OKEMOS - On August 15th, a gathering was held at Okemos Music Academy to celebrate the business' recent receipt of the "2016 Music Studio of the Year" award. Friends, family and community members came together to enjoy refreshments and honor the academy's owner and Director, John Dewey.

Okemos Music Academy was awarded the title earlier this year during the Music Academy Success Conference in April. The academy bested seven other finalists from the US and Canada to win the accolade. Dewey expressed his excitement and gratitude about the award, saying that “It really validates what we’re doing here.”

The music school has evolved a great deal since its founding as String Connection in 2000, increasing both the number of classes and students. Since the name changed to Okemos Music Academy about two years ago, enrollment has doubled and instructors now teach over 300 lessons for over eleven instruments each week. They offer individual instruction to students ranging in age from under ten to over sixty.

As Dewey stated, the academy is “thrilled to get students started on their musical journey, and keep them going on their musical journey.” He feels that one important benefit of the award is that it will allow more people to hear about Okemos Music Academy and have the opportunity to come in and practice music.