Today we’d like to introduce you to Electra Barakos and Dan Welby.
SoundCheck Music School is owned by recording artist and finalist of the hit TV Show “The Voice” of Greece, Electra Barakos and professional touring drummer and educator, Dan Welby.
Electra is a certified Vocal Power Instructor and the director of Elisabeth Howards Vocal Power Academy of Los Angeles. She is also a graduate from California State University of Northridge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music – Opera Performance, and is the lead singer of her original Rock Pop Band self-titled “ELECTRA”.
Dan is a graduate from Musicians Institute in Hollywood and has toured with several bands including ELECTRA, Time and the Dragon, The Gitas, Hostile Groove, Colin Reid and more. Dan is also a recording session player and has a huge love for teaching.
Dan, Electra – please share your story with us.
It has been a goal for both of us to be able to own our own music school and be able to share our love and passion for music with aspiring talent. While working through other schools, we have noticed what we like and what we don’t like about them. We’ve thought about what those schools are missing and how we want to fill in the gaps to provide a more complete music and performance education.
SoundCheck Music School was formerly known as JA Vocal Studios owned by my friend and voice teacher Jeannette. After getting married and moving the drive became a bit too much for her and she called me wondering if I knew of anyone interested in taking over her vocal studios. At that time Dan and I had already been daydreaming of the idea of having our own place, so when Jeannette called to ask me, I then knew that stars will aligning for us and this would be the beginning of our career as music school owners.
SoundCheck Music School opened its doors on July 1st 2014, and has since welcomed some amazing and talented students.
We decided to call our place SoundCheck Music School because as a working musician, your sound check is the last step your band takes to prepare for the big show. Sound check is when you make sure all your instruments are set up and ready to play, all the levels for the PA are adjusted, and any lighting or stage props are set up or placed correctly on the stage.
SoundCheck Music School is your last step before your real sound check. It is the place where you learn what it takes to play your instrument well, how to perform with confidence and charisma, and to stimulate your imagination about what your show will be like.
At SoundCheck we are ready to inspire and motivate people to be the best they can be. We are ready to help anyone, whether they are trying to become a working professional or a serious hobbyist. What we offer is a fun and rewarding environment so regardless of what your goals are, we can help you meet them.”
Open to all ages, styles, and levels, all lessons are taught by professional touring musicians and recording artists who have an extreme passion for teaching. SoundCheck Music School is your preparation for the real world of music and performance.
With multiple live shows a year, and a rock band performance based program SoundCheck Music School gives the Ultimate Rockstar Experience!
It’s time to make music part of your life!!
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?
We have been in the music education business collectively for over 20 years, so we are used to the inconsistency and ups and downs of student enrollment. So even though we would love to welcome more students, we are so grateful to have had the most wonderful and talented vocalists and instrumentalists be part of our school over the last 3 years. We have been so blessed with talent and hardworking students who truly put their whole heart into what we do, and together we have been able and continue to host some of the best Live Student Shows.
Please tell us about SoundCheck Music School.
Located in Canoga Park, SoundCheck Music School offers quality private lessons in Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Saxophone, Ukulele, and Drums to anyone who wishes to explore their musical talent and take it to the next level. Open to all ages, styles, and levels, all lessons are taught by professional touring musicians and recording artists who have an extreme passion for teaching.
We pride ourselves for having professional musicians currently active in the music industry, who are also passionate music educators. There is nothing better than being taught by a musician who knows how the business works these days, and can give you firsthand information and advice. Also, because they are currently active musicians, their enthusiasm for music and their role in it, is extremely prominent and shared with each one of their students. I have met in my life many teachers in the past, older in age, and out of touch with the current music industry and who seem unhappy, as if music took the life out of them… That cannot be inspiring for any student.
Also at SoundCheck we make sure that aside from students learning their favorite songs, in every lesson students are also learning how to read music and basic music theory according to their instrument.
SoundCheck Music School is your preparation for the real world of music and performance. We have multiple live shows a year, and a rock band performance based program giving students the opportunity to share the stage with our professional musicians, and perform at different live venues each time. Past shows have been held at venues such as Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, The Rack in Woodland Hills, and more.
With SoundCheck Music School you truly get the Ultimate Rockstar Experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up in a musical family with my Dad being a professional bassist for some of the top Greek recording artists. Some of my favorite memories are from when I would tag along with him on tour, and often get called on stage by the artist and sing with them in front of thousands of people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7831 Alabama Ave, Studio #16
Canoga Park, CA 91304 - Website: http://www.SoundCheckMusicSchool.com
- Phone: (747) 226 – 1430
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/soundcheckmusicschool
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/soundcheckmusicschool
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soundcheck-music-school-canoga-park?adjust_creative=MzIn74C6-0zl2DTzTSqjNw&utm_campaign=yelp_api&utm_medium=api_v2_business&utm_source=MzIn74C6-0zl2DTzTSqjNw
- Other: http://www.youtube.com/soundcheckmusicschoolla
Image Credit:
Nicole Lemberg
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