Staump Music School: San Diego's #1 Music Education Experience

Staump Music School is San Diego County's premier music education experience. Their approach is designed to nurture students' individualism and creativity, while teaching them valuable skills that will be beneficial for a lifetime. Group, private and rock classes are offered for ages four and up, and include a variety of instruments, as well as music composition and recording.

The environment at Staump Music School is fun, inviting, and rewarding. Lessons are customized to each individual's abilities, interests, and needs. Students are encouraged to learn multiple instruments, compose their own music, and collaborate with fellow students to prepare for performances. Staff is passionate and patient, helping to foster open and flexible learning.

For any parents looking for a well-rounded, safe, and creative musical environment for their children, Staump Music School is the perfect fit. They enrich the lives of their students by teaching them valuable skills and introducing them to meaningful experiences. It is no wonder why it has been rated among the best music schools in San Diego County.

What inspired you to open Staump Music School?
After being a professional musician for several years I opened Staump Music School to fill a need in our community for music education. I originally started the school out of a studio I built in my grandparents' house in Lakeside. After three years in Lakeside I moved the school to a commercial location in Santee where we have been since 2008. I recognized there was a lack of focus in the arts in the local community, especially in Santee where they have no daily music programs in the K-8 school district. Being a kid who grew up in Santee and benefitted from having access to music education I understand how powerful it is.

How is Staump Music School different from other music schools?
We prioritize the students' overall well-being and growth as people over simply teaching notes and scales. We are the only music school in East County San Diego that offers rock band class for ages 4-7, 7-12 and 12-17 every week year round. Our staff is also extremely special with the majority being comprised of former students and have been with the school for over 12 years.

What do you believe is the most important part of music education?
I believe the most important part of music education is teaching skills that extend beyond the notes. Not every student that comes through our doors plans to go into a career in music, which is why it's important for us as music educators to use music as a means to teach skills such as socializing, time management, tenacity, patience, team work and focus that can be used in any aspect of students' future lives.

What motivated you to add rock classes to your school?
They are fun! The social aspect of rock classes is unique and important for developing kids. Not only this, but putting music into practice as a group is necessary for students to improve their musical skills. When I took music lessons as a kid, there were no opportunities like this. I would only see the student right before my lesson and right after, with very little interaction. I wanted to create the environment I always wanted as a kid. Music is social and this is an incredibly fun way to express your self with your instrument while making new friends.

What is the most rewarding part of teaching music?
The most rewarding part of teaching music is impacting future generations and creating employment opportunities. Our staff is mostly composed of former students. We strive ourselves on helping students grow into successful and productive members of society and we become a huge support system for their journey that can last for their entire lives.

This story was written in part with assistance from GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. The Patch Local Business partner may have reviewed, edited and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.