Playing it Cool at Lorton Music

(Editor's note: In case you missed it, Lorton Patch recently visited Lorton Music and spoke with owner Jason Mills. Enjoy the story!)

Are you the next Keith Richards? Or is your musical expression limited to the air guitar? Well, everyone has to start somewhere, and since 2008, thousands of musicians have turned to Lorton Music.

The shop, which sells instruments, sheet music and accessories, also employs 13 music instructors who teach more than 200 students. 

"I think that the odds (of finding success) are no longer stacked against musicians," said Lorton Music co-owner Jason Mills to Patch. "You don't have to move to a music capital like New York or Los Angeles. You can do everything online from your own home now." 

Click here for info on taking classes at Lorton Music. 

Lorton Music is part of The Music Stores company, a 30-year-old chain with locations in Reston, Chantilly and Fairfax. Mills owns the business with Kevin Bearce, who also owns the other locations. The shops sell guitars, violins, drum kits, sheet music and books. 

Mills picked up his first bass guitar when he was 17 years old. 

"I really got interested in music when I played at my senior talent show." he said. "I liked the reaction that I got… Nobody knew I was a musician."  

Mills, 34, is a graduate of South Lakes High School, and received a degree in music composition from Virginia Tech in 2001. After graduation he played across the East Coast and worked as a teacher for the Music Stores. He became a co-owner when the Lorton branch opened in 2008.

So, how long could it take to become a proficient musician? 

"It depends on how much you practice. It can take three-to-six months for a student to be competent with the instrument, navigate chord changes and do sight readings," said Mills. "But every student is different." 

Any idea what the most expensive item in the store is? Click here to find out.

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