Become a Master Shredder at Tri-State Rock Academy

Become a Master Shredder

at Tri-State Rock Academy

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Aspirations of becoming famous musician begin early in life as we see our favorite artists performing on television and rocking it out at concerts. Some of us remember playing in makeshift junk bands with our friends or crafting homemade instruments out of whatever household items we could muster up. I remember staying up late as a child as I would play along with whatever song I had found on television that evening. Many hours were spent carefully dissecting notes and scrolling through tabs and sheets of music on the internet as I chased the mastering of my musical skills. Overtime I did well with learning how to play multiple instruments and deciphering tablature and sheet music. Becoming a famous rock star or performer is within reason as we see how many thrive today in the music industry. With time and practice, honing our musical skills can result in a desirable outcome of playing along with our friends or performing in front of audiences as we share music with the world.

                  The dream of becoming a musician and performing in front of live audiences isn’t as far off as we may believe. Tri-State Rock Academy, a Lima-family-owned musical education academy, has become a part of the Ashland community after arriving from New York. Establishing their new home in Ashland, Kentucky Art and Jamie Lima have brought with them the magical world of music and their love for teaching others. Since 2023 Tri-State Rock Academy has been rocking the Ohio Valley with some seriously dedicated musicians. With 2hr Sunday rehearsals from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at the Paramount arts center, participants will build on their musical performance abilities while learning to work together in unison with their bandmates. As students work together with instructors, they will learn what is needed to perform like a pro while mastering their instruments and vocals with precision. Each rehearsal is intended to build skills with a positive educational design as students will learn about music theory, how to set up music equipment, social building skills, rock history, stagecraft, live performance proficiency, and all while making new friends along the way. Art expressed “Our goal is to help keep the spirit of rock music alive by inspiring one student at a time through creativity, individuality, and live performances.”

                  Performances are a part of the educational experience with Tri-State Rock Academy where students will perform live on stage each month at different venues located through the local area. Venues include the Paramount Arts Center of Downtown Ashland where this year a Holiday Show is set to bring in the New Year as a final cheer for the current academy season. Students will play alongside the Boyd County Band while celebrating Christmas with their friends and families. Currently scheduled are the Summer and Fall enrollment periods, allowing access for anyone who may be interested through the year. Age ranges for students are 10-17 years of age and signing up isn’t exclusive to Ashland residents as there have been students from all over the region who have attended.

Fees for academic provisions are currently set for approximately $100 per month while private lessons start at $25. Contact can be made with Tri-State Rock Academy by emailing them at music@trostaterockacademy.com. All rockers who are between the ages of 10-17 are encouraged to join in the fun to build on what they will carry with them for a lifetime. Mastering the art of rocking out is now a local possibility with Tri-State Rock Academy.