Conversations with Peter Piwonski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Piwonski

Hi Peter, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Name is Peter Piwonski. I opened my current store in June of 1999. I was attending Oakland University for Music Education, however achieved my dream of owning my own store and opened with 75 students, and after working hard over that summer, the store had 350 students along with 7 other teachers by September. My family (mother and uncles) owned music stores in Detroit in the past so this was a dream come true not only for myself but for my Mother as well. My Mother and Father worked along side me until my mother unfortunately passed away from Cancer. From 1999-2006 the store was successful, reaching 640 students at its best! In 2006 due to personal reasons, i took time off and moved to Madison, WI to become a therapist for kids with Autism while also teaching music. One of our teachers had taken the store over and continued the business.
In 2012 I moved back to Michigan to be with family and decided to take Music Maker Studio over once again. We have been very successful over the years, We started adding performances to our lesson program. Masterclass Concerts were a way for our students to show everyone their progress in their lessons. We perform concerts every 4 months for hundreds of people at some great Venues! Our concerts also double as fundraisers. We have raised thousands of dollars over the years for great organizations such as Children’s Hospital, St. Jude, Police and Fire Departments, Relay for Life and so much more. I wanted our students to learn music but also learn the importance of using their musical talents to do good for others in need. I am very proud of the thousands of students we have taught over the years. Many of whom are still in the music business.. We have a great family orientated business that i know my family is proud of.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely wasnt smooth. The economy taking a bad turn really hurt around 2006, and of course life issues get in the way. It is a lot of work, 7 days a week, sometimes up to 80 hours a week. But it is all worth it to see and hear all our amazing students growing up with music.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have played music my whole life. Started at 6 with Guitar, then Piano at 8 and Bass Guitar at 10. I was in a fairly successful band in the late 80’s and early 90’s but alway taught music. I’m most proud of all the students i have taught over the years and all the great memories with them. What sets me apart i think is that i put people first and try to use my musical talents to help others, a trait i teach to my students as well.

What does success mean to you?
Success is making a difference and achieving goals and dreams

Contact Info:

• Website: www.musicmakerstudios.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicMakerStudio