Rhum Academy of Music & Performing Arts Center opens in downtown Kokomo

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Written by by Alyx Arnett / Entertainment Editor

Thursday, 04 September 2008 23:51

With high gas prices and the already tight college student’s budget, music lessons may not be the first thing on the minds of most students walking around IU Kokomo’s campus. However, Gary Rhum recently opened the Rhum Academy of Music and Performing Arts Center with his wife, Jessica, and together they are making it easier for music lovers to get the lessons they wish to have. Gary, who used to teach in Continuing Studies at IU Kokomo, stresses the importance of the music over the profit.
Located in a beautifully renovated building in downtown Kokomo, the Rhum Academy of Music and Performing Arts Center has knowledgeable and experienced owners, along with the added view of particularly stunning scenery and architecture through the enormous windows in the concert room. This room, with its high ceiling, beautiful lighting, and 6,000 watts of sound, is perfect for the musicians to perform in what Gary would call, an “extravaganza.”
When asked why he chose this building, Gary replied that it chose him. About 15 years ago, Gary played for IU Kokomo’s graduation ceremony in that room, and ever since, he has been in love with it. The room will also be available to rent out. It can accommodate up to 383 people and with its great view, sound and lighting, it would be perfect for all types of events.
In Gary’s office, where private lessons are given, beautiful guitars line both the wall and the floor. Quality guitars are available for purchase from $500-$2,100 or students are welcome to use their own. Gary is fascinated by the different types of guitars and says, “each guitar has a million secrets.” His two favorites, worth $7,000 and $10,000, are both Breedlove guitars that were crafted with extraordinary attention to detail. For the real serious guitarist, custom guitars can be ordered from Bend, Oregon to fit the musician. These guitars can cost anywhere from $4,000-$100,000.
After teaching at IU Kokomo, Gary continued to teach lessons in the basement of his house, until recently, when the Rhum Academy of Music was opened. Gary, who is able to read music, play bluegrass, rock and roll, metal and classical music, knows the importance of a musician’s ability to adapt. Along the way, Gary has influenced many of his students to continue to pursue a career in music. Many go on to be teachers and performers.
Gary and Jessica are involved in several IU Kokomo activities, including performing at the Take Back the Night events. Also, they have an entire gallery of art work done by IU Kokomo’s very own students. This art work will be hung in the large hall of the building.
Offering both private and group lessons, the Rhum Academy of Music and Performing Arts Center seeks to tailor the lessons to fix each individual’s style in order for them to express themselves. Whether students’ wish to receive lessons in guitar, voice, string, piano or bass, the Rhum Academy will work with them in order for them to gain the experience and education they wish to have.
The academy also offers many specialty classes, including Live Sound Reinforcement classes and Pro Tools Recording classes. Pro Tools is a very sophisticated software program that has been used in the majority of hits that have been produced, and these classes will teach students the ins and outs of it. Around 100 students between ages 4 and 64 are receiving lessons here since the center's opening, just this past April. Group classes are 12 weeks long, with classes once a week. New classes begin Sept. 6.
Whether you wish to take lessons as just a hobby or want to be a professional musician, the Rhum Academy of Music and Performing Arts Center is the place to begin. Students who are interested or wish to know more, contact Gary Rhum at (765) 236-0567.