Dudley’s B Sharp Academy: Music, Motivation, and Smiles

“Chief Encouragement Officer” Daryl Dudley Teaches Music and Life Lessons

 BY HELEN GUSHUE AND HARRIET BLAIR ROWAN

Upon entering Dudley’s B Sharp Academy, visitors are transported to a place of music and motivation. There are inspiring quotes on the walls, pictures of instruments and musicians, and everything is painted and decorated to convey fun.

Walking down the street, however, you would never know that Dudley’s B Sharp Academy even exists. The music school is a hidden gem in the 2100 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE.

Daryl Dudley has been teaching music for 20 years and has developed his own style, evident in his title: C.E.O., or Chief Encouragement Officer. He is the founder and owner of Dudley’s B Sharp Academy.

A spark appears in Mr. Dudley’s eyes when he talks about why he decided to open a music school. As he explains, “I grew up in a very entrepreneurial environment” which he said motivated him to start his own business.

Mr. Dudley sees entrepreneurism as essential for young people to build bright futures for themselves. He is attempting to fill his students with the spirit of confidence and self-motivation. As he says, “everyone can create a job for themselves.”

Accordingly, Mr. Dudley tries to inspire his students to apply what they learn in music class to other areas of their lives. He uses the school as a safe space where “I can control the atmosphere and the level of encouragement.”

Engaging each student as an individual is important. “We find the learning style of each student and we cater to that.” The school knows well that no two students are alike—each has his or her own way of learning, and the intimate setting of the school allows for a tailored approach to each student.

Mr. Dudley said he and his teachers are not hung up on any particular philosophy for teaching. Depending on the student they use different methods, including the ear method. “Playing by ear used to be taboo” said Mr. Dudley, but now it is more accepted. Using the ear method, students listen closely to a song and try to recreate it without reading sheet music, which is a benefit for less traditional students.

Dudley’s B Sharp Academy does stick to some music school traditions, such as holding bi-annual recitals. Although not mandatory, students are encouraged to participate.

In keeping with his holistic approach to teaching music, Mr. Dudley emphasizes the importance of being able to speak and perform in front of a crowd. Not only are those skills useful in the music industry, he says, but they are also important in life.

According to Mr. Dudley, a big challenge when working with children is motivating them to practice and try their best. Mr. Dudley said he gets over this hurdle by identifying students’ individual interests, bringing in popular songs, offering group lessons, and making the whole experience fun. Mr. Dudley said he has developed a clientele of around 50 students almost exclusively through word of mouth.

Mr. Dudley began playing the piano as a child 30 years ago. His love of piano persisted and he attended University of Maryland Baltimore County for piano.

Like himself, many of the students at Mr. Dudley’s school play piano. Lessons are also offered in acoustic guitar, voice, bass, electric guitar, drums, hand percussion, violin, cello, saxophone, flute, and digital recording. Five teachers form the core of the school’s staff.

Mr. Dudley said he has students of all ages and backgrounds. Children make up about half the student body, and about a third are from the greater Brookland area. Many students who take daytime lessons are local retirees. Mr. Dudley said they come to him to improve their performance in church, to rekindle an old skill, or just to enrich their lives.

Mr. Dudley said the typical lesson package is $150 a month for weekly 30-minute lessons. 45-minute and hour-long lessons are also available.

One of the many things that set Dudley’s B Sharp Academy apart is that they offer a money-back guarantee, which ensures that all customers and students are satisfied with the service they receive.

Dudley’s B Sharp Academy is “the most exciting music school” according to Mr. Dudley, but making students have fun is only part of his goal.

To Mr. Dudley, the most important thing is reaching out to his students and helping them apply what they learn to other challenges they face. “I want these kids’ lives to be better because they came through these doors,” he said.

Slideshow: Student Lessons