The Norman Music Institute is a place where musicians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities come together to learn, play and perform.
Opened in 2007, the institute offers voice and music lessons on almost every instrument.
“The only thing we don’t really teach is bagpipes, we teach pretty much everything else,” said founder and owner Dean Brown.
With over 400 students and 40 teachers, we offer what no other music lesson program can offer.
“Private lessons are everywhere, but there aren’t many places where you can create the joy of playing live,” says Brown.
Once a month, students and teachers meet to perform in front of a live audience.
“We hold monthly showcases to give students a live performance experience and take it outside the walls,” Brown said.
The Institute has invited many prominent artists to these showcases.
“We had a drummer from Ringo Starr, a drummer from Chicago, a drummer from Jim Riley, a drummer from Rascal Flatts,” said Brown.
It was important to Brown that the institute be a welcoming place for all, including those with disabilities.
Students like Bo Cochrane have been in the program since age 9 and play multiple instruments.
“Drums, guitar and piano,” Cochrane said.
Cochrane is autistic and has the ability to apply what he has learned to multiple instruments.
“I usually play the drums with drumsticks and the guitar with my hands, but the piano is pretty much the same,” Cochrane said.
“They want to feel special, and they want to feel special when they’re here,” Brown said.
A ramp is installed on the stage, and when the music starts, no one notices the obstacles.
“Music gives them a space to first feel accepted and normal, and then build their confidence,” Brown said.
Classes are available 24/7 at the Institute at 2901 Broth, Norman. Showcases are once a month, click here for dates and times.
