BELLINGHAM — A new music school opened in Bellingham last month, started by a harmonious team of a Hollywood composer and a local music teacher.
B’Ham School of Music officially opened on Sunday, March 26, and offers classes for musicians of all ages. The school is located where Mojo Music shop was for 30 years, before it closed in 2019 when its owner Doug Shuter retired.
“We are so grateful to him for this opportunity to continue music in an iconic place he established before us,” Julia Sokolowska, B’Ham School of Music co-owner and program director, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
Before taking over the musical space, Sokolowska worked as a composer in Hollywood. Joy Westermann, the other co-owner and program director at the school, was a music teacher in Bellingham.
“A lot changed for me when I got pregnant with my daughter Naima. I wanted to raise her in a music environment but one that is joyful and welcoming for kids. One day I was driving by this cute building where Mojo Music used to be and saw that the space was for rent. I immediately grabbed my phone and called the owner Mr. Mojo who was happy not only to allow me to start using the space immediately but has also donated music gear and supplies to the business,” Sokolowska wrote.
But Sokolowska didn’t want to start the music shop alone.
“I also wanted a business partner, but at the time the only other musician in town I knew was Joy who worked with me on a Netflix show ‘Filthy Rich.’ She was very busy so I didn’t think she’d want to open a music school with me… but it turns out I was wrong,” Sokolowska wrote.
“In the midst of developing a planner/record book tailored specifically for music teachers, and writing a children’s song book, I get a call from Julia asking if I would go into business with her. I was already trying to expand my musical involvement in this community through my rock orchestra, and knew her amazing resume and said yes immediately. Between our individual expertise and experience, our excitement, and common community-oriented goals, I knew we would be successful and have fun doing it,” Westermann wrote.
The music school offers private lessons and group lessons for all ages, starting with infants.
Children up to three years old can participate in the Baybees class, where the children work on motor skills, socialization and developing language through playing with instruments, dancing and singing.
“Our curriculum is based on the latest research in early childhood education and is designed to help your child reach important developmental milestones,” Sokolowska wrote.
Children who are 4-6 years old can take the Rock-a-Bees class, where they will learn basic guitar, keyboard and drum playing. The students will “play in a real rock band, performing classic hits and creating their own music,” and “develop skills that will benefit them for years to come, such as teamwork, communication, and confidence,” Sokolowska wrote.
For students 7-18 years old, Rock Orchestra classes allow them to develop their music abilities and play with other musicians.
“At our music school, we believe that music is not just a fun hobby, but an important part of a well-rounded education. Studies have shown that learning music can improve academic performance, boost cognitive skills, and increase confidence and self-esteem,” Sokolowska wrote.
The school has a handful of teachers on staff, but is currently hiring and training new teachers.
Those interested in attending classes can drop in to visit the school and talk to staff, or contact the school for more information by filling out a form on its website, or by emailing bhamsofm@gmail.com or calling 360-399-6692.
The B’Ham School of Music is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and also has some after-hours programs. The school is at 2630 Meridian St.
