Music school brings jobs and joy to village

"The grant from Warwickshire County Council was a huge help. Their support all-round has been fantastic."

Music and learning, along with jobs and joy, have been brought to a south Warwickshire village by an enterprising small business. 

Gumbley’s Music School has occupied a prime two-storey building in the centre of Studley after owner Jason Gumbley, along with business partner John Board, identified the location in High Street as the perfect base. 

Supported by a Small Capital Grant from Warwickshire County Council, Jason is now in the process of refurbishing the building which was part-derelict. 

Guitar, bass, drum, piano and vocal lessons are already being delivered to students, aged from three to 88, who are enjoying the new facilities which include high-quality drumkits in a new room soundproofed to ensure no noise nuisance for neighbours.

Jason created the business in 2016 and ran it from home until its growth demanded a move to its own headquarters. It currently employs four tutors but will be looking to employ more in time. 

The owner is delighted with the move and the warm welcome which he has received from the village community. 

“Everyone has been really welcoming and that’s great because I really want our business to be part of the village,” he said. “I was a little bit nervous about that but was very quickly reassured. I think people quite like having a creative business on the High Street and we certainly love being here. 

“The refurb looks great. We have gone for high quality kit so that our students know they will be using the best instruments and the grant for Warwickshire County Council was a huge help. Their support all-round has been fantastic.  

“It was a musician friend from Derby who suggested that I check out what support might be available from the local council. I got in touch with Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub and they put me on to the County Council. 

“I spoke to Sim Lee who was really helpful in telling us about all the potential support available and then Louisa Smith was brilliant in helping us through the process. 

“Our students love the new rooms and we are well and truly up and running in Studley! As the moment we don’t have the resources to have somebody downstairs in reception all day but that is one of the planned next steps as the business grows.” 

Jason also has exciting plans to expand the business upstairs by turning a currently derelict area into an events venue. 

“The building has so much potential,” he said. “We want to make the top floor into a really cool venue which can be a centre for the arts. It will be great to host gigs here and particularly special when our own students are playing up there.” 

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “This is a great story of a talented young entrepreneur who is bringing a vibrant, creative small business into a community to the benefit of all. I am delighted that a small capital grant from the County Council was the catalyst for it.”

* To find out what other support is available to your business, please call CWGrowth Hub on 0300 060 3747