August 5, 2024

How Neighborhood Academy of Music Inspires through Lessons Rentals and Adaptive Classes

Transcription

Narrator:
Welcome to another episode of Best of Johnston County, brought to you by Breeden Law Office. Your host, Jonathan Breeden—an experienced family lawyer with deep roots in the community—takes you on a journey through the people and places that make Johnston County so special.

Jonathan Breeden:
Hello and welcome to another edition of The Best of Johnston County Podcast. I’m your host, Jonathan Breeden. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Rogers, the owner of Neighborhood Academy of Music in Clayton—right there on Highway 42. They offer all kinds of music lessons, rentals, adaptive classes, and even art lessons.

It’s a fascinating local business with more depth than even I realized—and my kids have been students there for years! Before we dive in, don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow The Best of Johnston County Podcast wherever you’re listening—Apple, Spotify, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, or any other platform. New episodes drop every Monday. Please leave us a five-star review and let us know what you think.

Welcome, Dr. Rogers!

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Hi! Thanks for having me.

Jonathan Breeden:
I’m really glad you’re here. I know I had to talk you into this a bit, but I appreciate it! Tell our listeners who you are and what you do.

Dr. Christine Rogers:
I’m Christine Rogers. I’ve been married for 56 years, have two grown children, and live a very full life. I’ve owned and operated the Neighborhood Academy of Music in Clayton for the past 24 years. It’s been an amazing way to blend my passion for teaching with the challenges of running a business.

Jonathan Breeden:
Running a business is no small feat—especially a successful one. What’s your background? How did you get into music?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
I started piano at 4 or 5 years old thanks to our neighbor, Jean. My parents didn’t initially have a teacher for me—my dad worked, and my mom stayed home—but one day, Dad brought home a stack of music books someone at work was giving away. I sat down and started teaching myself.

Later, they realized I needed a proper teacher. I played in church by age 13, accompanied my school chorus, and went on to study music formally. After my kids were in school, I went back to college to finish my degree, earned my master’s, a Certificate of Advanced Study, and eventually my PhD at 51.

Jonathan Breeden:
That’s dedication! Where did you earn your PhD?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
UNC Greensboro. It’s consistently ranked among the top 10 music education programs in the country. It’s an outstanding school—along with Appalachian and East Carolina.

Jonathan Breeden:
Absolutely. And you taught at UNC-Chapel Hill, right?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Yes, for about four and a half years. I worked with future music teachers—especially band and general music educators. I also supervised student teachers in the field and worked with master’s students assembling their portfolios.

Jonathan Breeden:
What made you decide to open your own academy?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
The commute from Clayton to Chapel Hill became too much. One day, sitting in traffic, I thought, “Let’s do something here in Clayton.” We named it “Neighborhood Academy of Music” while having Sunday dinner one day—looking across the street at Applebee’s and thinking “neighborhood” felt right.

Jonathan Breeden:
I moved here in 2000, around the time your building and Rainbow Lanes were built. It’s been amazing to see that area grow. You now have 20+ teachers and offer lessons on more than 20 instruments. What are the most popular?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Piano, guitar, voice, ukulele, and percussion. We also have a strong violin program—around 60 students. We offer both private lessons and ensemble opportunities for advancing students.

Jonathan Breeden:
My daughter takes violin and loves it! I’ve also attended your Clayton Center recitals—those were great. I didn’t know you offered art classes too?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Yes! We have a talented college student teaching art now. She came highly recommended and has done a great job continuing what our former teacher started.

Jonathan Breeden:
And you also offer adaptive classes, right?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
We do. We work with students who are nonverbal, visually impaired, or have ADHD or dyslexia. In some cases, music even helps improve tracking and coordination skills. We tailor lessons to meet each child’s needs.

Jonathan Breeden:
My son did KinderMusic with you as a toddler, and I know you now offer “Music for Little Mozarts” for ages 3 and up. What does that involve?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
It’s a music and movement class with a keyboard component. Students learn high and low notes, middle C, and basic songs. It’s designed for ages 4–6, though some 3-year-olds do great with it.

Jonathan Breeden:
You also offer adult lessons, right?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Yes, many retirees come to learn guitar, violin, or piano. It’s never too late to start.

Jonathan Breeden:
Let’s talk about something parents always ask—what’s the best age to start a child in music lessons?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
It depends on the child’s development. To read music, they need to track from left to right and down the page. Around 4 or 5 years old is usually a good starting point for piano. For violin, we often suggest starting with keyboard first to build reading skills. Guitar is best around 6–8 years old, but for younger kids, we recommend ukulele—it’s smaller and easier to handle.

Jonathan Breeden:
And lessons are typically 30 minutes once a week, right? With the expectation of practicing at home?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Yes. Parents often confuse lessons with “practice,” like sports. But with music, the lesson is for instruction. The real practice happens at home.

Jonathan Breeden:
Exactly. My kids practice 5 days a week at home, and they’ve really improved over the years.

Let’s touch on instrument rentals. You rent out violins, flutes, trumpets—just about everything middle schoolers need. That’s a big operation, right?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
It is. We rent about 220 instruments each year. We inspect every one that comes in—check serial numbers, oil valves, strings, etc. It’s a rent-to-own program with flexible options and damage protection. Kids can also size up as they grow or switch instruments within a year.

Jonathan Breeden:
That’s fantastic. It lowers the barrier to entry for kids and families—especially if they’re not sure if the student will stick with it.

Jonathan Breeden:
Final question, the one we ask all our guests: What do you love most about Johnston County?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
The people. Everyone is so kind and helpful. It’s a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Jonathan Breeden:
I agree 100%. That’s what makes Johnston County so special.

How can people learn more or get in touch with you?

Dr. Christine Rogers:
Visit www.NeighborhoodAcademyOfMusic.com or call us at 919-359-6105. The website lists our programs, instruments, and classes. We recommend calling for the quickest response.

Jonathan Breeden:
Thank you again to Dr. Christine Rogers for joining us. And thanks to all of you for listening to The Best of Johnston County Podcast. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star review so others can discover the amazing people and stories in our community.

Until next time, I’m your host, Jonathan Breeden.

Narrator:
That’s the end of today’s episode of Best of Johnston County, brought to you by Breeden Law Office. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit www.breedenfirm.com. Remember, when life gets messy, you don’t have to face it alone.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of music education with the extraordinary Dr. Christine Rogers, owner of the Neighborhood Academy of Music in Clayton, North Carolina. Over the past 24 years, Dr. Rogers has built a thriving community hub for music lovers of all ages and abilities. Join us as we uncover the wide array of services they offer, from music lessons to instrument rentals—and so much more.

Meet Dr. Christine Rogers

Dr. Christine Rogers is not only a seasoned music educator but also a dedicated business owner. For nearly a quarter-century, she has successfully balanced the roles of teacher and entrepreneur. Originally inspired by her father and a neighbor named Jean who introduced her to piano lessons, Dr. Rogers’ lifelong passion for music shines through in every aspect of her work. With a PhD in Music Education from UNC Greensboro, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her academy.

From Teaching to Business

Running a business is no easy feat, and Dr. Rogers knows this all too well. In our conversation, she highlights the challenges and rewards of managing Neighborhood Academy of Music. Her journey began with a robust academic background, teaching in public schools and at UNC-Chapel Hill before opening her academy in Clayton. The transition from classroom to entrepreneurship allowed her to create a unique educational environment that nurtures both her students and her own entrepreneurial spirit.

A Broader Spectrum of Music Education

Neighborhood Academy of Music offers an impressive selection of music lessons. From guitar, piano, and voice to less common instruments like the ukulele and various percussion instruments, there’s something for everyone. While guitar and piano remain the most popular choices, Dr. Rogers notes a growing interest in violin, especially among students participating in public school programs.

Adaptive Classes for All Abilities

One of the standout features of Neighborhood Academy of Music is its commitment to inclusivity. The academy offers adaptive music classes tailored for students with special needs, including those who are nonverbal, autistic, or visually impaired. Dr. Rogers and her team focus on creating a supportive and engaging environment where every student can thrive.

Art Classes and More

In addition to music, the academy also provides art classes. These are led by skilled instructors—including talented college students—who bring fresh ideas and creative energy to the program. This multidisciplinary approach enriches the learning experience and allows students to explore multiple artistic outlets.

Instrument Rentals and More

Another valuable service offered by the academy is its instrument rental program. With affordable options for a wide range of instruments, Neighborhood Academy of Music makes it easy for budding musicians to get started. Their rent-to-own option is especially attractive for families who want to invest in their child’s long-term music education.

The Joy of Teaching and Learning

Dr. Rogers’ passion for teaching is evident in her dedication to student success. She shares heartwarming stories about how music can positively influence a child’s development—from improving focus to building confidence. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills, the academy is a welcoming place for musicians at all levels.

Why Johnston County is Special

When asked what she loves most about Johnston County, Dr. Rogers emphasizes the kindness and sense of community she encounters every day. The friendly and supportive nature of the people makes it an ideal place to live, work, and build something meaningful.

Listen to the Full Episode

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Christine Rogers. Whether you’re interested in music lessons for yourself or your child—or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of a successful music academy—this episode has something for everyone.

Tune in now and discover how Neighborhood Academy of Music is making a difference in the lives of Johnston County residents.

AND MORE TOPICS COVERED IN THE FULL INTERVIEW!!! You can check that out and subscribe to YouTube.

If you want to know more about Dr. Christine Rogers, you may reach out to her at:

Connect with Jonathan Breeden:

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