Meet Briana Harley of So Cal Music School and B&B Productions in City of Orange

Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Harley.

Briana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been writing and performing music since I was teenager. While studying music in college I was performing in rock bands, songwriters circles, and volunteering for Rock n Roll Camp for girls OC. Now I have my Masters in Music from CSULB and I’m a teaching artist for Pacific Chorale. My experience as an artist, performer, and educator fueled me to create my own program based off what I would’ve benefitted from as a young musician. I experienced programs that were either too strict and traditional or valued instant gratification over music literacy. My work with nonprofits taught me how music affects our brain development, social interactions, and mental health. All these factors influence the program I’m creating.

Great, 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?
I’ve felt caught between musical worlds. One where other musicians felt “restricted” by theory, and the other where my own creativity is held up to academic standards. I’ve worked in studios where I witnessed teachers discourage students from writing songs cause they were “silly”. It’s almost hard to find a teacher that will let students play music they like. My disheartening experiences have been a big influence for starting my own program where I can bridge these gaps and hold space for creativity.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about So Cal Music School and B&B Productions – what should we know?
So Cal Music School is my private lessons studio; I personally teach voice, guitar, piano, bass, drums, songwriting, and composition. I contract other teaching artists for instruments I don’t teach like brass, strings, and woodwinds. I also host once a week small group classes; Together with Toddler for ages 3-4, Primary music for ages 5-6, and Rock n Wine 21+. All programs are “Learn. Play. Create!” based; learning music theory and fundamentals, playing familiar music with others, and creative expression. My goal is to become a nonprofit to provide scholarships and free music workshops by 2020. This will be financially aided by the “moonlight” version of the studio B&B Productions; venue, live recordings, and creative space. Available for performances, photo/video shoots, recordings, and workshops; Artists of today supporting the Artists of tomorrow.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Access to self-exploration. The biggest thing that has aided my success is having the space to become myself, explore my identity and what I have to offer the world. I still value my alone time to reflect on what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and who I’m serving. My success also comes from those who fully support me. I joke about how I’ve “never had a real job” since all my work and gigs had been referral based. I believe living as my genuine self shows and my community appreciates it.

Pricing:

• Private Lessons $50
• Group Classes $15

Contact Info:

• Address: 260 N Tustin St Orange, CA 92867
• Website: socalmusicschool.com
• Phone: 714.430.4875
• Email: bandbmusicschool@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/brianaharley
• Facebook: Facebook.com/socalmusicschool
• Other: brianaharley.com

Image Credit:
All photos are by Rae Mystic, @raemystic

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