Studio Provides Whole Music Experience

By JOE MARVILLI

Real Brave Audio owner Daniel Powers Jr. provides music lessons for local youth. Tribune Photo by Joe Marvilli

When it comes to music lessons, Fresh Meadows has had a consistently successful source for the last few years in Real Brave Audio.

  Created by Daniel Powers Jr. in 2006, RBA provides a wide variety of musical instruction from 13 skilled teachers. This locale is more than just a place for technique lessons though. The studio offers a musical experience where the same amount of emphasis is placed on stage performance and recording.

  RBA’s inception began in 2003 when Powers quit his previous job and was looking to start the next phase of his life. After going back to school, he decided to start teaching music.

  “I’ve always stressed in my life that I wanted to leave an imprint on the world. If I could do anything, let it be something important that people can remember,” Powers said.

  Soon after he started teaching, Powers rented a small piece of property and opened the studio in 2006. He struggled with putting together all the factors of his budding business but was determined make his vision a success.

  The turning point occurred in 2009 when the focus shifted away from studio recording and towards education. Powers started going to local schools and participated in afterschool programs. While it did not provide much money, it did help spread the word.

  Originally, the studio was centered on guitar and vocal lessons, which are Powers’ specialties. Soon though, customers started calling about other instruments. Today, RBA offers courses in vocals, guitar, bass, drums, piano, violin, viola, sax, flute, clarinet and trumpet.

  While he used to have 60 students, the workload of running the business got to the point where he stopped teaching altogether last year. This year though, he’s managed to free enough time to take on four students. He said he missed the mentorship role teachers take on, especially with the venue’s focus on children.

  “It was an honor when I was teaching that some of the kids would actually talk. Not only do they have an outlet music-wise, but they have someone they can trust even to just sit there with them and be there for them,” said Powers. “That’s what it meant to me as a kid. My guitar teacher was there for me growing up.”

  Starting in Fall 2007, RBA has held two free concerts each year as a showcase for the students. The next performance is scheduled for Nov. 11 at PS 26 on 195-02 69th Ave.

  “We don’t turn away people so everybody gets to perform if they want to. Music should be shared,” Powers said. “As long as you want to do this and you have the desire, that’s where it starts.”

  RBA is located at 195-09 69th Ave. in Fresh Meadows, behind the pizzeria. Free parking is available near the intersection of 195th Lane and 193rd Lane. Family discounts are available for lessons.

  Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.