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Contrary to what Texas might think, bigger is not always better. In fact, for Baton Rouge Music Studios, smaller is exactly what was needed to advance forward.
“We were losing focus,” Doug Gay, founder of the Baton Rouge Music Studio, explained when discussing the reasons for moving locations. “The move was a fresh start. It was a reset button for us. It lets us limit our services down to the things we do very well.”
The current headquarters is located in the heart of Mid City at 3809 Government Street.
“We moved to a neighborhood that’s known for its eclectic vibes,” Gay said. “That was where the Universe was pulling me.”
The goal was to find a smaller space, with a local landlord, in a place that could provide inspiration to the staff and the students.
“It’s a 100-year-old building that’s on the historic society list,” Gay said with a smile of pride. “I learned about the building from a friend of mine. The landlord wasn’t in the market to rent the space, but he did have another building. After meeting us, he decided we should have this building and he moved into the other space.”
Although it looks like a family home on the outside, the space has been the headquarters for several businesses over the years. In the 1940s Dixieland Flower Shop and Nursery offered up holiday arrangements that were displayed prominently in their “spacious show rooms.” They also provided lawn services, landscaping and tree surgery.
Music has not been a stranger at this location, either. In the 1970s, the place was called Randy’s Pickin Parlor and instructors offered up lessons. A man named James Dawson was one of the instructors. He specialized in beginners, rock, jazz and country.
The 80s was a tough time for Government Street. Like most of the nation, businesses folded and the area fell into a bit of disrepair. But a little more than a decade later, some local shops started to reemerge on the once bustling corridor.
The first location of Lezard Rouge, a home décor and gift shop, was located at 3809 Government Street. Their slogan was, “Where the South meets the Southwest.” The business later moved to a larger location on Government Street, and then eventually left Mid City.
It was because of those early businesses that Government Street is thriving and growing today. The Mid City Merchants Association has poured time and money into rebuilding the area into an energetic community complete with shopping and recreation.
“We played our first White Light Night last November [2021],” Gay noted. “It was a chance for the parents to see the space before we officially moved in.
“What’s so great about this neighborhood is the foot traffic. We’ve gotten new students from parents walking their dogs. I’ve never experienced that before.”
And that’s exactly what Mid City hopes to continue encouraging. Making the area pedestrian friendly was a goal that took more than two decades to achieve. Reducing the street from four to three lanes has slowed down traffic. People are now riding bikes and walking to grab a bite to eat, or see a band play. Thanks to venues like Curbside, you can do both at the same spot.
“Curbside was the first neighborhood business that gave us [Young Band Nation] a shot and we killed it,” Gay explained. “They were very welcoming.”
On the night of the historic LSU vs. Southern football game, three of the Young Band Nation groups performed at Curbside to an audience packed with friends and family.
“The second neighborhood partnership we’re trying to grow is at the Red Stick Social.”
On Saturday, December 10, 2022, students in private lessons and the bands from Young Band Nation will all have a chance to perform on stage located in the Electric Depot, 1503 Government Street. The show is free and open to the public.
If you’re interested in learning more about private lessons or Young Band Nation, send us a message. Or, come on by and check out the new space.