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The Georgiana Opry House is offering free music lessons for all community residents of any age. Tracy Eason, the CEO and manager of the Opry House, has dreams to expand the cultural arts in the county for the benefit of the whole community.

“We want to give our residents an opportunity to learn how to play music and experience the benefits that the cultural arts can provide to a community and society overall,” Eason said. “Research shows an increase in high school attendance, grades, and involvement in communities that have a strong cultural arts influence. There is also an increase in health and significant relief from depression in elderly music students.”

The Opry House has partnered with Ryan Dean of Dean’s List Music Academy to provide the scholarship program, Georgiana Music. Due to a generous donation, organizers are able to offer three to six months of fully funded lessons, or six months of partially funded music lessons. 

“They get to choose any instrument that they want to play, and we will help them acquire this instrument and provide the lessons,” Eason said. “The Dean’s List Music Academy will give one private music lesson per week online or in person, anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the student’s age. The classes are very accommodating to fit the student’s scheduling needs. Ryan Dean is an amazing teacher.”

The Opry House hopes to have a Christmas performance to showcase what the students have learned and to have something to work towards, explained Eason. 

The Georgiana Opry House is also excited to announce its upcoming musical performances. 

“We have a Tribute to Rascal Flatts Aug. 19, then Aug. 26 is Music in the Air, a free outdoor concert with the 55 South band,” Eason said. “A special treat will be Sept. 23 with the Bluegrass Revival, and will also be a free concert. On Nov. 4 we will have a band out of Nashville, Hank You, who will be performing in honor of the first time Hank Williams Sr. played at the Opry House. It’s going to be great!”

The Opry House just hosted “Sail On: A Beach Boys Tribute” that local pastor and music lover Allen Stephenson said was phenomenal. 

“They were better than the real Beach Boys in my opinion,” Stephenson said. “It was an amazing concert, anyone who didn’t see it truly missed out. I love the intimate seating so you’re really able to be a part of the performance. I encourage the county to support these great shows at the Georgiana Opry House, they are top notch.”

To see the Opry House event dates and tickets go to their website at georgianaopryhouse.com. 

To sign up for music lessons, or for further inquiries, email Eason at opryshows4u@gmail.com.