Inspiring Conversations with Andrew McCormick of McCormick Music Lessons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew McCormick.

Andrew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came out here 20 years ago as a broke kid from Kansas, searching for a fresh start and new opportunities that home just couldn’t offer. The dark reason behind the move was the tragic loss of my brother in a car accident. That moment changed everything. It made me realize how short life really is—and how important it is to take chances. The light side? I always wanted more out of life, and California felt like the place to find it.

Shortly after landing in Tustin, Orange County, I started waiting tables and teaching guitar on the side—just for fun, to a few new friends and classmates. But pretty quickly, people started saying, “You should charge for this.” I hadn’t even considered that. I didn’t realize you could make money doing something you love. My mindset around money was… let’s just say, a little off back then.

That’s when my journey really began. I taught myself how to advertise on Craigslist, how to design flyers and build a website. I launched a YouTube channel and learned everything I could about marketing and communication. The more I improved, the more students I got—and the better I became as a teacher.

Eventually, I started teaching some great people—some of whom were seasoned business owners. One of them said, “You need to get on Yelp,” and promised to leave the first review. He did, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Soon, the phone started ringing. As more five-star reviews came in (from simply going the extra mile—something that felt natural because I loved the work), I finally quit waiting tables and went all in on teaching.

About a year later, I hit a new wall—I had more students than I could handle. It was time to level up. I decided to take the leap and open a brick-and-mortar music school—in one of the most expensive zip codes in Orange County.

Today, that school ranks among the top in the area. We have an incredible team, amazing students, and a community I’m proud to be part of.

We’re currently teaching close to 200 students, and I’m aiming for 300. After that? Expansion across LA and Orange Counties. This is just the beginning.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey’s definitely had its fair share of bumps. There were times early on when weeks would go by without a single new call, and a student or two would drop. I’d panic. I’d start questioning everything—wondering if I should just play it safe and go back to waiting tables.

But honestly, the biggest struggle wasn’t the slow weeks—it was the self-doubt. That little voice that says, “What if this doesn’t work? What if I’m not good enough?” That was the hardest part to push through. But I’m grateful I did. Every time I kept going despite the fear, it made me stronger and brought me one step closer to where I am now.

As you know, we’re big fans of McCormick Music Lessons. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I own McCormick Music Lessons, located in Costa Mesa, right in the heart of Orange County, California. We specialize in one-on-one lessons for guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, drums, and voice. Our focus is personalized instruction—tailored to each student’s goals, skill level, and learning style.

What really sets us apart is the experience we offer beyond the lesson room. We host 28 live music opportunities every single year—everything from small community showcases to full-scale concert performances. These events give our students the chance to perform regularly, grow their confidence, and feel what it’s like to truly be a musician, not just a student.

We’re proud to be known for both our results and our community. Our school has earned the most five-star reviews in the area, and we’ve built a culture that’s welcoming, encouraging, and rooted in a real love for music.

More than anything, I want people to know that we’re not just teaching songs—we’re building musicians. Whether someone’s just starting out or returning to music after years away, we’re here to help them unlock their full potential in a fun, supportive environment.

What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’ve got some exciting plans for the future of McCormick Music. First, we’re expanding our current Costa Mesa location to accommodate even more students and opportunities. I’m also in the process of launching an audio production education program, complete with a fully equipped recording studio. The goal is to give our students hands-on experience with the creative and technical side of making music—not just playing it.

Beyond that, I’m planning to open additional locations throughout Orange and LA Counties. The vision is to bring the same level of personalized instruction and performance opportunities to more communities—helping even more people discover the joy of playing and creating music.

It’s a big leap, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mccormickmusiclessons.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccormickmusiclessons/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccormickmusiclessons/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mccormickguitar
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccormick-music-lessons-costa-mesa