The "Architekts" of Sound
At the heart of the music production and distribution process are musicians and those who taught them how to hold their instruments. These instructors cultivate their students' initial appreciation for music and all of their potential. Such a place that houses this learning process, one that has shaped my music education, exists ten minutes away from my home. Located in Butler New Jersey, with a second location in Glen Rock, Architekt Music is a "dynamic music studio that supports musicians of all ages from beginners to professionals."
Having started teaching lessons at the age of 14, co-founder Kurt Wubbenhorst "wanted to start [his] own music business to have a home for [his] career." Kurt explained to me, "Music has been my passion since I was 10, so everything I do is geared around making sure I can pursue music the way I want to. I love teaching music, and that prompted me to open a place where musicians can have a fun, professional place to learn."
Hosting 17 lesson rooms as well as 3 studio rooms and 2 jam rooms across both locations, Architekt is not only a music education center but functions as a recording studio as well. These studios feature ProTools, analogue gear, and demo recording rigs all set up to fit the clients interest. Outside of one on one lessons, they offer summer ensemble programs where students can get together, perform, and start bands, a great way to connect people with common tastes. Though they have become less of a staple, I use to enjoy going to karaoke and live shows to see my friends and instructors perform. Kurt jokes, "once in a while we get calls or walk-ins from someone who thinks we're an architectural firm," but assured me they are all about music.