth as business owners and individuals. It’s not so much what you go through because life will be full of challenges, but if you can take the challenges you face and allow them to improve you, you are already on the right road to success.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Young Musician’s University?
The Young Musician’s University is the culmination of over 20 years of experience owning and operating a brick-and-mortar music school and developing music education programs specifically designed for youth. YMU’s successful music education model for youth ages 4-18 provides opportunities for students to Learn, Explore, Create, Share, and Connect with a community of musicians nationwide. YMU offers self-paced music courses where students progress through various levels in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, drums, strings, brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments. YMU also offers live virtual workshops, clinics, seminars, virtual field trips, project-based learning, and opportunities for students to collaborate on projects. We also provide virtual live concerts, two annual virtual recitals, and other performance opportunities in our virtual performance center that allows guests to interact with each other while enjoying an event. Whether YMU students engage in interactive learning content, participate in a collaborative music project, or create in our online recording studio, The Young Musician’s University is a virtual space where students can discover their passion for music!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey is the value of community and connection. From running an in-person music school for years, connecting with our community has always been integral to what we do and who we are, not only as a company but as individuals. While we now serve students nationwide, our company’s core values still prioritize connection and community. We now have neighbors across the nation. So, as we travel nationwide and speak to churches, schools, and organizations, our goal is not to sell our school but to present it while building community and connecting with people. If, in the process of doing so, we offer a solution that can help someone, then that’s simply a bonus.
Pricing:
- Self-Paced Music Courses for students ages 4-18 is $55/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ymunow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymunow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ymunow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-young-musicians-university
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ymunow
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1HB12iYuSc_fepKYK8usPg
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tembi-gray/
