Music Authority Family Newsletter - November 26, 2024

Melissa and Andrew Loggins are the owners of Music Authority, which opened July 4th weekend of 2002. Starting out with just six lessons studios and about thirty students, Music Authority has come a long way under their leadership.  Last month, you got to know Melissa. This month, we're going to introduce you to Andrew.

Andrew was born and raised in Dawson County, Georgia. The son of entrepreneur parents, he learned early in life what work ethic looked like by watching his parents run their carpet cleaning business, Clene Start. 

School wasn't exactly Andrew's thing. He started skipping school very young, although that didn't work out well for him because his mom was friends with his homeroom teacher, so she always found out. He did graduate high school, after taking biology three times, and immediately went to work in a local music store.

Music was a focal point for Andrew throughout his life. His whole family played music in church (his mom plays piano, his dad plays guitar, his brother plays bass, and his sister is a professional violinist). Andrew's first instrument was drums, which he played for a number of years. He also played violin and trumpet growing up before he landed on guitar.

Eventually, hoping to find focus in life, Andrew started working at his dad's carpet cleaning company during the day while at night he attended The Atlanta Institute of Music (AIM) to get a degree in guitar. This experience did much to help him prepare for teaching and running Music Authority.

After AIM, Andrew played with a number of musical artists, including several summers on the road with Atlanta Musician Ty Reynolds. He was regularly travelling to cities like Auburn, Athens, Montgomery, Biloxi, and others to play. Life on the road can be exhausting and grueling, something that eventually caused Andrew to want to pursue more musical opportunities in the Atlanta area.

Today, Andrew prefers to focus on his personal songwriting and teaching his students. You can find his music on Spotify, search The Young Rockets. (You can also find him on Instagram.) When he's not playing music, he enjoys drawing and taking the dogs, Ralphie and Randy, to his parent's farm in Dawson County.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - October 29, 2024

Melissa and Andrew Loggins are the owners of Music Authority, which opened July 4th weekend of 2002. Starting out with just six lessons studios and about thirty students, Music Authority has come a long way under their leadership.  This month, we're going to introduce you to Melissa.

Melissa was born in Northwest Ohio and grew up in the country outside of the small town of Gibsonburg. She lived a mile from her grandparent's farm where she spent much of her free time. She loved to watch her grandpa and uncles farm, garden with her grandma, find cats hidden in the hay loft, and fish for carp and minnows in the creek behind the farm. 

High school, with a graduating class of only 74, was in a town almost an hour away. She was a member of the choir, Future Teachers of America, the National Honor Society, and drama club. She also served for over 30 years in Girl Scouts of America. 

Melissa loved living in a small town surrounded by farmlands. She was particularly close to her Grandpa, a descendent of German immigrants. They would take Sunday afternoon drives to distant cemeteries and farms where he would tell her stories of growing up, the farms his parents came from, how his mother (Melissa's Great-Grandmother) graduated from college when most women never finished high school.

Her Grandma's family was from the hills of West Virginia, her Great-Grandmother (who Melissa knew well while growing up) part of the famous McCoy family. If you watch the movie staring Kevin Costner about the Hatfields and the McCoys, Melissa's ancestor is the McCoy wife who left to move away after her husband was killed in the Civil War. 

Melissa's Great-Grandfather was part of the Jividen family from West Virginia. He was descended from the family that the French town of Gevaudan is named for. Ironically, this is where the legend of the werewolf first began. (It is ironic Melissa writes vampire novels as Anne Schlea, but has never included a werewolf in her novels.)

In 1995, just before Melissa's Senior Year of High School, her dad got a job in Atlanta, Georgia.  Melissa moved in with her Grandparents to finish high school.  The next summer, she made the move to Georgia where she attended Berry College in Rome. The college was perfect for Melissa with a strong agricultural program, lots of open space, and a dorm complex that looked like a castle. 

Majoring in music education, she originally planned on getting her degree and returning to Ohio to teach high school music. Unfortunately, she figured out very quickly that working in a traditional school structure wouldn't work for her. However, she fell in love with the contemporary side of music.

In the golden era of Atlanta's music scene, she saw hundred of shows (many in the now fabled Buckhead music district) and was lucky enough to meet many well known artists in small venues.  After a concert at Atlanta Motor Speedway known as Rockfest, she changed majors to music business. She found her passion - concert production - but also spent time producing radio commercials, writing music, managing bands, and performing herself. Her biggest two performance highlights? Carnegie Hall, New York City. Such a beautiful stage and the most incredible acoustics you'll ever hear.  Number two is directing a Girl Scout Choir doing the National Anthem at the first of Chipper Jones' final three games with the Braves. That story also lines up with one of her most embarrassing musical moments, but you'll have to ask her about that.

"I'd rather be a Kingmaker than a King" became Melissa's moto when she realized she got more fulfillment from helping other succeed than being on stage herself. She changed from focusing on her own performance career and instead decided to dedicate her life to helping others achieve their musical dreams. 

Out of all of this, Music Authority was born. It was a dream from the beginning of helping others.  Helping them find the perfect guitar, making their guitar play a little better in our repair shop, and encouraging students of all ages to step on stage and live their dreams. She is passionate about all of her students - the ones she teaches and the ones taught by other teachers. She'll go the extra mile to help any of them and will drive all the way to Nashville to hear you play if you ask her and she's able. 

Melissa still loves a trip back to Ohio where she can walk through the wheat fields and run her hands along the barn built over a century ago by her Great-Great-Grandfather. Time slows down there, where there are no concert venues, music stores, or gigs waiting. Melissa herself learned to sing from a woman down the street who taught in her living room. But after a few days, the need make music takes over. She hops on a plane and heads back to Atlanta where she feeds the need for energy, performance, and stage lights. Where she watches the next generation of musicians hone their talents, getting ready to take over the musical world.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - April 29, 2024

Music Authority's Showcase Bands had the opportunity over the weekend to visit Highlands, North Carolina, and play a gig at the Highlands Dive. Despite the long drive, the bands played a great gig and had time to take a hike to a waterfall before heading back home to Cumming. The parents, who also participated in the hike, took pictures, talked, and got to know each other better.

After the Spring Show, a seventh grade drummer was asked to come to dinner by some of the Showcase band kids. Already excited from the show, the musicians ate and talked about drums while their parents sat together at another table and enjoyed each other's company.

At the mid season Rock Ensemble concert, a parent had to miss her son's performance because of work. Recognizing the absence, a half dozen other moms stepped in to take pictures, send texts, and tell the young man how good of a job he had done. 

Even I get to learn new things through my Music Authority Family experiences. Last night, I learned about the traditions and meaning of Passover from a Jewish singer in Perfect Blend while we ate dinner together.

These kinds of adventures aren't just for a few, they're the kind of things anyone at Music Authority can experience if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone.

People ask me all the time what is Music Authority Family. This is it. A group of like minded families who support each other's kids as they make music. It's friendships that might never have happened without Rock Ensemble or the Spring Show. It's having dinner after a concert with people you may never have had met if it weren't for Music Authority.

Music Authority Family is unexpected relationships.

My nieces are in softball. I know what it's like to have parents say mean things about other kids, hoping to get their own kids more playing time. It's something I hope I don't see often at Music Authority. If it happens, I hope my staff are confident enough to gently remind the parent that Music Authority believes in supporting each other, not tearing each other down. Music is not a zero sum game - just because I win, it doesn't mean you lose. There aren't a limited number of musicians in the world. We can all be successful.

You, and your children, are building memories and friendships while you're here at Music Authority. These experiences and relationships can shape the future. Give it a try: get to know another parent at your next recital. Tell the student with a lesson before yours how amazing they sounded. Come to dinner after the big show. Be a part of summer camp. Come to Parking Lot Rock on May 11, support the Rock Ensembles and build friendships. Help us make Music Authority Family even stronger!

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - March 26, 2024

Martha Berry, founder of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, started her career as an educator teaching poor mountain children. These children were academically able, but finances prevented them from attending school. Her school proved to be successful and soon, she was unable to support the school financially by herself. So she went to her father's friends, and their friends, and their friends, steadily building a financial support system of donors.

One day, she was given the opportunity to talk to Henry Ford, the car manufacturer from Michigan. He listened to her story about her school and her children, and gave her the only money he had on him at the time - a single dime.

Miss Berry invested that dime in peanut seeds that her students would turn into a crop. Once harvested, the crop earned enough money to buy a grand piano. Mr. Ford was so impressed with Miss Berry's resourcefulness that he would become a donor to the school, ultimately building the Ford Complex, at a cost of over a million dollars, an impressive price tag for the mid 1920's.

So what does that have to do with Music Authority?

It's all about the seeds. Our teachers plant seeds every day. Seeds of music, courage, self-esteem, and teamwork. Your students take those seeds, care for them, water them, and harvest them. The fruit of their crop they take with them when they leave Music Authority to go out into the world - to become surgeons, attorneys, teachers, and musicians.  They change the world with the seeds we plant.

And you? You're Henry Ford. Every time you buy a guitar from us, or a drum set, or a piano, you're investing in Music Authority and in your children. You are the ones who allow us plant seeds, to build better programs, to offer activities like recitals and Spring Shows. I know we aren't the flashiest or most exciting music store around. But when you trust us with  your purchase, you know where your investment is going - to a family operated business with owners who have dedicated their lives to supporting our students and our community.

So, before you make that next purchase, I want to encourage you to consider - what are you investing in?

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - February 27, 2024

Being part of a band is being part of a team. The band members are going be working together for a common purpose, making music. They will struggle together, support each other, laugh together, cry together, and ultimately succeed together.

Just like in baseball, you can't play alone. You'll never be the best pitcher in baseball if you don't play a game with other players. Even great concert pianists eventually will play with an orchestra. 

Sometimes, another musician on your team will struggle. I've seen more advanced musicians throw their hands in the air and say, I'm too good for this. Better musicians will realize that there will always be challenges in a band and do their best to help the musician who is struggling.

When band mates feel like they're being supported instead of criticized, they will work harder to overcome. The band will feel closer together, which will make their music tighter and more cohesive. Then, when they go out there and play that big show, the whole band will share the feelings of accomplishment.

I can't express enough the importance of being part of the team. Be honest, but kind, with your band. If you're struggling, ask for help. If you see someone do something outstanding, compliment them. If your guitar player is having trouble getting the timing down, maybe spend some time together outside of rehearsal to help them.

I had the experience this week of the team getting a win that I'd like to share. 

One of our Showcase bands needed to come up with a set list for an upcoming gig. While we worked on the list, I realized it was mostly coming from one member and that no one else seemed to have an opinion. As an experienced musician, I realized this might be a problem later. Just as I suspected, there was some strife after rehearsal in a group text over the list.

Here is a piece of advice for bands. Don't discuss important things through text. Benign comments can feel accusatory. Tone matters. You should wait until you're together again and discuss the issue in person.

The important learning came at our next rehearsal. We sat down and discussed the situation. No one had spoke up the first week because they didn't want to hurt the feelings of the member who had put together the first list, but overall, they felt the list didn't represent the whole band. I pointed out that if you're not willing to speak up, you can't expect the rest of your band to read your mind, and that there is a kind way to express your opinion. They agreed and decided as a team to remake the list with everyone's opinions.

Was everyone perfectly happy with the final list? Not exactly. All the members of the band had to give a little. It ended up a compromise of five opinions comprised into a two hour setlist. I was proud of them. No one yelled. No one got mad and walked away. They listened to each other and came to a solution with minimal adult interjections. It was a good day to be part of that team and they'll be stronger for it.

Part of Music Authority's philosophy is to help your kids learn how to be part of that team, because even if they aren't in a band later in life, they'll be part of some team. A team at work. A recreational team at Parks and Rec. The team of being in a family. 

There's a saying at Rock Camp, you succeed as a team and you fail as a team. We laugh about the failure part because no one really fails in music. It's not a zero sum endgame with a finite number of points and a winner and a loser. We can all win in music. Why not help each other along the way?

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - January 30, 2024

When we start a new year, many of us set resolutions. I'm going to eat healthier. I'm going to try something new. I'm going to exercise more. I'm going to clean out that closet in the guest room.

I would like to challenge you to be more consistent in your practice time. 

You don't need to practice for a long time. Usually your age in minutes twice a day is good. I like my fifteen year old students to sing for fifteen minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes in the afternoon. I know. That doesn't seem like a lot when most of us have been told thirty minutes at a time.

But it works. Why? Because they're touching their instrument more frequently. 

Our bodies are amazing machines. Our muscles remember how to do tasks so our conscious mind doesn't need to think about it. We don't need to concentrate to breathe. Or write with a pen. Or walk. Our muscles remember.

The same is true for your instrument. By repeating the musical exercise more frequently, you are giving your muscles more opportunities to memorize the movement - whether it be singing, playing guitar, piano, or anything else.

I suggest you give it a try. For the next week, try practicing more frequently for shorter periods of time. See what your instructor says at your next lesson. I bet they'll see a difference!

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - December 26, 2023

As the year draws to a close, I take a moment and look back. Did we make a positive difference this year? Did Music Authority help our community when the need presented itself? When a student or parent was struggling, did we reach out a helping hand? Are we building a better community?

Business, and relationships, are not perfect. Sometimes we make a bad call. Sometimes we part ways. But, we look back and remember the good, learn from the bad, and walk onward. We said goodbye to some good people this year that we will miss. But, we had the opportunity to say hello to others who have become dear members of our staff and student body. We're grateful for all of you. Each one of you impacts what we do and makes our world bigger.

I think 2023 was a good year. We were able to show our community what it means to us. From the first responders baskets in the spring to the sandwiches our students made for hungry families in the summer to the gifts for senior citizens at Christmas, we are building a culture of service to our community.

But, for me, the photo above drives so much of what we are. Twenty performers. Five different faith backgrounds coming together to celebrate winter and the holiday season. Songs in Hebrew, Latin, and English. Secular, Classical, and Sacred music. 

This is what Music Authority Family is to me this year. Many different cultures and backgrounds coming together to make music. A diverse group of unique individuals who make music together. Thank you for being part of our Music Authority Family.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - October 31, 2023

Owning a small business isn't easy. Right now, it's six in the morning on a Saturday. I'm sitting at my kitchen table working on this newsletter while the dogs nap on the sofa. Speaking of small businesses, I'm drinking tea from Dahlonega's  My Vintage Gypsy Tea.  If you like tea, it's an amazing tea and new age shop you should check out.  Their teas are the best around.  I'm drinking Welcome Home this morning.  Black tea with Rose and Vanilla.

But back to Music Authority. Today there's a recital, so the work day won't end until after seven. It's a long day, but fulfilling. I love recital days. Watching students succeed in their performances is a highlight for me; many of them are nervous. They overcome stage fright, build self-confidence, and learn how to be comfortable in front of people. These  skills will help with school presentations, job interviews, and any times the student needs to be in front of a crowd.

I also love seeing how much out students grow. I'm thinking of one bass player that has come through our program. He went from unsure of himself to being a leader. Once soft spoken, now he's thoughtful and contributes. The level of music he plays has gotten more difficult and instead of keeping himself apart from the group, he seems to have found a group of musical friends he enjoys being with every week. He's funny and has come out of his shell so much in the last few years. This is what we get to watch when we work with the students at Music Authority.

Do I know all 600 of you personally?  I don't. I wish I did. But, between myself, Natalie, and the rest of our front desk staff, I think we do. Rarely does a name pop up that one of us doesn't know. It's the best part of our jobs - getting to know you.

I also love the service part of what we do - the community service.  Last month, we helped another small business, Brecht Stables, clean up after July's storms. Our students showed up with their families to move debris and put up fences that had been knocked down. We learned about the Stables and Dustin and put in a good afternoon of work. Next month, we'll be collecting non-perishable food items for The Place and needed household items for Bald Ridge Lodge. Watching a group of people like the Music Authority Family come together to make a difference in our community makes the tough times worth while.

And, yes, there are tough times. Days when I'm not 100% sure I'll get all the bills paid. Days when a customers decides to unload their frustrations in an unkind manner. Days when there are tears instead of triumph. But it's worth it. The successes, both small and big, outweigh the rough spots.

We couldn't do this without you. Thank you for trusting our teachers and our staff. Thank you for buying that guitar from us, each purchase helps us keep making a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for signing up for recitals and shows, each student success gives us energy to keep going. Thank you for being part of our band program, you push us all to work harder and be better.

And thank you for holding us accountable. I had a student this week come to talk to me about what he needs in his educational program. He outlined the things he wanted to learn that weren't being taught. His teachers are now making adjustments to meet his needs. Communication is so important. 

So, as you move into this holiday season, please think of us. Please give us the opportunity to sell you that guitar, amplifier, drum set, or effects pedal. We need your purchase so we can continue doing what we love. Myself, Andrew, Natalie, Lynne, Sam, Savannah, Antonio, and Evin look forward to helping you meet your musical needs.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - January 31, 2023

Registration for Music Authority's Summer Camp is Open! Come spend part of your summer with us!

We offer camp options throughout the summer for all ages, instruments, and ability levels.

Adult Rock Camp - 
All Saturdays in June, 4:00-6:00; concert on June 25

Jazz Band Camp - 
All Saturdays in June, 1-3pm; concert on June 25

Drum Camp -
June 5 - 9, 2023

Art and Music Camp -
June 5 - 9, 2023

Rock Camp - 
June 12 - 16, 2023

Broadway Camp - 
June 26 - 20, 2023

Rock Camp, Jr. - 
​July 17 - 21, 2023

You don't have to be a Music Authority student to register for camp at Music Authority.

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily

Music Authority Family Newsletter - December 30, 2022

This year has been a challenging one at Music Authority.  While the world continued onward, I spent much of the summer months inpatient at Emory, receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma.  Our customers, teachers, and staff members were unbelievably supportive with messages, cards, and a lot of love to get me through a difficult time.

As of December 16, I have had my last surgery and am happy to say I am in remission.

I wanted to take a moment on this last newsletter of 2022 to thank all of you for your support this year.  A kind word or a quick message on Facebook were often all it took to turn a rough day into a positive day.

It is often through difficult times that we discover the greatest joys of life.  This year, I learned how real the Music Authority Family is. You were there for me when I needed it and for that I am grateful.

As we look forward to 2023, may the new year be filled with peace, prosperity, and love.  May many blessings be showered upon you and bestow upon you a bright, healthy, and happy new year!

Melissa A. Loggins, Owner

#MusicAuthorityFamily